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THE DEEP DIVE

Is Gratitude Just Another Corporate Buzzword?

Picture this: You're in a stuffy boardroom, surrounded by motivational posters screaming "TEAMWORK" and "SYNERGY." Trust falls are happening at the back of the room. The CEO walks in, flashing a million-dollar smile, and announces the company's new initiative: "Gratitude Journals for Everyone!"

😵 Your eyes roll so hard you can almost see your brain.

But hold up – before you dismiss gratitude as just another corporate fad, let me tell you a story that might change your mind. It involves two multi-million dollar businesses, a very pregnant wife, and a plot twist that would make M. Night Shyamalan jealous.

We're about to dive into why gratitude isn't just for hippies and HR departments – and how it might just be the secret entrepreneurial weapon you never knew you needed.

🙏 Gratitude Corner: The Power of Experience

❤️ Let me share something personal❤️. Over the past two decades, I've had the incredible opportunity to build two phenomenal businesses (in the corporate matrix as an Intrapreneur) from the ground up right here in Calgary. These ventures have gone on to generate hundreds of millions of dollars. Pretty cool, right?

But here's the thing – the journey wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. I poured my heart and soul into these ventures, leveraging every contact, connection, and friendship I had. And you know what? Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don't pan out the way you expect.

I've faced rejection from some of Canada's wealthiest families after giving everything my family and I had. We even moved across the country when my wife was seven months pregnant, all for an opportunity that ultimately didn't pan out as we'd hoped.

But here's the kicker – I wouldn't change a thing.

💡 Lesson of the Week: Embracing the Journey

These experiences, both the "I'm king of the world!" highs and the "Why didn't I just become a professional pillow tester?" lows, have been absolutely priceless.

They've shaped me, taught me, and given me enough material to fill the pages of a best-selling book (working title: "The Only Humble Person In Real Estate: A Success Story????"). Stay tuned for that literary masterpiece, folks!

So, what's the cheat code for all you aspiring entrepreneurs, side-hustle ninjas, and corporate rebel intrapreneurs out there?

1. Embrace every experience: Whether it's a massive success that makes you want to do a victory dance in the middle of Starbucks or a gut-wrenching setback that has you considering a career in hermit crab racing, every moment is a learning opportunity. Think of it as levelling up in the game of life!

2. Stay grateful: Even when your brilliant idea flops harder than a fish out of water, there's always something to be thankful for. Like the fact that your embarrassing pitch wasn't recorded and turned into a viral TikTok. Silver linings, people!

3. Keep your heart bright: Positivity and resilience are your entrepreneurial superpowers. They're like your personal forcefield against the soul-crushing negativity monsters. Equip them daily, right after your morning coffee ritual. (← brought to you by my friend and reader, Shane)

🚀 Inspiration Station

For those of you dreaming of starting a side hustle while keeping your day job, remember this: every big business started as an idea. Your corporate experience is invaluable – use it!

To my intrapreneurs out there, pushing innovation within your companies: you're the unsung heroes of the business world. Keep pushing boundaries and bringing that entrepreneurial spirit to your organizations.

And for those of you taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship or nurturing your existing side hustles, you've got this! Your passion and determination are your greatest assets.

💼 Quick Tip for Corporate Warriors

Want to dip your toes into the entrepreneurial waters without leaving your 9-to-5? Start small. Can you consult in your field of expertise on weekends? Or perhaps create a digital product related to your industry? Remember, Amazon started as an online bookstore run out of a garage!

SMALLER DIVE

Lessons From the Trenches: What This Week Taught Me

This week served up three valuable lessons that I'm eager to share with you, my fellow adventurers.

🪃 Lesson #1: The Boomerang Effect: In Business (not in physical encounters) Sometimes 'No' Means 'Not Yet'

Remember that real estate development advisory gig I walked away from last week? Well, plot twist! 😮 The client came back with a strategy that might just work. Here's what I learned:

• 👂Keep your ears open: Even after a 'no', stay receptive to new ideas.

• 🔑 Flexibility is key: Be willing to adapt your approach.

• 🤝 Not all partners are created equal: I can work with the main client, but one partner... let's just say it's complicated.

Bonus: There might be some ownership potential in this one. Ka-ching! 💰

Takeaway: Don't burn bridges. Sometimes, a 'no' is just the beginning of a negotiation. Stay open, stay flexible, and you might just land a better deal than you initially imagined!

📢 Lesson #2: Side Hustle Pride: Loud and Proud (But Maybe Not Too Loud)

This week, I bumped into a few friends with secret side hustles. It got me thinking about 'side hustle shame' and why we shouldn't feel it. Here's the scoop:

• 🌟 Side hustles are awesome: They show initiative, creativity, and drive.

• 🎭 But... workplace dynamics are tricky: Not everyone might understand or appreciate your entrepreneurial spirit, especially corporate lawyers.

• 👥 Find your tribe: Connect with other side hustlers for support and inspiration.

Takeaway: Be proud of your side hustle, but be smart about how and where you discuss it. It's all about finding the right balance between enthusiasm and discretion. Remember, always use the secret side hustle handshake so we can weed out those corporate narks!

🌠 Lesson #3: First to Market: Dare to Dream Big

We're cooking up something exciting in the tech-adjacent space. It's a no-employees sort of franchise business that nobody's doing in western Canada yet (massive in the USA!). Cue the dramatic music! 🎵

• 😱 Being first is scary: But it's also exhilarating!

• 📚 Do your homework: Just because no one's doing it doesn't mean it's a bad idea. Research, research, research!

• 🌌 Embrace the unknown: Sometimes, you've got to take that leap of faith.

Takeaway: Don't be afraid to pioneer new ideas. Being first to market can be a huge advantage if you've done your due diligence. Trust your gut, do your research, and go for it!