Saturday, January 13, 2018

BY INVITATION: A conversation with Dr. Marie Delorme, recipient of The Order of Canada

The Order of Canada medal SOURCE (Canadian Encyclopedia.ca)


I like to think I pay attention to what goes on around me online.  I'm tuned in on most social media channels, with Linked In being one of my go to's.  One of the features I like the most is when one of my network contacts is in the news.  I was thrilled to discover this wonderful nugget of accomplishment on my timeline that Dr. Marie Delorme was recognized as the recipient of The Order of Canada - see sidebar.

As I do most often, I re-posted this distinguished award on my feed and sent a personalized congratulations message to Dr. Delorme.  She responded quickly, humbly and graciously.

Marie has been called an entrepreneur, a business leader, a Metis woman, an Indigenous person, a Ph.D. doctorate, a creative leader.  Now she can add Order of Canada recipient to her impressive bio.

I asked Dr. Delorme for permission to write a blog in the form of asking a bunch of questions for her to answer.   What unraveled was a glimpse of a magnificent woman who gives more of her self than most business leaders do in a lifetime.  

Dr. Marie Delorme


Who do you want to be identified as?  (i.e. Mother, wife, daughter, sister, CEO, Indigenous woman, woman, feminist, business person, Calgarian, Canadian. 
I am an entrepreneur, mother, feminist, a Métis woman originally from Manitoba but a Calgarian for the past 32 years.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
My brother and I grew up in a farming community. A special treat was buying comic books for 10 cents at the little store a mile down the road. My brother taught me to read them before I went into grade one. I wanted to be a DC character like Superman, Supergirl, or Wonder Woman.

Besides "everything will be okay" what would you tell your 12 year old self?
The next 10 years mark a journey that will be the hardest you will navigate in your life. Know that you have the strength and endurance to see it through and wonderful adventures are coming your way. Tough times do not last, but tough people do.  

Who or what has been your greatest influence?  Event or Person? 
Throughout my life, many people have formed my journey. Some, like my grade 10 teacher, introduced a love of literature; my brother had the patience to teach me to drive as a teenager; my son gave me the unique experience of being a mother and now a business partner; an Indigenous woman elder in Winnipeg is in her 80s and is a role model for love, patience, and inner beauty; my best friend for the past 48 years has a wonderful family who gave me a sense of belonging and love in my teen years. And, of course, there are the people I have never met but who were role models and influencers. They are musicians, writers, actors, and poets. And the everyday people who accomplish great things; who may briefly make the news; but who contribute to society in meaningful ways. All of these people and many, many more have influenced me. I had the wonderful opportunity to come of age in the 60s and 70s -- a time that produced great social change -- The American Indian Movement, The Women’s Liberation Movement, The Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement all influenced my thinking and values. And, of course, the very best music ever came out of that era!

What did your 80 y/o mentor have to say about this award? 
She sent a lovely email message, that included the phrase “yabba dabba do”!!!

Do you have a Metis women role model?  Woman role model?
Mae Louise Campbell from Manitoba who embodies a healing spirit and has dedicated her life to the knowledge that when women fully assume their rightful place as leaders, the world will find healing and peace.

Have you ever seen an ancestry/DNA result from your heritage?
 I know both sides of my lineage. On my father’s side back to the 1600s and over a century back on my mother’s side. Ancestry.com or DNA analysis would not add to that knowledge.

What is your connection to non-Ingenious persons? 
As Jane Elliott would say “there is only one race…the human race”

Before The Order of Canada, what were you most proud of?
Being the mother of an accomplished, self-actualized, strong, and compassionate man who has been my business mentor and my friend; and having the opportunity to play a small role in who he is today.

What has changed the most since you won the prestigious award? 
The wonderful connections with friend and colleagues over the past week, some whom I haven’t seen for decades! It has truly been a blessing to hear from so many special people.

Did you struggle in school or were you on the honor role?
 Although they were not formally educated, my parents always stressed the importance of education. Academic achievement was a given for my brother and me.


When you sought your education, went on your knowledge quest, what was most important for your to discover?
 A broader understanding and perspective of the world.


What was your PhD about?
It was an interdisciplinary PhD (Anthropology, Sociology, Business) focused on intercultural leadership in the context of economic development.

Do you mentor others?  In the community? Through associations via business?
Mentorship is an important part of giving back, or paying forward. The first formal mentoring role was through an Indigenous internship program in the telecommunications industry over 2 decades ago. For the past 8 years I have been engaged as a mentor in the Coady International Institute’s Indigenous Women in Community Leadership program.

