Tag: Non-Profit

From Chaos to Clarity: My Journey as a Webinar Host and Speaker

Posted on by Kevin

From Chaos to Clarity: My Journey as a Webinar Host and Speaker

Me speaking at a PMI OVOC conference in 2018

I’ve hosted a couple of hundred webinars and seminars now, and I’ve gotten good at it. But how did I start? It wasn’t some grand plan—I was just trying to fill a gap.

Back in 2016, my local Project Management Institute (PMI) chapter had a lunch and learn scheduled, but the speaker had dropped out. They sent out an email saying, “We have a space and about 50 registrants…can anyone do a session?” Opportunity knocking, am I right? I saw it as a chance to give back, share what I knew, and maybe stretch myself professionally.

So, I did it.

I put together a slide deck, rehearsed it about 20 times, and a few days later, I was hosting my first live seminar. It was nerve-wracking, but everything clicked. I could feel the energy of the room, the curiosity of the audience, and the excitement of sharing knowledge in real-time. That first experience led to many more, and I’ve continued to build on that foundation ever since.

Since then, I’ve built strong relationships with PMI chapters across Canada, hosting events in cities like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and across Ontario. I’ve even had the opportunity to speak in Chicago and London UK, and also host 10 international PMI webinars, reaching thousands of people from all over the world. The chance to connect with so many diverse audiences and share what I’ve learned has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned how to engage an audience, share insights clearly, and create content that resonates. Hosting webinars and live seminars isn’t just about giving a presentation; it’s about crafting an experience that keeps people interested, makes them think, and provides them with practical takeaways they can use.

The best part about hosting these events is the ability to connect with people, no matter where they are. Whether I’m speaking in person in Ottawa or hosting an online event for an international audience, the energy of the interaction and the exchange of ideas is what fuels my passion for speaking and sharing knowledge.

Looking back, what started as a simple opportunity has turned into a fulfilling journey of learning, growth, and connection. So, if you’re ever presented with a chance to speak or host an event—take it. You never know where it might lead, and what you’ll learn along the way.

Are You Stuck in Chaos Mode?

Posted on by Kevin

Are You Stuck in Chaos Mode?

We’ve all been there: constant interruptions, shifting priorities, and a to-do list that feels more like a guilt trip. Living in chaos mode can feel productive in the moment—you’re juggling tasks, solving problems, and responding to requests like a pro. But here’s the truth: chaos mode isn’t sustainable. In fact, it’s one of the fastest ways to derail your long-term productivity and effectiveness.

When you’re always in reactive mode, it’s nearly impossible to manage your work well. You’re focused on what’s urgent, not what’s important. Big-picture goals slip through the cracks, and your energy gets drained by small fires that keep popping up. Worse, your brain doesn’t get the mental space it needs to think strategically or solve problems creatively.

So how do you break free from chaos mode? Start small:

  1. Pause and prioritize. Take five minutes to identify the one most important thing you need to focus on today.
  2. Set boundaries. Block off time for deep work and say “no” to interruptions during that window.
  3. Document recurring chaos. Are there patterns? A process you can improve? A problem you can fix for good?
  4. Celebrate progress. Every step out of chaos mode is a step toward clarity and control.

Managing your work well starts with managing your time and focus. Chaos mode may feel unavoidable, but with a little effort, you can move toward a calmer, more intentional way of working—and find yourself doing your best work as a result.

The Dreaded Yesser

Posted on by Kevin

Are You a “Yesser”?

Do you find yourself saying “yes” to every new request, project, or task that comes your way? If so, you might be a “yesser”—someone who automatically agrees to take on more without fully considering the impact. It’s an easy trap to fall into, especially if you’re a people-pleaser, a natural problem-solver, or simply trying to be a team player. But before you give one more “yes,” let’s take a step back.

Every “yes” you give is also a “no” to something else. When you commit to one thing, you’re sacrificing time, energy, or focus that could have been spent on your priorities or existing responsibilities. Over time, this habit can lead to burnout, missed deadlines, or projects that are only half-completed—not to mention the frustration of feeling stretched too thin.

Before your next “yes,” consider these questions:

  1. What will this commitment require of me? Be realistic about the time and effort involved.
  2. How does this align with my goals or priorities? If it doesn’t, think twice.
  3. What’s the cost of saying yes? What tasks or goals might you need to delay or drop?
  4. Am I the right person for this? Maybe someone else on your team is better suited for the task.

Learning to pause before you agree—and sometimes even saying “no”—isn’t about being unhelpful. It’s about being intentional. By choosing your commitments wisely, you’re not just protecting your own productivity and well-being; you’re ensuring that when you do say yes, you can give it your all.

So, the next time someone asks, “Can you do this?” take a moment. Don’t just be a “yesser”—be a thoughtful, strategic contributor. Your time and energy are worth it.