WOW, it just keeps getting more overwhelming. I realize that I’m commenting on Day 5 and my last entry shows day 2 (Day 1 of the IDA Conference.) Every day is simply so packed with conversations that even when I finish a conference I end up talking with designers from around the world and too exhausted when I return to type.

This morning I woke up at 430am to try and get at least a day of notes caught up. Since today, Thursday, was the first of two days of the 24th Icograda General Assembly I’ll just start go from here for now. Sorry for hoping around.

After catching up outside the conference room in the morning over a coffee with Jim Hudson, GDC National President, Philippe Lamarre, President Quebec Society of Graphic Designers (SGDQ) I quickly took my ‘observer’ seat to the side of the delegates area. Then suddenly Robert L. Peters, GDC Fellow Member, Icograda Past President (2001-2003), 2009 Icograda Presidents Award recipient and founding executive of this years International Design Alliance, moved chairs to come sit beside me. I can’t express how honoured I felt and how humbled and amazing my experience yesterday became because of his vast knowledge of Icograda and design influences from around the world. Robert spent the day openly sharing backgrounds on who various people were and their significance in design history. Introductions to Mervyn Kurlansky, this years Icograda Presidents Award recipient and http://www.icograda.org/programmes/awards/articles1920.htm and one of the founding members of Pentagram. Later in the day he pointed out Ken Kato who he called “Australia’s Milton Glaser.”

Robert would also reflect on past and present political issues, both design and governmentally related when it came to personal agendas, those of various countries, and the dynamics of a global Executive Board. Amazing. At one point he suggested one should not be blind to the fact that even the Secret Service has had a presence in these General Assemblies over its past 48 year history.

I could go on with the stories and insights provide by Robert but I think I will simply convince him (I hope I already have) to come back to Vancouver and let him share it with our design community in person! And since I’m already running out of time again I will get back to the start of the Assembly.

9am and VP Iva Babaja (Zagreb, Croatia) welcomed all delegates and observers and eloquently and yet firmly stated the process and protocols that would be expected to be followed. A short quip of humor came when she pointed out Professional member issues would be voted on using the Red card, or as she clarified “is actually magenta.” She then invited all Delegates and observers to stand up and acknowledged their name, country and design affiliation. 67 countries, 129 cities, 224 member associations and 90 educational institutions represent Icograda.

Ms Babaja then introduced President Russell Kennedy for his welcome message. Mr. Kennedy started by reflecting on the efforts over the past 2 years on their theme of “Unity, Advocacy and Engagement.” Summarizing events, successes and challenges. Closing by calling everyone in the room “a group of friends.”

General formalities continued and just before the first break there was ratification of new members and resignation/removal of others since General Assembly 23. Most noticeable to me, AIGA was removed. Robert explained to me they had selfish intentions and “took their marbles and went home.” Robert’s collaborative and positive unifying perspectives underlie all his commentary. He would often voice his thoughts to the board and the delegates “suggesting they consider” his observation or concerns when issues and policies were discussed. He would always whisper to me before or after how issues should be in the best interest of the ongoing security and stability of Icograda’s members.

Following the break Candidates for the 2011-2013 Executive Board were announced. Various candidates publicly presented their case for election and again I was very impressed with Iva Babaja’s confident collaborative and informed statements for the position of Secretary General. Omar Vulpinari, one of two President Elects, suggested while presenting his case “evolution is uncertain by nature, but relevant in a high paced world.” It was great to see at least two people vying for every position.

Lunch followed during which I sat with Tyra von Zweigbergk, the Vice President of Sweden’s design society whom I met days earlier during the conference. Our table also consisted of Jim Hudson (GDC President), Philippe Lamarre (SGDQ President), Lionel Gadoury (RGD President), Albert Ng (founding member of RGD Ontario) and Peter Florentozos (National Director DIA (Australia’s design association) and founding member of AGDA.) And it wasn’t long until, at times heated, debate began over Certification, the issues around divided Canadian design associations, adoption of certification, testing, it’s value perceptions to the design community, the business community and the world design community as a whole. I have plans to discuss this more with both Lionel and Peter over the next 2 days outside of the GA.

After lunch among other formalities there were discussions and votes around Articles of Incorporation and ByLaw revisions. Most significantly the “descriptive” changes of Icograda’s definition. Icograda WAS describe as the International Council of Graphic Design Associations. Debates included the brand equity of the name itself but the more dated descriptor of “graphic design” versus “communication deign.” Some delegates also argued for “visual communications.” In the end it was passed by approx 2/3 majority to leave the name Icograda and support the name by calling it the International Council of Communication Design.

