Welcome to Open Space. When Harrison Owen, the inventor of Open Space Technology, walked into our room at Connecting4Community and started talking, everyone went silent. He is, after all, a celebrated leader in our community, one that pioneered the way … Continued
Day 2: Disruption
The Fear of Missing Out, otherwise known as FOMO. My friends and I use this expression when we don’t want to leave a party early or say ‘No’ to an opportunity for fear of missing something important, exciting or transformational. … Continued
Day 1: In a World Full of Wonder
“There is a movement afoot” said Peter Block in his opening speech today. This was followed by a group sing-a-long, led by Barbara McAfee, as we chanted “We are in a world full of wonder”. Truer words have never been spoken. … Continued
It’s All About The Story
The theme for the opening reception at the Galiano Literary Festival was “It’s All About The Story”. Yes, I was in the right place! A few months ago, my friend and fellow entrepreneur Theo asked me if I wanted to … Continued
Vancouver’s Creative Class
How a small number of people are celebrating the cultural landscape of our city, one breakfast at a time. by Megan Sheldon As seen in Vancouver Weekly, February 17th 2013 CreativeMornings Vancouver at W2 with Treana Peake / Photo Credit … Continued
Blue Sky Thinking
My intentions are set – 2013 is going to be a blue sky year! This photo was taken from my yoga mat on Christmas morning in Hawaii after a meditation and yoga by the sea. As I was lying there, … Continued
Buy Local Week: Painted Rock
For those looking for that perfect gift this holiday season, look no further than your own backyard. Next week marks the first official Buy Local Week in British Columbia, and as a proud member of LOCO BC I am all about … Continued
Celebration of Story
I have been going to the Vancouver Writers Festival since I was 6 years old. For me, it is a place where magic happens. I love books. I have hundreds of books in my home (it helps living near Banyen … Continued
My Bag Full of Tricks
Now that I am a public speaking enthusiast (see last post), I thought I could use a little refresher on the ins and outs of delivering a TED worthy presentation. A friend of mine told me about Stand & Deliver, … Continued
Vulnerability & The Storyteller
Public Speaking. It is a fear for many people, including me. Growing up, I loved to speak in front of audiences. I even competed in public speaking competitions in school – in French nonetheless! And then something changed. Perhaps it was at … Continued
Talking to Strangers
Stranger Danger!! I shudder to think there are still parents teaching their children not to talk to strangers. Yes, we need to educate our youth and teach them about safe behaviours, but ignoring or avoiding people we don’t know is … Continued
Narrative Transformations
There are many ways to approach narrative work – as healing, as team building, as branding and marketing. I was first introduced to its power as a little girl listening to fairy tales & folklore, and then as a teenager … Continued
Thought Leaders & Change Makers
I was first introduced to Hollyhock six years ago by my yoga instructor and I thought it sounded like a magical place – “an unparalleled centre of learning and connection that exists to inspire, nourish and support people who are making … Continued
The Art of Listening
I’m a talker; always have been. Growing up, I was never shy when it came to speaking my mind, and I sure did love an audience! I remember competing in a french public speaking contest in Grade 6 at UBC. I must … Continued
Storytellers Wanted!
LOCAL STORYTELLERS WANTED!!! To launch the City of Vancouver Community Plans, I will be curating four neighbourhood storytelling events in the following communities: 1. Marpole – May 1st at Metro Theatre 2. West End – May 10th at Denmen Theatre … Continued
The Entrepreneur
When I was young, I never had a clear vision as to what my career would look like. I took courses in Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Marketing, Art History, Religion, and Mythology – and if I look back on the last … Continued
Capilano: The Story of Water
Growing up on the North Shore, Capilano Suspension Bridge was a place that many of us felt connected to but rarely visited ourselves. Sure, we suggested each out-of-town guest make the drive up Capilano Road to take in the … Continued
The Roots of Narrative
When I first started at McGill University, I wanted to be a journalist. I loved the idea of interviewing people and sharing in their experiences. I was also drawn to adventure, and in my mind a journalist was a modern … Continued
A New Year
As the clock struck midnight in Stockholm, I found myself reflecting on a year that exceeded all expectations. At the beginning of each year, I create a vision board that helps me visualize what I want my life, and my … Continued
Good Karma
When I lived in West Africa in 2008, I visited an old friend from high school living in Northern Ghana. I knew she had started a charity, but I had no idea to what extent. After seeing the work she … Continued
Sarah McLachlan School of Music
Last night marked the official opening of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. What a wonderful evening it was! I started working with the Sarah McLachlan Foundation in January 2010 to help them uncover the many stories that make up … Continued