Amplify Consulting

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. We have a list of people we will amplify in the months to come, but we love it when our community of Amplifriday fans sends us their nominations, and we have a nomination from the effervescent Jo Berry for Vaughn Warren. Jo writes: Vaughn Warren is a carver, painter and graphic artist who lives i...n #Kamloops, B.C. He is an incredibly giving soul who is generous beyond measure and has the most incredible sense of humour and kindness and his heart is as big, or bigger, than his carvings. Vaughn has been working in the Arts and Culture field for over 20 years. After training in Vancouver as a mural painter, graphic artist, and working in the film industry, he returned to focus his efforts in his community. Vaughn’s most recent work was the unveiling of a gorgeous carving named Let Their Spirit Soar. This incredible piece of art is an inspirational memorial sculpture dedicated to the missing and murdered women, girls, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals. We are all blessed to have Vaughn in our community and for his many, many contributions. Our community is richer, and more beautiful, because of people like Vaughn. We thank you Vaughn, along with Jo, for not only your artistic talent, but how you use your gift to generate incredible impact and healing for communities. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. We have a list of people we will amplify in the months to come, but we love it when our community of Amplifriday fans sends us their nominations, and we have a nomination from the effervescent Jo Berry for Vaughn Warren. Jo writes: Vaughn Warren is a carver, painter and graphic artist who lives i...n #Kamloops, B.C. He is an incredibly giving soul who is generous beyond measure and has the most incredible sense of humour and kindness and his heart is as big, or bigger, than his carvings. Vaughn has been working in the Arts and Culture field for over 20 years. After training in Vancouver as a mural painter, graphic artist, and working in the film industry, he returned to focus his efforts in his community. Vaughn’s most recent work was the unveiling of a gorgeous carving named Let Their Spirit Soar. This incredible piece of art is an inspirational memorial sculpture dedicated to the missing and murdered women, girls, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals. We are all blessed to have Vaughn in our community and for his many, many contributions. Our community is richer, and more beautiful, because of people like Vaughn. We thank you Vaughn, along with Jo, for not only your artistic talent, but how you use your gift to generate incredible impact and healing for communities. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Congrats to Janine Kurtz who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Janine has, we are donating $100 to any charity of her choice. She chose to donate to BC Children's Hospital and mentions they helped our son a lot over the years with health issues. Thank you again to Janine for her remarkable impact.... If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Congrats to Janine Kurtz who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Janine has, we are donating $100 to any charity of her choice. She chose to donate to BC Children's Hospital and mentions they helped our son a lot over the years with health issues. Thank you again to Janine for her remarkable impact.... If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Metrics are powerful. They outline clear parameters for what success looks like. It’s not enough in terms of communications or stakeholder engagement to throw broad Key Performance Indicators around like this will be effective or we will increase brand awareness. The question is, or should be, how will we know when we’ve been successful or if we’re not successful, and that’s where metrics play a role. Now, if only ... 1) determining metrics and 2) agreeing upon metrics was easy to do! Learn how to better establish metrics for communications in our latest blog: http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/the-power-of-metrics/

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. With the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada marked yesterday, we are honoured to amplify Kúkpi7/Chief for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Rosanne Casimir. Our community of Kamloops has been in the spotlight nationally and even internationally where 215 unmarked graves were discovered... related to the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. When news of this first broke, there was shock among many, and renewed heartbreak for many Indigenous people who have known of this truth for decades. Kúkpi7 Casimir likely could never have imagined the tidal wave of media interest in the story, and while carrying the pain of her relatives and community, she needed to emerge as a strong spokesperson. And did she! When she was elected Chief in 2018 after serving three years on Council, she is quoted saying: What band members can expect from me is my commitment to the community and that I stand tall in my code of ethics which always includes fairness, honesty and trust. I’m going to continue representing all of them and no one will be excluded. As a strong Secwepemc woman and leader, she has been doing that, even more so in front of millions who look to her for truth on the journey of reconciliation. Kúkpi7 Casimir, we honour you and thank you for your clarity of purpose, your strength, and the leadership you’ve demonstrated for decades, and most notably in recent months. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Metrics are powerful. They outline clear parameters for what success looks like. It’s not enough in terms of communications or stakeholder engagement to throw broad Key Performance Indicators around like this will be effective or we will increase brand awareness. The question is, or should be, how will we know when we’ve been successful or if we’re not successful, and that’s where metrics play a role. Now, if only ... 1) determining metrics and 2) agreeing upon metrics was easy to do! Learn how to better establish metrics for communications in our latest blog: http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/the-power-of-metrics/

