“Order” vs. “Liberty”: A Constitutional Contrast

We all know that actions speak louder than words. But it’s important to remember that  all actions start with words. Whether spoken, written, or tweeted, words matter, especially those from the mouths of prominent leaders.

During these strange times, language is the critical tool used by leaders to persuade, compel, cajole, and dictate to us how we might collectively cope with COVID-19. Amplified by media and social networks, words can pacify populations and placate capitalists, or they can do the opposite. As leaders face unprecedented challenges, some seek guidance from historic texts, the utterances of generations past, and laws that set out the parameters for action.

Canada vs. America 

When it comes to the Coronavirus, the differences in wording between the Canadian and American Constitutions reveal a curious contrast in how each country’s governments have responded to the current crisis. Section 91 of Canada’s Constitution contains the phrase “peace, order and good government” to define the Parliament’s lawmaking authority in relation to provincial authority. America’s famed Declaration of Independence refers to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as unalienable rights.  

Specifically, there are two words in the above phrases that reveal much about the psyches of these countries: “order” and “liberty”. The more I think about it, the two seem the opposite of one another. The former is about control and alignment under the direction of authority. The latter implies free will and the right to do as one wishes. 

Order and Following Orders

As we all find ourselves in the ‘New Abnormal’, we have a Canadian Prime Minister (with a minority government) doing his best to combat the crisis, with the Premiers (responsible for healthcare in the provinces) toeing the line and respectfully doing what needs to be done, according to medical and public health experts. At a business level, large Canadian companies were quick to respond to the crisis with emails like the following (sent on March 22) from the head of personal and commercial banking at the country’s largest bank, assuring clients that they will follow government’s lead and be guided the advice of medical experts:

“These are trying times. But you can take comfort in the expertise of our public health officials, the coordinated response of our provincial and federal governments and the strength of our financial system. We’re here for you and will be in the days and weeks ahead. We are committed to helping Canadians get through this.” 

Sounds like order and unity to me.  

Liberty and Liberating Neo-liberals

Contrast this with the U.S. President who, in addition to vacillating between denial, blame, and outright untruths, has lashed out against the WHO, put forward supposed cures, entertained conspiracy theories, and claimed that his country’s economy will soar “like a rocket ship” once the coronavirus pandemic is over.  America’s governors and mayors in some of its biggest states and cities, respectfully, continue to plead and fight for support in the face of misinformation and - some have argued - inadequate support.  Due to the slow response of their federal government, efforts to thwart the coronavirus were impeded, and now several states are now bandying together to try and rectify an untenable situation.  

Last week, Mr Trump reposted a tweet suggesting it was “Time to #FireFauci”, referring to the federal government’s top infectious diseases expert. On the same weekend, one of America’s largest pork processing plants shut down, but only after 238 workers tested positive for the coronavirus, more than half of the active cases in the state of South Dakota, where the factory is located.  And this week, it seems that the term “liberate” has taken on a whole new meaning as mixed messages continue to be tweeted from the White House, fomenting sections of the population to fight for their Second Amendment rights and question the authority of their state officials.

Honesty, Humility, Empathy and Grace

Fortunately, there are leaders who continue to stand tall, understanding the nuances of liberty and the importance of respectable order. On Tuesday, former U.S. President Obama released a video in which he endorsed Joe Biden as the Democratic party’s top candidate for the 2020 Elections.  In an elegant speech he shared these poignant words: 

“…if there is one thing we have learned as a country from moments of great crisis, it is that the spirit of looking out for one another… has to be reflected in our national government, the kind of leadership that is guided by knowledge and experience, honesty and humility, empathy and grace.”

Let’s hope these leadership attributes soon return to America’s highest office.

I Dream of Travel… and Africa

Yesterday, our 1000 Places To See Before You Die Page-A-Day Calendar  featured a photo of a beautiful woman from the Suri Tribe in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley.  It was a striking image that affected me for several reasons, but it was mainly my unfulfilled desire to explore the world. 

