OVERCOMING DOUBT

There are times in life where uncertainty and doubt seem to be more prevalent than others.  Those moments where fear seems to take over, even though the rational mind knows it should be able to   move beyond it.  Learning to press through and to stand in confidence of life's promises, brings freedom to try again.

For it is in our trying and our willingness to put on the cloak of courage that we can take even the smallest steps in the midst of shadows.  Be grateful for shadows as they are always accompanied by light and the light is where gratefulness and contentment lies. 

THE CALL TO ACT

What does an inspired community look like?  

These young adults know. 

You see, when a mission is presented that speaks to the heart, you have no choice but to act.  When the call to action makes sense and you have like minded people in your midst, it is so much easier to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself. 

These young adults are being celebrated for taking initiative, bringing their energy and making a difference in their own unique way.

How can you take up the challenge to live and act more intentionally?

1. Find a reason to get involved or do something!

2. Instead of going it alone, look for people who show willingness to act.  Together is better!

3. Go and do it. Actions always speak louder than words.  

CELEBRATING THE HUMAN SPIRIT at Momondays!

It was one year ago this month that an awesome decision was made. To launch a new momondays location in London, Ontario. After living away from my hometown for over a decade and returning due to an illness in my family, I was craving a way to reconnect and make a difference in my community. That turned into a mission and I quickly realized that so many people are looking for their "fit". A way to know that they are valued and are wanted in their community.  So, Producer Victoria Craig and myself set out to make that difference and WooHoo!!! What a year this has been.

So what is momondays? 

Momondays is like an open mic night for professional speakers and interesting people like you and I with a great story and life lessons to share. Each show, the audience experiences five to six speakers who each share a 10-minute story. (no selling, no promoting, just
real, inspiring stories). Some are funny, some are thought provoking, and, of course, all motivating. Our crazy fun Half Time Game Show sponsored is  always a hoot with hundreds of dollars of prizes to be won.

Having entertained over 4000 attendees to date, our vibrant community is all about building new connections, cultivating new business opportunities and just plain enjoying relaxed good fun. 

On May 11th we celebrated our one year anniversary to 460 people. One year later, we proudly proclaim that we have become the region's largest attended monthly event and we also proudly hold the record for the largest audience in the momondays North American circuit. 

If you haven't experienced a momondays, come on out. We would love to meet you.  Many thanks to our Season Sponsors World Financial Group and London's Western Fair District, Half Time Show Sponsor, Studio H Artist Group, MT Printing Group, Pro MCDJ, MMC Productions, Paula Morand Enterprises and our fabulous momondays Production Team.  Without these amazing people and companies we wouldn't have the amazing experience that we do.

The second Monday of every month, advance tickets are $12 pp or a Branded table of 8 for $100  plus applicable taxes.
(At the Door $20 pp cash only but we often sell out!)

Doors open at 5pm for the best seats, drinks, yummy buffet for an optional $14.99 and ultimate schmooze time before the show! Show starts at 7pm.

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FEATURED SPEAKER: Monica Miatello, Pharmacist

Monica Miatello to be Featured Speaker at momondays London  June 8th, 2015

The Western Fair District Carousel Room at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker: 

Monica is a 52 year old, postoperative transsexual woman. She transitioned in 1997 and had gender reassignment surgery in March 1999. She is a practicing pharmacist, father of two girls, stepmom to one son, performing drummer with "The Wives" and a motorcycle enthusiast. She has bene active in the political side of pharmacy as a pharmacy owner and was also an elite hockey player and coach.

Monica's story is entitled "Beyond the Shadow" 

For more info on Monica, find her at www.monicamiatello.com or on Twitter @transmoxy

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london 

FEATURED SPEAKER: Matthew Kennedy, Founder of Kennedy's Kridders

Matthew Kennedy to be Featured Speaker at momondays London  June 8th, 2015

The Western Fair District Carousel Room at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:

Matthew Kennedy, Owner of Kennedy's Kridders has been entertaining youth with exotic animals since he was 15 yrs old.  Matthew and is "Kridders" have performed at schools, fairs, conventions, campgrounds, mails nursing homes and birthday parties across southwestern Ontario.  He has been featured on Rogers Daytime, CTV and his potbellied Pig's YouTube Channel, "Penelope Pig In The City".