What is the least likely thing for people to know about you?  Secret vice?
I thoroughly enjoy being with people, but regeneration is a solitary endeavor. I have been to many countries and often choose to travel alone. I like the adventure, the freedom, and the unique opportunity to meet people in circumstances and places that would not have otherwise manifested. The result is a litany of great stories and friendships around the world.


What is your solitary pursuit?  Reading memoirs, bios, thrillers, social media?  Hitting golf balls on the driving range? Watching TV or Movies?
Reading, riding my bicycle, catching up on some of the series that build up on my pvr.

Family, married, children, pets, community, friends?  (or all of the above) .... What keeps you balanced? 
Catching up with friends and loved ones across the country. I often try to fit in a visit over a bite to eat, tea, or a glass of wine when I am on the road. Almost 20 years ago my son bought me golf clubs and encouraged me to take lessons. Best move ever. Catching up with friends over a game of golf is one of the most rewarding, pleasant, and spiritual experiences. And if you really want to get to know someone, just spend 4 hours on the course with them, and you will learn everything you know just by observing how they deal with joy, disappointment, and stress!

What is your handicap in golf?  Have you taken lessons or relied on learning as your go?
  I can fairly consistently shoot in the low to mid 90s with the occasional game in the 80s. Of course, there is the inevitable “blow up” game where it all falls apart. It can be a humbling sport. I once read that golf is the perfect game because it can never be mastered.

Does your best game in golf mimic your best life lesson or business lesson?
 My best game was played on 3 hours sleep when my flight was delayed and I was not able to make alternate arrangements with the group. I asked one of the foursome to keep my score as I was fatigued. I shot an 81 … likely because I just wanted to get home to sleep! I have only repeated that once since. But I did get a hole in one at a tournament several years ago!



I noticed you checked your Linked In profile via mobile .... is that how you stay connected online most? (Mobility or Email or Social Media in order of usage/preference) 
I love technology. My iPad and iPhone are critical to organizing my business and personal life, and for keeping in touch with friends and colleagues. I only use social media for business linkages. I never work on planes. It is downtime. My iPad is loaded with books, movies, and tv shows specifically for passing time when travelling.

If you had to choose only one digital device, leaving all others behind, which one would it be?
 My iPhone.

What is your "go to" social media site?  
 LinkedIn.

Do you think you will write a book?  If so, what will it be about? 
Doesn’t everyone have a book they want to write? Perhaps one day.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
I spend a lot of time on airplanes and am forever baffled by the lack of etiquette displayed by some travelers. Perhaps that is the book, as I have a list on my iPad of over four dozen instances I have observed. Some examples are hard to believe if they were not experienced first hand.

I'd love to read that book on travel etiquette -- what is the most toxic that make other passengers uncomfortable?
 Any kind of personal grooming, not tidying the washroom after use, trying to fit an oversized piece of luggage into the bin thus delaying boarding, playing music or a video without using earphones. The most shocking was the guy next to me in the airline lounge who stripped down to his waist and changed clothes! Yikes…so many examples

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?  ... who is your favorite musical artist?
The Rolling Stones always. And specifically, Keith Richards, the soul of the band. His memoir “Life” is a must read. He said “About myself I have no great illusions. I know what I am. I know what I’m good at and what I am not. I’m always hoping to surprise myself. But I do have a love of music and communication. That is the best I can do. And I can raise a good family too.”

What is your favorite movie?
 I don’t have a favorite, but am drawn to sci-fi and dramas. I rarely watch anything twice.

What is your favorite song?
 Too many to list, but a few that come to mind include: “Fields of Gold” written by Sting and performed by Eva Cassidy; Keith Richards “You Got the Silver” and “Trouble”; “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from the third act of the opera Nabucco.

With this award, what has it allowed you to do that otherwise may not have presented itself?
Ask me in a few months…it has only been a week!

Did you watch the Golden Globe Awards? 
No.  

What was your personal reaction to the solidarity among so many diverse women with a common message?
 The voices of the thousands of strong women and men are collectively inspiring change that is so long overdue. This is the catalyst for a social movement that must impact every workplace and channel the outrage into legal, behavioral, and organizational transformation.




How has this award impacted your business?  Increased inquiries, increased orders, increased requests to connect?
Ask me in the future, it has only been a week!

