HA-OOH! This is where you become who you want to be

I trust that you had a wonderful weekend and that your week will be prosperous and productive.

HA-OOH! This is where you become who you want to be.

In 300, King Leonidas of Sparta bravely led a small force of Greeks or mostly Spartan against a much larger Persian army with the rally cry “This is where we fight! This is where they die!" In response his small arm of about 300 shouted “HA-OOH!”

Your ultimate goal is to be who you want to be and today is your defining moment to become who you want to be. I am so excited for you I am shouting HA-OOH!  HA-OOH! HA-OOH! I am your loudest cheerleader and HA-OOH is my cheer for you.  In my see you are at centre stage on the field of play for football or hockey or basketball or tennis court at the Olympic Games or the NBA finals, Wimbledon or the PGA. You are the star attraction of your dream. You are the key performer to activating and executing each task necessary to achieving your goals. You are unique and only you can be who you want to be.

HA-OOH! …… HA-OOH! You can sit doing nothing and watch as your goals remain unattainable or you can act with a sense of purpose and consistency and turn your dreams in reality. Tackle your goals with the might of a fierce bull or lions and turn the impossible into possible. Your potential and growth is as limitlessness as the stratosphere.  Like King Agesilaus brandishing his spear and replying when asked “how far Sparta's boundaries stretched your potential is “As far as this can reach.”

Over the years I have written a lot of encouraging emails to my relatives and friends. Sometimes when I am working overseas I would write messages to let them know and they would write back excitingly to tell me how proud they are of me. Recently I decided to take my encouraging emails to different level. In June I was elected at the Vice President for Education for the City Centre Toastmasters Club in Mississauga, Ontario. Since then each week I write an email to club members encouraging them to participate in the education and leadership program.  The positive feedback to my emails from the club's members to date is overwhelming.

The power of encouragement from members of my Toastmasters club has propelled me to the point of blogging daily. I have always had the dream of writing. In fact I have a manuscript in the form of a memoir describing some my journeys through life which I hope to publish one day. Inspired by members of my Toastmasters I am now achieving my goal of sharing my thoughts and experience with you.  Just as I am being encouraged I want to cheer you on as well to be who you want to be.

Your dreams…..Your successes are important to me.  You are important to me!

Your potential has no limits and today you cross the border from being ordinary to be who you want to be. In the words of the Spartan poet Tyrtaeus I encourage you to rise up like warriors, take your stand to be who you want to be. Through determination, persistence, consistency and courage you will be who you want to be. To be who you want to be is your proudest accomplishment. To be who you want to be is the noblest prize that you can endeavor to win.

HA-OOH!....HA-OOH… This is where you become who you want to be.

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

Do Something You Enjoy Just For You

Hello friends,

I hope that you had a wonderful and productive week and that you are very excited for weekend to rest and relax.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog posts this week. Two weeks ago I took up back the challenge of blogging and so far I have succeeded in writing a post daily. I am eternally grateful to you as my success to date is due to your generosity, support and encouragement. Thank you!  

As it is the end of the work week for most people, please take some time to rest, relax and do something enjoy just for you.  Just as it is important to do something kind for others it is equally important for you to do something you enjoy purely for yourself.  In the spring, summer and fall I enjoy going for long bike rides in Halton Hills, Caledon, Guelph, Cambridge and so many other places in Ontario. I enjoy the solitude and my connection to the beautiful landscape in the mountains. I enjoy meeting and greeting other avid cyclists along the route.  Another one of my favourite activities is enjoy cooking. Here is a picture of Marisa’s lunch for today – email or comment and tell what you think!

If you had a long and stressful week doing something you enjoy will help you to feel better. It will boost your self-esteem. You will be rejuvenated, re-energized and most importantly motivated.  Activities such as cycling, jogging, golfing and tennis, just to name a few will also improve your physical fitness and health.

There are other reasons for doing something you enjoy just for you such as:
• It will help to remind you of your goals
• It will help you clear your mind and refocus
• It will help to you to concentrate and keep you in a positive frame of mind
• It will help to build your momentum and break the monotony of routine tasks
• It will help you connect with your immediate surroundings such as people of similar interest.


Please enjoy your weekend and do something enjoy just for you.

See you next week!

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.    

How I Hire: I should have made them liked me more

Over the past few days I have been following the Linkedin Series “How I Hire”.  The blogs are written more than 80 of LinkedIn’s Influencers who are acknowledged as thought leaders and experts across industries. The blog posts provide a direct account of the key drivers in the hiring decisions by icons such as Richard Branson, Deepak Chopra, Sallie Krawcheck and many others.

Francesca Levy, Senior Editor at LinkedIn summarised the overwhelming drivers in the hiring decision by these icons as:
• Go with your gut -- or ignore it
• Level the playing field
• It’s not about getting the answer right
• Hire teams, not individuals
• Know what you’re looking for -- and name it

If you have not read any of the blog posts in the Linkedin Series “How I Hire” please take do so.  Ultimately the hiring decision comes down to gut feeling and likability. If the hiring manager’s gut feeling say you are not the ideal candidate you will not be hired. You have to see yourself as part of a large pool of talented individuals exposed to more or less the same high quality education and training. Even your experiences will be closely similar. It is extremely difficult for hiring managers to use unique identifiers to screen you purely on your core technical skills.

