Why Competence Beats Intelligence in the Age of AI

A lot of people are terrified that Artificial Intelligence is going to make humans obsolete.Honestly? I think the opposite is true. What AI is doing—faster than most people realize—is commodifying intelligence. And when something becomes commodified, its value drops. That’s not a philosophical statement; it’s basic economics. For most of human history, specialized knowledge was […]

Three Practices for Emotional Awareness

For decades, we’ve been taught to “manage behaviour” as if behaviour exists in a vacuum. It doesn’t.Behaviour is simply the smoke.Emotion is the fire. And fire doesn’t go out because you tell it to.It goes out because you learn how to work with it. The good news?You don’t need a psychology degree or a meditation […]

You Can Do More Than You Know!

It is often said that we overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in ten.  This quote has never felt more true than it does right now.  On June 13, 2025, I toed the line at the Tahoe 200, a 200+ mile ultramarathon around Lake Tahoe. Two weeks […]

What I learned running 100 miles!

Last week, I ran seven days in a row for a total of 100 miles. I am four weeks until the Sinister 7 ultra marathon. This last week, my coach had me simulate each of the seven legs of the race every day. On Thursday, I ran a simulated Leg 6, the most challenging leg […]

There Is A Magic That Happens When Men Come Together With Intention

There is a magic that happens when men come together with intention. Last weekend, I was privileged to speak at an event for men. I delivered a keynote titled: Leadership from the Inside Out: The Power of Emotional Connection in Peak Performance. There were a number of speakers and organizations there supporting men. While we […]

Breaking Free from the Past: How Men Can Navigate Life with Courage and Connection

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, replaying your past mistakes and wondering why you’re not moving forward? I meet many men who feel this way—trapped by their past, regardless of their current success or status. I’ve worked with seven-figure entrepreneurs, CEOs, and regular Joes, and it’s a common theme: We dig into our […]

Men, It’s Time to Stop Hiding

Last week I had a beautiful reminder of one of the most important aspects of healing, in particular for men. I attended a fundraiser luncheon for the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch. The Little Warriors is an organization that creates spaces (https://littlewarriors.ca/be-brave-ranch/) and programs for children who are victims of childhood sexual abuse. Their mission […]

Intentions Over Outcomes

I have written a bit on why I stopped using the term goal and shifted to a new paradigm of finding alignment with outcomes. Language matters. When I shift to setting an intention rather than obsessing about an outcome, I commit to how I am going to show up. I do not commit to a result that is often largely out of my control.

This mental shift has been incredibly liberating and a welcome way to remove unhealthy stress in my life. It doesn’t mean that I do not hold myself accountable to how I show up. It just means that commit to the process, not the result. The following story of an ultramarathon I ran Easter weekend was a great example of this concept.

Shut the Duck Up! How to Manage Negative Self-Talk Holding You Back

“You’re in a fight against an opponent you can’t see, but you can feel him on your heels can’t you, feel him breathing down your neck. You know what that is? That’s you, your fears, your doubts and insecurities all lined up like a firing squad ready to shoot you out of the sky. But […]

How Stories Can Motivate Men to Prioritize Mental Health

I could sit here and share statistics with you all day that tell you why Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being. But, the fact is it is often overlooked, particularly among men. I could tell you that based on a recent study of men in the workplace: 55% of men reported […]

Is Vulnerability in Leadership Bullshit?

I have been a student of leadership for over 30 years. In recent years there has been a lot of talk about the power of vulnerability in leadership. However, many leaders I work with are highly skeptical about this concept.  I hear a lot of similar viewpoints. “Yeah, they say that is what they want […]

Are You Having a Midlife Crisis?

