This is a true-life Ted Lasso story, taped in front of a live audience at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Conference. I love every word of what Jay DeMerit has to say about life, sports, ego, and leadership.

Jay's journey extends beyond athletic supremacy to becoming a role model for youth, an entrepreneur, and a sought-after keynote speaker. Jay DeMerit shares his journey from being overlooked in the MLS Draft to making his way to England and then playing his way to Premier League stardom.

Jay also earned a place on America's World Cup Team, playing every minute in the South African World Cup and becoming the Vancouver Whitecaps' Captain.

Jay emphasized the significance of perseverance and self-actualization. Discover how DeMerit's unique approach to leadership and focus on holistic development helped shape his career and inspire future generations. Gain insights into the pressures of youth sports and the importance of dreaming big while taking small steps.

I close the show talking to Sam Effah, one of the fastest Canadian Sprinters ever, and who today is one of the stewards of RBC's Training Ground, on what it takes to dream and do.

To learn about Jay DeMerit's entrepreneurial venture: RiseXShine https://www.risexshine.com

To book Jay as a speaker: https://speakerscanada.com

To learn more about RBC Training Ground: https://www.rbctrainingground.ca

Frank Palmer is a character of immense character. Frank is a true icon, creative genius, thought leader, visionary and entrepreneur. Frank is being featured as part of The Legends Journey, Lessons in Leadership series. A collaboration between Chatter that Matters and the American Marketing Association's Toronto Chapter. In this series, we interview inductees from Canada's Marketing Hall of Legends. To date, I have chatted with Arlene Dickinson, Joe Mimran, Angus Reid, Miles Nadal, Jeanne Beker and, coming soon, Malcolm Gladwell.

In this episode, Frank Palmer shares invaluable insights from his 50-year career. From practical jokes to profound business and brand strategies, Frank's stories encapsulate the essence of a life rich with creativity, daring and extraordinary entrepreneurial prowess.

Frank talks about personal integrity in business, the art of maintaining top talent, and the evolution of advertising in the face of emerging technologies like AI. Wherever you are in your career, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and frankness on surviving and thriving in our fast-paced world.

00:00 - Introduction to Frank Palmer
05:20 - Lessons from business and maintaining integrity
15:45 - Strategies for retaining top talent
25:30 - The role of humour: Pranks and workplace culture
35:10 - Overcoming industry challenges and client relationships
45:50 - The impact of COVID-19 on the advertising world
55:15 - Frank Palmer's views on AI in creativity
1:05:00 - Reflections on mentorship and the future of advertising
1:15:00 - Closing thoughts and Frank's offer to chat again

Sometimes, the most gripping tales are not those of fiction. They're not from a bookshelf or a TV screen. They're real-life stories that unfold around us. Stories that remind us of the power of the human spirit. Today on Chatter That Matters, we share the indomitable spirit of Stacey Curtis, who survived a plane crash, cancer that roared through her body and where she was given only a few years to live.

I wish I could bottle Stacey's outlook on life and her positivity. Here are two quotes from the show.

The first was about the plane crash and what it was like to be one of the survivors, alongside her partner Marissa and her dog Emma.

"In that moment, everything changed, yet we found the strength we never knew we had,"

The second quote after discussing losing her brother and dealing with horrific cancer.

"Despite everything, I've found reasons to laugh and live fully every single day,"

To add important context to why some refuse to surrender, I invited Amy Deacon, the founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, to return to the show. I also ask her about those who have near death experiences, change their approach, even appreciation for life.