In 2009, I was in an initial pool of over 320 candidates globally for one of four roles available in an organisation. The hiring managers selected 27 of the candidates from the original pool based on skills, experiences, network and initial references.  From there a 90-minutes telephone interview was used to screen the 27 candidates.  Eight (8) candidates were selected and invited for an entire day of interviewing and meeting staff at various levels in the organisation.  From the pool of 8 candidates 4 individuals were hired.

I was in the final pool of 8. On the day of my face to face, it was made known upfront that there was very little to differentiate the talent and skills of eight (8) candidates. My day started with a rigorous security access procedure. From there it was off to my first session. This was with about 4 or 5 key managers where I were I was required to present journal publications, field questions on technical matters, experience and soft skills, share ideas on how I would response to conflicts and various situations.  This was an elaborate and exhausting 2 to 3 hours session.
In the first session I had the opportunity to wow the managers and they equally wowed me.  The managers’ background and experiences was extremely impressive. For example most of them spoke at least two languages and one in particular was fluent in about eight different languages. Among the group of managers most had at least three different degrees and professional accreditation.  Some the managers were former advisors to presidents and prime ministers and other government representatives in at least one country.

Even if I did not know the other 7 candidates in my pool the background, experiences and qualifications of the managers provided a good benchmark of talented team I would have the opportunity to join if hired.
In my cohort some of us knew each other. Think of it this way you have to know the field in which you are competing just Nike and Adidas, Apple and BlackBerry and Usain Bolt and the 7 other athletes in the 100M or 200M race.  In the pool of 8 candidates some of us had worked with similar organisations. In other cases we were part of the same industry associations, network or worked together on projects to establish industry standards.

After the first session I had a 15 to 30 minutes morning coffee break in the cafeteria with the newest staff in the division.  She shared her experience on how well she was adjusting to her new job and how she found the team to be professional and friendly. She also shared her experience regarding cost of living and accommodation.  Importantly even over coffee I was being evaluated and assessed on how well she think we could work together and with the other members of the team.

The next session was a 30 to 45-minutes meeting with 2 or 3 existing employees at the same level or capacity to the ones the organisation was trying to fill. During these meeting the employees shared with me how they employee functioned and managed tasks on a daily basis, some of the challenges, complexities and conflicts. They also shared specimens of work in progress and completed tasks, quality controls and other things. Next there was a 45 minutes meeting with one of the managers. Here the manager shared his or her values and expectations.

Lunch was with about 10 to 12 people.  At the lunch table was the executive responsible for the division, the head of the division, the key managers and most of the division’s existing staff plus 2 or 3 staff from other divisions in the organisation.  The lunch table provided a forum to demonstrate conversational and diplomatic skills, etiquette and above it provided an opportunity for me to continue to create a favourable impression.  I had no choice but to make people involved in the hiring process liked me, and with 10 to 12 people at the lunch table that can be a challenge.  Voice control, eye contact, body language and gestures are extremely important in such settings. Are you conversing with the person to you right or left or person sitting across from you or the entire group of 10 to 12 people?

Lunch was followed by a 60-meeting with the executive officer responsible for the division where he shared his values, philosophy and expectations. It was also an opportunity to give him a second chance to like me.  The next session was with an HR representative and a lawyer where we went over the terms of the employment contracts and other HR matters. The closing session was the head of the division and final opportunity to make him like me and get some feedback on how well my day went.

Sadly I never made them like me enough. Consider this for a moment. The organisation needed to fill 4 positions from a pool of 8 candidates. The process that I went through they had to do for all of 8 times. It was no cheap some us had to travel by air from different parts of the world and provided accommodation for at least one or two nights. The organisation knew it had to get right four candidates even though any of the 8 could have easily qualified based on skills. To make the process even more difficult all 8 candidates were easily likable and consequently, it came down to the gut feelings of the people I interacted with and the candidates who made themselves liked more.

If you have not read any of the blog posts in the Linkedin Series “How I Hire” I would like to encourage you to do so.

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.    

Is Miley Cyrus Correct?

Almost a month after Miley Cyrus’ twerking performance with Robin Thicke on the VWA the young 20 years old is still in the news and the controversy continues. Yesterday it was reported that Cyrus said some of the criticism she is getting is a form of double standard.  She thinks it is unfair that she is being criticized for grinding with Robin Thicke but no one is bashing the "Blurred Lines" singer.  Is Miley Cyrus correct?

Let me be upfront. I never watched the VMA. Prior to the show and the ensuing firestorm the performance ignited on social media I barely knew anything about young Miley Cyrus and I twerking was form of dancing. Today I know a little more about Miley Cyrus and little more about twerking.  Based my strong Jamaican culture enriched with the rhythmic beat of reggae and dancehall music I have come to recognise twerking as akin to the raft of “bubbling” or “bum’ n grind” associated with contemporary dancehall.  I am passionate about reggae and dancehall music and the various dance moves.