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. With the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada marked yesterday, we are honoured to amplify Kúkpi7/Chief for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Rosanne Casimir. Our community of Kamloops has been in the spotlight nationally and even internationally where 215 unmarked graves were discovered... related to the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. When news of this first broke, there was shock among many, and renewed heartbreak for many Indigenous people who have known of this truth for decades. Kúkpi7 Casimir likely could never have imagined the tidal wave of media interest in the story, and while carrying the pain of her relatives and community, she needed to emerge as a strong spokesperson. And did she! When she was elected Chief in 2018 after serving three years on Council, she is quoted saying: What band members can expect from me is my commitment to the community and that I stand tall in my code of ethics which always includes fairness, honesty and trust. I’m going to continue representing all of them and no one will be excluded. As a strong Secwepemc woman and leader, she has been doing that, even more so in front of millions who look to her for truth on the journey of reconciliation. Kúkpi7 Casimir, we honour you and thank you for your clarity of purpose, your strength, and the leadership you’ve demonstrated for decades, and most notably in recent months. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Congrats to Colin Lyons who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Colin has, we are donating $100 to any charity of his choice. He chose to donate to Kamloops Hospice Association. Thank you again to Colin for his remarkable impact.... If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Congrats to Colin Lyons who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Colin has, we are donating $100 to any charity of his choice. He chose to donate to Kamloops Hospice Association. Thank you again to Colin for his remarkable impact.... If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today’s Amplifriday featured person may walk you through a range of emotions, but this woman of impact inspires me with her faithfulness and devotion to her family, and that’s Janine Kurtz. Janine and her family have a story that will break your heart, but her resilience and purpose to help others... during her grief is nothing short of exemplary. 10 years ago, almost to the day, Janine’s 15-year son Brandon passed away. It was unexpected, crushing, and our entire community wept alongside them. We all struggled, trying to come to grips with why this would happen. As a Mom of young boys myself, I watched Janine and was humbled by her example. Her struggle was momentous, but the grace, faith, and dignity in which she operated then, and still does today, was eye opening for me. Ever since, Janine has taken to social media to keep the memory of Brandon alive and help others who are going through similar circumstances. But what is most amplifiable to me is her intention and drive to lift others by sharing her story, words of wisdom, and encouragement. She radiates joy and peace simply with her outward focus to invite others in to take a load off. She is one incredibly special woman. Janine, so many people admire you and your example, most notably is your example in times of tremendous turmoil. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today’s Amplifriday featured person may walk you through a range of emotions, but this woman of impact inspires me with her faithfulness and devotion to her family, and that’s Janine Kurtz. Janine and her family have a story that will break your heart, but her resilience and purpose to help others... during her grief is nothing short of exemplary. 10 years ago, almost to the day, Janine’s 15-year son Brandon passed away. It was unexpected, crushing, and our entire community wept alongside them. We all struggled, trying to come to grips with why this would happen. As a Mom of young boys myself, I watched Janine and was humbled by her example. Her struggle was momentous, but the grace, faith, and dignity in which she operated then, and still does today, was eye opening for me. Ever since, Janine has taken to social media to keep the memory of Brandon alive and help others who are going through similar circumstances. But what is most amplifiable to me is her intention and drive to lift others by sharing her story, words of wisdom, and encouragement. She radiates joy and peace simply with her outward focus to invite others in to take a load off. She is one incredibly special woman. Janine, so many people admire you and your example, most notably is your example in times of tremendous turmoil. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Congrats to Trisha Miltimore who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Trisha has, we are donating $100 to any charity of her choice. She chose to donate to Food Banks Canada. As a mother of 4 I can not imagine any of my kids having to worry about their next meal. I support Food Banks Canada by donating $1 from every sale at InspireStore.org and am passionate about spreading awareness on how this organization supports so many Canadi...an families (and children!) Thank you again to Trisha for her remarkable impact. If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today we amplify a man who is all about setting vision, creating culture, and competing with passion to reach big goals, and that’s Colin Lyons of Lyons Landscaping. Colin has a life experience not many of us have had, nor would want. He had a heart attack while playing basketball and had to be re...suscitated. Although Colin has always been driven, it was a wake up call for him to live healthier and remove external stressors. In a news article, Colin said, It’s all mind-set and discipline. If you want to do something, do it. Hold yourself accountable, put a vision board on the wall of what you want to become, give yourself targets. I call them sprints you don’t have to beat yourself up for not doing it all the time consistently, you just have to remind yourself to consistently be better. Colin exemplifies this vision in business, for his community, and in his personal life. He makes time to connect, and when he connects with you, it’s a phones-down-let’s-get-into-real-talk discussion with a how can I help you mentality. There is this richness in purpose and leadership Colin has we can all aspire to by living with intention. Colin, thank you for the often unrecognized difference you make and the quality of character you exude. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Aleece Laird of our Amplify Consulting team was invited to join host Trisha Miltimore on the Passion for Impact Podcast to talk about Clarity in Purpose. In this episode they discuss seasons of life, being brave and engaging, mentorship, and the importance of clarity in purpose and communications. Have a listen: https://lnkd.in/gmjjf8hX... ... and then check out the other impactful people Trisha has hosted on the podcast who will inspire you like: - Shannon Christensen of Mamas for Mamas - Linda Edgecombe, Motivational Speaker - Mike Desjardins of ViRTUS - Tanya Donahue of Mango and Moose and many others! #PassionforIimpact #AmplifyLeaders #AmplifyImpact #LeadershipPodcast #Podcast

