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.