That said, “Is Miley Cyrus correct in her comments on double standards?” Resoundingly and emphatically I believe she is correct.  Let me clear the air quickly. I have a wonderful 20 year old daughter and an amazing 18 year old son. I also have a 5 year old daughter.  As a parent I do not believe in double standards. I would not condone my daughters on public display bordering on pornography in the way Miley Cyrus performed on the VWA. Equally I would not condone my son in a similar performance.

Miley Cyrus’ comments have elevated the discussion to another important issue and that is equality of sexes. Clearly, there is a genuine double standard in what is required for women in our societies to climb to the top. In this public outcry no one is speaking about Robin Thicke, a man twice my daughter’s age “bum’ and grinding” on the ass of Miley Cyrus.  I see the focus on the Miley Cyrus as related to the controversy about Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer's photo spread in Vogue magazine.  It is all a part of the discussion in recently ignited by Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook in her book “Lean In”.  It seems to me that despite progress towards equally of sexes it is still challenging for woman to climb to the top.

In Canada women seem to be falling behind on corporate boards despite increased participation by women in the labour force. According to GMI Ratings, Canada ranked 9th among major industrialized nations for female board membership in 2011. That's down from 6th place in 2009. What does this tells us about equality and our appreciation for the skills of women in our society?

Is Miley Cyrus correct? Of course she is. There is a clear double standard if we not talking about Robin Thicke and the equality of sexes.

What do you think? Is Miley Cyrus correct?

Tomorrow I will delve into the Linkedin series “How I Hire”.

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.    

Dreams and BlackBerry’s Demise

Hello friends, I trust that you had a wonderful day on Monday and that you enjoyed the pleasure of smiling and helping others.

Today I would like to share my thoughts on why you should never give up on your dreams.  I am dedicating my blog to the 4,500 people who are likely to be made redundant from BlackBerry due to the company’s continued demise. This blog post is also dedicated to all those people who are facing the consequences and economic ramifications associated with the possibility of the shutting down the government of United States of America if their politicians are unable to reach an agreement to avoid such a catastrophe.  To the 4,500 employees of BlackBerry and all of my readers facing unemployment I would like to encourage you never to give up on your dreams. Uncertain economic times and unemployment is one of the challenges of life or the adversities of life.

Eleanor Roosevelt  said “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Despite the possibilities of unemployment you have to believe in your dreams. You have to believe there is a star shining for you ahead. You have to believe other employment opportunities will open up for you. You have to believe in second chances.

How many of you remember the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010? Do you remember Joannie Rochette, Canadian figure skater whose mother died two days before the beginning of ladies' figure skating competition at the winter Olympics in Vancouver? Joannie Rochete chose to remain in the competition and skate in her mother's honour. She won a bronze medal.  Despite the challenges related to the sudden death of her mother Joannie never gave up her dreams.  Like Joannie you should not give up your dreams because of Blackberry’s demise and the risk of unemployment.

Despite the news on Monday of Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.’s preliminary offer to buy BlackBerry Ltd. for $4.7-billion brush your resumes off and continue looking for other employment opportunities.  You should note that there are a lot of uncertainties with the news on Fairfax. Fairfax has six weeks to complete its due diligence before firming up its offer as well as it must also win the hearts and minds of potential equity partners. To staff of BlackBerry please do not let BlackBerry’s demise make you let go off your dreams. Never let go! You can still be what you want to be.  I have often heard Rick Warren, the author of the Purpose Driven Life, said “We become whatever we are committed to. Our commitments can develop us or they can destroy us, but either way, they will define you.”

In my life I have face many setbacks such as unemployment and financial losses but I have never lost sight of my dream. During such periods I am sometimes filled with doubts and asked myself the question "Should I Give Up My Dream?"  However, I use my strong will power and fierce determination to overwhelm my doubts.  I refuse to allow setbacks get in the way of my dreams. Faced with BlackBerry’s demise you may be asking yourself the same question but please use your will power and determination to cast doubt away.

Today I am sharing a picture of my wife in Ottawa earlier this month celebrating the start of our son’s first year at the University of Ottawa.  This is classic sign of the joy of persistently and consistently pursuing a dream. For the employees of BalckyBerry one day I want to see your happy dance. Please do not give up your dreams because of BlackBerry’s demise!

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.  

Helping Others

Hello, I trust that you had a wonderful weekend and wish you a joyous and prosperous week.

Today I would like to share with you my thoughts on the importance of helping others especially those who are less fortunate than us.  My thoughts are motivated primarily by two stories in the news this weekend.  The first item of news relates to the terror that unfolded at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya.  I am particularly touched by this situation and feel a deep sense of sadness for all the innocent victims and families affected. Although I have never worked in Kenya my job frequently takes me outside of Canada to places Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. As an expatriate worker it is easy for me to see myself in a place such as Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya.  Beyond being an expatriate worker most of us can relate to the reasons people were at the mall in Kenya on Saturday. For these reasons I am particularly sad when I hear about such atrocities and terror.  I also feel helpless.

