Monthly Archives: October 2015
broadCAST: A November to Remember
The broadCAST™ is a monthly weigh in by members of The CAST™ of Epic Engage™. Experts in their own right, members of The CAST™ are asked to answer a question of simple but possibly profound nature. For November, the question is:
If you were to suggest one thing that we should remember at all times, what would it be?
SHEENA GROBB SAYS…
Sheena Grobb Singer/Songwriter and Speaker… is humbly amazing. “It is without a doubt a masterpiece of songwriting and soundscape. Really incredible, soulful music. She will definitely get a huge audience in time, trust me.” Alex Wharton, Abbey Road Studios. A songbird from the age of two, songwriter at ten, with 3 albums under her belt, a nomination for the Western Canadian Music Awards, and over 500 tour dates across Canada, the US, and the UK, Sheena Grobb (one of Canada’s best kept secrets) is spilling over. With the release of her newest album, The Breakless Heart, mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, and a life changing music video created by Lindsey Nelko (past choreographer with So You Think You Can Dance), Sheena is embarking on her most meaningful project yet – The Living Compassion Project™ – inviting others to “unlock their lives” through sharing their stories… as she begins to share hers. www.sheenagrobb.com
TRENT LANGDON SAYS….
Growing up in Central Newfoundland, it was commonplace to refer to our deck, patio, or step as a “bridge”. With time, after moving to the Eastern portion of the province at the age of 17, I realized that this was architecturally an incorrect statement, but I am still unable to shake the term after all these years. The term lives on each time our family decides to have a campfire. It usually begins with prepping some kindling (or ‘splits’ as we call them) from the lumber left remaining from our dismantled deck. I usually try to insert this comment sometime throughout the evening: “I was always taught not to burn any bridges!”. It garners a sideway glance at best. So with that, I emphasize the value in building and maintaining your bridges, as opposed to leaving your path disconnected. My father has always espoused this philosophy and it continues to play a key role in my professional and personal decision-making from day to day. It is also a regular counselling and teaching strategy of mine as I work with students entrenched in a virtual world that can be quite unforgiving if given the chance.
Trent Langdon, M.Ed, Canadian Certified Counsellor is all about legacy and building yours by rewriting your ‘game plan’ or rejuvenating your organization’s foundations. Trent is a strong believer that success and contentment is achievable through actions of integrity and character; for an individual or an organization. With more than 20 years of experience as a CHANGE AGENT for children, adolescents, families, schools, communities, and professionals, Trent can walk with you toward Personal Development and Discovery, Organizational Review and Renewal, and A Career / Life Plan for Teens. www.epicengage.com
JOEL SWEENEY SAYS….
Be respectful and accepting of the opinions of others. None of us have all the answers because none of us have all the information about any given topic or situation. It is often said that there are three sides to every story, my side, your side and the reality. This doesn’t imply that the person is lying or intentionally distorting the facts. They are viewing the situation from their perspective and are processing the information through their filters. Don’t assume that you are always right. More importantly, don’t be too quick to judge. Take time to get as much information as possible. We do that by actively listening and observing. Even then don’t assume that you have it right. You are simply, better informed. In other words, don’t judge, assess. Judging can cause you to jump to conclusions. Assessing implies the desire to have a deeper understanding of the facts. With that additional information you are in a better position to assess the situation. Be open to the opinions of others. They will always bring a different perspective. Their perspective is another source of information. This will allow you to make a more informed assessment and decision.