Is it really a midlife crisis? Many men spend most of their lives trying to live the life they believe they are supposed to live. They are supposed to be the provider, the protector, the ‘man’. Most do this at a great cost to self. They suppress their own needs, wants and desires in order […]

Men’s Mental Health: Self Awareness Is Key

This one little shift will drastically increase your ability to reflect and grow. This little tip for me was a real key in moving from self-reflection to true self-awareness. When it comes to building resilience and strength so much of it comes down to the language we use as we explore. In order to build […]

Men’s Mental Health: Why Emotional Fitness Matters

Why do so many of us men resist the mental health label? This is a conversation we need to have much more of. There are some unique societal pressures on men that create some unique challenges which ultimately require us to take some unique approaches when it comes to men’s mental health. Men everywhere are […]

Four Ways To Get Unstuck: Avoiding the How-to Trap

Yesterday I was speaking to someone who is a top performer in her industry. I mean not just “successful” but the top 1% of the industry. It has been very gratifying to watch her success over the years. You see she actually started her career with me some 15 years ago. I have been incredibly […]

Real Talk International Men’s Day

On International Men’s Day I had the privilege of sitting down with three other men to discuss the importance of Men’s mental health and some of the challenges that we face as men. Even in our patriarchal society it is important to look at the price of the patriarchy on men as well as on […]

How to be a better father after divorce

In a split second a combination of many variants of relief and terror washed over me. Holy shit, after 15 years this was actually happening.

When we go through a separation or divorce, whether by choice or by circumstance, it can be incredibly devastating. For me coming to terms with the fact that my marriage was not going to work was one of the most difficult things I had to do.

What I Learned Running 100 Miles

It was July 8, 2018 and I had been running for 24 hours and more. I had covered close to 135km. The pain in my feet was excruciating. My second foot felt like it had just split open. The balls of both of my feet were now on fire.  I still had about 5 miles […]

Breaking the Porn Trap

Pornography is such a huge business that rarely gets talked about. There is a ton of shame and guilt tied to any sexual addictions which makes it really difficult to discuss. Matt Cline has been working in porn addictions for the last 7 years and shares his thoughts.

Men, Mental Health and Imposter Syndrome

The struggle is real. Estimates are that 70% of the population wrestle with imposter syndrome at some point in their life. While not a recognized ‘disorder’ it definitely has an impact on our mental health.

How to Build Confidence

What if the question “How do I build confidence?” was not even the right question to begin with? Today I look at some of the ways we erode confidence in our self and others.

Life Lessons from my Morning Workout

There are so many reasons I choose to incorporate regular physical exercise in my life. Not the least of which are the life lessons that often accompany the physical growth. Today I share with you a few of the lessons from my workout this morning.

Video: I Love You is Bullshit

For many years I have explored the phrase “I Love You”. You see I am a fairly romantic man and have always had a belief in the blissful existence of “The One”. You know, your soul mate, your perfect match, your true love, that one person that completes your heart’s desire. That individual that will give you those tummy butterflies for the rest of your life.

Yes, I believed in love, but I had yet to find it…

How to Create a Life by Design

Have you ever found yourself feeling stuck? Lost? How do you get intentional about the kind of life that you want to build? In this conversation we talk about how to make sure you are living a life of purpose and intention. Nick Reed has been part of my 4 week program for over 7 […]

Journaling: How Writing Changed My Life

In this episode I talk about the power of writing and what it has done for me. I share some tips to get you started and invite you to participate in a 30 day journaling challenge.

Reinvention. Yes. You. Can!

Have you ever wondered if it was too late to reinvent your life? Have you ever felt like maybe you were caught in midlife crisis? What if it were actually a midlife correction?

Why #NotAllMen Is Not OK

Join me for a conversation with a few dudes about the importance of men showing up as allies. We talk about the why and we talk about the how as well.

Men and International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day. For me part of Becoming a Better Man is about learning to be a better ally for gender equity. It means learning to forget what I think I know and ask questions to really dive in and learn more. It means replacing judgement with curiosity and getting intentional with how I show up in the world.

Heart Over Head: Valentine Ramblings Of A Writer

The human heart beats around 115,000 times per day.  A recent study from Queens University has found that on average humans will have 6,200 thoughts per day.  Coincidence? I think not.  OK Mike what the hell are you talking about? Who cares? Well on this day of St. Valentine I thought it would be fun […]

What’s Your Story? Managing Emotion Through The Stories We Tell

We are all made of stories

It was over 20 years ago but I remember the feeling vividly to this day. As a 28 year old high school drop out who prided himself on his work ethic I was on the top of the world.  After 4 years of hard work I had been given a large promotion at one of […]

Money Date Monday!

