Jul
04
While a blank new document is terrifying, a blank white wall is exhilarating. There is something about a freshly painted white wall that amazes me. It is not loud or overbearing, but is still able to command attention. It creates and opens spaces so the minds inside that space can do the same. It encompasses …
Jun
02
[Updated Jan 3, 2011] I have some glorious news for your heart and hamstrings. After a great summer and winter of teaching indoor cycling (spinning) classes at the UBC Birdcoop (map), I’m staying on for the spring! If you’ve ever wanted to try out a spin class but were too intimidated, wanted to incorporate cycling …
May
13
When I was writing my valedictorian speech and later my short remarks to UBC’s graduating student leaders, some wise folks gave me some words of encouragement. “Remember to speak to everyone in your audience – your peers, their families, and the faculty/staff/alumni in attendance.” “Don’t give a verbal essay with three main points. Leave them …
Mar
30
Three years ago, the night before applications were due, I caught a friend of mine heading into the pool as I was leaving. Knowing that he was a great photographer, I asked him if he had submitted his application yet to be a part of the UBC REC Media Team. He sheepishly said “No… should …
Mar
15
I love reading great blogs. It kick starts my morning, provides reading material at lunch, and is a great way to end off the day. However, reading the 123 blogs that I subscribe to could be quite time intensive. But it’s not. I use Google Reader (a type of RSS Reader) to help me skim …
Mar
10
Four years ago, Jen Gill, the President of the Place Vanier Residents’ Association at the time, asked me to help her create a new event at UBC. She wanted something different, something people would talk about, and something people would be proud to participate in. Enter the Mr. Vanier contest. Ten gents competing for the …
Jan
18
Every year, over 30 alumni from the Sauder School of Business help coach the UBC delegation for the JDC West Business Competition. We spend about 4 months running the teams through cases, presentation techniques, training practices, and team building exercises. I can proudly say that coaching the Social Team is one of the best parts …
Jan
14
When energy is able to flow without resistance, we feel more fully alive. When challenges, confusion, and wrong information block our energy, we tend to feel restricted or frustrated. That breath of fresh air that comes after overcoming a challenge in life is that awesome feeling of letting the energy flow again! I strive to …
Jan
11
My Dad (a pretty accomplished sales guy before he retired) would always attend the introductory sales training sessions hosted by his company. He would get puzzled looks and strange remarks throughout the sessions as new hires (and the workshop facilitators) never really understood why one of the top performers in the company would want to …
Dec
31
This post is an annual tradition it seems. The highlights of 2008 were great, but the highlights of 2009 sure do shine! <insert groans of how corny that was here> Why was this a great year? Let me share with you some of the incredible memories I have of the year gone by: January Presenting …