Joel Sweeney is all about effective communications. He is a professional speaker, trainer, facilitator, personal coach and author of The Wedding MC Handbook and Little Helpings of Food for Thought with his third book, The Speaker’s Tool Box, just released in the Fall of 2014. Through his focus on communications training and his keynote speeches, Joel helps individuals and organizations maximize their potential. His messages are thought provoking, entertaining and laced with connection, humor and enthusiasm. www.JoelSweeney.com
MAJEED MOGHARREBAN SAYS…

Majeed Mogharreban is all about entrepreneurship. He owned and sold five successful businesses and traveled to 24 countries before he was 21 years old. After early success in business, now his mission is to support the next generation of entrepreneurs to make a difference doing what they love. With clients ranging from the United Nations, to start-up businesses, to an Olympic gold medalist, Majeed helps you discover your strengths and your passions so that work is meaningful and fun. His book, Winning At Life, is a guide for young people to make a plan and win at life. www.majeedm.com
BARRY LEWIS GREEN SAYS…
Way back in 1997, I found myself in Garden City, New York on July 1… meeting to sign an agreement to take on the Dale Carnegie Training® sponsorship (franchise) for Newfoundland and Labrador. Upon signing the agreement, J. Oliver Crom (then CEO and son-in-law of the late, great Dale Carnegie himself) invited me to a very fine Italian Restaurant. “Ollie” was and is a distinguished man, wise and of integrity. Amidst the beautiful meal, he offered me advice, well intended and well heard… in part anyway. He said “Barry, you will never get it all done.” His message to me was that I should avoid the frantic need to accomplish everything and focus my energies on what I am sure Stephen Covey would call “the big rocks”. It is a message that I am relearning 18 years later, long after my 12 years with Dale Carnegie Training®. We gain more by focusing more. One of my dearest friends said as much to me just this month. In reference to my bout with TIA, and my recovery… she suggested that maybe the message here is not to slow down but to focus my energies on the important stuff. I will never get it all done. You are right, Mr. Crom. Neither will any of us. Focus on what matters most and let the rest go. Peace.
Barry Lewis Green is an educator. He is a dynamic motivator. Yes, he is a motivational speaker of substance. He is an expert who speaks. Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. It is a team with a mission born of Barry’s work. He is about epic and noble leadership and wholehearted communities at work, school and everywhere; advancing together in thought, will and action. He is about uniting diverse talent to create cultures of growth. www.epicengage.com and www.theunityconnection.com
NEWS and VIEWS
The broadCAST™ is also our new monthly newsletter. Here, you will find an up-to-date repository of articles, videos, posts and resources, check out:
- OUR LINKEDIN BLOGPOSTS
- OUR LINKEDIN Leadership Group
- OUR LINKEDIN Youth and Education Group
- OUR LINKEDIN Wayfarers Virtues Connection (for Virtues Project Facilitators)
- Epic Engage on Facebook
NEW BOOKS this MONTH
- Human Being Being Human
- 21 Sons or More (a tribute to mothers)
Check out our E-Store later this month for details.
UPDATES on WHAT is GOING ON this MONTH
QUOTE for the MONTH
Give up what appears to be doubtful for what is certain. Truth brings peace of mind, and deception doubt. — Muhammad Ali
VIDEOS for the MONTH
Until December, enjoy and remember in November. 🙂
Of Character and Country
I am not political. I used to be; very much so. I had political ambitions, at one time. … No more. Today, I find politics inherently dysfunctional, with built in government and opposition. Entrenched. One “side” facing another, in never ending competition. Partisanship and ideology often stand in the way of progress and ideas. But, that is another post. That being said, I am a raging fan of democracy. In Canada this month, we voted. Some almost 70% of us, anyways.
Whatever one’s slant… whatever one’s ideology or preference; one should not mistake that Canada just experienced a national vote on character on October 19, 2015. I am not saying that one leader versus another had some advantage on personal character. No one truly knows the character of such public figures but for their closest confidants. What I am saying is that economics and environment and geopolitics all took a backseat for millions of Canadians. In this election, people were voting with their hearts, and their minds. People were voting on the character of the country they desired, going forward. The result was a voter turnout not seen in 20 years. Character matters. You can consider the following 101 virtues, and start to reflect on the type of country each leader essentially stood for…
and the character of the country you might have personally wanted…
For many millions voting, they consciously or unconsciously perceived the character of the nation being championed by each leader; and they made their choice. While I do not like ideologies and partisanship, I recognize that ideas and progress do matter. We must take them into account in our choices. Ideas and actions are fundamental elements of policy and program. That being said, this election demonstrates that, when push comes to shove, the character of a community or country is an essential element of a voting decision. Economics, politics and environment aside, whether we realize it or not… character matters to us. Not simply the character of our leaders and our government, but our country.
