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

23Apr 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

Miltonduff 23 years

Distillery: Miltonduff (bottled by The Old Malt Cask) Cask Type: Refill Barrel Cask Number: HL15138 Region: Speyside Age: 23 years ABV: 50% Nose: Big blast of tropical fruit, honeycomb, underripe bananas. Palate: Notes that make me think of fruit flan that quickly give way to woody notes (especially oak) and spices. Finish: As it finishes, this whisky really turns up the volume on the richer wood notes which then turn bitter and a bit burnt. An oaky spice is what remains as it coats my tongue and fades away. Overall: An exquisitely layered whisky! (more…)

21Apr 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

Statement of facts

In the coming Canadian federal election, expect promises to fix “all the problems” but few details that stand up to scrutiny. I believe it’s reasonable to expect parties to demonstrate policy impacts using facts, math, and modelling. (more…)

12Apr 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

Your views and values show up everywhere

With increasing pace, I’ve seen more people use their voices online to stand up for what they believe is right and participate in fierce conversation and debate. I’ve also seen a shift in organizations' behaviour in response to the expectations of consumers that companies will interact online, speak up on issues, and make business decisions that are rooted in values that align with those of their customers. These trends have me thinking about the challenges individuals and organizations face in how they participate in the social and political climate of today. One particular challenge is around corporate social media policies that strive to find the right balance of influence over how employees engage online, and individuals who are asserting themselves when they feel those policies go too far. Seeing it…

08Apr 2019 by Matt Edwards 2 Comments

Only one or two hours….

I have a bad habit of starting projects late in the evening (around 8:30 or 9) after my kids go to bed. I begin, truly believing it will only take one or two hours. Without fail, these typically take me well into the night and I suffer the next day because, let's face it, I make bad choices. Let's take this domain change as a very recent example. A month or so ago I got the idea to rebrand and change domains (wastedgenius.ca still works, it just points here). For the past few weeks I mulled over what the new name should be and how it would affect various aspects of my online presence. Should it include my name? Should it be specific about something like a hobby or viewpoint?…

03Apr 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

Forgotten laptop

‪I forgot my laptop at home today. I was a bit anxious when I discovered this. Undeterred, I went about my day with a notebook, pen, my iPhone, and video-connnected meeting rooms.‬ ‪It kept me out of my email and in my conversations. Maybe I should “forget” more often.‬

15Mar 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

Feedback is fierce

The most successful organizations - by which I mean those whose employees are motivated, engaged, and carry a growth mindset - embrace a culture of feedback. People in these organizations look upon feedback as a gift and an opportunity, and share it from a place of care and desire to see each other grow. They know that, no matter how difficult the feedback is to give, it needs to be given because they are being - as I heard Lorne Rubis once put it - our “loving critic.” And they know that feedback is freeing because, once it’s out there, they can do something with it (as opposed to being blind to what they’re doing or saying that isn’t going over well with others). (more…)

08Mar 2019 by Matt Edwards No Comments

International Women’s Day 2019

Happy International Women’s Day to everyone! I’m asking all men to be visible and vocal allies of women year round, both at work and at home. Especially if you have children, be the example that your kids will carry into school, teams and clubs, and their future workplaces. Many men don’t know where to begin or are afraid to start down a conversation. I was there two years ago and it was through talking to an incredible group of men and women at work that I overcame my fear. I’m encouraging you to use today as the perfect opportunity to show up, listen with empathy, and summon your courage to have a vulnerable conversation. Some conversation starters: What’s hard about parenting and working? How can men be better allies to…