Congrats to Trisha Miltimore who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Trisha has, we are donating $100 to any charity of her choice. She chose to donate to Food Banks Canada. As a mother of 4 I can not imagine any of my kids having to worry about their next meal. I support Food Banks Canada by donating $1 from every sale at InspireStore.org and am passionate about spreading awareness on how this organization supports so many Canadi...an families (and children!) Thank you again to Trisha for her remarkable impact. If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Our #Amplifriday feature update: it is our honour to donate $100 to the Paralympic Foundation of Canada for the important work they have been doing, and continue to do on behalf of Greg Stewart. #amplifyimpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today we amplify a spirited, enthusiastic, and engaging professional who inspires others to live a socially conscious life with purpose, Trisha Miltimore. There’s something appealing to me about a person who lives their life with consistency. You know what to expect and trust becomes established. ...That is Trisha who has consistently had a passion for living life well, and as a business coach, keynote speaker, and trainer, she is driven to ignite the fire of passion in others’ lives too. From her podcasts, mentorship work, and speaking engagements, Trisha zeros in on helping to inspire others to live a life with purpose, and really, that’s one of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves. I am equally impressed with Trisha’s drive to build up young women and girls, ensuring the seeds of purpose are planted and further cultivated to create something awesome. Trisha, kudos to you for the difference you make, the example you set, and the passion you ignite in the lives of those you speak to, work with, and reach. Your example is noticed AND amplified! As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Congrats to Dawn McCallum who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Dawn has, we are donating $100 to any charity of her choice. She chose to donate to Great Cycle Challenge Canada. I currently just finished a fundraising ride with Great Canadian Cycle Challenge, riding to fight kids’ cancer. https://theeventsmovementcanada-riders.cmail19.com//r-l-9/ ... Thank you again to Dawn for her remarkable impact. If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today we amplify a man who is all about setting vision, creating culture, and competing with passion to reach big goals, and that’s Colin Lyons of Lyons Landscaping. Colin has a life experience not many of us have had, nor would want. He had a heart attack while playing basketball and had to be re...suscitated. Although Colin has always been driven, it was a wake up call for him to live healthier and remove external stressors. In a news article, Colin said, It’s all mind-set and discipline. If you want to do something, do it. Hold yourself accountable, put a vision board on the wall of what you want to become, give yourself targets. I call them sprints you don’t have to beat yourself up for not doing it all the time consistently, you just have to remind yourself to consistently be better. Colin exemplifies this vision in business, for his community, and in his personal life. He makes time to connect, and when he connects with you, it’s a phones-down-let’s-get-into-real-talk discussion with a how can I help you mentality. There is this richness in purpose and leadership Colin has we can all aspire to by living with intention. Colin, thank you for the often unrecognized difference you make and the quality of character you exude. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today we amplify a golden individual who has not only has brought the world’s attention to his hometown of #Kamloops, but to the remarkable resilience of people with disabilities, and that’s newly minted Paralympic Gold Medalist, Greg Stewart. Born with half of his arm, Greg has never let that di...fference stop him from participating in sport. And even though he’s now a gold medalist in shot put, this is actually his third sport. He played varsity basketball for Thompson Rivers University, has won three world titles with the men's standing volleyball team and two Parapan American Games bronze medals on the sitting volleyball team. As accomplished as Greg is, his message about people with a disability is one we amplify. "People with a disability, all they want to do is fit in. Now don't get me wrong, I think everybody wants to fit in. Everyone wants to be loved. And everyone wants to be a part of something. But you, me and everyone are different. But because we're all different, that is a similarity that we all share. And so, because we share that, we're actually not alone." Greg, your country is proud of you because of your dedication to your passion and your spirit of inclusion. The gold medal is really just the icing on a great cake. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Our #Amplifriday feature update: it is our honour to donate $100 to the Paralympic Foundation of Canada for the important work they have been doing, and continue to do on behalf of Greg Stewart. #amplifyimpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today we amplify a spirited, enthusiastic, and engaging professional who inspires others to live a socially conscious life with purpose, Trisha Miltimore. There’s something appealing to me about a person who lives their life with consistency. You know what to expect and trust becomes established. ...That is Trisha who has consistently had a passion for living life well, and as a business coach, keynote speaker, and trainer, she is driven to ignite the fire of passion in others’ lives too. From her podcasts, mentorship work, and speaking engagements, Trisha zeros in on helping to inspire others to live a life with purpose, and really, that’s one of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves. I am equally impressed with Trisha’s drive to build up young women and girls, ensuring the seeds of purpose are planted and further cultivated to create something awesome. Trisha, kudos to you for the difference you make, the example you set, and the passion you ignite in the lives of those you speak to, work with, and reach. Your example is noticed AND amplified! As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