The second story in the media that touched me this weekend relates to news about two Canadian teen brothers jailed in Somaliland.  According to the news report Liiban, 18, and Jamal, 15 both Canadian-born were visiting their grandmother in Somaliland a small East African territory, an autonomous region within the borders of Somalia that considers itself independent.  According to their father Mohamed Noor his teen sons have been jailed in Africa for more than a month. Their summer vacation was interrupted on July 24 when the boys were taken from grandmother’s home by law enforcement officers on accusation of raping a young woman, and ever since has been locked up in an overcrowded Somaliland jail.

I am touched by this news because around 11.00PM Saturday night I received a call from my son, a first year student at the University of Ottawa, who told me he used to play basketball with one of the boys in Mississauga. My son was distraught and in a state of disbelief and wanted to know what he could do to help the boys. He told me he feels helpless after he read the news feed that was posted to Facebook about Liiban and Jamal.

My friends it is not unusual for us to feel helpless when we read of victims such as those caught in the terror attack in Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya or the two Canadian teens locked away in an overcrowded jail in Somaliland. It is not unusual for us to feel helpless when we hear sad stories about those who are less fortunate than ourselves. However, are we truly helpless?

The good news is we do not have to always feel helpless. I am firm believer that we can make our communities and our world a better place by helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  As a child growing up in rural Jamaica I remember the kindness of my grandmother.  She would always leave a plate of food from her dinner pot for the odd stranger or farmer on his or her way home after long day.  Also whenever she harvested her crops she would always pack a basket or two for her neighbours.  My mother was equally generous.  She would bake and share all her delectable goodies with neighbours. Children in the neighbourhood revered and adored her.

 Looking back I do not believe both my grandmother and mother had a lot to share but yet they were amazingly kind and caring to others. I have come to realize that to be kind and caring to others does not have to be demanding on you.  Inaction is unacceptable and it do not have to be costly and. Would you consider a smile or wishing someone a good day an act of kindness?  Occasionally on the GO train into Toronto I will merely offer a fellow commuter a gentle smile or wish him or her a fantastic day. As simple as this gesture is I never know the state of mind or stress that person is under or kind of the day ahead for that person. However, I still do it with the sincere hope the person will have a better day. In the Region of Peel I offer my time as a mentor college and high school students and for Toastmasters High Performance Leadership project this year I will be embarking on a food donation drive for the Salvation Army Food Bank.  I also make a duty whenever I go grocery shopping to always pick up non-perishable items and drop in the food bank box.  In addition, my wife frequently donates to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Here is a picture of me teaching managers of microfinance institutions in Kandahar, Afghanistan. I hope this picture will inspire you today. At times we might feel helpless but small acts of kindness make our communities better and give us a sense of satisfaction and achievement.  Today I encourage you to smile with others, reach out and help others in your community.

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.  

You Are Great!

“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” ― William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

Today I would like to tell that you are great but first kindly allow me to express my sincere gratitude to you. So far on this journey you have been wonderful, gracious and generous to me. You have allowed me to invade your private space whether it is on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and other social medias with my thoughts and inspiration. I sincerely appreciate the time you have taken to read my blog and other postings. Thank you…You are a fantastic audience and you are great!

Despite the challenges you may have faced during this week or throughout your life I would like to reassure that you are great. The challenges of you face at times may seem daunting but they are not insurmountable.  To be great you have to deny doubt.  Men such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Ghandi all denied doubt and as such they left an indomitable mark on the world.  In 1980, the outstanding Canadian Terry Fox with one leg having been amputated, embarked on a journey to run across Canada and consequently inspired a nation and the world.

Like these great men of our time in history you too can deny doubt to show your greatness. Remember great men like Thomas Edison faced challenges and doubts.  If Thomas Edison had gone no further after his numerous attempts to create the light bulb had failed he could never have won the glory which changed him into the legend we know him as today. Even Martin Luther and Nelson Mandela, who are icons today, faced numerous laborious tasks and challenges.   You too can make your mark on the world by denying doubts.

To achieve your full potential of greatness pause for a moment and look at where you are in your life. Examine your accomplishments and your unfulfilled dreams and goals. Remember your achievements are the fruits of your labour.  What more can you achieve?  With all that you have accomplished, you should not hesitate to extend your power and influence in your community. Share your success with others.  In my case one of my passions is youth empowerment through mentoring and coach in the Region of Peel. I am also an advocate against youth violence and human trafficking in the Greater Toronto Area. As you celebrate your successes and accomplishments I encourage you get involve in your community. The great men and women of our times were actively involved in their communities.

You are G.R.E.A.T! You are GIFTED, RESPECTABLE/RESPECTED, EDUCATED, AMBITIOUS and TENACIOUS. You are fiercely determined and dedicated, and capable of overcoming whatsoever challenges you face.

