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You know what’s really, really, great?
When you meet the ‘doers’ of the world.
You know, those people who instinctively say: ‘oh yeah? watch me!’ when others tell them ‘it can’t be done.’
Yesterday I had just that kind of meeting with two doers.
It was their sheer chutzpah that was not only inspiring but uplifting—it was like an injection of rocket fuel to my fearless side that also drives me to take on what’s oft though undoable. I felt an affinity for their passion, direction and vision, and I simply asked: how can I help you?
The truth is, were seeing more and more of this fearless passion, motivation, innovation—whatever you wish to call it—erupting in communities throughout Atlantic Canada over the last several years.
More than 97% of the 78,000 businesses in Atlantic Canada are small with less then 100 employees and entrepreneurship is on the rise. These people—the one’s who are taking a risk, trying to make a go of it and trying to make their dream into a reality—are the ‘doers’ currently driving our economy. In fact, they are providing upwards of 75% of the employment available in each of our four Atlantic provinces.
More and more in my travels throughout this beautiful region I am meeting these doers, these dreamers—the mavericks who are bringing their visions to life.
I love hearing their stories and then doing the mental gymnastics to see how to help in some way.
But I think the biggest thing we can all do to help their positive trajectory is simple—we must simply change our mindset and our immediate responses to their vision.
It’s time to cast aside the ‘you can’t do’s,’ the ‘it’s impossible’s,’ the ‘its never been done’s,’ and any number of other Pavlovian-like ‘limiting’ responses used to cast doubt, and replace them with the ‘you should’s,’ the ‘you can’s,’ and the ‘you will’s.’
Because let’s face it, some of the biggest brands in the world started with a doer who had just enough chutzpah and determination to push limits and succeed in the face ‘it can’t be done.’
Here’s to all of our Atlantic Canadian doers.
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is taking proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework. This entails a commitment to meaningful consultation, fostering respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before embarking on economic projects. Moreover, the Chamber advocates for equitable access to employment, training, and educational opportunities for Indigenous communities, ensuring they reap sustainable benefits from economic development initiatives.
Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.
Learn more click here