Congrats to Dawn McCallum who was amplified in our #Amplifriday feature. To help further the remarkable impact Dawn has, we are donating $100 to any charity of her choice. She chose to donate to Great Cycle Challenge Canada. I currently just finished a fundraising ride with Great Canadian Cycle Challenge, riding to fight kids’ cancer. https://theeventsmovementcanada-riders.cmail19.com//r-l-9/ ... Thank you again to Dawn for her remarkable impact. If you know someone remarkable we should amplify, it’s easy to nominate them. More at https://lnkd.in/gr6KAWG #AmplifyImpact

Amplify Consulting helps leaders define their purpose and clarify their message to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project to amplify remarkable people of impact. Today we amplify a golden individual who has not only has brought the world’s attention to his hometown of #Kamloops, but to the remarkable resilience of people with disabilities, and that’s newly minted Paralympic Gold Medalist, Greg Stewart. Born with half of his arm, Greg has never let that di...fference stop him from participating in sport. And even though he’s now a gold medalist in shot put, this is actually his third sport. He played varsity basketball for Thompson Rivers University, has won three world titles with the men's standing volleyball team and two Parapan American Games bronze medals on the sitting volleyball team. As accomplished as Greg is, his message about people with a disability is one we amplify. "People with a disability, all they want to do is fit in. Now don't get me wrong, I think everybody wants to fit in. Everyone wants to be loved. And everyone wants to be a part of something. But you, me and everyone are different. But because we're all different, that is a similarity that we all share. And so, because we share that, we're actually not alone." Greg, your country is proud of you because of your dedication to your passion and your spirit of inclusion. The gold medal is really just the icing on a great cake. As is our team’s commitment, we will be donating $100 to a charity of your choice to further amplify your remarkable impact. Know someone remarkable you think we should amplify? Nominate them today > http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/ #AmplifyImpact

In 2020, we’ve amplified political leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, teachers, youth, and mentors. Sadly, two of the individuals we amplified on #Amplifriday passed away in 2020: Kole Schmidt (my cousin) and Katherine McParland. While friends, families, and their communities still grieve their loss, it brings me back to one of the reasons I started Amplifriday in the first place 2 years ago. So often people have wonderful things to say about others in our eulogies. What if, ...instead, we took the time now while they are here to tell them what we appreciate about them. The impact of that simple act will be far more personable and incredible. In 2021, we look forward to featuring remarkable people of impact and will be inviting you to also play a role to nominate individuals you believe need to be amplified. Plus, for the month of January, we are trying out something new and will be donating $100 each week to the charity of choice of the person we amplify. Through this, we hope to share more about those charities and why our amplified individual chose them. Join us! Learn more! http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/

Our team at Amplify helps our clients clarify their message and purpose to amplify their impact. #Amplifriday is our passion project where we amplify remarkable people making remarkable impact. We are not only inviting our Amplify community to join us to nominate someone, but in the month of January, we are donating $100 to the charity of choice for each featured person. Join us and let's make 2021 remarkable, inspirational, and amplifiable! More at: http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/amplify-2021/

Usually, the ingredients for a restful and wonderful Christmas season range from candy canes and pajamas, to hot chocolate and movie nights. Think more magic and memories, less ba$t@rds and crooks. But this Christmas for us Lairds had the strong potential to skew to the latter. Allow me to explain http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/batrds-crooks-christmas/

Last week, I shared that my two teenage sons told me they really liked #Amplifriday, and wondered if we amplify remarkable people, would we one day possibly feature them? That made me not only smile but take action to ensure they know how remarkable they are. With that, meet the remarkable Calum, my youngest son. Calum, or Cal as everyone calls him, is the most tender-hearted guy I know. His name means dove representing peace and purity. This fits Cal to a tee. He is a giv...er and supporter, the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if it meant you would find comfort and warmth. He is the first to support the pursuits and ambitions of his friends, helping them gain notoriety so they can shine, all while staying in the background cheering them on and helping them from behind the curtain. The quiet kindness of Cal radiates through him to others and the subtle, yet mighty, impact this young man has and will make will result in a kinder, more wonderful world. #amplifyimpact

