Growth and Grind – Family | People, Leadership, Health and Wellness

20Oct 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

The nuance when discussing Canadian oil

The discussion about Canadian oil is nuanced and cannot be boiled down to just be about pipelines. This meme is making the rounds online and is woefully misleading. I took the advice to “think about this” and after a little googling, reading reputable sources, and thinking critically I’ve gotten a more complete picture. Western Canada oil is heavy and cannot be refined in Atlantic refineries in large quantities. These provinces import light crude from other countries (US, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan are top three) to meet current demand. As an aside, Canada exports 7 barrels to every 1 it imports. In order to process heavy crude, oil companies would need to invest $10B to $15B over 5-7 years to build a new refinery (but that’s to meet today’s demand which may…

19Oct 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

The power of girls and women

This picture was taken at the climate change rally in Edmonton that featured a speech by climate change activist, Greta Thunberg. I shared this picture across social media to show the power girls and women have in this world when so often they’re told to sit down and be quiet. Agree with Greta’s message or not, this is a moment where a woman - not a man - inspired millions to come together in peace and express their opinion on an issue. And that is to be celebrated.

13Oct 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

A time of thanks giving in 2019

As I reflect today (and over this weekend), I’m thankful for the support I’ve received from everyone in my life - I wouldn’t be here without their kindness and faith in me. And for the lessons of the importance of giving back, that we have a responsibility to help others so that they too may succeed. I’m incredibly grateful for family, friends, and the life I’m fortunate to live. For all the times shared over food and drink, for the smiles and embraces, and for the light and the love I’m surrounded by in this world. Happy Thanksgiving! May we share many more together and always remember those we’ll one day see again ?

12Sep 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

Tasting Notes for an Orkney Whisky

Distillery: An Orkney Distillery (bottled by Morrison & MacKay) Region: Islands Cask: Hogshead Age: 8 years ABV: 54.8% Nose: Subtle honey or honeysuckle, a floral smoke, notes of caramel. I’ve nosed it for a good while and I also get pepper with a dash of salt. Palate: Out of the bottle and it tastes a bit like smoke-wreathed melted Werthers candy (hat tip to Travis for that note). It wraps my tongue in warmth and has a wonderful weight. With water, the peppery notes jump right up to the front and brings a bit of an edge. Is there a bit of seaside there? Finish: The peppery notes fade, there’s the saltiness, and some lovely earthy notes show up. As the finish continues, the salt and earth develop nicely. Overall:…

12Aug 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

The Unconscious Bias Towards Male Names, Pronouns, and Traits in our Conversations

Everyday we create and share stories about customers, team members, and even made-up people in hypothetical situations. We also have a tonne of conversations with the people around us - customers, team mates, friends, family, and so on. Have you ever paused to listen to the names, pronouns, and way you ascribe gender to certain traits in your language (or how others do it)? (more…)

14Jul 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

The Growing Wireless Access Divide

‪Canada’s Big 3 (Telus, Rogers, Bell) telecommunications companies (telcos) recently shifted to “unlimited” plans which push consumers to pay higher prices, regardless of their actual needs. From my vantage point, this reduces access to wireless services by creating a more expensive entry point for all consumers (as an aside, I’m curious about the CRTC’s view on this and their perception on the impact to consumers). (more…)

06Jun 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

Progress comes through failure

‪Success and progress in society come about through failure and regression. It’s hard and it’s scary. I’ve gotten angry and I’ve had my hope flicker. But then I’m reminded how much good we’re doing in the world because of the people I’m with everyday.‬ Parents, teachers, friends, and colleagues can have more impact in a person’s life than words written on a piece of paper.‬ Community and connection hold great and lasting power. It is how we overcome intolerance, inequity, and injustice.‬ Legislating power by the mean, intolerant people looking to divide us is temporary.‬ ‪Though it doesn’t feel that way when I see the treatment of young workers, the LGBTQ2+ community, the environment, education, and surely more groups who will be impacted‬. But we will overcome. We have a…