The broadCAST™ is a monthly weigh in by members of The CAST™ of Epic Engage™.  Independent experts in their own right, and I am humbly proud to say friends of mine… members of The CAST™  have an opportunity to share their earned insights right here, for you, each month.  With that in mind, we wholeheartedly encourage you to connect with these experts on their respective bodies of work and how they might be of service to you.  They each bring such great value in service to their respective work and audiences. 

December 2017

This month, we are continuing with our evolving new look, feel and delivery to the broadCAST™.  As we head towards that “magical season” these coming weeks, we thought to bring some new sparkle going into 2018.  Focusing on Campus, Creativity, Communications, Life, Music and more… we hope you engage and enjoy.   This month, we explore thoughts around gifts; inner and outer. 🙂

 

THE CAMPUS CORNER

Trent, Ray and I are offering a section called The Campus Corner where we each offer a short tip or idea on teaching or learning or some aspect of education and leadership; one simple idea from each of our bodies of expertise.  To start…

TRENT LANGDON SAYS

As we approach the end of another calendar year and a well-deserved holiday break for all, the educator is no doubt caught in the seasonal and professional rush. Attempting to finalize your academic responsibilities while playing the proverbial pinball between family and friends can take its toll.  Simplify as much as possible, clearly plan your blueprint for the final few days, and hold on for the ride.  So, reflecting upon the school year that has been thus far, and taking your ‘impact inventory’, what have been your fence posts or your ‘take-aways’ so to speak? Are your thoughts primarily consumed with the challenges that created great stress and difficulty or are you able to find balance by also highlighting those great breakthroughs that provided strength and energy? I suggest that we must:

  • Continuously remind ourselves to keep our impact efforts at the forefront and also be willing to address those potholes that create danger in the road ahead.
  • Treasure and intentionally document the ‘impact’ moments with your students. Take a step back and realize that every interaction has meaning.
  • Understand that the teacher-student relationship should be rooted in reciprocal meaning and well-being for both.

I will have some more to add in the upcoming Leaducator™ Experience this very week.  I invite you to stay tuned.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Holidays and New Year!

Trent Langdon is all about finding identity & building ‘life legacy’ through character education, integrity-based living, and social-emotional development. He is a junior high school counselor for nearly 700 adolescents and is dedicated to serving his students, their families, and communities. In addition, Trent works on behalf of his colleagues to build identity, protect professional roles, and to give teachers ‘a voice’; he is serving as Vice-President of the Newfoundland & Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA) for the 2017-2019 term of office. Trent is also a Canadian Certified Counselor with the Canadian Counseling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).  And last but certainly not least, Trent is a proud contributor to the Epic Engage™ team and co-author of The Leaducator Experience™.  Check out Trent’s blog.

RAY HOLLISTER SAYS

Character, Accountability, and Responsibility – CAR – may be the most undervalued pillars of getting good grades by students today. I frequently ask students, “What kind of CAR do you drive?” It is a rhetorical question asked of students to have them stop and reflect on a specific aspect of school that is almost never openly discussed. Specifically, I ask them to honestly identify (for themselves) what character they bring to school, what accountability they have for their education, and what responsibility do they hold to get the most out of school. Three universal truths that seem to be ignored (probably because it is ‘unfair’) are:

  1. The character you exhibit during class, interacting with classmates and interacting with teachers has an enormous impact on your scholastic success.
  2. Holding yourself personally accountable for the results of your studying, your tests, and your actions has an enormous impact on your scholastic success.
  3. Taking personal responsibility for your work, your grades, and your behavior has an enormous impact on your scholastic success.

These truths are not ‘fair’ or ‘unfair’ on their own. But unfortunately, over the years a new mindset seems to have emerged (commonly referred to, rightly or wrongly, as the Millennial Mindset) that celebrates the idea that you are owed good grades simply for showing up at school. There are those that think it is unfair that a well-dressed, articulate, polite student who frequently seeks feedback from teachers seems to consistently get better grades than anyone else. Yet, when given the same opportunity (dress well, be articulate and polite, seek counsel of teachers), they shy away from it claiming they ‘shouldn’t have to do that’…  And that is the whole point – they DO NOT HAVE TO DO THAT! But, yet it remains true that the results are better when those actions are taken.