Matthew's story is entitled "See It, Believe It, Do It" 

For more info on Matthew, find him at www.kennedyskridders.com or on Twitter @mwtornado

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london 

FEATURED SPEAKER: Rigel Chiokis, Owner of Digital Ledgers

Rigel Chiokis to be Featured Speaker at momondays London  June 8th, 2015

The Western Fair District Carousel Room at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:

Rigel Chiokis is the Owner of Digital Ledgers, a bookkeeping and payroll service for small businesses. He also works with Helga, his common-law partner of 22 years, as distributors for Send Out Cards.  Rigel has worked in many careers; from soldier, to truck driver, office clerk and circuit board assembly. his hobbies include computer modeling and flying radio controlled aircraft.

Rigel's story is entitled "Simply Smashing" 

For more info on Rigel, find him at www.digitalledgers.com.

You meet the nicest people at momondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london 

FEATURED SPEAKER: Carol Schulte, Founder of Spark Your Genius

Carol Schulte to be Featured Speaker at momondays London  June 8th, 2015

The Western Fair District Carousel Room at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker: 
Speaker, trainer and certified coach, Carol is on a mission to empower people to live BIG lives (how many folks can say they've lived in an Ashram, shaved their head or bungee jumped naked?) no matter what life throws at them.  She holds a BFA in Theatre, an MA in Communication and is the Creator of Spark Your G.E.N.I.U.S - because your unique gifts need to be shared with the world.

Carol's story is entitled "Living BIG" 

For more info on Carol, find her at www.carolschulte.com or on Twitter @carolschulte_

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london 

FEATURED SPEAKER: Merri Macartney, Speaker, Author & Coach

Merri Macartney to be Featured Speaker at momondays London  June 8th, 2015

The Western Fair District Carousel Room at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker: 

Merri Macartney, Founder of the Channel Changer is a dynamic international speaker delivering keynotes and workshops on embracing change to empower personal growth.  She is an author and coach providing strategies for business success.  Two practice marriages prepared Merri for married life with her husband of 22 years. 

Merri's story is entitled "Change that Channel" 

For more info on Merri, find her at www.merrimaccommunications.com or on Twitter @Speaker_merri

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london 

FEATURED SPEAKER: Kevin Cahill, Founder of Canadian Legacy Builder

Kevin Cahill to be Featured Speaker at momondays London  June 8th, 2015

The Western Fair District Carousel Room at 900 King St. London

A Bit About Our Speaker:

Kevin is the Founder of Canadian Legacy Builder. 
As an author, speaker and international inspirational luminary, Kevin's passion is encouraging individuals to start conversations towards being able to secure their lifestyles while they are alive and leave lasting legacies to the people they love and causes they believe in. He is the proud father of a 7 yr old son named Calvin.

Kevin's story is entitled "Gaining Clarity" 

After being featured as an International Inspirational Luminary for Inspiremetoday.com, Kevin set out to interview other people around the world about who inspired them to aim higher and dream larger. He was on a journey to learn about others but that road trip took a massive turn when he realized that rather than helping others shine their lights Kevin ended up bridging the gap between father and son.

For more info on Kevin, find him at www.claritybuilder.ca or on Twitter @cdnlegacybldr

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london 

FUELING SUCCESS - Hosting another successful event.

It's that time again. Another event my team has planned to lend our stage to some of our amazing colleagues and share some meaningful and useable information for fostering leadership excellence.   

There is nothing I love more, than hosting events that build community and make a difference.  The art of bringing together like-minded people who desire to improve, change and impact their world around them.

How fortunate am I to be able to share the stage with some shining examples of leadership excellence.  On May 12th, we will introduce you to Moe Vela from Washington, DC, a former Sr. Advisor to the White House, attorney, seasoned consultant and passionate entrepreneur as he now leads The Vela Group.  

Rick Spence, well known journalist for the National Post and Profit Magazine who was also was involved in helping to launch the very successful StartUp Canada Initiative shares his commitment to raising entrepreneurship as a solid strategy for Canadian growth and his view of how Canada will be impact in the future.   

Maureen Hagan, is one of Canada's fitness darlings, having served in a leadership position with GoodLife Fitness for 35 years and who now acts as a Global Fitness Ambassador as well as Vice President of Programs.   She still actively teaches classes and shares her passion of the importance of aging and fitness.  

As a Leadership Strategist and long time entrepreneur, keeping the passion for vision alive is so important. Learning to persevere as you lead your vision is equally challenging and exhilarating while understanding that consistency weighed against the tide of constant change is key to driving continued success.  Learning to balance the ebb and flow of daily pressures while continuing to fuel your talent, your resources and your bottom line are always areas that we can grow in.

Let FUEL be the starting point to investing into YOU.  Challenge yourself and connect with others to make an investment into growing your potential right where you are starting NOW!

wwwfuelleadership.ca

IT"S ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE - Moe Vela, Former Sr. Advisor to White House to speak at FUEL Leadership Conference.