Success and greatness belongs to you.  I see greatness in you. You are great!

Enjoy your weekend!

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share.

Tragedies and Adversities of Life

My condolences and sympathies to all those involved in this tragic Via Train/OC Transpo bus accident in Ottawa yesterday and to the families and friends who have lost love ones.

The Via train crash in Ottawa yesterday got me thinking about tragedies and adversities in life. Consequently, today I would like to share with you my thoughts on tragedies and adversities in life.  M. Scott Peck said “The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of ruts and start searching for different ways and truer answers.”

For the people affected by the accident in Ottawa it is truly a traumatic event and an adversity of life or a challenge of life or what we call the storm of life.  While I have never personally experience such horrific tragedy and I pray that I never will I am deeply empathetic to people who are affected. My empathy comes from the fact that I have faced other adversities of life some which has left me with deep pains and wounds. Some the storms of life I have had to be confronted with left me a tsumani of varying emotions that can only be described by uncontrolled rollercoaster ride

.

I have learned a number of important lessons from my experience. The first lesson is when faced with adversities don’t make up excuses. Face the reality and acknowledge the facts of the situation you have found yourself. In February 2009 at the pinnacle of the global financial crisis my mother passed away and I was severely overwhelmed by a flood of emotions such as anger and resentment. Here I was dealing with the ravages of the financial crisis only for a piece of my heart to be ripped away with the death of my mother. Whether I wanted to face it or not this was my reality!

The second important lesson for me when faced with adversity is always to find a way out. I recall many years ago traveling through rural Jamaica with my slightly intoxicated father at the wheel of his Dodge Avenger. I recall my father telling my mother to kiss him before he navigated each treacherous corner along the terrains of the Don Figueroa Mountain. The Don Figueroa Mountain is well over 1000 feet high and in the eyes of a scared boy it was steeper than the Grand Canyon. To use the analogy, adversities are like those treacherous corners and steep cliffs that you must navigate. The kiss for my father was his way to get around those dangerous corners. When you are faced with adversities you have to find that one or two things that will get you out of the difficult situation you are facing. I call it the kiss of hope or the restoration of hope.

 

Adversities or tragedies such as the Via Train crash in Ottawa come out of the middle of nowhere. They are timely and very often miraculously appear out of nowhere to hit you with a curve ball. As sad and traumatic as they are, they help us to understand our will and resolve.  They provide us with an opportunity to demonstrate our inner strengths, the real power we have inside. The pain and wounds will cut deep and will take an awful long time to heal. I know that from personal experience as I am still dealing with the legacies of some my adversities of life. Despite the pain and tsunami of emotions I also know that the trials of life are transient, no matter how hard they are, you will definitely reach your desired peaceful shore.

My condolences and sympathies to all those involved in this tragic Via Train/OC Transpo bus accident in Ottawa and to family and friends who have lost love ones.

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share.

The Records Book

Are you in the records book? If you are a track and field fan, you should know by now that the diminutive Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ran her way into the history book at the World Champion held in Moscow, Russia this summer.  She became the first woman sprinter to win both the individual events (100M and 200m) and the 4x100m relay at the world championships.  

Also at the World Championship in Moscow Usain Bolt won three gold medals and became the most successful athlete in the 30-year history of the world championships.  Bolt moved to the top of the all-time world championships medals table with eight gold and two silver, edging Carl Lewis, who has eight gold, one silver and one bronze.

In track and field and other sports setting and break records is a measure of performance and success.  When we look at performances Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt there are two key factors for success that we can take away. They are the importance of setting goals and the value of preparation and consistency.  If you are to enjoy success near or at the stratospheric levels of both Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt you need to start by examining questions such as:  What are your career goals? What are your finance goals? What are your goals for your relationships?

If I may be so bold to say I have had a meteoric career experience. It all started as high school student studying economics and I trying to understand fundamental economic theories. In high school I had a hard time understanding topics such as inflation or price movements and exchange rate differentials.  As result I decided that I wanted to study economics in university.  In my mind as long as I continued to study economics I would one day have a better understanding of price movements and exchange rate differentials. 

I had a big picture view of what I wanted to do after high school. However, as we all know setting goals is merely the beginning and does not guarantee success. Once you have set your goals you have to determine the specific tasks or actions you need to execute in order to operationalize your goals. Once you have identified the specific tasks or actions you need to work assiduously and consistently at each.  In my case I had to successfully complete high school in order to meet the entry requirements for university. 

Today, I can look back with sense of joy that all my preparation and consistency paid off.  I am not in the records book like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt but I know the taste of success.  My big picture view opened me to a world way beyond the understanding of fundamental economic theories.  It has taken me from the shores of Jamaica across the entire Caribbean and Channel Islands and to faraway places like Armenia, Croatia, parts of Africa and even Afghanistan.  Today I have life time of an experience beyond my dreams as boy. 