Being of good character is not a chore, nor is it a sign of weakness! Quite the opposite, actually. Taking responsibility for oneself is not required, but the results gained from doing so are astonishing. Being accountable for your work and behavior is not compulsory, but for those who do so, the results are exceptional. These three hallmarks of a stellar student are FREE and ACCESSIBLE to EVERYONE. Yet few choose this path. So this Christmas Season, I offer you a minor shift in the Scrooge classic along a scholastic theme:

  1. The Ghost of Character Past asks how your Character has influenced what your teachers think about you, what your classmates think about you, and what those around you think about you. How has your character impacted your grades?
  2. The Ghost of Accountability Present asks how do you hold yourself accountable? How does your current mindset about accountability influence the quality of your learning?
  3. The Ghost of Responsibility Future asks how will your grades change if you take full responsibility for your own work, your own learning, your own test scores? How will this impact your scholastic success?

Now I ask you to imagine it is Christmas Day in scholastic heart; when you throw open the shutters and take in the crisp morning air, what does your future hold? What do you shout to the world? What kind of CAR will you drive?

Ray Hollister is all about strength, excellence and potential. In fact, he has a very special connection raywith students – he’s helped thousands achieve average scores of over 90% for 20 years! His love of learning… and his ability to teach anybody the same easy strategies he used to study far less than everyone else while maintaining outrageously high test scores… quickly earned him a lot of ‘friends’ seeking his advice. Ray has personally conducted numerous studies to develop an intense, focused, and  results oriented program for college students. With the success of that program, Ray set his sights on helping younger students in Junior High, High School, and those just entering University. The end result is a program that will help any student – especially YOU – learn more, study less, and earn consistently high grades.  www.rayhollister.net

BARRY LEWIS GREEN SAYS

December has that notion of “gift giving” associated with it; whether Christmas or Hanukkah or whatever celebration one might engage this time of year.  I certainly see the diversity of friendship, talent and perspective of The CAST™ as a gift, for me… and I truly hope you.  My band, Elevation, too.  Still, here, I share some thoughts around discerning our inner gifts… thoughts I think important for students, teachers and anyone who sees life as the possibility of learning and growth.

Barry Lewis Green is ultimately a vocalist, strength coach and educator. His work is about voicing, exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths and building upon them through practical and powerful unity and resourcefulness.  His book Human Being Being Being Human speaks to that.  and that is why Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday. www.epicengage.com

 

CREATION CORNER

Jamie, each month, will offer a thought to ponder on Creativity; drawing on her longstanding expertise and experience in advancing same in others.  For this month…

JAMIE McCABE SAYS

Friends, I hope this does not come across as “selly”.  But… With the holidays fast approaching, you know the stress and worry that comes with it … of what to give others as a small token of  love or friendship. I know too, as I too struggle with what to get my mother in law or sisters for the holidays. I like to put a lot of thought into it so they know how much I care about them. I read an article the other day however, about giving “experiences” for the holidays. I thought, that is perfect! I love spending time with family and friends. What if your gifts too … were an experience. What would that look like? Well, that’s exactly what we do here at Clay Cafe! We give the gift of creativity! You will never have to give a receipt with your gift from us because you will never get the wrong color or the wrong size. How about the gift of presence? That’s right, presence! Put down your phone, get off that laptop or trv and bring someone on a date and give them the gift of being present. You can have just as much fun painting pottery with someone as you did watching that cute kitten video. The best gift I ever gave was a video I made for my Dad that began with my mom and him when they first started dating, right up into his three kids, grandkids…it was a life montage to music. He loves that video and we watch it at least 4 times a year. It was handmade with love. That’s what matters the most. So for this holiday season, give an experience, however you manifest it.  Here at the Clay Cafe, you can hand paint a gift or give the gift of painting the perfect memory with someone you love. You will have a masterpiece to remind you of your paint date that you can use and talk about for years to come. Either way, experience the Season!

JM2Jamie McCabe is all about creativity and connection. She is on a mission to bring people together through art and exploring their creative side at Clay Café Avalon. Jamie became an entrepreneur and opened the paint-your-own pottery studio in 2008 and has seen many memories painted there since then. She works with children and schools where she provides after school art programs. She believes we should color outside the lines more and embrace our inner artist. At Clay Café, it’s not about painting the perfect piece, it’s about painting the perfect memory.  www.claycafeavalon.ca

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER...