Moe Vela is the President and Founder of The Vela Group and a former Sr. Advisor to the White House.  He joins the solid speaker lineup for the FUEL Leadership Conference on May 12th in London, ON.

It's All About Perspective 

"Learning to Triumph through Adversity and Uncover Opportunity"

Working in the White House for two terms has given Moe Vela a unique perspective in learning how to face intense pressure, never ending deadlines, conflicting personalities and opinions, all the while working to get the job done with success! 

Learning to lead effectively can only be fine tuned by allowing yourself to experience those trials and triumphs first hand. Moe will take you through his journey of gaining perspective as he made American history and changed the trajectory of his career.

www.fuelleadership.ca

MAKING IMPACT - Maureen Hagan to be Speaker at Fuel Leadership Conference on May 12th

Maureen Hagan, Global Fitness Ambassador for GoodLife Fitness

She has been named as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women of 2014, a global ambassador on the benefits of exercise and living well.  Maureen "Mo" is the Vice President of Program Innovation and Fitness Development at GoodLife Fitness and CanFitPro. 

She is a popular motivational speaker, fitness columnist and author.  

She is an international award winning health and fitness professional who has been leading the fitness industry for over 25 years.  Passion and purpose coupled with perseverance and authentic leadership are the key qualities found in leaders who drive innovation and change.  

Hear from one of the "Top 20 Most Influential Women in Canadian Sport and Physical Activity" and who has done it and is still doing it - leading by example!  www.fuelleadership.ca

COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP - Dini Petty to Keynote at Fuel Leadership Conference on May 12th

Dini Petty, Canadian Celebrity to be Keynote Speaker at the Fuel Conference on the theme of Courageous Leadership.

Always inspiring with great food for thought! 

Stepping into the spotlight and leading the way takes courage and with courage comes uncertainty, failure, success and everything in between.   Our fears hold us back and when the What If’s come as they do for all of us, we do one of three things. Do nothing while praying somehow it will all work out. Charge forward or retreat in panic grabbing at straws, constantly changing direction. 

Dini’s has spent her life working with predominantly male leaders and have watched as their organizations collapsed, faltered badly as well as succeeded; all the while observing and learning through how it impacted their journey and ultimately her life. 

We most often consider leadership the skills needed to run large organizations or big projects and we forget that each one of us is a leader in every phase of our lives.  www.fuelleadership.ca

CAST YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS

I must admit, I do agree with what the old adage that what you think and what you speak you become.   I have seen first hand when the thrill of riding high on life opens doors to exciting opportunities but have also experienced the flip side of that.  

When fear and trepidation make way for discouragement and unbelief. Living in that space becomes a swirling black hole of negativity and self loathing making it a challenging climb out of it.

Dreaming is essentail to leading more effectively.  Your hopes and dreams matter. They really do. They are the fuel that sparks the passion and the flame to keep going.  Persistence builds resilience and that is so useful in living through the present in the pursuit of the future.

Faith in those things unseen are the key to keeping your hopes high and your defeats minimized.  Just because you can't see the final outcome, doesn't mean your steps aren't being directed and your path made straight so keep going and trust the process. You will most assuredly be challenged to learn, grow and embrace new experiences along the way. 

WATCH FOR BLESSINGS

I believe the small things matter. 

Often times we fail to see the goodness that happens in any given day. The little things that go in our favour, the phone call or message that arrives out of the blue.  Maybe it's the bright sunshine bouncing off the water or the misty morning walking.

Find even the small things to be thankful for and you will start to appreciate the bigger things all the more.  When you choose to find gratefulness on a daily basis, it will change your life.  It will make you happier and more tolerant of those moments that stretch you and challenge you so that you can take it more in stride.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY

What makes people extraordinary?

Think of someone who inspires you and ask yourself what is it about them that makes you think of them as extraordinary? People who have accomplished great things will most always tell you the same thing.  In the beginning it wasn't a big thing. It was an idea from an ordinary person who just happened to make the decision to try.  To take action and go the extra mile to see what they could do to make a difference. 

Lasting impact never happens overnight but rather it is through a series of small actions, charted progress and a vision for success that makes the difference. 

Don't overwhelm yourself with being extraordinary, but embrace that you are an ordinary person trying to do extraordinary things.

NO MOVEMENT = NO GROWTH

Do you feel in a rut?  Stuck in a place in life where everything seems unfair and not going your way?  

The power of choice can be just the catalyst you need to build new momentum.  

