Courage To Lead Award Night: Nov 26, 2015 ICA Canada is pleased to be hosting this year’s COURAGE TO LEAD Award Night on Thursday, November 26th. This year’s award is presented to Irene Wright of the University Health Network in Toronto. Irene’s leadership has helped establish the values of the Courage to Lead book and course deep within the culture of UHN. We look forward to presenting the award and holding conversations about the meaning and opportunity for leadership in our time, and in our place. Light refreshments, wine and beer will be served from 6:00 pm. The program runs from 6:30 to 8:30 after which there will be lots of time to talk. To learn more, contact 416-691-2316 x2247 or email: ica@icacan.org.

Common themes & courageous leaders: CTL alumni event On Tuesday, Sept. 29th, a group of Courage to Lead alumni (past participants and current facilitators of the course offered at University Health Network) gathered to re-connect with each other, and explore the impact of Courage to Lead on their lives. Duncan Holmes (ICA Associates) invited us to consider the 12 stances of Courage to Lead, and identify which one had the most influence for each of us – was it disciplined lucidity? comprehensive perspective? self-conscious reflection? Most of us replied that every stance was influencing our work and lives in some way!  It was fun to note how one stance stood out more strongly for each of us as well. Next, we talked about the leadership challenges we continue to face in our unique and/or shared circumstances.  Common themes emerged around reflections on changes in organizational leadership, a desire to influence and inspire positive change, and the struggles we encounter when different people are motivated by different things. Participants were heard and wisdom was shared, and there was a general feeling of strong need and potential for

Courage To Lead Alumni Event: University Health Network "Courage like a muscle  - it is strengthened by use." The University Health Network (UHN) has been an enthusiastic ambassador for The Courage to Lead program – to date, over 500 UHN employees have participated in the courses and their next course is starting soon. This Tuesday, September 29th, the first ever UHN Courage to Lead alumni event will be held where participants will have the opportunity to: Re-learn how to apply the concepts in the book (including the New Edition)! Mix & mingle with course facilitators and participants from various sessions Gain invigorating new insights into courageous leadership Share stories about your experiences since taking the course All UHN Courage to Lead alumni are welcome!

Taking Back The Power Jeanette Stanfield writes a compelling review of John Ralston Saul’s book, “The Comeback: How Aboriginals are Reclaiming Power and Influence” in the latest volume of Winds & Waves (ICA International’s online magazine): I am in wonder about the consistent messages Aboriginal leaders sent about their treaties and rights. I am in deep pain over the manipulative responses they received from our governments and us. I am glad that young people are daring to confront this situation in thoughtful ways through the Idle No More Movement.  Read more here

Fall Is Almost Here, Strategies Underway On Saturday, the ICA Board meeting and strategy session was held in the ICA offices at 401 Richmond St. West.  ICA members were invited to join the strategy session (strategies connected to our previously identified vision and contradictions / obstacles). Over a delightful lunch of Aussie pies (courtesy of Kanga), we brainstormed numerous ideas and then prioritized them into actionable next steps (some building on projects already underway).  Energy is high, it’s a great start to the fall season at ICA!

ICA Board Meeting This Saturday, Sept 12 Members welcome! The next ICA board meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, September 12th, at the ICA offices: 401 Richmond St. West (rm 409), at Spadina & Richmond. The board meeting will run from 9am to 3pm, however ICA members are invited to join the meeting from 10am to 1pm, for lunch and a brainstorming conversation about strategic directions. We look forward to seeing you there!