Many who achieve greatness turn around and forage into public life.  Would you ever consider going into public service (aka politics)?
No. Never. I have great admiration for people who run for public office. Choosing that path takes a special kind of courage. It is so important that organizations like Equal Voice are supported; they are dedicated to electing more women to every level of political office in our country.  

In today's competitive environment, what do you think is the biggest challenge? 
The world in 2018, politically and economically, is uncertain and precarious. However, voices that have been silenced for too long are being heard. Voices from the “Me Too” movement, the MMIW Inquiry, and human trafficking. These are the catalysts for a societal sea of change.

What is your biggest challenge you face for 2018?
Finding the time to do everything I want to do, to not waste a minute, and to consistently shoot in the 80s in golf!



Predictions for 2018?  
I am not that prescient or confident that I can provide sage advice based on a prediction. Rather I believe in taking informed risks, leaving room for serendipity, and a little bit of luck. My brother often uses that saying: “funny thing about luck…the harder I work, the luckier I get”   

In the next five years I would like to see … happen? 
Forty years ago, we were talking about equality, love, diversity, respect, and peace. In so many ways we have moved forward; and in so many ways we have not progressed at all. The songs of protest and the songs of love of that era are as relevant today as they were then. The solutions do not lie in anger and hatred but in redefining the smallest of day-to-day actions and the largest of political and economic actions to achieve societal solutions. 

What do you want to be remembered for?
Many years ago, when I was in my 20s and was promoted into my first management role, a woman who was retiring imparted some sage advice. She said “There are very few women in these positions and you will be watched closely. But remember that at the end of the day, and that day comes for all of us, no one will remember your accomplishments. They will only remember how you made them feel in your presence”. Words to live by.


BIO:

Dr. Marie Delorme is CEO of The Imagination Group of Companies. She chairs the Chiniki Trico Board, is past chair of the RCMP Foundation Board, and serves on the River Cree Enterprises Board, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, and The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. She is also an adviser for the Coady International Institute, the Canadian Police College, Pathways to Education, and Save the Children Canada.

Dr. Delorme is a Member of the Order of Canada. She has received the Indspire Award in Business and Commerce; and was named as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women. Other awards include: the University of Calgary Dr. Douglas Cardinal Award; Alberta Chamber of Commerce Business Award of Distinction; Calgary Chamber of Commerce Salute to Excellence Award, and Métis Nation Entrepreneurial Leadership Award.

Dr. Delorme holds a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Business Administration from Queen's University, and PhD from the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on inter-cultural leadership.

The Imagination Group is an Indigenous corporation comprised of four organizations. Imagination, The Aboriginal Gifting Company is a nationally recognized brand in the promotional products and gifting industry; and is also a manufacturer of ceremonial tobacco. For 17 years Imagination has provided brand management services to industry, governments, and indigenous groups. Imagination Franchising and Authentically Aboriginal are complementary organizations, the latter being a not-for-profit entity. Imagination Consulting specializes in guiding organizations to operate more efficiently and profitably; focusing on value creation and offering clients a unique understanding of the spectrum of challenges that business leaders face – from long range planning to critical day-to-day business issues. The Imagination Group engages with clients in a thorough analysis of business operations and issues and the development of plans to address gaps and implement improvements. The Imagination Group consulting practice brings over 40 years of specialized business experience to our clients.

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/nationimagination/
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To celebrate Dr. Delorme's accomplishment, donations may be extended to her charities of choice:



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(photo credit-Phillip Chin)





Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Old, sad and and and ... time's up!



Taking a look at this photo I think: I look old and sad.

Just talking to a government representative when I made an off-the-cuff remark: referencing the #timesup movement : “there sure isn’t much information on #anxiety recognition as a #MentalHealthMatters”; and she said: “yeah, I know”.  Honestly reacting to what she knew, not what she thought.  She represented the Canadian government when we spoke.  

I struggle between telling my story and refraining from doing or saying anything that could have negative impact for me or others.  Isn’t that censorship?  As we smugly sit back, empathizing with many citizens in #Iran while we are ignorant of the fact that our employers and Big Brother monitoring our every move, no longer restricted to just what we’re doing at work, but also what we're posting or saying on our personal profiles.