For many men our emotional relationship with finances can be strained. We tend to ignore things that cause us discomfort. Let’s talk about fixing that!

Finding Your Edge

The Key To Personal Development

The key to personal growth is finding your ‘edge’ on a consistent basis and expanding it regularly.

How To Crush Complacency

How to get unstuck

All of us at some point in our lives become stuck. We get complacent. Today I talk about how to get out of that rut.

Yes You Can!

How to Live Your Dreams

Have you ever wondered about starting that side hustle? Getting that promotion? Building the kind of life that you dream of? If you have found yourself asking the question “Can I really do that?” the answer is an unequivocal “Yes You Can!”

Does Goal Setting Really Work?

Traditional personal development models don’t work. The notion that we should set a ‘goal’ and work backward is flawed. Here’s why…

Walking The Talk with Paul Laberge

When tragedy strikes we have choices. We can choose to go down that dark path of loss and despair or we can choose to use our pain to be a catalyst for change. Listen to Paul’s story of turning tragedy into triumph.

Setting A New Years Intention

We often talk about new years resolutions but what if that concept were flawed? What if intention setting could set you up for a more powerful year?

Are You Ready For The Second Pandemic?

With vaccines being delivered we can see a light at the end of the tunnel for COVID-19. The question is what next? How do we deal with the emotional aftermath?

Curiosity Over Judgement

It is very easy to jump into judgement and condemnation these days. What would happen if we started to look at things through a lens of curiousity?

How To Build A Business Not A Job

Many entrepreneurs end up building themselves a job. Today we talk about how to create a business that transcends simply creating yourself a job.

Self Discipline: How to Achieve it and How to Lead it

For many of us in the entrepreneurial space we often talk about our struggles with lack of focus and an abundance of distraction. I have worked with many entrepreneurs and this is a common theme. What if focus wasn’t really the problem? What if we could simply learn to have more self-discipline?

How To Excel No Matter What

There is one thing that sets apart those who excel in life and those who don’t. Consistency and repetition is paramount to success.

A Survivors Story with Neil Campbell

Neil Campbell had the unimaginable happen to him when he was only 9 years old. 35 years later he started sharing his story in the hopes of helping others.

Two Words That Could Save Your Relationship

I had a powerful experience with a client this week that reminded me of the power of these two words. They are somewhat counter intuitive for men but can be incredibly powerful.

What Does It Mean To Be A Good Man?

What does it mean to be a good man? While all of us may have different definitions of what it means to be a good man, we can all actively do our part to support and promote being a ‘good man’ in society. What is your definition of what it means to be a good man?

Why You Matter!

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Why do you matter? Do you plan to matter? Perhaps you should.

What I’ve Learned in 165 Daily Episodes

I thought after 165 daily episodes it would be worth reflecting on what I have learned in that time frame. What those of you who watch my shows have learned and how I can apply this moving forward.

International Men’s Day

Today is International Men’s Day. Here is why it is important to celebrate it. Join me for a conversation on the importance of creating a space for conversation.

Slow The F&*k Down Man!

If you have been waiting for a sign from the Universe then this is it. Dudes, it is time to learn how to slow the F down.

Creating Life Changing Moments

We all have those life changing moments. Those points in time that change the course of the trajectory we thought our life was on. How often do we actively create them? Today I will share one of my “life changing” moments with you

The Trouble With Men

Even as we start to make progress in men’s wellness and evolution, we still get stuck in old tropes. Let’s talk about some of those challenges and how we can get around them.

Amateur or Pro? Which are you?

Do we wait for inspiration to strike or do we have the discipline to make it happen regardless of inspiration. How do you make the switch from amateur to pro?

COVID: Who’s Looking at the Big Picture?

This may be a little controversial but it is a discussion that needs to be had. Who is looking at ALL the repercussions that this pandemic and our response to it has?

