‘Global Issues’ Archive

How will you represent Canadians?

The 20 seconds we share with a stranger passing us on the street is filled with opportunity. We could smile and brighten their day. We could ignore them and give them the cold shoulder. We could trip them, nudge them, yell at them, or even try to steal their iPod.
The interesting thing is that we [...]

The best of “What Matters Now” – Seth Godin’s new (free) e-book

As Seth Godin writes: “Now, more than ever, we need to shake things up.”
In preparation for the new year(s), and his new book launch no doubt, Seth brought together more than seventy great thinkers to create an e-book called “What Matters Now.” In classic Godin fashion, he uses short ‘chapters’ to jam-pack quality into every [...]

Making Christmas More Sustainable

The fanfare of this holiday season doesn’t have to take a toll on your wallet, or the environment. Here are some helpful tips to make this Christmas a little bit greener.

Take public transit (or walk) to go Christmas shopping. It may add a couple minutes to your trip, but it forces you to plan your [...]

The origins of International Business

While studying at the Copenhagen Business School, a classmate of mine asked the prof “What do I need to know in order to prepare me to be successful in international business?”
His response: “Geography”
His rationale:
International business is influenced primarily by international laws and politics.
International laws are influenced by domestic laws and governing systems.
These laws are influenced [...]

The future of computing: Trillions

The future of technology is daunting to some, but paralyzing to many. We can’t just adapt what we already have, we must redesign what (and how) we operate. Watch this sweet video to get a glimpse into what could be our not too distant future:

Pick of the post: Ke$ha – Tik Tok (music video)

Remembrance Day – Uncovering Stories

For the 6th year in a row, I headed to War Memorial Gym at UBC yesterday for the Remembrance Day ceremony. It was encouraging to see the 350+ people there, as I remember my first two ceremonies had probably between 100-125. It’s nice to know that our generation still cares about those who came before [...]

World Peace Through Personal Peace

A week ago, while I folded my laundry, I watched the Dalai Lama take the stage at the UBC Chan Centre alongside other notable Nobel Laureates as one of the events taking place during the Vancouver Peace Summit. (Hat tip to CTV.ca for streaming it online.)
One of his comments really resonated with me:
Real change [...]

Impacts: A ripple or a path?

Talking about social impact usually involves mentioning the ripple analogy: you being the rock that is thrown into still water, and the ripples being the effects you made on others by your presence. We can’t see these effects, but others feel them. This was especially true for me today as I was participating in [...]

A new UBC (in video format)

As a new school year starts tomorrow, UBC Vancouver is getting ready to welcome over 7,400 new students and even more returning students on the new and improved Imagine Day. I wish I had something like this when I was a student to compliment the greatness that was Sauder’s Frosh. The value of a good [...]

One for One

Thanks to my friend Geoff, I learned about TOMS Shoes‘ simple, yet remarkable, business model. For every pair of shoes they sell, they will give a child in need a pair as well. One for One.

I recommend heading TOMS’ advice:
“People want to be a part of something good. …. For anyone who is starting a [...]