If you are a leader with an organization and have always wondered what stakeholder engagement is and why it's so critical, grab your lunch and tune in to a free online seminar today at noon. The webinar is led by Sian Lewis of the Phoenix Centre and Aleece Laird of Amplify Consulting. This is part 1 of a 2 part series brought to you by the The Federation of Community Social Services of BC https://fcssbc.ca/webinars/#toggle-id-1

Sometimes you do things in life you never think your kids notice - like #Amplifriday. This has been a passion project of mine for a few years now, amplifying the impact of remarkable people. So, I was surprised when my boys said they really liked Amplifriday, and if we amplify remarkable people, would we one day ever feature them? How can I resist?! Let me introduce you to the remarkable Maclean, my oldest boy. Maclean, or Mac as most people call him, is one of the most uniqu...e people I know. He’s energetic beyond belief, funny, and when he is focused on a project he loves (currently his go kart but it’s been trains and fishing in years past) he’s all in. One of the most remarkable things about Maclean is his heart for vulnerable people. Each year at Christmas, he goes around our neighbourhood collecting food items and donations for The Mustard Seed Kamloops because he can’t just sit back knowing there are people in need. Plus, he sees the ripple effect he can have when he puts in the effort to rally people behind a cause. Sometimes I look forward to the future to see what kind of leader Mac will be, and then I’m quickly reminded that my teenager is already on that path making remarkable impact for those who need a helping hand. Here’s to the highly amplifiable Mac.

Todd was out for a 54 KM bike ride when he was struck. A truck with a load of unsecured construction materials shifted, and those materials hit Todd sending him down hard onto the pavement on a busy highway. In short, his body was broken breaks, scrapes, a punctured lung. This remarkable event and remarkable for all the wrong reasons occurred in early August, but it is Todd’s will to heal and move forward, albeit one painful small step at a time, that makes him amplifia...ble. I’ve known Todd Nickel for years as we went to high school together. His wry sense of humour, generous smile, and supreme intellect make him one of a kind. He’s been running and cycling for years and I typically see marathon pictures of him running in Vancouver, Copenhagen, Basel, etc Pretty inspirational. Although he’ll tell you this whole situation with the accident sucks - although he’d use more choice words than I - his determination to keep moving and reclaim what was taken from him in his mobility and the freedom he finds in running, is quite amazing. He’s a reminder that the days may be long, frustrating and painful, but when you look back at the weeks and months, you may be reminded that the decisions you make today for forward momentum truly are propelling you forward, maybe not in leaps and bounds, but forward nonetheless. #Amplifyimpact #Amplifriday

We love leaders! We especially love and admire leaders who step up in really challenging circumstances to stand in the gap to lead well and to bring stability. So, with that, meet Kelly Thomson. Kelly is a Kamloopsian and retired from his decades-long career at Molycop in Kamloops 16 months ago. When the former Managing Director of the The Mustard Seed Kamloops moved on to another opportunity, Kelly answered the call and stepped in as interim Managing Director. Although Kel...ly likely has been enjoying retirement, this step isn’t out of his realm of leadership or experience as he sat for over a decade on the Board of the organization before it merged with the Mustard Seed. He’s also been a faithful volunteer over the past months at The Mustard Seed, helping with carpentry and building projects. Kelly’s willingness to jump in and bring a positive attitude and critical thinking to any situation is what is most amplifiable. He’s not only been energized with this role so far, but has brought clarity and energy to staff, volunteers, and supporters. His role may be only interim at this point, but his remarkable impact will be felt for years to come. #AmplifyImpact Dave Eagles, Kamloops This Week

With Christmas just around the corner, you too may be looking for a gift that is personalized, beautiful, and unique. One of the best ways to spread Christmas cheer is to buy from a local artist you not only enrich the artists’ life by purchasing their work, but you’ll find a spectacularly unique gift! To celebrate artists, we’re focusing this Amplifriday on Sophia Splane of S. Splane Cards. Sophia is a gem of a young lady. She and her husband Anthony work with New Hope Com...munity Services, an organization that provides housing and support services for refugees as they transition into life in Canada, and Sophia has been a leader in her hometown of Kamloops many years prior. Not only is she an outstanding person, but Sophia’s talent for watercolour painting is also outstanding. I commissioned a painting for a good friend recently and Sophia’s work was brilliant, well presented, and on time. It’s always a good idea to support local artists, and it’s even more special when they are generous people who make remarkable impact in the lives of others. If you’re looking for cards or a beautiful painting for someone special, please consider supporting local artists like Sophia! You, and your gift recipient, will be thrilled you did. #AmplifyImpact

