Last week, my brother shared a challenging situation he was dealing with. I went straight into helping him solve it. I asked questions. I explored possibilities. I approached the conversation in what I thought was a thoughtful, coach-like way. But in that moment, he simply wanted someone to listen. My intention was to support him. What I missed was the kind of support he needed right then. It reminded me that learning how to be a better listener involves more than choosing th

Recently, at the Toastmasters International Convention, I found myself in a conga line. Not exactly where you might expect to find a lesson in good manners. We were waiting for the results of the digital voting. Music filled the room. Sweet Caroline came on. Then YMCA. Before long, people were singing, dancing and joining the conga line. I don’t know when this Toastmasters tradition began, but it certainly predates my years of attending International Conventions. And I hope i

The 2026 Toastmasters International Convention ended with a bang—quite literally. Severe lightning and thunder rolled across Vancouver, followed by heavy rain. Taxis stopped operating because conditions were unsafe. Flights were delayed or cancelled. It was a dramatic ending to the convention. But for one 17-year-old Gaveler, I wonder whether it may have marked a beginning. I had the privilege of sponsoring this young person to attend the convention. Together, we experienced

Discover how small acts of leadership can make people feel valued, create lasting impact and inspire others to carry those same behaviors forward.

How to Make People Feel Important, Why We Have Forgotten How to Welcome People, and The Two-Second Test That Reveals Who You Are.

Think back to the last time you walked into a room where you didn’t know anyone. Perhaps it was a conference. A community meeting. A networking event. Or even a neighbourhood gathering. Now ask yourself one question. How long did it take before someone made you feel welcome? For some people, the answer is almost immediate. For others, it never happens. I’ve often wondered why. We live in a time when we’re more connected than ever through technology, yet many people feel incre

Why Influential Leadership Begins with Listening Influential leadership isn't measured by how much you speak, but by the impact your presence has on others. While many people associate leadership with confidence and authority, the most respected leaders often influence through listening, thoughtful questions, and creating space for others to contribute. When we picture an influential leader, many of us imagine someone commanding the room. Confident. Articulate. Always ready w

Ever wondered How to Make People Feel Important in Under Two Minutes? Have you ever met someone and walked away thinking, "I really liked that person." Then, a few minutes later, you realized something interesting. You didn't actually know very much about them. They hadn't told you about their accomplishments. They hadn't dominated the conversation. They hadn't tried to impress you. So why did you enjoy talking with them? Because they made you feel important. For years we've

Four years of consistent effort. Real results. And still — a blind spot I couldn't see alone. A reflection on self-awareness, leadership presence, and letting someone see you clearly.

The Two-Second Test That Reveals Your Character Meta Description: Small, unplanned moments reveal character more than any prepared interaction. Discover what everyday behavior quietly says about who you are.