I would suggest there is now a clear change from what I would consider as a traditional older generation of designers who have grown up trying to make a mark for “graphic design” versus a new generation seeing the influences of a multi disciplinary design world and looking towards our industry as “communication design.” Having grown up right in the middle I prefer where we are going - forward.

Other related issues were the inclusion of a new membership category called “Cities” this was to encourage inclusion of a city (specifically with a population of over 1 million) that promoted the value of design. Due to issues around non designers representing the ‘city’ membership possibly being elected to the board, and around smaller populated cities being excluded it was unanimously voted down.

Following the afternoon break, Icograda Treasurer and Canada’s own David Berman presented Icograda’s Sustainability Standards initiative. David outlined the working process of how Icograda’s “S Number” will allow designers to document, manage, measure “and celebrate” online the ’sustainability’ of their projects based on the four pillars of social, cultural, financial and environmental sustainability. Robert Peters was also integral in this development and I look forward to exploring the functionality more as it evolves and is ready for implementation. But as David said, “we just need to start” and set the example.

Mr Russell Kennedy then presented the background on a few other major initiatives over the last year including the World Design Survey and http://www.icograda.org/media/releases/articles1895

INDIGO and http://www.indigodesignnetwork.org/ which acknowledges and preserves indigenous design cultures. This is yet another project Robert Peters was instrumental in forming with Mr Kennedy. Robert suggested to me initiatives like this don’t get innovated in the Assemblies, they come to be after hours over beer. And Robert and Russell were both passionate to make this happen, as Mr Kennedy transitions into Past President of Icograda today he will take on the Co-Chair role of Indigo for the next 2 years.

The next issue was Amendments to best practices documents and I wanted to acknowledge GDCBC Ethic Chair, Matt Warburton, for his involvement in the 8 person international committee helping to reshape these issues including the Speculative Practices definitions for Icograda.

Mr. Kennedy then came back to announce the ongoing partnerships with The Living Principles, CUMULUS and UNESCO

The long days events ended with a presentation by the members of the 2013 IDA Congress host city of Istanbul, Turkey. Members also acknowledged sadness to the country of Turkey currently dealing with the devastation due to the earthquakes.

In conclusion, this will be one of the most memorable days (and week) of my design career. I can’t thank Robert L. Peters enough for his mentoring and friendship today and I can only hope to return to Vancouver, BC, and Canada and impart some of this knowledge to the rest of our GDC membership. One observation I can’t let go unmentioned and in stark contrast to the my 3 previous GDC National AGM’s is absolutely NO open laptops, no discussion of Skyping in missing members or chatting agendas, no use of smartphones and Twitter or social media channels. From the top of the Executive Board through to every delegate and observer in the room the phones and laptops were away, people were present and engaged. I sensed discussions and issues were strategized before the GA and any concerns or issues were debated openly and in as much detail as time allowed. That’s the way it should be and I will plan to share that perspective in Canada and the GDC’s AGMs.

With these experiences I’m overwhelmingly inspired for a long term commitment to our growing Canadian design organizations and it’s partnership with the global design community. What is the value of design membership? I’ll echo simply what Robert said, “it’s what you put in” and encourage those looking for something from being a GDC member to make the effort to get involved instead of sitting on the sidelines, help create change and move our design profession forward in a collaborative and intelligent manner. The rewards are invaluable!

Day 1 is complete and I’ve just returned to my hotel room (sorry I started this fell asleep in front of my Mac and now finishing after day 2..ugh) and I’m exhausted. It’s 11pm in Taipei and as much as I’d love to head to the lounge for a drink I can hardly move. Maybe it’s jet lag? Maybe it’s information overload?

I’m watching Michael Moore on CNBC’s ‘Squawk On The Street,’ discussing his new film and Occupy Wall Street. Stocks also show some of their biggest gains in 56 weeks…so far. All seems like an interesting parallel to today’s historic opening of the IDA’s 2011 Congress and Design At The Edges and day one’s theme of Economic Development.

I truly feel very privileged and honoured to be here to witness the significance of what the International Design Alliance has brought to fruition this week here in Taipei, Taiwan. ICOGRADA, (International Council of Graphic Design Associations), ICSID (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design) and IFI (International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers) opened the first ever unified design Congress. A forum to engage members of all design disciplines with 47 nations representing.

