I am often asked by young leaders and entrepreneurs, how I have been able to build a successful business that has lasted almost 30 years? When I tell them it’s part staying on my own course and limiting the outside influence, part sticking to my ideas for longer than the “experts” say you should and part really hard work and long days, they often recoil. 

The follow up question I get is something along the lines of, "How do I avoid doing all of that?", or maybe, "What are a few tricks that would help me speed up the process?" My response is always very disappointing, “There isn’t a hack to success.”

Over 30 years of entrepreneurship and even during my school leadership days, it was always hard work and creating things that not everyone was doing. Creativity is the 4th part of the success formula. You can’t just do what everyone else does and expect to get the same or better results.

Many young entrpreneurs and “influencers” fight to find quick ways to gain a few thousand more followers on social media than their competitors or friends, and at the end of the day it means almost nothing. Being an “e-leader" isn’t sustainable. The only way to be sustainable is to create valuable content, consistently over time. It's the same with any project you may want to take on. You must commit to the long game. 

I recently coined my new favourite phrase, “Microwavable Leadership”. It can be adapted to health, entrepreneurship and family.

The current generation of leaders and entrepreneurs want to build everything better and faster than before. They want to do it with less work; they look for life hacks, educational hacks, health hacks. These are rarely, if ever successful. At best you get some quick returns but in a few months or a year, you get forgotten, discouraged or worse, angry.

SO, this is my advice. Like no one truly loves a microwave Sunday dinner, no one likes a microwavable leader, you have to put in the work. That doesn’t mean work more or faster, it means work smarter and be consistent. How long do you spend scrolling online? Take that time to create and work on your ideas. 

I am excited to say the weekly Lead Together email is back! Stay tuned to for a weekly does of inspiration, information and opportunities do help you develop the life you want!

In leadership and gratitude, 

P.S. The Global Student Leadership Summit will be here before we know it (April 19-21, 2020 - London, ON)! Spots are filling quickly, register now! GSLS isn't only for schools; parents, guardians, or simply an adult chaperone can attend with their student (aged 13-18). 

P.P.S. Book an amazing Canadian speaker for your school, conference, or event this school year. 15 of the BEST youth-focused speakers. Canadian inspiring Canadian! Simply awesome! 

P.P.P.S. "Chapter 3" our newest YLCC Media Productions documentary is officially available to come to a Landmark Theatre near you or your school! Visit our website for more information.