As to the future, who knows if actions align with words. I am hopeful. Ever hopeful. Still, in the coming weeks, I will be exploring the notion of community and nation building around the 5 Strategies of The Virtues Project™. They add real value to decisions on the community, company, campus and country we want, and can agree upon. I look forward to the exploration. I hope you do too, wherever you are.
For now, ask yourself… of the virtues presented above… what are the core virtues of being Canadian? What strengths of character unite us across the diversity of this nation? What virtues can we agree upon that make it a “Canadian Thing”.
If you are from elsewhere on the beautiful planet, decide the same for you and where you are. What makes your community or country what it is from a character point of view? Our diets, clothes, ages, genders, colors, views and more may differ. Still, if we consider the common qualities we all share… we become an uncommon community, campus, company or country.
Peace, passion and prosperity.
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™
Character, Keys and Cockroaches
First , have a read about cockroaches. Then, have a read of this on success. To me, they collectively speak to the need, beauty and key elements of long term success. Now, in the spirit of some of my own recent posts on character and speaking the language of character, here is what I personally take away from the reads. The core elements proposed for authentic and sustained and eventual success are:
What do you think? Does this fit with your understanding of what it takes to succeed, depending upon your own definition of success? Consider these 101 Virtues. Are there any you believe should be added to the above representation? What strengths of character are most needed to fulfill a dream? To achieve a noteworthy goal?
Virtues (strengths of character) are neither soft nor fuzzy. Their meaning and manifestation are both focused and intent. They are not unlike specialized tools for tasks and trials. We actually have access to them all, though we might find we regularly practice with some much more so than others. Still, when assessing a situation, we can consider which we need, access them, and put them to work; any and all of them. To borrow from Dale Carnegie himself, we can:
- act with enthusiasm to be enthusiastic
- act with discernment to be discerning
- act with steadfastness to be steadfast
- act with certitude to be certain
- … and so on.
Virtues are pre-existent, like an ocean. We can source them, or not. Even when we do not, they still exist… whether accessed or not. We can indeed access them and put them into practice; any and all of them. In fact, that is what we define as the virtue of wholeheartedness, accessing and bringing everything; it is the all in or carpe diem virtue.
In the end, we may be used to some virtues more so than others, but we can access and practice and deliver on all; wholehearted.
So, in reaching for a dream, an overarching goal, which virtues do you most need to ensure achievement? Make your list. Consider it your inventory for your primary toolkit. Practice and use them every day. Practice does not make perfect. It does make permanent. Building the habit of applying a virtue is about mastery, and mastery breeds excellence. Excellence advances success. Build your list. Practice your list. Master your list. Then, one day, say hello to your dream. Character breeds capacity. Capacity advances creativity, in all its forms. So… build, practice, master, excel and achieve.
What strengths of character are your keys to authentic success? For you? Your team? Your school? Your community? Let them bring you to life. Let them give you your second chance. Let them help you reach your hall of fame.
Peace, passion and prosperity.
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™
To Your Real Credit
The existence of this phrase within our commercial landscape confuses and worries me to no end each time I come across it. I am sure that any individual experiencing significant financial woes can find little advantage in adding another major purchase to their credit history, other than that wonderful new car smell! The JAWS theme rings in my brain for some reason each time I pass one of these signs.
As I was driving to work this past week, this line of thinking progressed into the idea of ‘Social Credit’.
What is your social credit history as it pertains to values-based decision-making, being a character individual, or leaving a legacy of integrity? I am sure we all have had experiences whereby we wish the chance to rewind and have another crack at a conversation, a problem, or an interaction with a friend or family member. We are mortals and mistakes make for ideal learning opportunities. However, can we truly say the majority of our social credit history is solid and virtues-based?
A common counselling strategy I frequently use with my students involves writing their legacy and demonstrating how their current actions can build their reputation for many years to come (particularly in the age of social media). Children and adolescents, when attempting to attack problems and make decisions, require a toolkit consisting of common sense and core virtues. Attainment of this skillset is often ‘a long time coming’ but with consistent reinforcement and utilization of teachable moments it becomes entrenched. These will be skills that will serve them very well as they proceed into the teen years, young adulthood, post-secondary school, and certainly their career.