This morning opened to a dramatic presentation of laser lights in front of 3000 attendees, including opening statements by the Vice President of Taiwan, the Mayor of Taipei City and of course the Presidents of each of the 3 IDA partners; Mark Breitenberg (ICSID) who said ” the creative process is relevant in every aspect of our lives.” Russell Kennedy (ICOGRADA) who said “as the IDA we must lead by example.” and Shashi Caan (IFI) who questioned “how do we find the courage to try something new, to truly innovate….”

It should also be noted that during Russell Kennedy’s address he officially announced the “IDA statement on professional design” and unfortunately the text was too small on the screen and disappear too quickly to get it all copied, but I will track it all down over the next few days. It did start like…
“The international Design Alliance strongly believes in the value of professional design and fair compensation…”

So following the official introductions and the opening ceremonies, the first Keynote session began on the days focus of “Design and Economic Development.” The Keynote address was done by Esko Aho, Prime Minister of Finland 1991-1995 and current Executive VP Corporate Relations and Responsibility Nokia Corporation.

Mr Aho ( although not in attendance - sent a video…?!) started by claiming “economic development is the most important global issue today.” He stated “in government and business leadership is key,” setting the stage for what I HAD anticipated to be one my favorite themes. Mr Aho went on to reflect on the history of Nokia’s innovations during the mobile phone growth. His video broadcast showed an example of the mobile phone ‘brick’ that was launched in 1987 for 4500 Euros and weight 800 grams. In 1990 there were 10 million users of this technology, at the time Nokia estimated by 2000 there would be 50 million. In actuality there ended up with 700 Million!

Mr Aho then held the original phone (4500 Euros) up to one of Nokia’s current phones, a fraction of the size and accessible by the poorest people in the world, for 13 Euros, and has the computing power of the Eagle Landing on the moon July 29th,1969. Can you say ‘exponential growth?!’

Mr. Aho went on to suggest that design is the key in mobile phone development, and that “the greatest technological revolution we have ever seen lies in mobile software development” and in particular, design for system solutions.

He continued saying that we need better educational programs, “designers can help; our universities are too silo’ed we need to breakdown and create multi-disciplinary collaboration.”

He also said, “vision without execution is daydream, execution without vision is nightmare.” and ended by quoting Steve Jobs!?! when he said…

“It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with liberal arts, humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing.”

Foreshadowing…Writing this now (after Day 2) I can say “the Humanity of Design” is all I can think about!!

**Panel Discussion**

Emily Campbell, Director of Design RSA | UK
Nila R. Leiserowitz, Managing Director, Gensler | USA
Valerie Jacobs, Group Director, LPK Trends | USA

Following Mr Aho’s video keynote, the panel convened on stage and responded to his address, Nila Leiserowitz responded by saying “design is fundamental to the success of our clients.” Emily Campbell suggested “design resourcefulness” is key to educating more people to be better designers versus controlling designers.

Emily Campbell had me captivated when she reflected on her and the RSA’s work with spinal cord injury patients and how she “encourages design by everyone” suggesting that the masses should learn to adopt a design thinking mentality. She pointed out that at a basic level patients should “believe design exists.” At a secondary level believes that patients can “design improvements to what’s given” when it comes to their rehabilitation and the patients interaction with the design, and finally the highest level, that they themselves can go on to “become designers of better solutions” - ahhh the humanity of design!

And although Valerie Jacobs’ later presentation in the afternoon “Design Salon” about fashion designs role in trends made no relevance to the theme of economic development she did state a quote I have ruminated with for many weeks now due to personal circumstances and frames a theory I feel strongly about when she said, as designers more need to understand “your own experience isn’t all there is.”

I believe as human beings we create meaning based on our environment and OUR experiences, as designers of solutions for humanity we need to expand our creative intelligence to what we may otherwise not already have a preconceived notion too.

In closing the panel discussion Nila Leiserowitz suggested we “need a real definition of what design can do” if we’re going to get political leaders to support getting design to the edges” and making design accessible.

Following the morning Keynote and panel discussion, ICOGRADA President Russell Kennedy presented the 2011 Icorgada Achievement Awards.

2011 Presidents Award went to Meryn Kurlansky who helped “nurture” the concept of the IDA and co founded Pentagram.

2011 Education Award went to Apex Pang Soong Lin
2011 Icograda Achievement Awards went to
Lin Horng-Jer
Stony Cherng
Tzuag-Kuei Yang
Han-Pin Chen
Taddy Ho
and Tony Chang

12-1pm break for lunch.

