Yes We Can

Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech...Absolutely brilliant!!


If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.
To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.
To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann
Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America

Leaders, Elections and Gustav

Okay - it's been too long. But hey - I've started a business and it's taking some time!



So - on to the issues facing us today.



First - as I write this, Hurricane Gustav continues to blast the Gulf Coast with pounding winds and torrential rain. It's really amazing to me that despite the lessons of Katrina and millions in aid dollars pouring in from around the world we are seeing echoes of Katrina again. A predicted 5 Billion in damages. Levees that are not strong enough. People who refused to leave their homes. thankfully this storm will prove to be far less destructive than Katrina but it does pose some very difficult questions.



1) How many times do you rebuild neighborhoods that sit below the sea level in areas that continue to be devastated.



2) Is all the aid money really being directed to rebuild the city?



3) When will people figure out that we are changing the world's weather patterns through our continuous pollution?



All I can say is that those who tend to live in the most impacted areas come from 2 distinct classes - the extreme rich and extreme poor. Following Katrina many from the first group could afford not to come back - which led to the second group becoming even more desperate. They love their city and they are living where they can afford - the fact that government can't get its act together is not their fault.



If you can help - please do so.



Staying South of the border - can you tell me what the hell Americans are thinking? A recent poll shows that Obama/Biden didn't get a boost from their recent convention. One CNN story stated that the democratic convention and the naming of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate cancelled each other out. Are you telling me that the generational defining speech Barack Obama gave on the DNC closing night to 80,000 live and millions watching around the world is the same as naming some no name governor from Alaska with only 2 years experience.



Can no one see through this obvious pandering to Hillary Supporters from the McCain camp - "Hey you want a strong woman to vote for - come with us!" Let's dig a little deeper. This "strong" woman opposed abortion, is a member of NRA and recently fired a guy who refused to fire a state trooper that had divorced her sister. I'm all for women in power - but I want one with compassion and smarts - not a vindictive, gun toting right wing freak!!



I'm lost. I know first hand that great speeches can't change outcomes (Liberal leadership 1998!) but give me a break. John McCain scares me to death. His archaic right wing views will not be good for his country or mine.



Wake Up America!!! Obama and Biden can restore the greatest asset you have - American Pride.



I think Bill Clinton summed it up best on Wednesday night when he said;



"Barack Obama will lead us away from division and fear of the last eight years back to unity and hope. If, like me, you still believe America must always be a place called Hope, then join Hillary, Chelsea and me in making Senator Barack Obama the next President of the United States."



Okay - take away the partisan beliefs and you still have a man with much greater perspective on the world today.



Finally and certainly not least - we turn to the political drama here at home. I believe it is now clear that Prime Minister Stephen Harper will call an election this week - sending Canadians to the polls for some time in October.



While the PM won't be getting my vote and has absolutely no legitimate reason to waste the cost and time by calling an election - I don't blame him.



The Liberals under Dionne can't seem to agree to disagree lately and their platform is not resonating with voters. The Green Shift has some brilliant ideas and should be the focus for every politician. But with gas at $1.30 and likely to rise because of Gustav - the Liberals are left alone on the left - trying to do the right thing at the most inopportune time.



The NDP have become a fringe party - that lost focus on its base support and didn't capture the hearts and minds of the masses.



Finally, the Bloc Quebecois continue to hold on to their Quebec separatist base even though the separation question is the last thing on the minds of every day Quebecers.



In fact I predict this election will allow Stephen Harper to win another mandate from the people - but barely.

Let's face it. The way he has desecrated our arts and culture scene, pushed our economy backwards, given up on the illiterate, shifted our focus off the environment, forgot promises on childcare, health care and taxes - hasn't been pretty.

In fact, I think Canadians got what I predicted may happen back in 2006.

But this is not the time to say I told you so.

The problem - and here's the real kicker for me - the Liberals could not capitalize on this because the leader couldn't connect with Canadians.