But right now, I can’t.

Certainly, travel is a privilege and that in this time of COVID-19, the thought of getting on a plane is just a distant memory.  But I can’t help myself from dreaming…

I long for the days when it will once again be possible to get on a plane and escape to another country.  I miss that chance to challenge what I know because of where I go.  There is so much to see on this beautiful planet, a place of unimaginable diversity and learning. For those lucky enough to be able to travel, it presents opportunities to discover different cultures and encounter unique people, embracing cultures that may seem alien to one’s own.

And as a child of Africa, I dream of being back among her people.  To see their smiles, hear their laughter, and observe lively banter among friends and family.

https://thecarousel.com/travel/tribe-life-edge-story-beauty-survival/

When I Next Cross the Atlantic…

Ethiopia is one African country I dream of visiting. From the mysterious churches of Lalibela to the ancient city of Gonder, there is a rich history to appreciate within her borders. Natural beauty abounds, from Lake Turkana to the Simien Mountains that hide elusive creatures like the Walia ibex and gelada (otherwise known as the ‘bleeding heart baboon’).  

But it’s her people I really long to see. In the face of tremendous economic development, the traditional ways of life practiced by different Tribes in Ethiopia have been maintained.  The Suri are some of these people. 

Gazing upon the photograph in my calendar, I see a person whose culture is under threat.  Undoubtedly, her experience of life is different from mine and my appearance is quite a strange sight to her.  She has a number of traditions that I don’t understand, but would love to appreciate.  

My ‘Future Fear’ 

Behind the floral patterns delicately drawn with clay paints is also a face, serious and fearful.  I see a woman whose way of life is being infiltrated by ‘modern life’ and by foreigners, like me. As much as her culture and traditions of decorative lip plates and scarification are under threat, I too am fearful.   

What sort of future does Africa face?  While Western countries struggle to come to terms with the thread of the coronavirus, what lies ahead for a continent that has been under appreciated and over-exploited?  Healthcare systems are buckling under the pressure of the global pandemic and I worry about many African nations’ capacity to respond to the crisis.  

Are we approaching an anti-travel world where “stay home” and protectionism will result in closed borders?  Will our fear of the unfamiliar - and difference in general - lead to keep us from cross-cultural engagement?  Are we going to become so concerned with the potential of infection that we resist the urge to engage with strangers?  

I hope not.  

In the meantime, I will keep dreaming of travel and Africa, praying that the travel industry will, one day, return to ‘normal’. 

Vimy Ridge Day: Lessons for the World from Canada

On a cold April morning 103 years ago today, 15,000 Canadian infantry jumped out of muddy trenches and ventured into no man’s land. The odds were atrocious. More than 100,000 soldiers had already died trying to take Vimy Ridge, a strategic piece of real estate in the French countryside occupied by German forces.

For the first time, four Canadian divisions (as in not representing Her Majesty) were amassed to fight a seemingly invulnerable enemy, hidden from view, and equipped with significant killing power. Having practiced and taken on specialized roles, carefully timed waves of soldiers attacked, preceded by significant artillery pounding enemy positions. 

Three days later - and with more than 10,000 Canadians injured and nearly 3,600 killed - victory was achieved. It was a defining moment for Canada and an example I believe we should hold up during the current global battle against COVID-19. 

Coming Together

Over a century ago, Canadian soldiers faced, in many ways, what all of us are facing today. In our own ‘trenches’ at home, we are being asked to virtually come together to fight an invisible enemy. We are being asked, for the first time, to make sacrifices and to collaborate, allowing the specialists in medicine, science, epidemiology and other fields to fight a pernicious virus. While we do not face a barrage of machine-gun fire, the threat to our lives is real. Some of us - particularly the infirm and elderly - may not survive this battle, but if we act together, we will advance against what our Prime Minister has asked of us all (including our children). 