The 5 Strategies of the Virtues Project are a fantastic foundation for building character and enhancing the social credit for you and your kids.
- Speak the Language of the Virtues
- Recognize Teachable Moments
- Set Clear Boundaries
- Honor the Spirit
- Offer Companioning
Good credit? No problem!
Stay strong my peeps!
Trent

Igniting Adolescent Motivation
For educators, parents, and caregivers, the adolescent mind continues to confuse, yet intrigue us, as we look to support them in their individual life journeys. So now is the time (as adults) to apply the ‘adolescent lens’ and view our current state of affairs. The true challenges become those of developing essential life skills and promoting achievement amidst a global community saturated with instantaneous ‘e-reward’ systems, the ‘de-humanization’ of communication, and 21st Century realities deeply rooted in ‘uncertainty’ (e.g. individual safety & security, financial and workforce instability, economy turmoil, etc.).
Through the years, however, the one thing that has not changed within this adolescent creature is the unbridled quest for meaning and identity. Equally, the virtues that have driven humankind toward advancement and success, still hold great meaning today.
Melding this innate drive of the adolescent with the world ‘as we know it’ and igniting the passion is your assignment.
Strategy #1: Invest the time and effort to truly connect with your teen. This includes consistently playing the roles of ‘good cop’ and ‘bad cop’. You will see pay-off in due time.
Strategy #2: Listen. Truly listening to your teen involves the ears and heart…
Strategy #3: Trust (reciprocal) – “Adolescence, in essence, is all about trust.” (Gord Downie, The Tragically Hip).
Strategy #4: Ingrain traditional virtues that have done us well as Canadian citizens and Newfoundlanders & Labradorians (e.g. loyalty, resilience, hope,…)
Strategy #5: Meet them where they are and do NOT force your own expectations for success on them. The ‘new world’ offers many alternative ways to achieve success and many of us (adults) do not have experience in those realms.
Strategy #6: Build a relationship that is outside that of parent-child, teacher-student, etc. Be willing to play, cry, and progress together.
Strategy #7: Work with your teen to keep their options open! My father has always espoused this strategy and it has served me very well.
Strategy #8: Embrace change as a family, class, community. Though often shrouded in doubt, change often brings new light.
Strategy #9: Allow adolescents to take chances (actually encourage it!)…we know they are willing to do so and much like ourselves, will come out unscathed.
Strategy #10: Resilience & Adaptability …in a world that may very well knock them down, we cannot put a price tag on survival of the fittest.
Stay strong my peeps…
Trent Langdon, M.Ed, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Trent is all about legacy and building yours by rewriting your ‘game plan’ or rejuvenating your organization’s foundations. Trent is a strong believer that success and contentment is achievable through actions of integrity and character; for an individual or an organization. With more than 20 years of experience as a CHANGE AGENT for children, adolescents, families, schools, communities, and professionals, Trent can walk with you toward Personal Development and Discovery, Organizational Review and Renewal, and A Career / Life Plan for Teens.


Connect with Youth: A Primer
This post is a primer; a beginning… a launch… maybe even a tease. But it is the start of an exploration on engaging youth. I have long believed and said that “Youth are not the future. They are the present molding the future.” This post is the beginning of exploring how we engage the future, through youth.
I am a Master Facilitator for The Virtues Project™. The Project and its truly global mission and recognition has been a passion of mine for 13 years now, and even before I knew of it. Twin passions have followed me through life…. the concept of virtue and character… and the notion of real unity in diversity. While never perfect and always the student, I have found these twin passions have wrapped themselves around my childhood games and adult career alike.
The Virtues Project™ did not discover the virtues. They are ancient and imperishable. What it did do was identify 5 Strategies for fostering cultures of character. Starting today, I will be exploring through blog posts… how these strategies might be used in effectively engaging youth. Over these next few posts, I will be citing some interesting facts around youth engagement. For now, suffice it to say that, depending on source, some 80-90% of organizations are finding it challenging to attract and retain (and engage) youth. Maybe you are experiencing the same.
