My Journey of Innovation, Resilience, and a Vision for the Future
My professional development, which started in the 80's, has been defined by the extreme highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey. This vast spectrum of experiences has nurtured a deep passion for innovation, and a firm belief in the power of resilience. I've weathered many financial storms, and found myself at the bottom of more than one financial downturn, wondering if I would ever recover from what was lost. But I did. Those experiences can't be taught, but are paid for by blood, and I found out that it is possible to retool and recover creative thinking once again. Afterall, isn't the fun and thrill of being an entrepreneur; being free to imagine and innovate? Knowing that you can pull through a world crisis or business catastrophe helps prepare any entrepreneur to survive the next unexpected market downturns. It also equips you with a more realistic perspective when creating, and furthermore, holding on to your next great success story. I've spent decades building businesses and navigating complex market landscapes, always with an eye toward what's next. In this current market, AI is what's next, and what's now.
Taking flight - embracing challenges with passion
My entrepreneurial drive started early, back in Vancouver, Canada, where I was born. My initial studies focused on market research and consumer behavior in the 1980s, but I've always embraced continuous learning. That's why in 2021, I pursued an AI Strategy certificate from MIT to stay at the forefront of how technology can shape our future. I saw AI coming and wanted to be equipped to navigate the 'AI Tsunami'.
Over the years, I've had the incredible opportunity to lead some significant ventures. I took two companies public during the dot-com boom, and while the subsequent market downturn brought its own set of challenges, those experiences were profoundly formative.
After a period of retirement in Australia, my wife Carmen and I, who have been married since 1990, returned to the professional world in 2009. That's when I founded MarketingEducation.org. Through that and subsequent organizations, I've been fortunate to lead teams that have served thousands of businesses across the United States, completing thousands of projects annually.
Father and son - building the future together
My journey to co-founding Inspira with my multitalented son, Izzy, was inspired by a key realization: I'd hired and supervised over a thousand people in previous roles, and in doing so, I saw firsthand where unique opportunities for workflow optimization existed. Those insights were truly the seeds for Inspira. Now, as the lead solutions architect, I'm excited to head up our development teams, driving forward innovative AI strategies that I believe will make a real impact.
"Cultivating a Mindset for Success"
Suspended between challenge and triumph - the entrepreneurial mindset in action
After years of leading teams and observing human behavior in professional settings, I've identified a subtle yet powerful challenge that can hinder even the most promising individuals: self-destructive patterns. This isn't always obvious; it often lurks beneath the surface. I've frequently seen it emerge when someone receives a promotion or a significant raise. It's almost as if, once a "soft landing" is perceived, the very traits of dependability and responsibility that led to their success begin to diminish. Suddenly, communication wanes, deadlines are missed, and commitment seems to fade.
I believe this often stems from an underlying feeling of undeservingness or a deep-seated resistance to sustained success. It's as if the pressure of striving for more was the primary motivator, and once that pressure lessens, the drive diminishes. Without addressing these deeply ingrained patterns, individuals can find themselves inadvertently sabotaging their own progress, cycling back to the very challenges they initially sought to overcome.
For anyone with ambitious goals, becoming acutely aware of these self-destructive tendencies is crucial. Identifying and confronting them is perhaps the most significant step you can take toward unlocking your full potential. Cultivating a mindset that embraces sustained success, rather than fearing it, is essential for reaching the highest levels of achievement in your career and relationships.
BEYOND MY WORK
I have a deep passion for adrenaline-infused sports; you will find me chasing 'big wind' to kiteboard. My greatest joy is kiteboarding with my son.
"A more peaceful but equally cherished adventure involves travelling and exploring nature with my son and my wife Carmen, as she takes a million bird photos, rescues seabirds, turtles & tortoises, and picks up garbage after storms."
Nature Photography - Wildlife conservation adventures