So where does that leave us. A Prime Minister and government that has broken promises and delivered what opponents predicted they would deliver. An opposition that is out of touch, out of step and out of time. A Canadian public more concerned with how much it will cost to heat our homes this winter than who's living at 24 Sussex.

My prediction is that this will be the last election for 2 of our national leaders. I predict that Stephen Harper's Conservative's will win a minority government. I predict more of the same until we wake up and start realizing what is important.

Fear of Change

The following appeared in the TJ and T&T on Saturday, August 8th.


I'm just a little confused.

I am not sure I follow the logic expressed in John Steeves' column that appeared on August 6. He says he voted for the Liberals in 2006 "thinking that the Lord government was on a treadmill, going nowhere, and that probably it was time for a change." Then he criticizes the Liberals for implementing change.

He says "something in the water in Kent County" might explain why Louis Robichaud and Shawn Graham both can be said to be "so determined to change New Brunswick."

He describes Robichaud's changes as "transforming the province from a semi-feudal state into an approximation of modernity" and then blasts Graham for reforming education and considering transformative taxation changes. Then he says he doesn't remember voting for those things.

Let's put aside the fact that Graham was elected on a platform that was labelled the "Charter for Change."

As a former journalist, I'm sure Mr. Steeves did his homework and actually found out what the "Charter For Change" said.

It outlined a plan to help New Brunswick become self sufficient by 2026. It talked about improving our economy, our education system and our healthcare system as well as making the province a leader in energy efficiency.

The government is moving forward with its promise. It's making difficult decisions with a goal of improving this province for all of us.

Mr. Steeves mentions the elimination of early French immersion as troubling. Again, I assume he has done his homework and researched the issues the government is trying to solve. Having early French immersion that creates a two-tier education system is not what's best for this province and especially our children. Finding a balance that helps all students create the most options for their future is.

Was Louis Robichaud elected to centralize power in Fredericton and force municipalities to let go of their control of their tax base? Probably not, but it certainly created equal opportunity for all, something we still cherish today.

While I don't always understand the electorate's fear of change I understand the fear exists. I can't fathom having to be any government who is responsible to find that right balance of change but not too much change.

What I hear over and over is the sentiment of "Improve but stay the same" and "Make it better but don't scrap what we have."

I believe in my heart that this is a government that cares. I believe their haste to make change is to start this province on a new course and new direction and create that sense of urgency required in each of us to be successful.

Will they always get it right for everyone? Probably not. What we need to do is tell them when they do and when they don't and then ask that they take steps to listen and react - much like they have just done with early French immersion.

It's unfair for Mr. Steeves to take pot shots at this or any government without presenting all the facts.

As a former journalist I know getting the facts was the first step in a good story.

Time Marches On

So I'm just back from a three day camping trip to Fundy National Park where I walked too much, slept on a crappy mattress and got bitten by things I would rather not know exist. Despite all that I had a grand time and learned another valuable lesson along the journey.

It was day 2 during our trip when the three of us set out on an 8 km journey down and back up a mountain with the highlight of laverty falls in the middle.

Ben is only 8 and I have to admit I was certainly skeptical on his ability (an mine if the truth be known) to complete the journey on his own.

4 hours and several bottles of water and chocolate chip cookies later we completed the walk with Ben crossing the preverabial finish line first.

As we drove back to the campsite we remarked on how "amazed" we were on his ability to finish the hike when he replied "you guys underestimate me a lot!"

Well imagine the silence and awe when our little boy stated we were underestimating his ability to complete something I had decided should be reserved for the bigger kids.

It got me to thinking again about life, Ben and our time together. It's not that I didn't think Ben could do it - it's that I didn't want him to be able to. He's growing up so fast and I would prefer he stay that little boy that still asks on occasion for me to carry him to bed.

Life goes by so fast.

In some ways it seems like in the blink of an eye your helpless little children are grown and flying on their own.

The same holds true in leadership as well. If you truly give what those you lead need, they will soon be flying on their own. It's your ability to step back and allow them to trip and stumble along the way that makes them strong, confident and comfortable when it finally clicks.