More often than not, our inability to move forward is due to the inability to make a decision.  Do you feel like you are thrust in the land of indecision right now? That place where it feels like you are completely polarized and at a full stop, uncertain on what the right decision should be.  And thus, the perpetual circle of ineffectiveness sets in. Plus, the swirling emotional pull of your confidence going down the drain.

Movement starts when you make the move.  It could quite simply just mean making a small decision to get you started.  If it feels overwhelming just choose something within your control to show you that you are in fact moving forward.

Success may seem like it happens overnight but it usually takes diligence, consistency and focus and there is always a new path to follow.

BUILD SOMETHING OF SUBSTANCE

Take time to consider your accomplishments; reflecting on what your investment of time and energy have produced. Often times, we judge how we make an impact only by what we can see. Have you ever considered that the investment that you have made far exceeds what you can imagine?

I have been a pioneer my whole adult life. Taking on new projects and starting new innovative initiatives that may not have been done before. There are so many neat experiences that I was involved in starting but not been the one to continue to implement for a long period of time.

You see, I am the ideas person. That comes easily to me. Ideation, then strategy, then execution. Once the idea is running smoothly, than it is time to train up someone else to take over. I have started to reflect on all of those things I have been involved in over my life time and there are hundreds. I am now just realizing the depth and breadth of those efforts are far deeper and wider than I could ever imagine.

Don't ever allow yourself to underestimate the importance of making an effort. For it is in the willingness to expend of your talents, abilities and emotional, financial or physical investment that long term impact is achieved.

Just because you may not be there long term to see the fruits of your labour, doesn't mean the seeds you planted aren't important or recognized.

MAKE SURE YOUR DREAMS ARE IN FULL COLOUR

The BIG DREAM. 

Do you have one and can you stretch your dreaming to make it even bigger?   Having the right mindset makes all the difference. After decades of working with people, I have found that their own limiting beliefs are usually what is stopping them for fulfilling what they are called to do.

Whether it be a new career, pursuing an entrepreneurial vision, embracing their God given mission or to just better their potential. The list of possibilities are endless.  

I have never been too concerned about material wealth and the purchasing of things but rather more interested in the development of myself. Of what I can take on and learn, accomplish and be successful at and at the end of the day, how those experiences can impact myself and others for the good.

When you dream big, you are willing to try more, do more and seek more of yourself. It is doing those things that wisdom is born and sometimes thrust upon you. Is it always easy? 

Absolutely not. When your dreams are in full colour, they become worthy of pursuing.  If it a big stretch dream for you, take heart as  it will always be met with some resistance (both internally, within your self, such as fear and doubt and externally, such as finances, lack of resources, other people getting in the way, etc..).  

That is where passion, resiliency and commitment come in and being able to breathe, smell, hear and almost touch that dream, makes it all worthwhile.

TRUE INNOVATION

The most incredible discoveries did not happen overnight.         They happened trying to solve a problem that hasn't yet been solved. Most discoveries come on the heels of proving what can't be done and then all of a sudden, one day the absolutely best thing happened.   They proved what can be done.   

You see, innovation is about ruling out possibilities. It is about connecting the dots where there may not be dots yet.  It is about opening up your mind and your thinking to the potential of what could be done.  Often times, it needs the thinking of more than one person. That collaboration allows viewpoints, knowledge and ideas coming from all different perceptions.  

Do you have what you believe is a great idea?  

You might just be on the leading edge of something unique and needed in this world.  Pursuing advances in innovation also requires having the resiliency and tenacity to stick with it.  To learn how to keep at it until the problem is solved.

These are the times, right now, that innovation is evolving faster than we have ever seen it. From technology, to healthcare to business processes, to energy, to our food sources (bio tech); also most ever sector is seeing advances like never before. 

There are many problems to be solved. Big ones and even little ones. It all matters.  Start with asking questions, many questions before you form any judgements. 

The best basis for good research is understanding the problem you are trying to solve and figuring out how to deal with the root of that problem.  When you find that root, the most exciting turn of events many happen and this is shifting your perception from a negative problem to a most exciting opportunity. 

SHINE YOUR BRILLIANCE

What would it take you to have the confidence to be bold and assertive with a new idea?  It may be something that noone is keen on but you know without a doubt it will bring about positive change?  Could you do it?  

Maybe it is sitting in a classroom or a training session and not being shy about answering or asking questions.    In general the average person doesn't ask enough questions. What would it look like if you challenged yourself to be more inquisitive about life, asking questions to learn and grow with new knowledge. To force yourself to spend time with people to learn about them and to let them learn about you.