Samra Zafar: Men, vulnerability and why we should care

Samra Zafar is a speaker and writer, whose story of being a teen bride and survivor of domestic abuse became a bestselling memoir, “A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose” in Canada. Join me for a conversation with Samra

The Burden of Being A Dude

In this episode we riff on the price of the patriarchy on men. The weight that we feel on having to provide, perform and show up strong.

What kind of man are you?

There is no one size fits all when it comes to masculinity. Join me in conversation with Luke West on what he has learned about masculinity

Why Do Men Struggle To Slow Down?

When it comes to pushing hard, moving fast men seem quite adept at it. However many times in order to perform best we need to learn to slow down

Self Compassion for Men

Many of us men struggle with compassion for self. We beat ourselves up for not being perfect. The negative self talk, our inner critic can be very damaging.

How to deal with self sabotage

Self sabotage are those roadblocks we put in our own way. There are a number of reasons why we do this. Today we explore the why and how to overcome.

A different kind of forgiveness

A different kind of forgiveness

We are often taught that forgiveness is important for healing. We also know it can be one of the most difficult things to do. What if there was a different way to look at it?

How to become an overnight success

Overnight success is usually the culmination of a decade or more hard work. Are you looking for the quick fix? Or are you willing to play the long game? It’s those that jump from quick fix to quick fix that often fail to excel in any arena.

Why I am done creating “Awareness”

This one is more of a rant. I am done talking about the problem. I want to focus my energy on implementing things that are solution oriented. The solutions are a lot simpler than we make them out to be.

Power Skills for Success

You can find a plethora of online and in person courses that talk of tricks, tactics and behaviours to improve your life and business. What if there were more to it? What if there were skills needed that aren’t being taught well? Men, join me for a conversation on how to excel.

How to be a good friend

Sometimes when someone is struggling we have no idea how to “be there” for them. This has come up a few times in the last week so thought I would address it here.

7 Tips On Managing Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are a big part of our world right now. We have so many unknowns out there that it is easy to slip into a pattern of fear and anxiety. Here are a few practices that I use with myself and my clients.

Why Should I Embrace Vulnerability?

When it comes to vulnerability it is hard for us to wrap our head around why we would practice it at all. This morning I share some of the learnings from my lived experience as well as Brene Browns definition of vulnerability. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
― Brené Brown

Keys to a positive relationship

What are some of the keys to cultivating positivity in your relationships? Join Michelle and I for a conversation on this topic.

Three Words That Will Change Your Life

When events happen that cause a strong emotional reaction how we respond can be a game changer. Whether in life or in business managing reactions is a key component to success.

Where will your path take you?

When life throws us a curve ball sometimes we just have to follow the path. Today I am going to share some of the stories of my 3 day back country camping trip at Pinto Lake and the lessons learned.

Resistance, Self Sabotage and Fear

Life is hard enough as it is but where do we put things in our own way? Taking the time to really reflect on this can be a game changer

How to be a hero

In 2003 a terrible avalanche buried Ken and twelve clients in the Selkirk mountains of British Columbia claiming the lives of; Dave Finnerty, Naomi Heffler, Kathy Kessler, Craig Kelly, Vern Lunsford, Jean Luc Schwendener, and Dennis Yates. The event was entirely avoidable.

Ken, the founder of Archetypal, recognized that the tragedy was caused by both guides inability to listen with humility and to act on what was heard. A failure to listen is often the cause of our suffering as human beings. The tragedy made this simple concept but challenging practice clear to Ken.

Billion Dollar Leadership

Yousry Bissada is one of the most inspiring leaders I know. He is the CEO of Home Capital, a billion dollar organization. In this interview we talk about the importance of values. Yousry is the epitome of a nice guy finishing first.

Bob Burg – The Go-Giver

Bob Burg is the co-author of the best selling parable of The Go-Giver. In this conversation we talk about the importance of empathetic leadership

Connect’d Men: What the Hell is a Men’s Group?