Indeed, the efforts of millions of us, holed up in our homes, are what will ensure we effectively counter this pandemic. A vaccine is coming, but for now, this is how we can fight: listen to orders and do our part to stay home (a relatively small ask, methinks).

Our respective and collective responsibilities to work together, and eventually, to prevail, should unite us as they did for those brave Canadian soldiers more than one hundred years ago.

Today, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial symbolizes Canada’s long commitment to peace in the world, its stand for liberty, and the rule of international law. As much as the sacrifices of thousands of men who stepped out of their trenches won’t be forgotten, we can’t forget the important role we all play in combating the invisible foe before us. 

Lest we forget. Let us unite.

Working Remotely & Professionally (consider #pantsoptional)

Now that Knowledge Workers are all working remotely, I thought it would be useful to share a few tips on an efficient and effective home office setup, including some advice on virtual meetings etiquette. 

Ergonomics matter

Apart from finding a relatively secluded (ideally private) area in which to work, have a setup that doesn’t wreck your neck is important.  This means having a monitor at around eye level, ideally creating a two-screen setup. Unfortunately, I have a terrible chair, and am looking into some options that are far more back-friendly.

Your Health

Stay hydrated and get moving. Ensure you do a daily stretch and whenever possible, take a break and GO OUTSIDE!  Being cooped up all day does not help one’s psyche, so put together a daily schedule that includes exercise, and if you have little ones in your home; time to play together.

Levity

We’re all facing a serious situation with COVID-19, but it doesn’t mean we all have to be somber and forget about fun.  One way I try to keep it light is ‘Business Up Top but Pants Optional’.  It simply means looking professional for an on-screen audiences and feeling comfortable in your home environment.  As the summer approaches I will revert to boxer shorts, but for now, my pants optional option includes flannel pajama bottoms.  If you wish, you can be more adventurous, but just ensure you know how much of yourself is included on-camera…

Good luck with the week ahead!

A die-hard #pantsoptional proponent outside the LCBO on Bloor St. West in sub-zero (Celcius) temperatures (March 21, 2020)

The Panic Sets In

Today there was a seemingly deranged man on the subway screaming “I smell your fear” and then something about salmon…

A woman with a medical mask looked on - indifferent - holding her coffee and hoping the noise in her earphones would prevail.

Advertisements, green and inviting, cover the walls offering recipes (and ingredients) delivered to sustain ‘home hibernation’.

A lady with latex gloves plays Candy Crush on her phone, her face frowning and intense. Boxes of back-up gloves sitting at her side. 

A man spontaneously breaks into a riotous laughter by the door, amused at a story in his head. It cracked the awkward silence.

The news drones on with headlines of confusion. Shelves are empty as questions pile up. Trust is in short supply, but what about hope?…

The panic sets in.

Prophylactic Gaming

Gratitude: 52 Friendships

Relationships make the world go round. Just as the Earth has a gravitational relationship with the sun and the moon, each of us has a multitude of relationships that have formed who we are. From teachers to parents to colleagues, there are many people who have touched our lives.

In 2020, one of the intentions I set for myself was to practice gratitude more consistently. Rather than quietly contemplate it as part of a morning meditation, I’ve decided to be more proactive and public in my ‘practice’ of being grateful. My inspiration came from a TED Radio Hour podcast ‘Approaching with Kindness’ in which I heard about author AJ Jacobs who went on a journey to thank all the people responsible for his morning coffee.

Touching base (face-to-face) in 2020

I’ve put together a list of 52 relationships for which I’m particularly appreciative. Apart from writing something complimentary about each of these people, I have also committed to speaking with each of them during the course of 2020 - some of whom I haven’t been in touch with for years - to express my gratitude to them, ideally in a face-to-face conversation, or at least, a phone call.

The fact is, social media can make one a lazy friend. It’s too easy to ‘catch up’ with a ‘like’ here and a comment there. But that is not a relationship. And as someone who’s moved back to Canada after 12 years in South Africa, I have seen how social media as developed into such a superficial form of socializing.

