Yes, but where’s the moonshot? That was a great question, one I was asked while working with members of Catalyst Now to prepare a session description for a global conference.

Not being an avid follower of space travel, I learned that a ‘moonshot’ describes an ambitious, bold goal that seems nearly impossible at first—one that requires new thinking, major collaboration, and extraordinary effort to achieve.

The term originated with US President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 challenge to land a human on the moon and return them safely to Earth within a decade. It was… More Posted on 06-11-25

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Ever meet people who are so ahead in their thinking and action that it feels like they’re surfing the curve while you’re still figuring out how to swim?

That’s how I felt a number of years ago when I was invited to attend a gathering of futurists in Washington, D.C. It was there I met a futurist who suggested I pay attention to the importance of what he called ‘early’, ‘edge’ or ‘weak’ signals. He explained that these are subtle hints or initial signs of change… More Posted on 06-03-25

From Bystanders to Builders: How to Shift the Power In Community Planning

Many municipal elected officials and staff are doing their best to engage residents in local planning and decision-making. The problem is that often only a limited number of residents typically respond, so elected officials and senior staff throw up their hands. They’re pretty sure it’s not their fault, but they remain at a loss as to why people aren’t jumping to provide feedback when given the opportunity.

A recent post by a city resident perhaps explains it best: “Why bother? They’ve already decided what they’re going to do.” While that sentiment is sometimes justified, the… More Posted on 05-14-25

ECOSYSTEMS OF CHANGE: Unleashing Community Power for Systems Innovation

While the light at the end of the tunnel might seem to be a flickering flashlight with low batteries, at least there is now a form of GPS to guide us.

In a world facing climate change, political polarization, violence, and persistent inequality, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—even paralyzed—by the scale of the challenges before us.

Many people, including thoughtful and hardworking individuals, find themselves grappling with crisis fatigue, distrust in institutions, or simply a sense that the problems are just too big to tackle. If you’ve… More Posted on 04-28-25

Being Safe Means You Can’t Stand Still

The look of indifference on her face and her constant yawning made it apparent she was not with us by choice.

Unlike the others in the webinar, she didn’t appear interested or engaged in learning anything about future-ready community leadership.

Later, I learned she was in the session only because her Director had made it clear it wasn’t optional. Perhaps not a good choice for her or the organization. My own ego and confidence as the facilitator also took a bit of a hit.

Regardless, authentic learning is unlikely to occur until any… More Posted on 03-23-25

Catalyzing Change: Canadian Social Innovators

Today, our most important work appears to be addressing the broken systems that are hindering our ability to advance social, environmental, and economic well-being. How can we empower the social innovators and entrepreneurs among us to effectively address systemic issues and drive positive change in our communities and beyond?

Catalyst Now (formerly Catalyst 2030) is an impressive global network of 5500+ members representing 146 countries. Canada is one of those countries actively supporting social innovation and entrepreneurs who share a deep sense of urgency and a passion… More Posted on 02-13-25

This is the Time of Monsters

I’m worried about Canada. Heck, I’m worried about a lot – not only in Canada but also at the global level and in our own communities.

It is becoming increasingly clear that we need to act and do it with urgency because the monsters are coming.

Recently I was struck by a quote I stumbled across attributed to Antonio Gramsci, an Italian philosopher who lived between 1891 and 1937. He said:

“The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters.”

This gap between… More Posted on 01-31-25

Communities as Fractals?

What the Heck is a Fractal?

Years ago, I was hired to deliver training at a community leadership summit in Las Vegas. Somewhat to my surprise, that was where I also first met the actor, Maxwell Gail Jr . While I remembered how hilarious he was in the Barney Miller sitcom, I soon learned he was also intellectually gifted. Turns out, Max was there with another brilliant guy, his friend Casey.

Together they introduced me to the concept of fractals. Trying hard to harness my overloaded, distracted brain, I did learn that a fractal… More Posted on 01-23-25

5 Strategies for Being More Future-Ready

We know Canadians are concerned about the cost of living and housing affordability. There are also significant worries related to mental health, food security, healthcare access, climate change, and immigration.

So, while we might be talking about what matters, it doesn’t appear to have generated the kind of action one would expect. In large part, it is because our silo-based systems aren’t conducive to responding to the interconnectedness and complexity of these issues. As a result, a different kind of leadership and action is required.

Despite… More Posted on 12-29-24

Two Perfect Gifts

Years ago, I received a gift from our team of a pair of ruby slippers covered in glistening sequins replicating those Dorothy wore in The Wizard of Oz. They were in my size, so while I could have worn them, I didn’t because I felt they were better kept on display.

To some, it may have seemed a strange gift, but for me, it typified a perfect gift because it wasn’t something I had even thought about or knew existed, but when I opened it, I knew it was what I always wanted.

It was… More Posted on 12-22-24

Are You a Rudolph?

I’ve been called many names over the years, but it was the first time I had been referred to as a Rudolph. Yes, Rudolph. As in Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer.

Several years ago, I was whining to a friend about some of my work challenges. He shook his head, smiled, and said, “It’s because you are a Rudolph!”

I was perplexed because I knew I wasn’t guiding Santa’s sleigh, and my nose was not especially red, so I asked what he meant. He explained that he had read a book called… More Posted on 12-14-24

No Wrapping Paper Required

Today, I received yet another request for a donation to a good cause from a well-respected charitable organization. I’m embarrassed to admit that my initial response was one of annoyance. In my defence, how can one person help make the world a better place when they feel like a superhero without a cape?

Empathy prevailed as I quickly gave myself a shake and thought about how stressful it must be for these organizations. They work tirelessly to ensure funding is in place so they can continue making their vital contributions to our communities.… More Posted on 12-06-24

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