Journeyman Stories

It was almost 9 years ago. I was on my way home after a long day. While on a Subway platform waiting for my train, about ten feet away, I saw a gentleman in a blue jacket and decided to talk to him. I didn't know how to start the conversation. I simply went: “Nice Jacket!” That little sentence has lead to 9 years of great friendship with Paul my business partner. We have been through a lot together. I remember him helping me register my first business. I was so excited that day that I couldn't contain my joy. I looked Paul in the eyes and said: “Just watch. We are going to change the world”. After these many years, I don't think we have changed the world yet. Just the other day, I was laughing with Paul saying that before changing the world, our job has been to change...us. Lol With all we have been through together, one story is still stuck in my mind. It was in 2004, and there was nothing to show for after months of hard work. Paul, being a huge soccer fan (and average pl

A few months ago, I received an invitation to a big networking event here in Toronto. I said yes right away but I wasn't a hundred percent sure that I would be there, the reason being that it would be on my birthday. But after all, I thought that it was not a big enough reason for me not to show up as I was not going to celebrate my birthday anyway. So, last week, with hundreds of other business owners, we were gathered at the Ontario Place for a networking bash. It was a great event. I told Jennifer, the organizer, that she did all of that just to celebrate my birthday. She laughed, but, in a way I did celebrate with all those wonderful people (especially when there is food involved). As I was standing at our table, a gentleman came over from a corner, as if he had something important to tell me. He asked me to join him where he was. I immediately went to him. His face looked familiar but I couldn't remember where I met him. He looked in my eyes and just said: I don't know

The month of August is so full of celebrations that I would need a special software to manage them all lol. Let's see. August 6 was our one year wedding anniversary, August 7 was my wife's birthday, August 8 was both my 10 year anniversary in Canada and 4 years as a Canadian citizen, and this coming August 15 is my birthday (and of course I won't tell you my age, but I am expecting your gifts). How do you celebrate all of that? How about a trip? That wouldn't be bad at all. Four times in July I was asked to conduct a series of workshops for French speaking professionals. It was so much fun. When they told me that I would do the same thing in Sudbury, I immediately said yes. So, this last week, it was both work and pleasure as I took my family with me to Sudbury Ontario. It was fun. Up to the last minute we did not know if we would drive, take the train or fly to Sudbury. We were at Toronto Airport when we were told we would drive after all. Thank God we did. We had so

Yes I know it's past midnight and I am late posting my blog. But in some parts of the world it's still early. Then I am not late after all (that is my story and I will stick to it). I also know that, by reading the title of this blog you may think that I am writing from London where the Olympics are happening. I wish. I am enjoying the Olympics like many of you on TV and Internet. But it is really fun to see how athletes are showcasing their talents on the world stage. How about Usain Bolt and Phelps? We are witnessing historic figures. That is my opinion. As you may have guessed, my main thing is Basketball. It was funny to see players from Tunisia asking Kobe for an autograph after the game. It looked like they were just happy to be there. Forget about winning the game. Poor Nigeria! They were really swept by Team USA. Melo scored 37 points in just 14 minutes. Team USA broke all the records in that game. The US coach was so pleased that he gave his team a day off before thei