Those who devote themselves to public service have to have a lot of guts. After all, when you take a very public role, you essentially have thousands of bosses in the general public holding you to account, and rightly so. When people who seek public service have not only the guts, but the heart for it because they are passionate about making impact, that’s amplifiable. Meet Alison Sidow, the just-recently-retired Superintendent of Kamloops-Thompson School District 73. Alis...on has faced some pretty big leadership mountains in the last number of years with a fire that destroyed a Kamloops school displacing hundreds of kids, and then of course COVID-19 which threw everything people assumed they knew about education out the window. Alison’s strength, poise, and calm demeanour through it all provided leadership, mentorship, and vision to many educators and families alike. Her motto just say yes has likely opened up many opportunities for her some more difficult than others but she has led well especially through chaotic times. As she enjoys retirement after 30 years of public service becoming a new grandma soon too we amplify a woman who has shown grit, guts, but most of all heart for the betterment of her community and the futures of generations. #AmplifyImpact #Amplifriday

The only thing I love more than stakeholder engagement is sharing my passion for the benefits of stakeholder engagement! Together with Sian Lewis of the Phoenix Centre in Kamloops, we will be presenting to The Federation of Community Social Services of BC's member agencies on a stakeholder engagement project Amplify Consulting Inc. undertook for the Phoenix Centre. Hear what we learned, the steps taken, and how bravely engaging stakeholders has impacted the organization. If y...ou're interested in attending the two part series on Nov 18 and 25 via Zoom, click here for more info: https://fcssbc.ca/webinars/ #stakeholderengagement #amplifyimpact #bebraveengage

This is a first for our Amplifriday feature in that we’re amplifying the remarkable impact of someone we’ve never met but his mission to make people smile is undeniably simple yet magic, thus deserving of amplification! Meet Jeff Obeng aka CousinSkeether. His undeniable energy, charisma, and zest for life is not only captured in his signature yellow and orange shirt paired with red shorts, but in his attitude. If you’ve ever seen him as his African character Mufasa, you’ll ...see him sitting in a car as his hypeman C.T. Moody cranks the music and coaxes him to get out and dance. He flings his passenger door open and dances outside on the street. Jeff’s mission is simple. Make people smile. Watch a video. I bet you smile. https://tinyurl.com/u9hblk2 Sometimes in this life, keeping it simple counts for a lot. What do you love to do that you’re good at? If it is making people smile, do it and you’ll bless the world. We all have awesome, simple things we can do that can enrich the lives of a few or many, and in turn, our own lives. Focus in and change the world one moment, or in Jeff’s case, one amazing Instagram dance video at a time. #AmplifyImpact

This Amplifriday is celebrating those who celebrate the remarkable success of others! I had the distinct honour to attend The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards, the hybrid version, last weekend. It was a technological beast of a production with four restaurant locations for people to gather (physically distanced), and an online component via Zoom, all telecast live. So many different people, so many locations, so many moving parts. At one point, I thou...ght, The Chamber could have easily skipped this awards event this year, and no one would have blamed them. But they boldly took this longstanding awards event on again, and did it with incredible class to celebrate the accomplishments of our local businesses, non-profits, and people. Plus, many of us got to dress up for the first time in months which was a wonderful treat! This Amplifriday is a big hats off to Kamloops Chamber Executive Director Acacia Pangilinan and her team for leading by example. They showed us that even though things are different and it takes more intentional effort, the lasting impact on the business community to find things to celebrate in challenging times reminds us we’re truly in this together AND there are opportunities to celebrate each others’ accomplishments! #Amplifriday #AmplifyImpact

You’ve likely had a conversation before with someone passionate about what they do, and you leave thinking, This person was born to do this! Meet Dan Macmaster of Vaagen Fibre Canada, a man just as comfortable engaging with community as he is out in the forest among the trees. I first had the opportunity to meet Dan a few years ago on a project I was working on. I met him on the phone and after our call, I was enthused about the work he was doing to keep a local mill in Mid...way, B.C. humming along. Then I met Dan in person on a tour of the mill. His passion for his role as Fibre Manager was clear, as was his desire to see better forestry practices implemented to benefit the forests themselves and communities for generations. Dan’s enthusiasm is amplifiable, not only because it’s clear he loves what he does, but his can-do attitude and desire to lead the charge to do forestry better has a ripple effect on others who in turn do better in their roles to be more innovative and show leadership. That’s what makes significant change. I suppose Dan would say the secret is to find something you love to do, and then every day, remember how fortunate you are to be doing it. Clarify the unique impact you have in your job and pursue it tenaciously. A lesson I learned from a humble, yet passionate forester from a small rural community in B.C. #AmplifyImpact

Last week at a seminar, the speaker told us leadership is important. I added, "and it's also hard." If you are a leader and this season has you feeling a little frustrated, down, wobbly, etc... maybe Todd's story will help you today persevere and keep moving forward. http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/leadership-is-hard/... #AmplifyLeaders #Leadership

