Like many of you, I work independently from physical workplaces, although I absolutely rely on collaboration and interdependency with people to accomplish my goals and ambitions.

My career started in 1981 when, after completing community college, I moved to Saint John to work at NB Tel as a computer programmer. I figured I’d give it three years and then return to Cape Breton with some great experience. As it turns out I retired from the successor company in 2011 after 30 years of employment.

Over those 30 years I had some great experiences inside and outside the company. A transformative experience was when Bill and Arnold, two engineers I was doing some work with, visited my desk and told me I was a pretty smart guy but I was too quiet. They were right and they brought me to the Saint John Toastmasters club. In Toastmasters my skills and confidence grew quickly and many years later I was elected to serve as International President for the entire Toastmasters organization, chairing the board of directors and travelling and meeting Toastmasters and sponsoring organizations in some of the 145 countries where Toastmasters operates clubs. I continue to attend Toastmasters weekly to keep my communication and leadership skills honed, and to watch and support others in their development.

These days my work consists primarily of writing, speaking about communication and leadership, and coaching speakers, all achieved in better times amid some significant travel. Additionally, as a volunteer, I serve as President and Board Chair for L’Arche Saint John, part of a network of communities in 35 countries that works with and for people with intellectual disabilities.

Past U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt was quoted as saying ‘the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’ The idea behind this quote drives my activity, and the functions I take on, and those that I choose to take a pass on.