Where did you grow up and who were some of your biggest inspirations as a kid?
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. I come from a very artistic and creative family so was very much inspired by my family and the old school Hollywood movie musicals where they had hope and inspiration, and would just break out into a song and well-choreographed dance. I stopped my random dancing on the streets many years ago, as it was starting to create a scene, and unwelcomed in the corporate world
What is an early experience you had that made you realise your love for literature and writing?
I’ve spent over thirty years in leadership roles where I was mentored and supported by some fascinating and very giving leaders. Leaders who saw things in me when I didn’t see them in myself. As I gained more experience and realised what they were doing, I wanted to find ways to pay it forward and help others as I was guided earlier in my career. My love of helping others led to my love of writing and trying to spread the word beyond just those I work with directly.
What did you major in college? Did you have any favourite college professors?
I did a two-year business course at the college level many, many years ago. At that time in my life, it just wasn’t for me. My personal growth and experiences have been from the field. I returned to school in my 40s and acquired some certifications that have helped lead me to where I am today. I did have an HR professor that did inspire and believe in me. She helped me gain confidence in my abilities that helped shaped some of my teachings today.
Do you have any strange writing habits?
Yes, I write as I speak. I get inspired and just start writing in some strange places. Then, I have a fantastic editor and support team who help me put it all together to make me look much smarter than I honestly am.
How did you create the idea for your book "The Ego Continuum"? How long did it take you to come up with the name/title?
There is a chapter in the book that explains how this all came to fruition. It started many years ago but came to a head back in 2013 after a full-on day with some not so great leaders and my cat accidentally changing the channel on the remote, where I heard about “right vs kind.’ It all aligned for me and took off from there.
Do you think you've ever been a crappy leader? What did you do to improve?
I like how you have chosen a different word here than what is in the book - I get it. I sincerely declare that I am a reformed “crappy” leader - with the best intentions not to be. We all have our moments where we miss the mark on choosing the right behaviour, at the right time for the right people involved. When we as leaders choose to make it about “them” and not ourselves, the “crappy” perceptions dissipate quite rapidly. The global epidemic that exists today in regards to the cost of disengaged employees and staff who quit but stay are all impacts of shitty leadership behaviours.
Do you have any funny stories involving a workplace incident?
Yes, of course, read the book, and you’ll find out.
Have you ever considered trying your hand at fiction? If so, what kind of genre would you be most interested in writing?
I would love to write fiction - one day, who knows?
When writing "The Ego Continuum", what kind of people did you meet or talk with?
Every type of person you can imagine. Hundreds. And the dialogue was all the same. Everyone else can identify poor leadership behaviours in others but not when asked to hold a mirror. It was a very revealing discovery.
How have the reviews for your book been so far?
Many times, when we look back at past projects, we always see something we'd like to change. Is there anything you'd do differently if you could go back in time to before you wrote this book? I could have edited this first book for years. I had to trust my wonderful team and just let it go. Our reviews and feedback have been fantastic, very rewarding and inspiring. Inspirational or constructive, feedback is welcome. Innovative or thought-provoking topics can feel quite disruptive for some and were always ready to engage in good healthy discussions.
Have your parents or any of your family read your book? If so, what did they think of it?
Of course, and I paid them exceptionally well to do so.
Random question: What would you want to be inscribed on your tombstone?
“He loved salt & vinegar chips.” Seriously, something about inspiring others to be their best self. Or, “Are you self-aware enough to know you’re self-aware?”
Are you working on anything now? What is your next project?
We are currently building an online self-directed version of the first book. We are also developing corporate workshops for our existing and new clients, and a consulting and corporate wellness branch. I am now writing book two which launches January 31, 2018.
