Inspirations

“I am who I am because you are who you are.”
Many things I do in my life are due to the inspiration I have received from others’ art and stories or from the places I have been. Consider this my way of saying thanks!

Jason Mraz
Singer / Songwriter

Jason MrazAfter listening to “Dream of Rand McNally” on repeat for 4 days, I knew that I wouldn’t be forgetting this amazing artist any time soon. His upbeat melodies, positive lyrics, and quick and creative wit have made (and continue to make) a lasting impression on my mind and heart. Favourite songs include “ No Stopping Us,” “Too Much Food,” and “Dynamo of Violation.” Simply put, Mr. A-Z sings more than just incredible songs.   Learn More…


Creative Advertising
Everywhere and Anywhere

Great adMore than my love for a good brand is my love for when a good brand is marketed well. If an advertisement can make a statement that you can remember – it has done it’s job. If it can do that by being witty, creative, thought-provoking, or challenging – it has done it’s job well. As I travel the world, I am continually inspired by how companies, charities, and people are marketing their products, services, and/or themselves.


Stephanie Corker Irwin
Sister / Co-Captain of Team Fabulous

Steph & DougAn ultramarathon-er, an incredible cookie-maker, and an even better agent of change. Ladies and gentlemen, meet my sister! A proud wife to my bro-in-law Doug Irwin, Steph loves everything that is fabulous – people, ideas, companies, places, pictures, brands, … the list could go on. She loves passionate people (especially women) who are ready to stand up and make their dreams a reality. How can you not find this woman inspiring!?! Follow her fabulous blog

Music Videos
MuchMusic, MTV Canada, & Online

Janet Jackson - Rhythmn NationPowerful lyrics put together with thought-provoking imagery. Feel good tunes coupled with an incredible dance routine. The power of music was intensified once music videos hit the screen. Many of my dance moves, design concepts, and travel destinations have been inspired by the various music videos that captivated my attention. Favourite music videos include those from Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation), Justin Timberlake (My Love), Regina Spektor (Fidelity) and Barack Obama’s friends (Yes We Can).


Boomer (my car)
Around North America

BoomerMy car, Boomer, has taken me and my friends on adventures as close as 9 km away to ones that were 900 km away. He may be an old VW Golf, but he’s still kickin’! Boomer is always game for hosting a good dance party, belting out a power ballad, or facilitating great discussions about life and love. I must admit that I take the bus more often than I drive Boomer, but that makes each ride that much more momentous. From spring break road trips to late night escapes – Boomer is up for anything!

Mike Bonnici
Motivational Speaker / Stunt Performer

Mike BonichiI watched Mike Bonnici (aka DynaMike) perform his routine all throughout my high school years. He came to my school and many of the leadership conferences I was a part of growing up. His goal was to make you laugh, cry, and care about others. He spoke about the human “pecking order” while riding a unicycle and made you think about stress differently as he juggled knives. The thing about him that inspired me the most was that he remembered my name every year I went up to him to say “great speech.”   Watch him in action

Slam Poetry
Corner cafes and dimly lit studios

Shane KoyzcanGood lyrics are hard to come by in the music industry these days, but slam poets seem to know exactly how to keep mixing tempo and texture to create works of art for our eardrums. The words they slam stick to your brain not only because they are thought-provoking, but because they draw you in with wit and rhythm. Shane Koyzcan is one of my favourites (This is My Voice and We Are More), with Taylor Mali close behind (What Teachers Make).

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