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Changing Habits-A Close Shave!

By David Gouthro / September 25, 2018 / 14 Comments

Last week I reflected on my learning about changing habits as a result of changing my shaving ritual from using an aerosol can of shaving cream . . . to using shaving soap and a shaving brush. To recap, I offered the following requirements/suggestions for changing a habit: Be personally committed to change the way […]

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Maximizing Value from Face to Face Meetings!

Maximizing Value from Face to Face Meetings!

By David Gouthro / January 11, 2018 / 7 Comments

Meetings are the bane of organizational existence. How can you increase the return on investment of all the time and money spent on them? Simple: use a facilitator. What is a facilitator? “To facilitate” means to make something easy. In business, a facilitator is a skilled professional who eases tasks involving important conversations with two […]

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What Will You Not Miss Until It’s Gone?!?

By David Gouthro / December 1, 2017 / 15 Comments

I realize it’s actually impossible to answer the question! Although you can describe it after the fact, you can’t anticipate what you will not miss. This realization came to me this morning as I was walking my dog along a path that I have walked for many years. Every day, I carry my camera to […]

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OSFI-A Regulator Out of Balance with Credit Union Members!

By David Gouthro / July 19, 2017 / 182 Comments

Wish I could focus on something else in my posts, but that isn’t likely until the OSFI ruling about credit unions begins to reflect the application of some common sense. So, am I opposed to OSFI in general? Nope! In truth, I appreciate their intent to keep my meagre financial assets safe. In sharp contrast, their ruling that will […]

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What Do OSFI and Donald Trump Have in Common? [A]

What Do OSFI and Donald Trump Have in Common?

By David Gouthro / July 16, 2017 / 6 Comments

No, this is not a riddle. Nor is it a joke. Nor is it simply a way to get your attention so you’ll read this article. My observation (albeit from a distance) is that both seem to have unbridled power and the ability to make broad sweeping proclamations without any particularly acceptable rationale other than […]

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Making Sense of Regulatory Senselessness!

Making Sense of Regulatory Senselessness!

By David Gouthro / July 14, 2017 / 23 Comments

The craziness with OSFI’s* ridiculously restrictive ruling regarding Canadian credit unions’ use of certain words is gaining more widespread attention. My need for affiliation with this cause compels me to comment once again. I must first declare I’m a credit union member, not a credit union employee. As such, I have neither seen nor heard the […]

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Federal Regulatory Stupidity, Bullying or Both?

Federal Regulatory Stupidity, Bullying or Both?

By David Gouthro / July 6, 2017 / 78 Comments

ard to tell. Likely both. What am I referring to? Credit Unions will soon be unable to use the terms “bank”, “banker” or “banking” based on a ruling by OSFI (the federal Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions). You may wish to read the document that describes the Canadian Credit Union Association’s response. Credit […]

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Beauty in the Beast!

Beauty in the Beast!

By David Gouthro / March 19, 2017 / 4 Comments

[Contrast Alert] This reflection is of quite a different nature than what I’ve posted previously… reader beware! I’m composing this “episode” having just returned from watching Beauty and the Beast with my daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and our time together—on many levels (I recommend you watch the movie in 3D on a big […]

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What's Up With Those Canadian Banks?!?

What’s Up With Those Canadian Banks?!?

By David Gouthro / March 15, 2017 / 9 Comments

Unless you’ve had your head in the sand or your ears plugged recently, you’re likely aware of the coverage CBC has been providing on the concerns and complaints they’ve received from frontline employees and managers of TD Bank. It started with a few employees and managers complaining about the undue pressure and threats to job […]

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Can the Phoenix of Straight Answers Rise from the Ashes of Obfuscation?

Can the Phoenix of Straight Answers Rise from the Ashes of Obfuscation?

By David Gouthro / March 15, 2017 / 4 Comments

In the wake of the current and virtually incessant use of the terms “fake news” and “alternative facts”, I will temporarily sidestep that controversy and focus on the challenge of getting a straight answer.  By straight answer, I mean “honest, direct; not curved or crooked; continuing in the same direction without deviating; outright, or candid” […]

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Quotes

Faith is not trying to believe something regardless of the evidence; faith is daring to do something regardless of the consequences. ~ Sherwood Eddy