I very much enjoyed meeting Kira, Illustrator and Vice President of the Swedish design society and discussing the merits of their societies successful revenue model and how they support the commercial illustrators and designers usage rights of creative for public distribution in books and printed materials.

A side note, the “lunch box” is a choice between a Western or Chinese fare. Note the fact that each of the 6 sections of the Chinese lunch box is contained in it’s own non recyclable plastic tray?!

Well it’s 12 midnight and the lounge is humming, and most Vancouverites are just waking up. I’m back from the Adobe Awards and now sitting in the “W” lounge with a beer that will likely be my undoing….not sure how many hours since I slept.

The Adobe Awards were good, an amazing student turn out. Great use of Facebook to engage guests and Adobe was giving away some serious gear. I chatted briefly with Brenda Sanderson, Managing Director at Icograda, at the Awards, and she’s been working hard to get the weeks events organized. I can’t imagine the scope and undertaking this IDA Congress event presents.

Since my last post I walked down to the Trade & Convention Centre to register for the convention. The city of Taipei has really embraced the IDA Congress, banners line every street in the city and large wall murals surround the TCC. Taipei is amazing, food, lights, people, visual stimulation around every corner.

There is a 2nd floor walkway the entire way from the “W” to the TCC and Taipei 101, about 20 minutes…shopping non stop for blocks, KM even, and people everywhere. You’d never know there was economic instability in the world hanging out in Taipei. Consumerism at it’s peak, from big name brands to movie theaters to fast food, line ups everywhere. And a population of 2.6 million….

Well I’m fading as I sit plugging away and I need to be at the convention at 9 so post jet lag I better sleep. Jim Hudson, GDC’s National President just emailed me - his commute is 29 hrs from New Brunswick…ugh!!

Before i go I wanted to drop some images of the amazing trek from my hotel to the Trade & Convention Centre, and areas in between. The people are so extremely friendly…

Sunday October 23rd and I have arrived in Taipei, Taiwan. 13.5 hours after leaving Vancouver at 2am on a direct flight on China Airlines I landed in Taipei as the sun came up. Walking out of the airport all seemed right as a very kind Mr. Andy-wu asked me if I needed a cab ride.

Rising sun in Taipei.

As President of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada / BC Chapter I’m here for the 2011 IDA (International Design Alliance) Congress and General Assembly. I feel extremely privileged to be here and plan to provide the membership back in Canada a full ‘report’ of my week here and the various events, until then I plan to post here regularly as I soak up every minute of design inspiration and cultural influences.

Tonight after checking in to the conference I plan to attend the 2011 Adobe Design Achievement Awards celebrating student and faculty achievement reflecting the powerful convergence of technology and the creative arts. The competition - which showcases individual and group projects created with industry-leading Adobe creative software - honors the most talented and promising student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers, developers and computer artists from the world’s top institutions of higher education.

And then I guess I ’should’ get some sleep. Back here again soon…

Logorama from Marc Altshuler - Human Music on Vimeo.

Watch Logorama it’s a brilliant animation short that won the 2010 Academy Award and opened Sundance Film Festival. Graham Button articulates in his FastCo Design article “Over-Branding kills Profits and Scares Off Consumers” We’re inundated by brands that believe innovation for innovation sake creates value. Not. Value is created by quality and “branding” gets a bad wrap because it’s still misunderstood and misused.

Button says it’s about time we “beat the addiction to innovation for innovation’s sake and to replace it with innovation for society’s sake.”

Sounds like a great idea.

DAY 13 : 03.2.11 : Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

DAY 12 : 03.1.11

“poor empty pants with nobody inside them.”

DAY 11 : 02.28.11

“I meant what i said and i said what i meant. An elephant’s faithful one-hundred percent!”

DAY 10 : 02.27.11

“If things start happening, don’t worry, don’t stew, just go right along and you’ll start happening too.”

DAY 9 : 02.26.11

“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.”

DAY 8 : 02.25.11

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

DAY 7 : 02.24.11

“We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”

DAY 6 : 02.23.11 : Anti-Bullying Day

“This one,
I think,
is called a Yink.
He likes to wink,
he likes to drink.
He likes to drink, and drink, and drink.
The thing he likes to drink
is ink.
The ink he likes to drink is pink.
He likes to wink and drink pink ink.
SO…
if you have a lot of ink, then you should get
a Yink, I think.”

DAY 5 : 02.22.11

“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!”

DAY 4 : 02.21.11

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

DAY 3 : 02.20.11

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

DAY 2 : 02.19.11

“Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.”