As an educator for over 20 years, this is core to our work and my passion. So, to start, let’s briefly name and draw out some thoughts on each of the 5 Strategies. From The Virtues Project™ itself, they are…
Speak the Language
Language has the power to discourage or to inspire. Using virtues to cknowledge, guide, correct and thank awakens the best within us. In our engagement with youth, “good and bad” are generic and vague concepts. Virtues are not. They are nuanced and focused. Indeed, even when a virtue is named but not understood by the receiver… it is a perfect opportunity for the second strategy. For now, understand the importance of the more targeted power of identifying, encouraging and calling upon virtues as strengths of character. Behaviour arises from character. Character is the soil from which behaviour grows. Paying attention to the needs of the soil, effectively grows behaviour.
Recognize Teachable Moments
Recognizing the virtues needed in daily challenges helps us to become lifelong learners open to the lessons of character. Teachable moments is not a new concept, but here we speak of it around the application (or lack thereof) of the virtues. In evaluations, if we were to start at strengths and challenges at the level of character, we are digging deeper. Recognizing moments of character is more resonant, and we will explore this is future posts.
Set Clear Boundaries
Boundaries based on respect and restorative justice create a climate of peace, cooperation, and safety in our homes, schools and communities. Ultimately, this is about identity. Identifying our lines in the sand is a process of exploring our most cherished identity. Having conversations around this, at the level of character, gets us connected in stronger ways. Again, we will explore this in upcoming posts.
Honor the Spirit
We sustain our vision and purpose by integrating virtues into our activities, surroundings, celebrations and the arts. This one is about honor and respect and engagement. It is about honoring our own spirit, honoring that of others… and honoring the collective spirit. This one builds powerful bridges; with more to follow.
Offer Companioning
Being deeply present and listening with compassionate curiosity guides others to find clarity and to create their own solutions. It supports healing and growth. Companioning is about being present and listening. Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” This one fosters connection, engagement and leadership… and we will explore it.
For now, ponder these strategies. Think in terms of your own experience, and how they might apply. I am looking forward to this next series of posts. If engaging youth is vital and a challenge for you, please engage us here.
Peace, passion and prosperity.
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™
The broadCAST: Facing the Fear
The broadCAST™ is a monthly weigh in by members of The CAST™ of Epic Engage™. Experts in their own right, members of The CAST™ are asked to answer a question of simple but possibly profound nature. For October and heading into Hallowe’en, the question is:
In a world that can be so often driven by fear at work and in life, what is one thought you might have around facing, utilizing and/or triumphing over fear?
TRENT LANGDON SAYS….
I pondered this one for a while Barry…’sense of place’ or ‘re-grounding’ are key phrases that come to mind. Fear, often rooted in irrational thought or loss of certainty, requires a return to the foundations of your true self. I know for me, during times of fear and associated anxieties, stepping back and re-affirming that which I can control certainly helps. In practical terms, this means a return to home (literally, my house and my childhood home), adding in that extra run, enjoying my Hershey’s chocolate bar, and watching SpongeBob with my kids… all a means of re-establishing meaning and re-charging for the battles of tomorrow. Squidward, I shall prevail!
Trent Langdon, M.Ed, Canadian Certified Counsellor is all about legacy and building yours by rewriting your ‘game plan’ or rejuvenating your organization’s foundations. Trent is a strong believer that success and contentment is achievable through actions of integrity and character; for an individual or an organization. With more than 20 years of experience as a CHANGE AGENT for children, adolescents, families, schools, communities, and professionals, Trent can walk with you toward Personal Development and Discovery, Organizational Review and Renewal, and A Career / Life Plan for Teens. www.epicengage.com
JOEL SWEENEY SAYS….