Our Connect’d Men’s group currently meets weekly. Our intent is to create a space for men to practice emotional mastery. You will find a group of supportive individuals who are also on a path to self discovery. If you would like to join us please register here. Connected Men, Connected Men

The Fallacy of Fearless

This was a piece I wrote 4 years ago when I had committed to writing 1000 words per day to finish my book. This obviously never made the book but it is interesting to go back and explore the mindset. As I sit here in front of my computer at the office trying to ‘will’ […]

The Key to Creating Lasting, Meaningful Change

How to create meaningful change Far too often when we want to make lasting change we focus on the wrong things. We tend to focus on the behaviours rather than the underlying emotions that drive the decisions that cause the behaviors. In order to create any kind of lasting, meaningful change we need to get […]

The Importance of “Holding Space”

I wanted to share with you an experience I had that is honestly one of the best moments of my life. This was an incredible example of a very important topic. ‘Holding Space’ for another human being. What does it mean to “Hold Space” for someone? This is a topic that has profound impact on […]

Across the Years: Why I ran for 24 hours

It struck me odd to hear myself saying “I’m JUST running the 24 hour race”. At what point in my life did running for 24 hours become a “Just”??? 2019 is the year I turn 50 and I am committed to making this the best year yet. As a result of this commitment Michelle and […]

Have you ever had a crisis of confidence?

Today I went back in to work on final edits of a book I finished the first draft of over a year ago. At the very top of the document, I found what amounts to a journal entry the last time I looked at it. I share this today so that you, my readers, friends, […]

The 2018 Experiment!

Alright, it is March 1st and that means it is time for another experiment. While I have always liked to experiment with things in my life I made a decision at the beginning of the year to get a little more formal about the process. I decided to take a couple of experiments every month […]

5 Practices for a more productive life

Photo Credit: Steve Csorba

Productive people manage their time well. As a guy who thrives on variety I do a number of different activities in both my personal and professional life. I am also a chronic over sharer so most of you are likely familiar with the myriad of things that I do. If we have not met, here […]

The Most Epic Mortgage Conference Ever!

You know it has been a good conference when you get to wrap it up with a meet and greet with the former Prime Minister of Canada! This was destined to be an epic conference from the outset. I mean when you are working with a venue that some call the eighth wonder of the […]

Would you have coffee with a stranger?

All of my best friends were strangers once. Today I received an email newsletter from my friend Drew Dudley. Drew is a leadership expert and always has great insights to share. He talked about the need to “Be gutsy” and encouraged his readers to ask the question “What did I try today that might not […]

11 Tech Tools That Don’t Suck!

When it comes to technology the question often becomes how much is too much? When does technology stop making you more efficient and start becoming a time suck? How do I find technology that works for me and doesn’t entirely suck the life out of me? If you are anything like me and easily distracted […]

Finding “The One”: 5 Things No One Tells You

Thanks to Karen for asking me this one on FaceBook. I feel that if I can nail this one I can likely retire. The answer to the question of how to find “The One” seems to be as elusive as the fountain of youth. Let’s start with a little bit of a disclaimer and background […]

The Perils of Positivity

Can a positive attitude be bad for you?    I spend a lot of time exploring what most would coin “Emotional Intelligence”.    “the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.”    It is something that I believe is infinitely more important than intellect. […]

Incoherent ramblings… (Sometimes I write unfiltered)

This is an excerpt from a journal entry I wrote while waiting for a meeting that I was an hour early for.  I usually write on my laptop but this time I opted for pen and paper. I love sharing random musings in the hopes that I will provoke thought and conversation. Love to hear […]

Grief: How I Learned to Navigate Death and Loss

This is an anonymized letter I wrote to a friend who lost his girlfriend. I hope this may help you with whatever you are going through. Dear Friend, I can only begin to imagine the pain you are feeling right now.  While I have known monumental loss, loss of a proportion previously unfathomable, only you […]

6 Reasons To Stop Trying

A New Year is upon us, and with every New Year comes the inevitable … New Years’ Resolutions. Statistically speaking (although we all know 75% of statistics are made up) approximately 35% of resolutions are abandoned by mid-January. We make a resolution to go to the gym 4 times a week. We try it, we […]

Choose your ‘Hard’

Today I was speaking with a friend of mine from out of town who is struggling. Business development is not going as well as they would like and she is considering reverting to a ‘fall back’ plan. She recognizes that there is a finite amount of time for which the financial numbers of the business […]