DAY 1 : 02.18.11

“Being crazy isn’t enough.”

On this day, February 18th, in 1977 and 1979 it was proven that within two years creativity and the craziest of shit can happen…
1977 – The Space Shuttle Enterprise test vehicle is carried on its maiden “flight” on top of a Boeing 747.
1979 – Snow falls in the Sahara Desert in southern Algeria for the only time in recorded history.

Looking forward to the GDC BC Chapter AGM on February 24th, 2011 I hope to be elected as President for the coming two years and work with a creative Executive team and our membership on a Thematic Goal to “Cultivate awareness of the value of our Society, GDCBC” and even get a bit crazy with some of our ideas. And so I felt it fitting to spend the next 13 days sharing a few words from one of the greatest creative and crazy thinkers, Theodor Seuss Geisel.

In 1937 after 27 ill fated attempts at a publishing deal, Theodor Geisel’s first children’s book, “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” was released and went largely unnoticed. Over the next 54 years he would accomplish;

Works for Vanity Fair, Life and The Saturday Evening Post
Three Oscars
A National Memorial
500 million books in circulation to date
and become the best selling children’s book author of all time

However it was not these awards or financial returns that makes Dr Seuss a hero, rather his passion for taking risks to make a difference. He ‘defied the establishment and revolutionized’ how children would learn and read. With his teachings of tolerance—“a person’s a person, no matter how small” he said. And never more relevant, his forward thinking views of corporate responsibility and our environment, as so evident by his 1971 book ‘The Lorax’, “I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”

One of Dr Seuss’s most encouraging quotes is in his final line in his final book ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ ”You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!”
He’s inspired the creativity and crazy imagination of millions—including so called adults like me—and shown me that everyday people can b courageous. In 13 days (Mar. 2, 1904) it’s Dr. Seuss’s Birthday.

“If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.”

LINKS:

Theodor Seuss Geisel
(pronounced /ˈɡaɪzəl/; March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991), c

The greatest book ever “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
(encouragement ahead of its time) YouTube

Second greatest book ever “The Lorax”
(sustainability ahead of its time) YouTube

Seussville

The entire 2003 documentary, Dr Seuss: Rhymes and Reasons
Part 1 of 9
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9 of 9

I just came across this great video interview of John Kristensen proprietor of Firefly Letterpress in Somerville, MA. and figured I would share it. Enjoy!

There are a few classic quotes in the video too:

John Kristensen:
“Yes make it attractive, but make it be what the text needs it to be. Whereas in the wild and woolly world of computer typography, there are no rules.”

John Kristensen:
“It will die eventually, because people will no longer remember how to do it”

Interviewer:
So How do you feel about that?

John Kristensen
“It’s Ok, I’m only responsible for my watch. I’m thankful everyday that I get to do this.”

While watching this I couldn’t help but think of Canada’s own Jim Rimmer who passed away January 8th, 2010. I was privileged to have been at Jim’s celebration of life April 25th, 2010 with fellow GDC members and my past Capilano University design instructors Al Zimmerman and Fred Forester. Did you know the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada and the BC Chapter is awarding the first ‘Jim Rimmer Community Scholarship for Design’ along with Hemlock Printers during GDCBC’s Practivism 3 in November 2010? Keep an eye out for the scholarship applications in September and be sure to check out Practivism 3. To learn more about Jim Rimmer and his passion for the craft of letterpress read Leaves from the Pie Tree Press and Pie Tree Press: Memories from the Composing Room Floor. And visit the Facebook page Remembering Jim Rimmer set up in his memory.

Have you got a letterpress shop or story you love?

Frito Lay and the SunChips brand are launching the world’s first 100% compostable chip bag on Earth Day 2010 (40th Anniversary BTW.)

Claiming on their website the packaging is “designed to break down in just 14 weeks when placed in a hot, active compost bin or pile. If it takes a little longer, don’t worry about it. Mother nature will get to it soon enough.”

VP of portfolio marketing, Gannon Jones, states the new packaging solution is a substantial investment and “is not a cost savings for us.” They also anticipate it will require a lot of consumer education around the arena of composting. Frito Lay also lightheartedly apologizes for the resulting ‘louder noise’ the bag makes upon crumpling due to the different plant based materials in the bags. I actually think this distinctive sound is a great benefit to the brand characteristics of a smart ethical brand strategy.

