Author: Paul Nazareth

I’ve got some issues, some problems vexing me. And I’ve been stuck. I also happen to be a GenX’er and we communicate through movies.. Tonight against the advice of the critics and some very smart people I went to watch the movie Interstellar. It’s been called this generation’s 2001 A Space Odyssey and I can certainly see the parallel. Not because either movie was scientifically correct – no – because they helped us dream. The critics and scientists like the people who hold us back in our lives are people of today. They do their dreaming while they are asleep. But there are so many in my network, who dream while they are awake. They are the artists of the possible. The people Seth Godin writes about when he busts the myth that we shouldn’t fly too close to the sun. The people of the present are the ones who told us flight wasn’t possible, diseases couldn’t be cured, genomes couldn’t be mapped. Their DNA is coded with the words like “can’t, won’t, No”. You the people of the future ( this is certainly not limited to the young by the way ) are coded with words like “maybe, what if, why not”. So, my problems won’t be solved overnight, the hardest problems aren’t. But let me call out some people who I hope to encourage forward, who I hope I can be of service to before I leave this world.

• Jason Shim who dreams in digital
• Sonnet L’Abbe who connects people through word
• Kavita Dogra who connects them in deeds
• Matthew Simone who stares up at the sky
• Masha Cemma who stares into our cells
• Neil McCarthy who helps souls take flight

On this networking adventure I have met many travellers who dream while they are awake…I don’t pretend to be smart enough or courageous enough to be one of you – but I’ll damn well be the shoulders you stand on to reach the stars. Despite critics, scientists and naysayer, I believe you will make it there. Like Canadian Commander Chris Hadfield through science reached the stars, he touched our hearts with images and music. You are thinking collaboratively, you are the citizens of tomorrow. And you inspire the hell out of me.  It was a midnight show, and it’s late. I’m off to sleep, to dream. A quick note to say, thanks for all you do for me dear network. Vexed, but hopeful. Paul

RSVP for Free Here Style is fun. It also can help with career development. Men are finally starting to realize this. Toronto just hosted Canada’s first Men’s Fashion Week. It was a roaring success. This coming fall will see the second huge Gentlemen’s Expo at the Metro Convention Centre ( a must attend for the modern gent). But fancy beards and expensive whiskey aside – what about normal working guys who just want to step up their style a little bit? For up and coming career climbers – budget is a critical issue and a $5,000 suit isn’t an option. Also, the office isn’t a place to push the style envelope. Enter #MenStyleTo Tuesday August 26th ! I’m co-hosting with two awesome folks who have helped me immensely. The Man Cave Barbers Lounge is our location and they will speak about modern hair style and hair care. The fine folks at Toms Place in Toronto have helped me so much over the years. Tom Mihalik Jr. will join us to share tips for this fall and on how to suit up smart for both style and work. I’ll be closing up the speaking with how style has helped me with my career. You may have heard about my pocket square endeavour – I’ll share why I believe in style as a career catalyst and how you can save money and still look as good as you want. Space is limited, it’s FREE to attend so please RSVP here and share with others in your network! Picture from @BlogTO For those sharing using Twitter, our hashtag is #MenStyleTO and our speakers are @TomsPlaceTO @ManCaveTO and @UinvitedU

A big thanks to the many people who came out this summer to my two networking while walking ( also known as ‘netwalking’ ) events. I’ve shared the benefits of this very popular networking style that I’ve adopted myself for the past year or so. Something I do about 3 days a week with individuals for my own personal business networking. But bringing together a group is something kind of magical – and I think we can all agree the world could use a little more magic these days. A little more positive energy. A little more light in our lives. And so I reach out, to my network, these days through platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to strangers too, open invite so people come only when they feel they are ready. A networking philosophy of mine. Park of this magic is the fresh faces it adds to our collective networks. Although I’ll add that these aren’t really strangers. Today’s social networking strategy means most people will come out because they are aligned with your business, sector or career philosophy and have decided it’s time to meet in person. I’m finding in fact in several cases my open netwalks are drawing out contacts who don’t have time to meet me one on one but are curious at the idea ( introverts find this structure approachable ). You’ll note there is always one or more Golden Crabs ( my personal networking MVP’s ) at these events. Getting out there is why these people are the best in my network.   The two I held this summer we just the kind of events I was hoping for. Sure they were fun but I’m viciously clear on what we are doing there, ask anyone who attends we’re not wandering around lost in the woods. No, I have talking topics, workshop exercises, networking training and the goal is clear: revenue for-profit business or more funds raised for social-profit charity. Business connections have been made, follow up meetings have happened, revenue has been generated, people have been hired from these events, I am deeply honoured to be a part of this. So those who have attended, thank you for investing the time with me and I’m proud you’ve invested time in yourselves. Maybe you’ve heard I have a new job. Part of this role will be to cross this country serving the charity sector to help raise the bar on social profit. My new team is all about collaboration, innovation and progress – so keep your eyes out for a netwalk in your city soon! Until then, thanks for reading (see below for some insight from netwalkers) Paul A mentor shared with me that when it comes to career planning, you can do anything but you can’t do everything. Having focus and a clear goal is key ~ Ann Rosenfield I have always tried to follow my professional passions through work or volunteering in my sector. I never thought of doing something I love with my career skills like it was art. ~ Liz Rejman ( see Seth Godin ) Stories are what make a business case or case for support touch the head and heart at the same time. Artists tell these stories best and I think I need to spend more time around them to learn to tell better stories. ~ Talking about meeting Canadian poet and writer Sonnet L’Abbe Today a Nobel Prize winning scientist shared with me that the secret to getting ideas into the world isn’t just good ideas but strong social networks – and that I have to network constantly to build them ..l blew my mind. When I turn to people at work, people in my network their advice and feedback is clouded by the baggage of our history and relationship. Today a stranger gave me honest, clear and unbiased feedback and suggestions –  it’s what I needed most right now. Were you at one of the netwalks? Could you add your thoughts and comments below? Thank you! P