Tag: leadership
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Pushing Forward—Even When the Odds Are Against You
Pushing Forward—Even When the Odds Are Against You Recently, I received some tough news: my goal of joining the Canadian Armed Forces Cadet Instructor Cadre as an officer may not be possible due to medical concerns. It was a hard pill to swallow. This is something I’ve worked toward with passion and purpose, and hearing…
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Building Bridges: Creating Safe and Peaceful Communities for All
In today’s world, where divisions often run deep—across politics, religion, and race—the need to build bridges of understanding and compassion is more vital than ever. True community is not defined by uniformity, but by unity in diversity. It’s a space where people of all backgrounds can feel safe, respected, and valued. My career in security,…
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Lighting the Way: Why I Started NorthStar Perspectives
Every journey begins with a question. Mine was simple: What happened to respect? After decades in the security industry, working alongside people from all walks of life—many of whom became like family—I’ve seen the best and worst of human interaction. I’ve witnessed leadership that inspires, and leadership that discourages. I’ve seen communication build bridges, and…
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When Leadership Hurts: Navigating Disagreement in a Community That Feels Like Family
In the security world—and especially in volunteer-driven communities—relationships often run deeper than job titles. We work side by side, share meals, support each other through life’s challenges. Over time, colleagues become friends, and friends become like family. But what happens when someone in that “family”—especially someone in a leadership role—starts setting poor examples? It’s one…
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From Pepper Spray to Verbal Judo: My Journey in Security
In 1999, I stepped into the world of security with Canstar Security Services. A friend recommended the job because a friend of his owned the company. That simple connection launched a career that has shaped who I am today. I started in industrial security, then moved into retail at Hazelton Lanes. It was there that…
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Apathy to Action: The Crisis of Accountability in Canadian Governance
We are facing a crisis of accountability in Canadian politics that transcends typical partisan squabbles. The core problem lies in a structural flaw that fuels the widespread malaise, especially among younger generations: the lack of a mechanism for citizens to force a general election when a majority of the country demands it. The Fixed-Date Dilemma…
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Leading Through Fear: Choosing Courage Over Comfort
Leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about having the courage to ask the right questions—even when the answers might be uncomfortable. Fear is a constant companion in leadership. It whispers doubts: What if I make the wrong call? What if I lose the respect of my team? What if I fail? These…
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