While the busyness of life, geography and changes in circumstance have created some distance in these relationships, all 52 of these people are special people to me. They have invested their time, attention and energy in being someone who has supported me or simply been great to be around.

These are the 52 friendships for which I am grateful. Speak to you all…soon!

Tim Adams Dean Bajramovic Dan Baxter Andrew Bennett Dan Benoit Greer Blizzard Kevin Bon Simon Borchert Scott Brownrigg Alan Chumley Chantelle Cole Douglas Cole Nicola Cole Monika Conway-Wight Dave Cotton Amy Cowan Jacques Cronje Julian Diaz Gillian Drewett Paul Durrant Stephen Gardner Pieter Geldenhys Andy Harrison Katie Horton-Murray Brian Lambie Fred Leclezio Madeline Long-Duke Nici Malamoglou Anne-Marie Marais Leanne Mitchell Matt Aspiotis Morley Nicola Nel Fraser Parker Fico Pastor Peter Pound Vuyisa Qabaka Bob Ramsay Lee Rath Stuart Rothgeisser Nic Searle Sean Shannon Eduardo Shimahara Alister Smuts Nicole Sochen Johanna Stamps Clare Thomas Paul Tomes Mike Valiquette Leon Verheem Steve Williams Sevag Yeghoyan

Relationships make the world go round

On a recent trip to Nairobi, Kenya, I came across the Swahili saying:

“A letter is half as good as seeing each other.”

It resonated with me, particularly as I’ve come to realize that relationships are important to everything in life, and that seeing someone face-to-face is immeasurably valuable. Inasmuch as we live in a world of instant messaging, on-demand entertainment, and overloaded inboxes, we crave real connections.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy vicariously checking on the lives of friends on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but a ‘like’ here and a post there doesn’t quite cut it in terms of truly developing relationships. To me, social media mainly offers artificial engagements. A deceptive connectivity. 

Technologies have certainly added considerable convenience to our lives, but I worry that they also diminish real connectedness. Tempted by virtual worlds, avatars, and digital interactions, we can lose sight of the importance of relationships built on real world interactions. 

It is why I’ve created 52 Friendships, an initiative that will have me reconnect – ideally in person, but if not, on the ‘phone’ (i.e. WhatsApp/Zoom/Skype) – with individuals who have impacted my life in a meaningful way. For me, it is an opportunity rekindle relationships and to assuage a sense of guilt for being out of touch with people, some of whom I haven’t spoken with for years. 

Fundamentally it is a desire to reconnect authentically and to catch-up on each other’s lives.

Admittedly, we all lose touch with friends at various points in life. But as much as technology can help us reconnect, I don’t think it’s enough. A concerted effort is required to counter the ‘life shifts’ that inevitably take us away from relating authentically with others. While moving continents, having a family, and being ‘head down’ at work have impeded my ability to reach out to friends, the onus to do so rests, ultimately, on my shoulders.   

I expect '52 Friendships' will be a useful impetus for me being a better friend. 

A ‘New Life’ in Canada

‘Establishing a life’ in a new country is all about ups and downs, frustrations, fears and embracing uncertainty.  Oscillating between delight and despair, finding work has been the biggest challenge in reestablishing myself in Canada. 

Feeling like I’m a few steps behind my contemporaries, and facing the prospect of bringing in funds that are automatically reduced in value by more than 90%, it is a profoundly humbling experience to consider one’s lot in comparison to others (which one shouldn’t, but it’s so difficult not to do so).  Looking beyond what could have been, and focusing on come what may be, I am trying to remain focused on how I can make a headstart rather than feeling behind.  

I remind myself that our life here is, by in large, comfortable. We live in a great place that is warm and well equipped.  We have pleasant neighbours, a safe neighbourhood and relatively good proximity to public transport.  In fact, not owning any form of transport (other than a wagon for Ben – more on this later), requires one to walk, which is a wonderful way to discover the many interesting businesses around us. It also allows me to get a decent bit of exercise each day.  

