Category: Community Involvement

Many owners and managers underestimate the importance of this activity, they do so at their peril. Community involvement is a fundamental key to success.

Bipolar Disorder Does Not Erase a Person’s Potential … misunderstanding does

Paul Wagenaar

Did you know more than half a million Canadians live with bi-polar disorder? About 3 out of 100 people in your lives experience this medical condition but few of us really know much about what they experience. Most of what we know likely falls into myths, misconceptions, and stigma unfortunately.

This blog is a very short introduction into what we should all know, whether we are employers, co-workers, friends, family, or community members. By learning more we can help them open more doors to employment and understanding. We can help them overcome the barriers society and our lack of knowledge has created.

We owe them that.

Why Our Current Interview Practices Are Unfair

Paul Wagenaar

I believe our current system of interviewing people is flawed. People who are able to answer questions confidently and quickly have an advantage, even though they may not be the best applicant for the position. As an employer or as a job seeker, there are things we can all do differently … this is a short guide to just what we can change.

Building Culture is Building Success

Paul Wagenaar

Culture isn’t built in meetings. It is built in moments – every minute of every day and in every action – culture can be nurtured, strengthened, and lived. The way we treat people when no one’s watching determines the strength of every business. Start small, stay kind, and keep building. It isn’t easy, it can be hard work, frustrating, fraught with setbacks; however, it is worth the time, and it is worth the investment … every time.

Consider this post to be an introduction, a starting point for building your team through one of the areas that is entirely within your ability to influence.

Inclusive Hiring Series – Part 1 – ASD

Paul Wagenaar

This is a brief guide, the first of a series of guides; this one is intended to help employers learn about and realize how much people who are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent can contribute to their organizations and businesses. It is not a comprehensive research paper; rather, it is a simple guide based on the personal experiences of job seekers, employers who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and other anecdotal information I have gleaned.

Your help, understanding, and willingness is needed.

Job Seeking Series

Paul Wagenaar

Did you know that 70-80% of the jobs available are not advertised online? That means the people who only look online for jobs have a lot of competition.

This is a number that seems to be all over the internet and even if it is only partially true; how do you access them? “Word of mouth,” and networking. What if you don’t really understand networking or would like some tips? Keep reading.

Building Teams by Developing People

Paul Wagenaar

High performing teams are often desired by most organizations; however, it is remarkable how few of these organizations take the time to put all of the building blocks for success in place. Effective organizational dynamics and “how” teams function doesn’t happen by accident. Creating an inclusive and evolving “team charter” should be one of the first “building blocks” all organizations have on their “to do” list.

Illuminating frustrating places

Paul Wagenaar

We all have good intentions when it comes to most things, including looking for a first job, a replacement job, or any job. It sounds simple enough but for some and for people who live with barriers to employment it can be easier said than done. I have found the best way to eliminate an obstacle or navigate a path through a frustrating situation is illumination. Illumination and the breaking down of the obstacle until I can work with the pieces.

This is a brief guide for people who find the process difficult, frustrating, and even a dark, scary place to be.

– Common things we should do but don’t always.

Paul Wagenaar

I was inspired to write this because of a motorcycle at 6:30 on my one day to sleep in this week. After ranting for several minutes I decided to channel my energy into something positive. We all complain about what we don’t like … what if I wrote about all the things a good neighbour would and does do? This was the result, please feel free to add your comments and thoughts.

What is accessibility? Are we compliant or complicit – Accessibility in 2025?

Paul Wagenaar

We notice the ramps, the braille on some washroom signs, we all sometimes use the power door options when we have large items to get through doors, but do we notice the places that aren’t accessible?

More than 20 years legislation became law that guaranteed accessibility standards for people who live with barriers and disabilities. The law promised action. It has been hit or miss, there have been some improvements, but not enough. We need to ask ourselves are we compliant or are we complicit? We also need to advocate and take action.

How well do you read social cues?

Paul Wagenaar

As a career advisor who works with people who live with barriers it is interesting reversing perspectives about social cues. Most people who live with barriers have to learn to adapt to social cues that are not intrinsic to them, what are you doing to recognize and accommodate their social cues?

This post is a brief introduction to social cues that could add understanding and appreciation to our daily interaction with people who experience barriers. The more we support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness; the more opportunities for growth we all have.