Fear is likely the most significant factor that holds many of us back from doing the things we truly want to do. At its worst it can be very limiting. For some it is a fear of failure, for others it could be a fear of looking or being judged as stupid or ignorant. Still others have a fear that they are inadequate to take on the task or challenge. Some even have a fear of success. They are unsure about their ability to deal with success and the additional challenges it may bring. One way to deal with your fear is to determine two things. First is it something that you truly want to do, acquire or accomplish. If it isn’t don’t waste any more time on it. Take it off your list. If you are going to be fearful, you might as well be fearful about pursuing something you want. Secondly, if it is something you truly want you have to determine is it worth the risk. If it is not worth the risk then don’t invest any more time on it. If it is worth the risk give it all the energy it deserves. Keep in mind that real growth means stepping outside our comfort zone. It means facing your fears. So don’t make those decisions lightly. The more you stretch your comfort zone the greater your chances to be triumphant over fear.
Joel Sweeney is all about effective communications. He is a professional speaker, trainer, facilitator, personal coach and author of The Wedding MC Handbook and Little Helpings of Food for Thought with his third book, The Speaker’s Tool Box, just released in the Fall of 2014. Through his focus on communications training and his keynote speeches, Joel helps individuals and organizations maximize their potential. His messages are thought provoking, entertaining and laced with connection, humor and enthusiasm. www.JoelSweeney.com
SHEENA GROBB SAYS…

Sheena Grobb Singer/Songwriter and Speaker… is humbly amazing. “It is without a doubt a masterpiece of songwriting and soundscape. Really incredible, soulful music. She will definitely get a huge audience in time, trust me.” Alex Wharton, Abbey Road Studios. A songbird from the age of two, songwriter at ten, with 3 albums under her belt, a nomination for the Western Canadian Music Awards, and over 500 tour dates across Canada, the US, and the UK, Sheena Grobb (one of Canada’s best kept secrets) is spilling over. With the release of her newest album, The Breakless Heart, mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, and a life changing music video created by Lindsey Nelko (past choreographer with So You Think You Can Dance), Sheena is embarking on her most meaningful project yet – The Living Compassion Project™ – inviting others to “unlock their lives” through sharing their stories… as she begins to share hers. www.sheenagrobb.com
MAJEED MOGHARREBAN SAYS…

Majeed Mogharreban is all about entrepreneurship. He owned and sold five successful businesses and traveled to 24 countries before he was 21 years old. After early success in business, now his mission is to support the next generation of entrepreneurs to make a difference doing what they love. With clients ranging from the United Nations, to start-up businesses, to an Olympic gold medalist, Majeed helps you discover your strengths and your passions so that work is meaningful and fun. His book, Winning At Life, is a guide for young people to make a plan and win at life. www.majeedm.com
BARRY LEWIS GREEN SAYS…
My road back to health from a TIA continues. This question has real meaning for me on a number of levels. There indeed seems to be a noteworthy and growing sense of fear in the world, manifesting itself in uncertainty, conflict, hate, contention and even apathy. That being said, for me personally.. I am learning about fear and its best antidote (in my honest and humble opinion) these days. This bout with the brain bleed has caused me to slow down and relinquish a sense of control. Scary, for this “piece of hands-on thunder and lightning”. I have been hard wired for many years to seize the handle bars and drive. But I am learning the power of flow over drive… of riding the wave over creating it. As I place my health in the hands of caring and knowledgeable professionals and accept the help of loving friends and family, I also realize the real battle for me. Trust. I am a person of faith, or so I thought. But last night I posted on Facebook that faith and fear do not reside in the same house. I love the posts of my colleagues in the CAST™. With their thoughts in mind, I agree that acceptance, discernment, compassion, and courage are virtues paramount in facing and embracing fear. My addition is that we must come to a place of the truest confidence, not so much in ourselves… but in life. I am learning to trust my concept of God and let go. I am finally learning that my previous sense of control is a myth. I do not control the wave. What I do have control over is how I ride it. Peace.
Barry Lewis Green is an educator. He is a dynamic motivator. Yes, he is a motivational speaker of substance. He is an expert who speaks. Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. It is a team with a mission born of Barry’s work. He is about epic and noble leadership and wholehearted communities at work, school and everywhere; advancing together in thought, will and action. He is about uniting diverse talent to create cultures of growth. www.epicengage.com and www.theunityconnection.com
Until November, enjoy the scary month of October. 🙂