Today, I have a much better understanding of fundamental economic theories but one complemented by experience working in Ghana and visiting Elmina Castle one of the most important stops on the route of the Atlantic slave trade.  I can also share my experience from working in Yerevan, Armenia a former republic of the Soviet Union.  I can share so much more experience from working in over 20 different countries and it all started with decision to study economics.  After studying economics, I went into banking and finance and later into regulations, policy, governance and compliance. Today I have my own consulting practice in Ontario, Canada.

I share a brief part of my story to say you don’t have to be in the records book like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt.  Athletically you and I may not be able to perform at the stratospheric level or meteoric speed as these two outstanding athletes. However,  if you set your goals and do the necessary preparation  and operationalize your goals your dreams will turn into reality  and you too will enjoy success.

 

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622.

Will You Join Me?

Hello, Hello my friends …Hello my friends those who are near and those who are far….Hello my old friends and yes….Hello my new friends. Will you join me?

Few years ago I started my blog but never had the sticktoitiveness to maintain it. I lacked one of the fundamental criteria required for success that is dogged or fierce perseverance. Recently, I restarted my efforts at blogging, and today I am blogging to ask you the question…Will You Join Me? Will you accompany me on my journey? Can you fulfill your own dreams, goals or aspirations by joining me on this join?

I believe the moment of truth is up on me to fulfill my dream of consistently blogging. My objective is blog so that I can inspire and motivate others. I think the moment of truth is now for me to tell you that whatsoever I can achieve you can do much more.  Today I ask which of my friends will step forward?  Who will rise to the front? It is easy just email or call me or leave a comment on my blog at http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ .  I will be you greatest supporter on your journey to success.  Today I once again draws my inspiration from Alexander the Great.

In 335 B.C., Alexander the Great began his campaign to recapture former Greek cities and to expand his empire. After ten years of undefeated battles, Alexander controlled an empire that included Greece, Egypt, and what had been the massive Persian Empire. That was not enough for Alexander. He decided to continue his conquest into India. But after ten years of fighting and being away from home, his men lacked the will to take part in another battle, especially against an opponent like King Porus and his army.

Today I say to you my friends near and far….my old friends and yes…. my new friends you ….do not suffer from the lack of will or lack of courage or suffer the risk of not trying.  We are friends with the common purpose of pursuing our dreams, goals or aspirations. Our dreams, goals and aspirations may be different. They may relate to our careers, finances or our personal lives. No matter what they are a key factor for success is sticktoitiveness. A key requirement is that dogged or fierce perseverance to pursue your dreams, goals and aspiration come what will good or ill. It is that innate desire to always wanting to succeed at the smallest of tasks relating to your dreams, goals and aspiration. So who will join me today?

As Alexander the Great said to his men together we have endured toil and fatigue for a common purpose. Come now, whoever of you lack the will or courage, strip yourself and show them, and I will show today through my blog that I am like you frail and fragile, nervous and vulnerable and very often lacks the will and courage but yet l muster to the strengthen for the betterment of pursuing my dreams, goals and aspirations.  If I can, so can you! I am committed to challenge myself to be up at the crack of dawn to write my blog filled with words of encouragement for you my friends. Together we will move towards our common purpose. Together we shall climb to the top of the mountain.

Who will it be?  Who will join me?  You and I have shared the labour and shared the courage, determination and perseverance to pursue our dreams, goals and aspiration and together we shall succeed. We shall reap the fruits of our labour and our tenacity.  The rewards are for us all. You are not beyond success. Step forward and be counted.  Your successes and accomplishments belong to you but together we shall share the journey, the pain and the struggle. Eleanor Roosevelt  said “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”  I believe in your dreams…Do you?

You have are already seen the greater part of the treasures of successes and accomplishment ….Your successes are in your hands. Today, this is a call for you to come forward and be counted once more. I am with you on this journey. As Alexander the Great said “I will go further than the mere satisfaction of our ambitions: the utmost hopes of riches or power which each one of you cherishes will be far surpassed, and whoever wishes to return home will be allowed to go, either with me or without me. I will make those who stay the envy of those who return!” You my friends will be the envy of others.
Will you join me?

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622.

Second Chances

As a child and well into my adult life I had a turbulent relationship with my dad. The hostile relationship between my dad and I started when I was around thirteen years old and gradually escalated to the point where we avoided each other. It was like the Cold War between us to the extent that during my mother’s long period of illness very little information was shared between my dad and me. We distrusted each other. For us the hostility and distrust was our normal relationship. Acrimonious would be a mild description of our relationship.

Today my dad and I have a much better we relationship. Our wounds we healed more than ten years ago through mediation and various conflict resolutions means. My dad is seventy-six (76) years old and gradually overtime I come to consider and respect him as wise man. I definitely never saw him is such light earlier in my life. On reflection perhaps I never gave him the slightest opportunity to demonstration is wisdom many, many years ago. However, since May he has being visiting with me and my family for the summer and I have had the opportunity see my dad is much more positive light. I have had the opportunity to rekindle the relationship with my dad. Over the summer I observed my dad with my five (5) years old daughter and I could not help but admire him. In doing so I kept on asking myself "what if we never had second chances?"