Is there a gap in your communications? We've got three steps to help you amplify your communications both personally and professionally. http://amplifyinc.ca/blog/mind-the-communications-gap/... #AmplifyCommunications

Bold leaders are some of my favourite people, and Jason Fawcett ranks as one of the boldest. Newly named as the new President of Kelson Group, the property management company also just announced a massive development worth $140 million they are looking to bring to the downtown core of Kamloops. The project will bring many benefits to the area, both economic and social. It will take great leadership, community partnership, and a clear vision to make the dream a reality. But th...ere is more to Jason than the successful businessperson so many know him to be. He is a leader within the property management industry lending his expertise to boards intent on improving the sector for landlords and tenants. He is a generous supporter, leading his team to back countless charitable organizations throughout the 10 cities where they do business. He is a great coach, driven to help his team succeed, providing training and resources to help them shine. And he is a proud and devoted husband and father, family being his core. Jason is incredibly humble about his accomplishments, but the first to amplify and shine a spotlight on others. He is an incredible asset to our community, boldly leading his company to create remarkable impact both now, and for generations. #AmplifyImpact #Amplifriday

One of the most underrated and under appreciated gifts is that of time. And when that time is given in the form of mentorship or encouragement, it can be a life changer. Meet Dave Eagles, photographer for Kamloops This Week, and perhaps unbeknownst to him because of his time, an encouraging mentor for a young, aspiring photographer. A few months back, there were three houses on fire in our neighbourhood. It was a chaotic time as you can imagine. I spotted Dave taking photos f...or his newspaper and introduced him to my son Calum, the aspiring photographer, who was also taking some shots. Cal was one of the first on the scene so Dave gave Cal his card and encouraged him to send in some photos if he’d like to. That encouragement, although a small moment in time, was a life changing experience for Calum. After he got home and uploaded his photos to send to Dave, he started searching for a jobs in photography, photo journalism, and videography. Now, Cal has invested in some photo and video equipment and learning about composition, lighting, and more. It’s those micro moments where we, like Dave, can encourage and change the trajectory of someone else’s life. #AmpliFriday #amplifyimpact

Resilient = strong, tough, buoyant. To be resilient, to me, is like water repelling off a freshly painted surface. Nothing soaks in, and it remains intact and unaffected. At first glance, this is Jessica Vliegenthart The Roll Model, but she will be the first to tell you her resiliency comes from non-stop, intentional practice. I was incredibly blessed to hear Jessica speak this week to a group of colleagues. Her talk, smooth seas do not make skillful sailors was brilliant! ...Coming from a woman who became paralyzed at age 20 but went on to play wheelchair basketball in the 2012 London Paralympics, has 2 young children, is an active community member, and is a successful injury lawyer at Fulton & Company LLP, she speaks with authority on being resilient. She’s been through some extraordinarily tough times but has found ways to come back, namely 1) finding your people, those who have been there and can guide you, 2) writing lessons learned down so you can refer to them in tough times, and 3) understanding what your unique advantage is in life. Jessica is amplifiable because her spirit of resiliency is perfectly balanced with an attitude of vulnerability which makes her relatable, approachable, and inspirational. Yes, there are physical obstacles she comes across everyday which she passionately advocates to change but she’s changing perceptions, helping others, and looking at life as a blessing and something to be thankful for. ~ Aleece

Community builders - they are all around us, making the cities and towns in which we live that much richer because of the initiatives they take on, initiatives which typically have an inherent risk factor. This trio is one to be amplified because they have seized an opportunity to build community through sport > Norman Daley, Jon Pankuch, and Neal Perry. Our Amplify team was approached back pre-COVID about developing a communications and PR plan to help launch their team - th...e Kamloops NorthPaws. And although the timing was delayed for the public announcement for months ago to just this week, the guys never lost sight of the big picture goal > to generate excitement for the new West Coast League team in Kamloops to share the dream with the community they love. First off, the ownership team is individually amplifiable for their entrepreneurial ventures and successes as each owns, or is a partner of, a successful business or businesses. Second, in challenging economic times, they’ve been able to adapt and plan longer term for what will be, not what is right now. And third, they’re passionate about their ball team not only for the baseball - which will be world class - but for the future experience the community will enjoy on a beautiful summer night in Kamloops. The smiles in this photos say it all. Think big! Think beyond! Play Ball! #AmpliFriday #amplifyimpact #NorthPaws

