Giving. It’s what I do. I’m thankful to serve you. Always.

On September 29th, 2018 (a little under one week ago), this blog celebrated its 15th anniversary. It’s hard to believe that for over fifteen years, I have done my best to make you better at work. This strange intersection of business, consumers and technology is one that continues to evolve, and I consider it a true honor to serve this community with articles, podcasts and bits of information that (hopefully) help you delta in your professional career. What does that look like? Close to 6000 pieces of content, over 630 weekly podcasts, countless articles and contributions to other media outlets. Personally, I feel like I still know very little/nothing. I use these spaces to be curious, ask questions, distill complex ideas into something manageable and to think out loud.    

I’ve made a ton of friends. We have built a great community. 

I have seen people who started out their careers by reading the words here (or listening to the podcast), and now they have become industry leaders. There is nothing more gratifying. 

Today, I need your help. Today, I am asking you to help and to step up. 

Back in 2010, my best friend called to let me know that his five year old daughter, Leah, had cancer… leukemia. My world collapsed. A few weeks prior she was at my kid’s birthday party, laughing, playing… perfect. Now… leukemia? It was – without a question – one of the hardest moments in my life… trying to understand, and take in what my best friend was telling me about his daughter… who I would treat as my own daughter, in terms of love and care. I went into a tailspin. Leah’s courage throughout this nightmare is what pulled everyone through – family and friends. If there were ever a definition for the word “survivor” it is Leah. After a lengthy and hard battle, she is – thankfully – healthy, and back home where she belongs: with her family and friends. She is still in remission.

She’s lucky, but many, many people are not this lucky.

As you know, not everyone is lucky like Leah. A strong percentage of children diagnosed with AML don’t make it. Sadly, a boy who went to school with my child passed away after two relapses at the age of five. I can’t fathom what this family has gone through. We think of him and his family often. There are many stories. Many people trying to raise money. Like I said, it’s never easy to ask. But I am asking you for help. Next week, I will taking part in the Light The Night fundraising campaign. The walk will take place on Saturday, October 13th. Our team, Leah’s Helpers, has raised a lot money over the years, and we have been one of the most prolific teams in the history of the walk.

I am asking you to help me support this noble cause. 

I do my best to put out lots of content every week. This isn’t about me raising money. It’s about our kids and the randomness and cruelty that is leukemia and because none of us are safe. 

Please help.

I do realize that times are tough, and many of us are watching our wallets just a little bit closer than we usually have, but please consider giving something. If over the years, any of my content has struck a chord with you, made you smile, made you see your business world in a different way, I hope that you will consider this ask as the “tip jar” for my thoughts.

If you can find it in your heart to give, please do so right here: Light The Night Walk.

How about a little giver’s gain?

As a “thank you,” here’s what I am offering:

• Whoever donates the most money gets me for a one-hour get together. It can be via Skype, phone or in-person (meaning, if you’re in Montreal or if I happen to be travelling to wherever it is that you live). It will be a social meeting, but you can feel free to ask me anything. Lunch is on me. I’ll also include a signed copy of Six Pixels of Separation and CTRL ALT Delete.
• Whoever comes in next will get a signed copy of Six Pixels of Separation and CTRL ALT Delete, plus a business book bundle that I will, personally, curate.
• I will also do a random draw and give away three pairs of  “special” tickets to The Art Of… event of your choice. This is just the tickets, so you will have to handle travel, accommodations, etc…

Now, it’s your turn. Please help out. Thank you.