A couple of weeks ago I was interviewed by Wade Hemsworth for a feature in the Spectator. Our conversation was easy and free flowing and I think the resulting piece did a great job of capturing me, warts and all. My thanks to Wade.
Since it was published in Saturday's paper (www.thespec.com/article/729598) I've had a lot of great emails about the College and my role in helping to effect some needed change. I will take all suggestions to heart and promise to do my best.
Just a couple of things in the article I'd like to revisit - I was asked who my business "heroes" were and I just wanted to elaborate a bit:
Charles Juravinsky has the uncanny ability to be crusty and lovable at the same time. He can captivate a room with his stories and is always charming. Through his and Margaret's generosity they have literally saved lives through their incredible support of cancer initiatives in the City.
Lincoln Alexander always has time for a hello and a handshake with anyone and everyone. He is a ground-breaker but never shows any sign of anything other than humility. He is a legitimate Canadian celebrity but makes everyone he meets feel like a "big shot" (his favorite expression).
Terry Cooke is the only man I know that can number most of his kindergarten class as his friends to this day. A great conversationalist, mainly because he's a great listener, he also has more useless facts rattling around in that follically challenged head of his than a team of Jeopardy contestants. Terry has already done great things for this City and he's just getting started - just watch what he does with the Hamilton Community Foundation.
I've had the pleasure of working with Mark Chamberlain on a number of business deals. He's an incredible combination of engineer, successful business man and social activist. He doesn't just talk the talk - he is committed to transforming our City and we're lucky to have him leading the charge to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child.
I've been fortunate to have one of Hamilton's most prominent citizens as a mentor for the past 30 years. Judge Anton Zuraw, one of the most esteemed jurists in this country has been a friend, confidant and motivator. I succeeded in many things simply because he wouldn’t let me quit. I’ve always been a big believer in setting goals and if I told Anton what I had planned he’d make sure to ask for regular progress reports until he saw the promised result.
I sincerely hope our students are able to surround themselves with exceptional individuals like these gentlemen as they progress in their careers and their personal lives.