I’m welcoming – with a smile on my face – the chores of Canadian life.  From shovelling snow and spreading salt on the ground to keep our walkway safe, to the filling of garbage, recycling and ‘green waste’ containers that one has to roll to the road for collection with the bins emptied depending upon the City of Toronto collection schedule. (incidentally, Green Bin organics are picked up every week while Blue Bin recycling and garbage are collected on alternating weeks.)

The Tough Part

Where things get tough is the ‘job’ of finding a job.  It is a constant up and down, with rare moments of utter elation contrasted by a mix of emotions including self-doubt, frustration, and despair.  The process of applying for roles is quite a time-consuming activity that involves careful analysis of a job description, the development of a personal letter to adequately express one’s accomplishments, character and a sense of one’s perceived ‘fit’ within an organization.   This comes with envisioning the role and how it would feel to be employed, how colleagues would be, the sort of environment(s) in which one would work and the kinds of activities undertaken each week to get a sense of achievement.  

I’ve learned that for some, the value we ascribe to ourselves is often based on what we do.  When one is not working, it can at times, feel like one is not contributing to society, and not adding value to the economy.  Most importantly, it leaves one feeling insignificant and questioning how much one has actually accomplished in one’s career.  This can potentially lead to a slippery slope into a dark valley of fear, a place that we try hard to avoid.  

Family, Friends and Strangers

The challenge is, it’s always there.  Like looking over the edge of a cliff or down onto the streets from a rooftop.  Holding on to little moments of pride and ‘small accomplishments’ keeps one’s grip strong and helps to secure one’s footing, but there’s always the possibility of letting go.  To this, support systems are so important, in keeping you ‘on top’ and balancing oneself emotionally.  Family, friends and even complete strangers able to say “I understand”, all help to keep one grounded and focused on what’s above, rather than what’s below. 

I have found so much strength in my wife and her ability to plan, assess and evaluate opportunities. She has been such a positive force in helping me feel confident and accomplished. We have helped each other out as the ‘outside voice’ and the subjective bystander in editing each other’s cover letters and preparing for interviews.  

Family have also been wonderful to have as ‘sounding boards’ and to help out with little things that, together, help to make life comfortable.  They provide a sense of support with messages and phone calls offering to help with rides, invites to meals and pieces of advice in terms of where to shop, how to commute and what places to explore as we settle in to our new life. This has even extended into some babysitting from one of my nieces, which has given us a bit of couple time and a chance to network over social suppers. 

Beyond those closest to us, there are individuals who have ‘reached out’ with small gestures of assistance.  From school parents inviting us to their child’s birthday party to our neighbour shovelling snow by the front door, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and friendliness of Torontonians.  

Job Hunting in Toronto

A new city, a new life. That’s the thinking in coming to Toronto, Canada’s biggest city and the financial centre of the country. With my LinkedIn profile up-to-date, a polished up CV and a new suit, I have ‘put myself out there’. As a job hunter I can say there are three priorities when seeking employment: 1) Work your network; 2) Strategically attend events; and 3) Use LinkedIn wisely.

Work your network

While one may not be working, the best first step is to get in touch with friends and colleagues from previous positions to ‘test the market’. Hear from them on where they think opportunities may lie, some of their perceptions of the job market and insights into agencies, companies and leaders in different sectors in which they work. If you’re interested in a particular company that they either work at presently or previously, ask about the people, the culture and various positions at the firm. Enquire as to how they landed their job, whether they know any good headhunters, and even if they’re aware of any organizations looking for specific talents and experience.

In effect, you’re interviewing those in the market about opportunities that may be available. It is a strategic way to capture ‘on the ground’ information and if an opportunity does manifest itself, receiving a first-hand recommendation (ideally face-to-face or on an email) via a friend, is the most powerful way to have your name elevated among considered candidates. Such ‘insider recommendations’ are alway useful, so pay attention to this feature on LinkedIn (see below).