Joel, each month, will address a matter on communications… interpersonal, in groups, through presentations and technology… and drawing upon his decades of experience and observation around how we find our message and voice.  For this month…

JOEL SWEENEY SAYS

See and hear what Joel has to say on technology and communications at this time of year…

Joel Sweeney is all about effective communications. He has been speaking, training, coaching and Joel-Sweeney-291x300writing about it for over 20 years. He is the author of The Wedding MC Handbook and Little Helpings of Food for Thought. His third book, The Speaker’s Tool Box – Perfecting the Craft of Speaking, was released in the 2015. He is the owner of Professionally Speaking (established in 1995). Joel helps entrepreneurs and business professional become effective, engaging and confident speakers. www.JoelSweeney.com

 

CRAZY COOL CORNER…

Liz and Krista will be contributing on life hacks for living a cool LIFE… simple tips for better living.  It will be crazy cool.  For this month…

LIZ BURT SAYS

Hope you are well and enjoying the pre-Christmas excitement. It’s almost Christmas and, as the year draws to a close, I’m trying to take a little extra time to reflect and practice gratitude. I’ve been very fortunate this year to take a huge leap forward in my career, make a bunch of new friends, move into a cute cosy new home, and we even adopted the sweetest cuddliest cat.  Gratitude for these things is easy but on the bad days when things seem bleak, we really should try and remember all that we have to be grateful for. I think when we are so focused on progressing, achieving and improving our lives we can lose sight of how far we’ve come. The setbacks I experienced in the last few years gave me a far greater perspective, pushed me to work harder and made the triumphs of 2017 so much sweeter.  Gratitude is such an important element of a content and happy life.  So, as you celebrate the holiday season, take a little extra time to count your blessings. Think of those less fortunate and remember that even the struggles of today could one day be a gift in disguise!

Liz Burt is about real and healthy results.  She is a master motivator. She is also a marathoner and marketing specialist living in Calgary, AB. She holds a three-year diploma in Business Management and Marketing, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and will begin her MA at the University of Alberta this spring. In addition to being wild about learning and running, Liz is also an avid traveller and has backpacked through twenty countries in the last few years. In her professional life she loves working with small businesses to develop simple and effective marketing and communications plans that achieve real results. She is creative, a bit of a health nut and loves to share her healthy passions in her blog. Liz is a goal setter and risk taker. She loves coffee, cooking, and great conversations. She gets huge joy in helping people and small businesses achieve their goals and are always ready to lend an ear and share advice. lizburt.wordpress.com

KRISTA WALSH SAYS

Krista shares a life lesson on memory and names… ?

Krista Walsh is about productivity and creating cash flow.  Krista is an award winning entrepreneur, author and speaker. From dental assistant drop out, to family business builder, to emerging leader for Atlantic Canada (twice), Krista will share her journey from failure to success and explore how to increase your cash flow and productivity.  In 2005 Krista established “KC COLLECT,” a credit, collection and resource company. It would be the first and only female-owned collection agency in Atlantic Canada.  Krista’s informative presentations engage and challenge audiences to effectively manage and build their businesses, professional relationships, and enhance their profiles.  Andrew Oland- President, Moosehead Breweries says “Krista is a smart, dedicated and passionate woman. She is an engaging and practical presenter who adds tremendous value to any audience.”  Her breakout sessions will assist you in navigating the practical tools you can implement immediately to increase sales and productivity, enhance and build relationships, and strengthen and increase cash flow.  Krista’s determination and vision has been recognized by her peers and she has twice received the Atlantic Canadian Emerging Award as one of Canada’s leading young entrepreneurs. www.kccollect.vpweb.ca

MUSIC and MESSAGE…

Going forward, Mark and Sheena will be contributing quotes and music respectively in our new section called MUSIC and MESSAGE… to lift the mind and heart.  For December…

MARK BLACK SAYS

Going forward, Mark will be offering motivating thoughts in visual form… going to be cool.  For now, Mark has offered…

Mark Black, CSP is all about wellness and resilience.  He is a Heart blackand Double-Lung Transplant Recipient, 4-time marathoner, resilience expert, speaker, and coach. Mark helps people “Thrive in Challenging Times”. A Certified Speaking Professional, Mark has inspired more than 100,000 people in more than 350 presentations. At 23 Mark faced an unimaginable challenge. His doctor informed him that his heart was failing. Without a rare and dangerous heart and double-lung transplant he would not see his 25th birthday. Three years later, after receiving his second chance at life, Mark ran his first marathon. Mark spends his free time with his beautiful wife and two kids.  www.markblack.ca

SHEENA GROBB SINGS

Moving forward, Sheena shares in song, and message; and I am ever thankful.  This month she shares a beautiful message on ALREADY THERE.  Truthfully, the first time I heard this song, it was live, unexpected and most needed by me.  It was a moment that I truly needed to hear the message.  It still warms my heart, deeply.  I hope it does for you too.  Thank you Sheena. 🙂

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, Sheenaand 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

QUOTE of the MONTH

That which God said to the rose, and caused it to laugh in full-blown beauty, He said to my heart, and made it a hundred times more beautiful.  — Rumi

VIDEO for the MONTH

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