Have you ever been late telling someone you think they’re remarkable? The whole reason for Amplifriday is to highlight remarkable people when they are alive, so this is a tough one for me. With my Aunt and Uncle’s permission, I share our family’s heartache. My cousin Kole died of an accidental drug overdose two weeks ago. I want to honour his memory and hopefully help someone else along the way. Kole was adopted from Russia when he was just a little guy. My Auntie Val and Unc...le Larry added Kole and his sister Ksenya to their family and I know Kole had a life here in Canada he would never otherwise have had, which is a blessing. I remember him as the ring bearer at our wedding - all dapper and smiles in his tuxedo! He was loved by numerous family members and friends, travelled the world, fished whenever the opportunity arose, and had the biggest smile. Kole was a love. He unfortunately got caught up in the drug scene, taking drugs primarily on his paydays. Unfortunately for him, and the countless people who love him, the toxic drug supply in our community claimed yet another life the life of Kole. We as a family had a celebration of life for Kole this past Sunday on what would have been his 29th birthday. I keep thinking, This is all wrong. This isn’t real. But sadly, it is, and my biggest pain is for the future Kole would have had. All of those missed opportunities to engage in life, and us getting to be a part of the journey along with him. August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. We can’t bring Kole back, but I can share with you that if you do know someone struggling with an addiction, reach out to them, tell them you love them and that you’re there for them. And then educate yourself. I am personally taking a Naloxone training course in the event I ever come across someone else’s loved family member who is overdosing and needs help, just like I would have hoped someone could have done for Kole. #IOAD2020

The thing about dandelions is that they are many things bright like the sun, attractors of pollinators, and impressively hearty. So hearty because one little dandelion seed can travel up to 100 kilometres, so their reach is quite staggering. Today’s amplifriday not only features a dandelion, but the strongest dandelion Colleen Gropp. I first was wowed by Colleen back when I was in elementary school. She was everything I wanted to be and the role model parents hope their c...hildren aspire to emulate. Gracious, talented, smart, well spoken, and assuredly confident. I remember her when she was a high school student - she was so lovely to little ol’ me, a little schoolgirl who thought the sun, moon and stars orbited around her. When she went on to win the title of Miss. Chase, I just knew my little town was bound for greatness because of who our ambassador was. I was so proud! I still get to see Colleen every so often. She’s a mother, an aunt, a wife - an accomplished woman so important to so many. She’s strong, graceful, and charming completely the same person I admired so many years ago, plus she’s got this fight in her which is remarkable. There are people in this world who make life a little brighter and sunnier by their presence, and this is true of Colleen simply by being herself and intentionally pouring life into others. #bethestrongestdandelion #amplifyimpact

The power of a chalk line > how checking in with your values and purpose will help you get to where you wanted to go in business and in life. https://tinyurl.com/y2rtnf5b #AmplifyImpact

This Amplifriday is for the dogs, but it is truly to amplify a neighbourhood and first responders. Last Friday, my son burst into our home saying, there’s a house on fire a block and a half away! As the fire department worked to get that fire out and a fire next door, a totally unrelated fire started just four houses down from us. I ran over to do what I could to help until more fire crews could arrive. The homeowners were beside themselves as their dog Willow the Woodle... was still inside and didn’t follow them out (don’t worry, this story has a happy ending). Reflecting on the situation I remember how a neighbourhood pulled together quickly: someone was moving cars out of the garage while the fire was on the roof, chairs and water were brought out for the homeowners as neighbours provided comfort and care, RCMP officers were keeping people back, and fire fighters were battling flames in +35 degree weather. It truly took a team effort of everyone playing a role, praying for the best outcomes. Hours later when the fire was out, the homeowners were able to call Willow, and miracle of miracles, Willow barked from inside and was rescued! No matter what your role in a situation like this or in life, you play a role, and that role counts no matter the outcome. Be brave. Step up. Engage. You’ll meet new people and doing what you can to make life a little better for someone, or some dog. ~ Aleece #AmplifyImpact #Amplifriday

Formidable. Towering. Intimidating. These words have been used to describe Ret. RCMP Corporal Mike Dopp. But those would be based solely on first impressions of this mountain of a man standing 6’ 6 tall in his uniform. Those who know him though would say friendly over formidable, tender over towering, and intelligent over intimidating. In the past few weeks, there has been much said about police officers, highlighting the misdeeds of many who let the power of the position g...o to their heads and treat citizens with disrespect. It is true, in any job or position where you have power, there are those who unfortunately take things too far. But Mike is an officer citizens could be proud of and trust. Mike is my Dad and a 25-year veteran of the RCMP. I’ve always been tremendously proud of my Dad who saw abuse, neglect, crime, and other horrible things but did his job to help bring about remarkable change. As a police officer, he gave back to his community and sought to deeply connect with people even though he’d inevitably get transferred just as we all were getting used to a place. I salute the men and woman who serve as police officers across our country, and amplify one of the finest, Cpl. Dopp. ~ Aleece #AmplifyImpact #Amplifriday