We have all had second chances in life. Our second chances may be in our relationships with our parents or children, with our managers or co-workers, or even in our career or educations. It may be from mistakes that led to criminal convictions. Whatever the situation we have all had second chances.

When I observed my dad with my daughter, he appeared to be having the best time of his life. One Friday evening they did karaoke and it was one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen from my dad. The Saturday after they played doll house and I saw my dad being fed all kinds of make believe food prepared by daughter. It was also amazing watching my dad with my eighteen years old son who was preparing to go off to university. I saw my dad hugged and counselled my son frequently. At times it brought tears of joy to my eyes. My dad was gentle and caring. He was patient and understanding. He would sit for an hour or two and just watching my son played video games. It was refreshing and welcoming to me this summer observing my dad with my children is ways that I had very little children memories of similar experience with him.

I believe this summer I had a second chance with my dad. I saw my dad being the absolutely best grandfather to both my son and my daughter. I had conversations with my dad about his childhood days. I had conversations with him about his relationships, his career and so many other things such as his regrets. During the summer I learned that one of his regrets was not having the opportunity to go to college. I also learned that he would one day love to visit places like Iceland and Alaska. He would like to see the amazing marine animals of Alaska such as sea lions and seals. This summer was an amazing second chance with my dad.

As the summer comes to end and the fall is about to lead us into another Canadian winter my family is left with a sense of joy but also a bit of emptiness. On Wednesday my dad visit will end and he will return to Jamaica and our home and hearts will be empty. My daughter as she does not want her grandfather is to go and this morning I had to console her. My wife has already expressed her sadness as his time draws near. We know he has to return to home. My family and I had a wonderful summer with my dad but what if we never had second chances? For example, what if Steve Jobs never had a second chance? Steve Jobs left Apple in 1985 after a power struggle with the board of directors. In 1996 Steve Jobs had his second chance when returned to Apple and today is credited for much of Apple’s success. What if I never had a second chance with my dad? Would I have had the opportunity to see such positive and wonderful things about him? Would my children have had the opportunity to get to know their grandfather in ways that I never knew him in my own childhood?

Second chances are important to us because it allow us the freedom and safety to simply be human. We are humans we all make mistakes. Sometime it is poor communication, the lack of patience and tolerance or lack of understanding that is the source of broken relationships. I know from personal experience how painful it felt to be misunderstood or judged and live in exile from my dad. We all have good hearts and want them to be seen. We have so much to offer and want others to welcome our gifts, dreams and successes. When someone shuts us out before they even know who we are, it can feel frustrating, hurtful, and confusing. By giving others a second chance, we can extend the same courtesy we would ask for ourselves. In this way, we set a precedent for all our relationships.

I encourage you to grasp the opportunities of second chances. Grasp the opportunity to improve your relationships. Grasp that opportunity to be outstanding in your job. Give second chances and embrace second chances!

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor. He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622.

The Pair of Orange Shoes - A Symbol of Excellence

I frequently find myself thinking about excellence. Success in our careers, finances or personal lives is all about striving for excellence. What then is excellence? I would say excellence is something that is outstanding and easily identifiable. For example, few days ago I went to run some errands including going to the bank. While parking my car I glimpsed a pair of elegant orange shoes stepping inside the bank. The split seconds I had to see the pair of elegant orange shoes was enough to plant in my mind that they were truly an amazing pair of shoes and one I am confident Imelda Marcos would have love to add to her almost three thousand collection of shoes. The quality of a person’s shoes is very often considered as symbol of wealth and sophistication. The pair of elegant orange shoes that I saw was distinguished and easily identifiable, and clearly a symbol of excellence. Consequently, my first reaction to the pair of elegant orange shoes was that I wanted to see person whose feet worn those elegant orange shoes. I wanted to ask the person wearing the shoes to allow me to picture for my social media update. I am presumptuous individual. However, I am not a stalker or paparazzi. Once inside the bank it was easy for me to grace my eyes on the pair of elegant orange shoes. The pair of elegant orange shoes was being worn by someone I know – a friend and a truly wonderful person. A key point about excellence is that it causes us to scrutinize others and to be scrutinized by others much closer. My split seconds glance at the pair of elegant orange shoes stepping inside the bank and concluding it was a symbol of excellence was enough for me to take a closer look at who was wearing it. I share this story to encourage you standout and shine like an elegant pair of orange shoes. Strive for excellence in your careers, finances and personal lives. To do this set your mission and goals. This is simply a set of guiding principles which clearly state where you are going and where you want to be at specific times in your life. A mission statement embodies your values. It is your personal lighthouse that helps to keep you steadily on the course of your dreams and goals. Whatever the mission statement of your life, refine it and review it regularly. Once you have set your mission and goals it is imperative to act on your goals. I encourage you to strive for excellence in you careers, finances and personal lives. Standout like a beacon and be like my friend’s pair of elegant bright orange shoes. Be distinguished and easily identifiable as the hallmark of excellence. Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor. He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622.

Titanic - Never Let Go!