If I were a real data scientist, not just someone who digs numbers, I could create an APP that sweeps your digital device squeaky clean as a new born device: computers, tablets, moreover likely our Smartphone or any telephone, regardless of legacy (aka an analog connection traditionally referenced as “Home Phone” pet name.  This APP would clear all history, clicks, sites we visit to avoid a digital stamp.  Remember, you heard about it here even if I'm not a developer (lol).



Absolutely loved watching #TheGoldenGlobes last night with #TIMESUP now trending: what a show of #solidarity among ALL #Women4Women female actors and creators with memorable @Moments making a solid stand together in black, providing the backdrop of amazing black gowns & statement.

Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017 HEADLINE of my year: mental health MATTERS

My family would say that it usually comes from people behind me.


I posted the following on Facebook as is my latest habit.  If you want a peak glimpse of my journey when I log online:

  1. Check email
  2. Click on a link from SUBSCRIPTIONS 
  3. Share that article on FACEBOOK
  4. Make a comment, or more these days blog about the article on my social media channels, mostly Twitter and Facebook because all the other sites make it annoying and a hassle to do much.  Other than Google in a major way:  the best stuff I curate on G+
  5. Copy and paste that post, especially if I've yawned on and on to any one of my blogs, where I think it fits the theme [ from ATTITUDE to GRATITUDE to PLATITUDES ] is the common thread.


My headline of the year was Mental Health and my purpose for 2018 will be to supply Mental Health education and awareness as best as I know possible: by leveraging my social media handle OptioneerJM​ to bring understanding to those that need enlightenment mostly, with help resources shares for those who think they may need help.

Call it a New Year's Resolution if you must.  For me it is a direction on a path I began about a year ago.  Some of the big disappointments from 2017 will be exorcised on my blogs (on meanderingsABOUT.blogspot.com or YUPPYdom.wordpress and POSTINGSfromtheEDGE.blogspot ) with the intention of bringing greater awareness to Mental Health and, in particular, the work place.

The story will be told in the not too distant future.  What lead me to this place.  What lead me to this start on this cause? To be shared, honestly and personally, my own rude awakening this past year, 2017, by golly:  at 56 years of young, I am just coming to terms with being bullied.

Bullying is a horrendous affliction.  I wrote about it and did a presentation/speech in Toastmasters International in Calgary at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce [ where our Pioneer Nooners tribe gathered, formed deep-rooted friendships in a distinguished circle of high achievers, dreamers, innovators and quality crew of misfits (nod to Steve Jobs) who wanted only to be better.  Not to settle for the status quo but to leap into the abyss of the black hole of fear.  We were all horrified at the thought of speaking in front of a group.  Many of us knew that in our careers (one architect of the firm that designed the now-beleaguered Calgary Saddledome went on to be our The Calgary Chamber of Commerce​ president the year after he joined.

An interesting behavior I was able to observe fairly closely, provide constructive criticism on his speeches within the same luncheon boardroom.  How lucky was I to be able to be surrounding by sucy magnificent people!!  All I had to do was join Toastmasters.  

Soooooooo, this list of the words of the year would be an awesome Table Topic at your next Toastmasters Meeting in Calgary, or anywhere else in the world for that matter!  

Here is the Table Topic:  for 2 minutes, tell us your WORD of the YEAR + why you chose it.  Avoid any ums, ahs, sooooooo's, you know.  Don't go over 2 minutes OR ELSE you will have a penalty (eliminated from winning by vote-using the various numbers and tools available on the web).  If you want to do a video ~ just reply and attach it; share it if you participate, or like, or on your first 2018 to do.  

Regardless of who you are, how you know me, what you do, your age, occupation or education:  say or video what your word of the day and why!

LINK to optioneerJM on Facebook (feel free to share with me on Twitter, InstaGram, Pinterest, G+ etc.)



There my journey comes to a halt or a pause.  I'll ask hubby if he's done gaming with the kids and can we please watch a movie ...... if he ignores me per usual, it is a complete halt, as I go on the offensive of getting my way.

Hubby and I with our latest toy: 1964 Ford Falcon Ranchero (nostalgia or what?)



Happy New Year's Eve 2017
Thank you for reading my blog.
Let's make 2018 an even better year!
xo Jeannette


Tuesday, December 19, 2017

I'd settle on being the Queen of something

Sir BUDDY:  My sidekick and assistant 


In a meandering mood, without any particular destination in mind, online, of course.  Definitely, with some great mood selections from my really cool playlists [ I say myself attesting to the many hours I categorized my iTunes music library in a mood setting and that means both from where I physically am to where I am continually striving for better moods.

