Recently I was working (& playing) in Rio de Janiero, Brazil for the United Nation's World Urban Forum, where I presented a workshop on cultural intelligence. The event included a celebration of young artists which the United Nations have deemed 'Messengers of Truth'. They are artists from all … [Read more...] about Messengers of Truth
Samba lessons from Brazil
I was recently in a traditional Samba club called Democraticos in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. I was in Rio to do cultural intelligence training for the United Nations and one night, post-conference, a bunch of us gathered in Lappa, a district of Rio. Think people. Lots and lots and lots of people. … [Read more...] about Samba lessons from Brazil
Teambuilding Brazilian Style
Raucous cheering filled the air which competed with the hum and thrum of the rain forest. Wild toucans flew about the forest canopy while 6 foot long arapaima fish swam below the tangle of arms and legs that were trying to coordinate themselves down the river. In Rio Quente, Brazil, a thermal … [Read more...] about Teambuilding Brazilian Style
You just never know, surprises Brazilian style
As I mentioned in my last post, I've been at the UN World Urban Forum (WUF) in Rio de Janiero, Brazil where I gave a workshop on cultural intelligence. Here's the behind the scenes story to the workshop, what I didn't tell you in that post. When the time came to start there were only 3 people in … [Read more...] about You just never know, surprises Brazilian style
Cultural intelligence and the UN Rio World Urban Forum
What's your CQ? You may be familiar with IQ, social intelligence and emotional intelligence but the new kid on the block is cultural intelligence. I'm in Rio de Janiero, Brazil at the United Nations World Urban Forum. I've just finished doing a workshop on cultural intelligence, which is a … [Read more...] about Cultural intelligence and the UN Rio World Urban Forum
Bingo based decision making
I'm traveling and working in Brazil, for the United Nations, and recently had a curious example of decision making using Bingo. The tale happens in Rio Quente, a resort anchored around a thermal river. Think every kind of water themed event and you'll get the picture, including snorkeling with 6 … [Read more...] about Bingo based decision making
Christmas in Brazil in March & the road most taken
I recently did a marathon. I drove 17 hours, from Rio Quente to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to present a cultural intelligence workshop at the United Nations World Urban Forum. When the impossibly white fat and fluffy clouds, which have floated in an endless sea of sky, have given way to an inky … [Read more...] about Christmas in Brazil in March & the road most taken
Are you a sieve or a sponge?
We see what we expect to see. The Heath Brothers, in their fantastic book Made to Stick, talk about our minds being like a sieve as opposed to a sponge - that to remember something it has to be big enough, memorable enough, sticky enough to get caught in the sieve. My sieve got stuck when I … [Read more...] about Are you a sieve or a sponge?
Finding the 'e' in parking
Travel both stretches the mind and the patience. Travel suffuses the spirit with all sorts of possibilities, possibilities that seem effortless and reachable. Creativity catches a ride in your suitcase to your far flung destination and ideas float as freely there as the lizard that my son … [Read more...] about Finding the 'e' in parking
180 degrees of first class
I hurt my back. My physio said not to sit. I was about to board a long-haul, international flight to Brazil. Not a good combo. So, for the first time, I upgraded to first class. Who are the predominant first class fliers? It feels silly even to ask the question. Business folk of course. And … [Read more...] about 180 degrees of first class
Weight loss and business lessons
Today I'm celebrating my two year anniversary of having lost 30 pounds. I learned a lot during my weight loss journey. Mostly I learned it's about common sense prevailing over wishful thinking, reducing the power I have to delude myself and accepting some givens without excuses. I also learned … [Read more...] about Weight loss and business lessons
More business savvy from Arlene Dickinson; don't die at 60 with your millions
Arlene Dickinson is smart, savvy and easy to listen to. She's CEO of Venture Communications, 'one of Canada's largest marketing firms'. At a recent talk she gave, she was asked for her top advice. Here it is, plain and simple. 'Thank god you don't live in Haiti [or more recently earthquake … [Read more...] about More business savvy from Arlene Dickinson; don't die at 60 with your millions