Chronic fatigue , conflicted feelings, a sense of powerlessness, entrapped and excessive anxiety are all signs of despair and hopelessness. When faced with despair and hopelessness the important thing is to Never Let Go. The Christian hymn, Amazing Grace written by john newton and published in 1779 is a message of being delivered from despair and hopelessness. If you know the history of John Newton, he was forced into the Royal Navy and after leaving the navy became involved in the Atlantic Slave Trade. In 1748 a violent storm battered his ship so severely he called out to God for mercy, a moment that marked his spiritual conversion. If you are faced with despair and hopelessness in addition to being drawn closer to your faith there are three things you should do to restore hope. 1. Explore your gifts and passions with someone you love 2. Help others that are less fortunate than you are 3. Don’t stop dreaming and never let go. Picture the scene from the 1997 by James Cameron’s epic romantic disaster movie Titanic. 1. Explore your gifts and passions with someone you love In one of the opening scenes Rose Dewitt (played by Kate Winslet) considers suicide by jumping off the ship's stern and Jack Dawson (Leonardo Dicaprio) a drifter and artist stopped her. Jack: don't do it. Rose: stay back! Don't come any closer! Jack: Come on, just give me your hand. I'll pull you back over. In this initial exchange Jack is offering himself as a friend to Rose to open the opportunity for her to explore her gifts and passions with someone. Throughout the rest of the movies Rose explore her passion for the arts and different culture with Jack. if you are like Rose from the Titanic, get involve in your community or joining an organisations such as Toastmasters can be your first step to overcoming despair and hopelessness. As you explore your gifts and passion it is imperative that you be good to yourself and celebrate both small and big successes. Celebrate the fact that you are smart enough, informed enough, strong enough, sensitive enough, to feel utterly hopeless but knowing life is not perfect. 2. Help others that are less fortunate than you are In the movie Titanic Jack went all out to ensure that Rose did not jump, he told her he would jump in after her. Rose: No, stay where you are! i mean it! i'll let go! Jack: [he approaches slowly, gesturing to his cigarette to show that he is approaching merely to throw it over the side into the ocean] no, you won't. Rose: What do you mean, "No, I won't"? Don't presume to tell me what I will and will not do, you don't know me! Jack: Well, you woulda done it already. Rose: You're distracting me! go away! jack: I can't. I'm involved now. You let go, and I'm, I'm go to have to jump in there after you. Rose: Don't be absurd. You'd be killed! In this scene Rose is able to take a pause from her own sense of despair and hopelessness and reflect on how absurd it would be for someone else to jump in after her. She is able to extricate herself from herself from her current state of mind and reflect on the state of Jack. On reflection she may have concluded that for Jack to jump in after her he must be in a worse position than she. In life if you truly want to know how great life is we should talk with other hopeless people or people less fortunate than we are. 3. Don’t stop dreaming and never let go. As it turned out the titanic sank. In one of the last scenes Jack told Rose never to let go and Rose promised never to let go! As the rescuers called for people with their flashlights to see if anyone is alive. Rose remembers her promise and yells for the boat to come back, but can hardly speak. She sees the dead man floating with the whistle and uses all her strength to swim to him. She blows the whistle and the men in the life boat hear it and find her. Live begin at the point when you are just about give. Life begins at the point when you are just about to let go…when face with despair and hopelessness 1. Explore your gifts and passions with someone you love 2. Help others that are less fortunate than you are 3. But most importantly don’t stop dreaming and never let go! Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor. He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622.

F U 4 Your Career

I know I have caught your attention. Are you fired up for your career? We are cognisant that our words have powerful meaning. In 335 B.C., when Alexander the Great began his campaign to recapture former Greek cities and to expand his empire he used the following words to inspire his men to fight to the bitter end: "You and I, gentlemen, have shared the labour and shared the danger, and the rewards are for us all. The conquered territory belongs to you; from your ranks the governors of it are chosen; already the greater part of its treasure passes into your hands, and when all Asia is overrun, then indeed I will go further than the mere satisfaction of our ambitions: the utmost hopes of riches or power which each one of you cherishes will be far surpassed, and whoever wishes to return home will be allowed to go, either with me or without me. I will make those who stay the envy of those who return." You should always be fired up for your career and I have merely used a shock and awe approach to get your attention especially if you are sitting on the fence casted in a shadow of doubt or even despair. If you are one of those feeling helpless here are four things you should do to be fired up for your career: 1. Create a clear vision of where you would like to be in your career. 2. Take action to turn your vision and goals into actionable items 3. Conduct a self-assessment to determine your key strengths and areas for added improvement. 4. Identify a mentor or coach In the military a warrant officer is a task master. Looking on some may see the warrant officer as a bully but he is merely an individual who is there to ensure that the men and women under his charge achieve their fullest potential. You are responsible for your career. Whatever your dreams or desires your progress, your improvement, your personal development is in your hands. You are the warrant officer of your career. You are responsible for your personal development and growth and only you can ensure that you are truly F U 4 your career. Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor. He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622.