When one is struggling with depression, it means that they are likely grasping for safety nets of positive inspiration or motivation.  Giving back.  Giving what one knows or has sharing honest advice based on one's own unique perspective in whatever that may represent:  as a person (wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, outlaw or in-law I may be.  

Buddy avoided a younger dog-sibling by the masterful decree by HH that I could NOT adopt a dog


I've discovered a new identity emerging from the wisp and whoosh of inspiration that glimmers across one's screen.  Maybe I've been hovering in a lot of different areas, appearing scattered, however, there is still consistency from my original vision/mission statement:  "To help others go from average to REMARKABLE".  I see that slogan here and there.  Maybe I can do that creatively, who knows.

But wandering around, I saw posts and what felt like a flurry of activity from FACEBOOK ~ wow, who's radar did I get on now?  Or is the merge between KRED and EMPIRE really trying to outdo the other battle of supremacy on leading edge Artificial Intelligence by throwing more and more things across your computer screen, daring you to click on what they've carefully selected you to view.




I hope it doesn't mean that we're closer to a Brave New World (was that the one I read in Grade 12 English about mind control, big brother?) ~ will have to fact check.  My growing list of fact checking is getting annoying.  I'd rather write than check facts, something that I would spend hours doing when I first began blogging as optioneerJM seven years ago.



I'm amazed at the craftiness of Facebook tempting me with MEMORIES and growing that part of AI which is another way of saying Automated Internet .... what you do, where you click, how often you click is being captured for your entertainment or knowledge value, which ever your behavior predicts that you have a tendency to go to or click on.

Regardless, I firmly plan my crown upon my head as the official new dear abby of online.  Why?  It's fun and it seems to help people and more questions keep coming for me to answer with more people viewing my answers daily.  Although sales was my first forage on to the social media spectrum, social media certainly follow in a natural graduation.  Now I am being invited to try products and be beta first responders/testers.  It's all very cool.  However, nothing I do online makes any money.  The pathetic truth that it is.



My gauntlet is tossed.  I challenge 2018 to bring me compensation so that I can continue to create:  both painted images or written thought.  Well enough to quit a full time job since it requires around the clock, if not attention, connected.  If I get a little more honest by evaluating my own numbers (I gush at the thought to play around with them) ............ if Dear Abby it is, then voila a Queen of Advice can be born.



I will be re-posting on my other blogs.  The goal is to create images that portray the mood or character of my blog, then create a page that it all blends and compliments each other.  That is a big TO DO/GET'R'DONE for 2018 I don't know what does?  Suggestions welcome.

Nevertheless or irregardless as his highness would say (as crowned from the Hunkster Hubster to His Highness or HH starting in the countdown to 2018.)  The following advice has gotten traction on Quora.



Whatayaknow
Is what you know.  You know what you know.  You answer with your best face forward with integrity and honesty to strengthen your resolve:  questions posed by anyone and everyone, then voted by anyone, and the tricksters or smartsters at Quora are putting more answers forward to you answer.  So much so, you can start to distinguish the ones from genuine users with profiles and others suggested by Quora.  Quora is telling me what answers and how I answer some questions is well received, therefore, they are now padding my ANSWERS banner with a sprinkling or mixture of both.

Here is an example on the traction and reaction from 23 hours ago:

Jeannette Marshall
Jeannette Marshall, a mother, a wife, an employee, a manager, an executive, an entrepreneur



Honestly?
Well I want to be a Queen, princess at the very least. With it the responsibility of always being fashionably dressed, impeccable coif, an assistant, a butler, a maid, a financier, at the very least. People curtsy or bowing upon meeting. I would wear gloves to avoid germs, dirt, disease.
I am financially reliable since I can provide my own tiara, having a selection of a few.
I am humble, I try to help others without any monetary reward. Although, treasuring honesty, admit that I salvitate at the thought of compensation from people reading my gripes, quips, tips, trips posts.
I am truly sorry!
I got sidetracked, totally disregarding the question. I apologize. Oopsie.
Simply?
Go to the Nobel website and determine under which category you feel more aligned with: peace, literature, for examples, then study who have been the most recent recipients that you more closely identify with: can adopt a believable adaptation of anyone of them by providing the skill and talent to stand beside them. Then I’d say:
Go for it!
Who is anyone that could contradict YOU?
YOU are the ONLY person in lives in that house: your brain, body.

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