Strategically attend events

This is also a tactic to learning about the local market, but in a way that could payoff handsomely. If you look for events in your industry or at least industries and/or trends of interest, sign up and go! Sometimes events are free but generally there is a nominal cost to network and learn. And once you’re there, make the most of it, talking to strangers, from the organizers to the attendees to yes, even the speakers/panelists.

Face time and a handshake are often underestimated in their impact. Make yourself memorable with smart questions, a passion for the focus of the event, and a coherent understanding of who you are and what you’re looking for. Whether you meet an industry expert or a student new to the sector, be friendly, engaging and curious. Apart from being polite, you never know who that person knows…but you won’t unless you open your mouth and bother to say something. And if you end up landing an interview, make sure you reference attending events relevant to the interviewer (i.e. those that may show your interest in a particular industry or expertise in a certain trend).

Use LinkedIn wisely

The #1 platform for work-related networking is a very useful tool, but only if it is ‘employed’ to its potential. A few tips to make the most of it:

- Follow industry leaders and companies of interest and post on your feed your insights and comments about content they may be sharing. Even better, write an original post and share your own content, tagging in those you’re like to notice, like and share it.

- Sign up for LinkedIn Premium. It gives great insights and you can always downgrade when you’re employed. While ‘between jobs’, invest in this tool to see in which jobs you’re the top applicant (based on your profile), view a detailed breakdown of salaries by (per industry, company size, education level and field of study), and analyze hiring trends and employ-relevant stats from different companies.

- Take some courses on LinkedIn. While they are a relatively new feature on the platform, there is a diverse array of topics to study while you’re looking for a job. As you complete courses and learn new skills, put them on your CV and/or LinkedIn profile. Lifelong learning is mandatory if you’re going to get ahead - let alone keep up - in today’s economy. Pick up important terms and equip yourself with knowledge and insights that may set you apart from other candidates.

Bitter-sweet 16th

Today will be a month since we left South Africa to start a new life together, in Toronto, Canada. Twelve years have passed - to the day - in which I have lived in the excruciatingly beautiful country, apparently one of Africa’s richest and most promising nations.

It was also the 16th of December back in 2006 that I arrived in the Cape Town, following a two-month sabbatical in South America*. I had flown on a one-way Air Malaysia flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina, having backpacked through four countries (Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina). Ostensibly ‘back home’ - as I was born in the Mother City (one of Cape Town’s nicknames) - to see my family and then to fly off to continue my travels.

Then, I fell in love with the city.

It’s not difficult to imagine.  Cape Town is undeniably attractive and can easily seduce visitors with her plentiful vineyards, extraordinary beaches and vistas that take your breathe away. The city is regularly at the top of ‘best destinations to visit in the world’. In fact, it is one of the most revisited destinations in the world with travellers returning regularly, some entranced enough to stay.

South Africa is a country of contrasts and these are glaringly apparent in Cape Town: wealth and poverty, kindness and cruelty, beauty and wretched depravity. But if one has the means to choose where you visit, the city offers unprecedented accessibility to a range of experiences, from camping in dusty deserts to walking barefoot in lush gardens. Within half an hour one can go from shaking the white-gloved hand of a hotel doorman to saying “cheers” to locals at bring-your-own-meat-and-drinks to shanty town braai (barbeque).

Smiles aplenty & hospitable locals

It also helps a great deal if you get to know some locals. Fortunately for me, I did meet some wonderful Capetonians, who welcomed me into the city and the way of life that one can enjoy in and around the city.

Failing this, a good resource for finding out what’s what in the Mother City is CapeTownMagazine, a local website that has about a 50/50 split between locals and foreigners (Dutch/Germans, mainly) among its audience.

 Some years later, I also fell in love with an extraordinary woman, who eventually became my wife, another reason I dearly love Cape Town.

* I had produced a blog of this experience, but the platform I used went out of business and in doing so, all my photos and posts were lost.