What if you could take your positive outlook on life, share your exuberance and dreams for the future and, without worrying about anyone else, start courageously going for it!  Racing for the dream and working hard to get there.  I know a lot of entrepreneurs who have that passion and a great number of leaders who wished they had the courage to take a leap of faith.

You will never know until you try and the willingness to try is 90% of the battle. 

Give it a go!  
Standing out from the crowd, isn't so bad.

BECOME THE HERO

Confidence sounds so easy but for many it is not.  

There is something about the average person that due to humbleness or lack of faith in self that confidence seems to be lacking. I believe that self worth is a big issue for many people. 

We have either never been taught or have forgotten to honour ourselves.  To believe in our potential and to embrace opportunities and see possibilities. 

The best way to get an injection of renewed confidence is to keep telling yourself how amazing you are, talented you are and worthy you are. 

Surround yourself with people who can cheerlead for you and support you as you work on building your potential. 

You're worth it!

BEING HALF BAD IS BETTER THAN BEING NO GOOD

I will never forget the moment I shared with a good friend that I had failed.  Failed at building a vision that I was so passionate about. Knowing that the climb was going to be difficult and the odds were stacked against me, I just never believed that I would fail.   The day I shared my disappointment with my friend, she cheered and congratulated me on my success.

You see, she shared that the wisdom and knowledge that I had built from my experience was so noticeable that it would no doubt change me for the better. The opportunities and the possibilities ahead were wide open now that I am able to see risk from a new lens.  

Just because you think you aren't succeeding remember that really you are. The outcomes may not be what you had hoped for... right now... however who knows what your experiences will bring in the future. 

GET A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE

Having the right outlook can make a huge difference. 

It can literally change the direction and the opportunities that life brings you.   How often do we look to the negative and when something seems like it is not going our way.  In adjusting our attitude and shifting our perspective, we may just see that gratitude and seeing the glass half full will actually afford us a completely different lens to see a situation.

The next time you find yourself slipping into a can't do attitude. Stop, take a breath, force yourself to look at it a different way and see the potential of your situation. Find good in the midst of darkness and be open to seeing the potential of what positive outcome could happen.

AT A CROSSROADS? PICK A LANE AND STRIDE CONFIDENTLY

Life can knocked you done and take you through the ringer some times can't it? When feeling weary and lost sometimes, being able to make decisions and trust those decisions can become polarizing, keeping you in a place of indecision and stagnation.

The beauty of decisions is that you can always pivot and change directions when you make the choice.  Pick a lane and go confidently toward that direction. Even when you stray on the wrong road, you will always learn something new about yourself, about what you do and don't want so that you can find the right road to be on.  

Trusting yourself to get through the process of life can be weary at times. Not knowing what God has planned or the next steps can make decision making really difficult.  That is usually the time where you start wrestling and your faith is put to the test.  Know that there is a plan and purpose set out for you.  Jeremiah 29:11 is a favourite verse for many as it promises that God has a plan and a purpose and wants to bring hope to you for your future. Lean on that understanding and appreciate the view as you live through the good times and the bad times of life as down every road there is something to experience. 

LIFE IS TO BE TREASURED

I wonder what life would be like if you you had no-one to share it with? I mean no one. 

I think it would be a very lonely place.  The richness that life offers does not come from the stuff that we amass but I truly believe it is derived by the relationships that we have.  Relationships are meant to be work.  Like a plant, they need to be tended to, watered and given sunlight and oxygen to grow.  

How much time and energy are you investing into your relationships?  What would happen if you did?   

People value the impact it makes when you talk, listen or just take time to silently be with them.  Learning to be more intentional with others is one of the single most precious gifts that you can count on will return to bless your life ten-fold.

DIVERSITY CAN BE A BEAUTIFUL THING

Diversity can be a beautiful thing. 

Learning to embrace and accept different cultures can open your eyes to the richness that we collectively bring to the world and receive from the world.  Most cities these days are multi-cultural in nature.  Cities with a mosaic of different food, music, values and beliefs.  There is no need even to travel the world to experience different nationalities as they are most likely right in your own neighbourhood.  What if you reached out, showed interest and made an effort to get to know people in your own area?  

You may just be amazed and become a better person for spending time with someone from another culture or even consider showing kindness to an immigrant from another country who is trying to settle into their new country.  

What's in it for you?  You will also build compassion and tolerance in understanding what they have been through, what their dreams are and what is important to them.

Just because someone looks different or talks different than you doesn't mean they are lesser than. It just means that you have an opportunity to be curious about who they are and increase your understanding and learn something new.  

Who knows, you might just make a new friend in the process.