One no longer has any excuses not to eat copious amounts of chips…SunChips®

Johnnie Walker’s ‘The Walk’ is my favorite ad of 2009 and for a number of reasons; it’s storytelling, it’s simplicity and it’s Scottish heritage. And so it seemed a great way to toast the the passing of 2009 and acknowledge the coming of the new decade ahead.

The past year was a turbulent one to be sure as the economic turmoil that ended 2008 seemed to worsen as 2009 went on and notably among the design related industries. Many long standing vendors, friends and colleagues faced challenging times; some even forced to closed their doors as many business foolishly ceased spending on marketing and advertising. Another factor, the mind bending rate of change among traditional forms of media forced creatives and brand managers to evolve how they communicate to their customers. What might that future look like? From social media, ‘Apps,’ to what TV’s are really good for.

People are looking for, demanding, and engaging brand experiences that connect them to the brands that move them—as seen in Interbrands ‘Best Global Brands 2009′ I spoke a number of times over 2009 with John Ridley, Director; Marketing and Community Relations at Global BC and at one point he said it, “the consumer is driving the ship.”

Add to this the dark stories of a planet Earth in rapid decline and one can’t help but think 2009 wasn’t a banner year.

So to that end, I give you Paul Hawken’s stirring 2009 Commencement Address to the graduates of the University of Portland as a sign that 2010 and the decade to come is ripe for a new style of business. As Paul Hawken stated, “Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.” “Inspiration is not garnered from the litanies of what may befall us; it resides in humanity’s willingness to restore, redress, reform, rebuild, recover, reimagine, and reconsider.”

The business world, and the world in general, has seen significant evolution in what ’sustainability’ truly means. It’s gone beyond ‘green’ and blue recycling boxes and started conversations and engaged collaborations that created a stronger sense of purpose, connection and belonging to the COR of what a business, a brand, is really about. We can tell real stories now of how a strong bottom line doesn’t need to be at the expense of a values driven business plan or a purpose that goes beyond just revenue projections.

Not unlike the start of a new decade 100 years ago the start of this next decade shows the real value of a business isn’t sitting on a warehouse floor but sitting in the seats next to you and I. It’s the innovative thinkers, creative visionaries and those embracing ‘design thinking’ as the catalyst to support the growth and prosperity of businesses that are walking the optimistic path of the future.

Sustainability also means these innovative thinkers, visionaries, entrepreneurs, ‘ones who see things differently’ can create social enterprises and world changing solutions that can be built on a For-Profit For Purpose model versus the traditional Not-For Profit thinking. Imagine the social and economic growth these bright ideas will see in the coming years as they are financially viable, attracting (and retaining) the most talented people and therefore able to more efficiently grow and spread their ideas of change.

Personally 2009 was mixed with successes and challenges.

I welcomed a great new list of clients, all sharing similar values and doing good in the world. Completed some great projects with existing clients and had the opportunity to work on a number of Olympic related projects—a goal of mine since the day we were awarded the Games.

In May 2009, I was honoured to be Recipient of the Capilano University’s ‘40 over 40 Alumni of Inspiration’. In commemoration of Capilano University’s 40th anniversary, Dr. Greg Lee, President, honoured 40 alumni, of their past 60,000, whose passion and achievements reflect Capilano’s four decades (1968-2008) of providing exceptional services.

I was also privileged to be selected to participate in the first TEDxVancouver, I attended David Suzuki’s Legacy Lecture at the Chan Centre at UBC, and with the help of other Executives at the GDC/BC I organized Practivism 2 and helped elevate the conversation around ‘Design’s Role in Creating Social Change.’

My biggest challenge was managing my time; work, volunteer, personal, family and putting the priorities that truly matter in life, family and health at the top. New processes are in place for 2010 to change this for the better.

One final reason ‘The Walk’ seemed a fitting toast to the year is because anything Scottish reminds me of my Grandmother, Sadie Tiffney, who passed away in 2009. She is missed everyday as I work from the house she originally built in 1962. We also shared many a Scotch together.

So join me, and my late Gran, in a glass of Scotch and watch ‘The Walk.’ Creative in it’s simplicity, engaging in the way it uses storytelling to connect and amazing in that according to the production company this commercial was all shot in ONE take. From Robert Carlyle’s memorization and timing, the copy writing “there’s nothing like a commercial proposition to start a Scottish heart…,” to the classic landscape of Inverlochlarig, Perthshire, Scotland, it’s quite ‘The Walk’ and six enjoyable minutes well worth toasting your year that was and looking ahead on your path to a new decade of change.

Cheers!