There's a lovely song by Cape Breton artist Rita MacNeil "Flying On Your Own" with a chorus that states;

"And when you know the wings you ride

Can keep you in the sky

There isn't anyone holding back you

First you stumble, then you fall

You reach out and you fly

There isn't anything that you can't do"

A little corny but you get the meaning.

So thanks again for another great lesson in life and leadership Ben. You are my greatest treasure and my greater teacher.

Keep Flying Little Man!!

Dad.

Lazy Hazy Rainy Days of Summer

So here it is the "dog days" of summer. Following a brilliant run of hot sunny weather we've seen some rainy grey days lately. The only problem with this latest weather (believe me I understand how much we need the rain) is that is seems cold and muggy all at the same time.

You have cold, wet rain and humidity that makes my bernese mountain dog wish for year round snow. I wish we could just be hot or cold - that I can figure out and handle. But hot and cold at the same time?

How do you dress for that?

As I write this I see the sun peeking out for the first time in a few days. It's good to see you friend. As long as you're here the answer is easy.

In as little as possible!!!

Happy Summer!!

11 Weeks and Counting

So tomorrow marks 11 weeks since my last day at Atlantic Lottery and 11 weeks since I began Mike Randall Communications. So far so good :)

Life certainly has changed significantly in just under 3 months.

First and foremost I am definately spending more time with my family and friends. As well, people tell me I am more relaxed and more like the "old Mike".

For me it's the freedom to do what I want and work on the kind of projects that excite me the most.

Has every day been like Disney World? No.. but every day has been fun and exciting.

Going out on your own isn't for everyone. Many great practitioners end up making lousy consultants. For me it"s a fit that works. It allows me to live the life I want how I want.

To anyone who actually follows this - thanks. Thanks for your words of encouragement and belief that I can succeed. To those who are thinking of going into business for themselves I say go for it if you like living each day as a new beginning and you have the confidence to know that tomorrow will be okay even if you're not sure who's paying the bills right now.

Looking forward to week 12 and beyond.

M

Happy Birthday Canada

Well Canada turns 141 this year and I think its prudent to step back and look at 141 years of evolution and progress.

There is a quick and fascinating history lesson found on wikipedia that gives the official history lesson of Canada but I believe we are so much more than that.

I think of travelling to Austria when I was 16 and travelling through this small skiing village where there was little english spoken. People were not all that friendly until they found out I was from Canada and then, suddenly I was embraced as being a friend.

Canada's reputation comes from 141 years of caring. Caring for each other and for those around the world in need. Our reputation comes from a strong moral code of what is right and wrong, mixed with a dash of compassion and a pinch of humility.

I've been fortunate in my life to travel to amazing and exotic places. I've seen different cultures and different ideas and I've experienced first hand the amazing things that can happen when cultures mix. The one thing I keep reaffirming through these experiences is that Canada is, without a doubt, one of the greatest countries on earth.

While we may not always get it right - we continued to try.

Happy Birthday Canada and to all our citizens who have come here from other countries and cultures - thanks! Thanks for making this the amazing place it is.

New York Bound

Another early morning and another flight this time to Newark and then on to NYC. On Monday I will accept the Gold Quill Merit Award for Crisis Communications from the IABC along with my former colleague Paula Dyke.

The award represents a good chunk of the last 2 years of my life and the personal commitment it takes to be successful in times of crisis.

I am proud of the award but more proud of the difference our work did for ALC, its shareholders and its employees.

This award, in many ways, also represents a significant direction change for me personally. It has provided me with the confidence to start and build Mike Randall Communications.

So far so good but even if it doesn't work I am living a dream. No regrets - for anything....

Mike Randall Communications
A Leader in Risk and Reputation Management
(506)878-3025

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Oh Canada!!!

So I read today that CTV has pulled off the biggest cue of the week by buying the rights away from CBC for the use of the Hockey Night in Canada theme. What the hell is this country coming to? The Hockey Night in Canada Theme Song is an iconic symbol of what is great about Canada. It's synonymous with CBC, with Hockey Night In Canada (tm - CBC) and synonymous with a great tradition that is truly Canadian.