Creativity is a Bitch

Creativity is a bitch.  It really is.  Trust me I know.  I practice creating daily and it is damn hard.  Much harder than most of the physical feats I have ever accomplished.  Yes I know, doing an Iron Distance triathlon is nothing to sneeze at but the reality is that endurance triathlon is simply the […]

Through the Eyes of an Artist: The Practice of Presence

If you pay any attention to the personal development gurus or so called “Thought Leaders” you will have heard much discussion about “mindfulness” and “presence”.  I have always bought into the concept but have equally struggled with the practical reality of it for an adult, whom would surely be diagnosed with ADD if ever he […]

#39 Paul Taylor – President/CEO of Mortgage Professionals Canada

Here is your chance to get to know the President and CEO of Mortgage Professionals Canada. From insurance to mortgages we explore Paul’s journey to leading the largest professional mortgage association in Canada.  Paul went on to take an executive MBA program and talks about what he felt he needed to succeed.  Paul is a […]

Create more ‘Moments’

Have you ever wished you could live someone else’s life? Ever found yourself wanting to do, see or experience more out of life? Yeah, me too. So I made a decision. A few years ago I decided to do something about it. I realized that the things I truly enjoy most in life are the […]

“I Love You” is Bullshit

For many years I have explored the phrase “I Love You”.  You see I am a fairly romantic man and have always had a belief in the blissful existence of “The One”.  You know, your soul mate, your perfect match, your true love, that one person that completes your heart’s desire.  That individual that will […]

Forgiveness: The Hardest Thing I Have Ever Done

There is an evil in this world. A darkness that threatens to choke out the light.  It lives among us and very few would even imagine that it exists.  It forces some to live in fear.  It is the schoolyard bully we thought we had outgrown. There is evil in this world and I have met […]

Of all the words of mice and men…

Colleen Lois Sillito was a mother, an artist, a photographer, a videographer, a yogi, a climber, a fitness enthusiast, and an inspiration to many.  She had an innate ability to make you feel like the only person on the planet.  She had a knack for allowing you to see yourself through her eyes.  Eyes of […]

Project Pay it Forward: The Next Level

I will contribute up to $20,000.00 at a rate of $1.00 for each member of the Project Pay it Forward Group or  Each subscriber to my mailing list.  Join the group or subscribe now to make your impact! Together we can change the world When we first launched Project Pay it Forward my hope was that we […]

Why I felt CAAMP’s Mortgage Forum 2014 was one of the best ever

CAAMP’s annual Mortgage Forum truly is the country’s premiere event for mortgage professionals, always bringing new ideas, information and networking opportunities aplenty. This year was no exception.  I sometimes feel that we are quick with hollow praise in many areas whether it be work, personal associations (soccer, hockey, etc) or even our professional associations.  The […]

Men, it’s time to “Woman up”

For most of our lives we men have constantly been told to “man up”.  To ‘grow a set’ or to suck it up. Often this means that we should be tough, we should stand up and be brave in the face of adversity.  The unfortunate consequences to these statement is that most of us men interpret this to […]

Leadership lessons from an 11 year old

Last week I was visiting with my daughter at the end of the day and as usual asked her what she had spent the day doing.  She responded that she had been at a girlfriends with another friend.  She went on to tell me that they had spent a the better part of the afternoon writing a […]

Stay “New” Forever Renee Dadswell

Do you remember when you first started your job?  Or perhaps your new career? If you are anything like me you were excited.  You were fired up.  You were passionate about what you were doing.  You were likely the most productive you have ever been.  You likely had big ideas that you freely shared and […]

CMP Mortgage Summit

Last week I spent most of the week in Toronto connecting with some of our broker and lender partners.  I also had the opportunity to speak at the CMP Mortgage Summit.  I had an absolutely fabulous week and thought I would share some of the highlights, specifically around my presentation at the Summit. Last year […]

Christopher’s Passion

My 10 year old was asked by his grade 6 teacher to write a paragraph about something he was passionate about.  This is what he wrote: I run on to the field at the start of the game. My heart pounding and the crowd cheering. The ref blows the whistle. The game starts. My team […]

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