This is the song that meant it was time for families across this country to put down their feeble and petty pursuits and cheer their home team on to victory. This is the song that, for over forty years, has signaled the end of bad family conversations and watching uncle Bob and aunty May squabble over the price of bread and sent families scrambling to turn the boob tube to channel three.

CTV says it will use the song for all things hockey including its coverage of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Some say nice I say blah blah blah. This is not an olympic hockey song or a Monday night hockey song - it's a Saturday night, CBC blarring, Hockey Night in Canada Song. Delores Clamon claims that this song is like her child and she just wanted something fair for its use. Delores - the song is bigger than you!!! You've sold out and in the process ended something great.

CBC did the right thing. Given the state of the public broadcaster, I don't think it should have paid the reported price of $2.5 million. I do think however the government of Canada has spent more on less and could make a cultural case for buying the rights of the song for what it was intended. HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA!!!

The More Things Change....

First I will apologize to those who follow this column. Getting into a new work routine has taken a while and I have neglected this important outlet in my life. So here I am at 5 am waiting for a cab to take me to the airport as I head out for a week of client activity in Ottawa and Vancouver. It's been 4 years since I last was in this position and the butterflies are definately there. Will I still have it? Will I be able to deliver?

For anyone who goes through lifecycles these are normal questions.

The real key is to trust yourself and believe in you.

Hello world - Mike Randall Communications is on the move!! Watch out here I come!!
Mike Randall Communications
A Leader in Risk and Reputation Management
(506)878-3025

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Election Fever (More like the heat from a brisk walk)

So on Monday residents across New Brunswick will head to the polls to elect our municipal politicians for another 4 year term. It begs the question - what relevance does municipal politics have on our lives - or any level of government for that matter.

For our municipal politicians in this region of the country - it's like a glorified volunteer position with little money, perks or acknowledgement. On the flip side municipal politicians are the ones that deal with the BS that erks us day in and day out. "My street has pot holes." "My neighbor's property is unsightly." "You can't allow that company to build that business there!" "The kids in my neighborhood are too loud." "Who will fix my lawn after the plow ripped it up this winter?"

Perhaps its the most day to day level of politics there is and yet we take it for granted. We will be lucky if we can get 30% of the population out to vote.

I have become so apathetic I have not met any of the politicians running in my ward. My Mayor is winning by acclamation (I think) so I don't even have to think about that one.

Come on people - start to realize the importance municipal politics has on our day to day lives and take it more seriously.

I for one will find out if I should be voting for Ian or Bill and....

I will find out before Monday!!!

When Thanks Is Not Enough

To an amazing team.... You know who you are.

I got home this evening and reflected on today and each of the days over
the past 2 years and realized just how fortunate I have been to have
been able to work with a team of such passionate and talented
individuals. Each one of you has touched my life in a dramatic,
profound and lasting way.

The beautiful gifts, the amazing team photo, julie's care package, the
wine, the cards and Erin's amazing poem were all way too much on top of
the joy each of you has brought to my life. I got home and read Erin's
poem to Ben and he and I cried together. He said " daddy they love you"
and I replied that love is what makes a group of people a team.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The words are not enough but they come with an enormous amount of love
and admiration. They come from one member of the SR and C family who is
better off for having spent time with each and every one of you!!!

Mike

--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

The Best Part of Travel Is Coming Home

Returning home after being away for a while is perhaps one of the single greatest feelings one can get. I was in Ottawa for a week participating in great conferences and also looking for new opportunities for the future. It was a week filled with high points and has given me even greater optimism that my recent decision to launch Mike Randall Communications is the right one. Great week and very worthwhile, but there was nothing like the feeling when I arrived home on Friday night and sunk into my own bed. It's everything good and safe. that's what your home should be.

Last night we took Max to a Kennel to enjoy yet another great night of food and friends. Okay place, but no love and care like he gets at home. The reaction when we picked him up today was like a giant sigh of relief. Now he's lying in the hallway - not wanting to ever move from his home, his safety net.

I guess that sometimes its important to go away so you know how good it is at home.

Welcome Home

Ottawa Bound

As so much changes in life, some things remain the same.  It's been several months since I've travelled to our nation's capital and still that same feeling of familiarity is in the air.  Ottawa is a different town now with different challenges but one thing remains the same - my belief that individuals can make a difference.  It also marks the return of my search for true leadership.  On the surface it may seem like a good place to start but I'm not holding my breath...

The search resumes

M

Spring is Sprung?

There are sure signs of spring.

Birds chirping early in the morning, spring flowers peaking through the last chunks of snow and me putting my son's #$%& basketball net together.

I don't know why things are built so complicated and why all dads are expected to be handy!!

I'm not.

I'm a decent conversationalist, help him with music and sports and art and literature and showing him that men and women are indeed equal (he's too young to know that women have a slight edge) and, just recently, even got crafty in helping him build his robot ROBOTBOBO. But when it comes to wrenches, nuts and bolts and patience for figuring things out.....I suck.

I guess I can chalk it up to another of lifes lessons..

When it comes to handy - save your money and pay someone else!!!

Hope your hydrangeas and iris' are doing well.

M

Lessons from Ben

A difficult day today as I informed my staff that I am leaving to pursue other dreams. I told them of a lifetime that has led to this place and the decision to try and make it on my own. Big butterflies but the right thing to do. I also told them of the latest lesson from Ben. I've decided today that Ben is my life sherpa and throughout his 8 wise years he has led me to growth and devlopment beyond what some of the best leaders and consultants have ever been able to do. it was Ben that led me to this place where my hope and my wish is that he learns from this latest move that perhaps the most important thing in life is doing what makes you happy. Sounds so simple yet so few of us actually do it. Life is too short not to - even if it means taking the path less travelled. thanks again ben. I hope I will do you proud.

Look out world - Mike Randall Communications is Born!!

And the Winner Is.....

Something very exciting happened recently that has helped to put even more in perspective for me and where I am going. I have been fortunate enough to win an IABC Gold Quill Award of Merit in the area of Strategic Communications. Considered the Oscar of the Communications World, this award place the strategic direction we developed as the best of the best in the world.

For someone who has spent his whole life seeking acceptance this is a great feeling. For someone who recently learned that watching others experience success can be even more rewarding, this is a great award for my team!!

So it's off to the Big Apple in June to accept the award. BTW, the host for the evening's events is Padma Lakshmi - Super Model!!!

As London Tipton, heiress airhead from my son's favourite show "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" says "Yeah Me" As I love to say..."Yeah team!!!"

See you in New York

Time To Start Again

Last night I watched Dan in Real Life with Steve Carell. Besides being a touching, understated and feel good flick, it made me realize how much I have missed this outlet. In talking with some folks lately they have reminded me (once again) what's most important in life. It's been too long for absolutely all the wrong reasons.

Here's to another new start for learning new lessons.

Everyday I realize more and more that Life is a journey... I'm just trying to figure it all out so I can do as they say and enjoy the ride!!

M

More than Chicken Soup.

Does it ever seem that no matter what you do you can't get better? My bathroom counter looks like a sample room for a cold medication pharmaceutical rep and yet nothing is helping. Now what I need is time and space. Time to rest and heal and space to feel crappy until I don't. For those of us who work way too much and tend to blur lifes priorities on a daily if not hourly basis, we need to realize when sickness is real and when we need to step back and fall down.This is one of those times that Chicken soup alone will not work!!

What Does it Take to Be Successful?

• Time – to think, to plan and to look forward
• A relationship with those that matter
• Greater trust of my team
• Clear mandate of what is expected
• The trust from others
• Greater inclusion
• Better work/life balance
• Acceptance
  
  
  What I need to do to be successful? There are no shortcuts. I can only be successful because I have a passion. An aim and objective and the zeal and enthusiasm to work hard and conquer any inappropriate habits. The talent to focus and refocus my activities. The courage to stand out from the crowd. The power of determination in my thoughts. It’s not the money that drives people to success it’s the game, it’s wanting to be the best