Outside of the Classroom

James Stauch: Perspective - Thinking Deeper in a World That Moves Faster

In this episode, I speak with James Stauch about systems thinking, complexity, and why many organizations struggle to solve the problems they face. Our conversation explores the tension between urgency and understanding — from AI and entrepreneurship to education, leadership, and public systems — and why modern organizations are increasingly rewarded for reacting quickly rather than thinking deeply. This episode examines why developing a deeper understanding of the systems around us may become one of the most important capabilities for leaders, organizations, and societies moving forward.

Garie Adamson: 100 Miles and Still Going - Building a Brand That Outlasts the Moment

What does it take to build something that lasts? In this episode, I sit down with Garie Adamson, founder of a brand rooted in Toronto’s early hip-hop culture that has remained relevant for over three decades. We talk about recognizing opportunity early, navigating rapid growth, and adapting without losing identity. Garie also shares the realities behind the brand—competition, setbacks, and the discipline required to keep evolving.

Deep Dive: Understanding Scar Tissue

Scar tissue is what experience leaves behind. It manifests in how you think, decide, and respond. In this Deep Dive episode, we explore scar tissue: * what it is, * where it adds value, * where it can work against you, and * how to work with it So that it informs your judgment without narrowing it.

Bruce Reilly: What Endures – Judgment and Relationships

“You can build a wall by pouring concrete—or you can build it brick by brick, client by client.” What actually sustains a business over time? In this conversation, I talk with Bruce Reilly, Managing Partner of a CPA firm, reflecting on more than three decades of building and leading a business. We explore what sits beneath technical expertise—how relationships are built, how judgment is shaped through experience, and how leadership evolves from control to trust.

Deep Dive: What Strategy Actually Requires

In this Deep Dive, we move beyond clarity and examine what it actually takes to achieve strategic objectives in practice. Strategy introduces new demands on the organization. But those demands are not always made explicit. * What capabilities are required? * Where do decisions sit? * How does the organization need to change? When these questions remain under-defined, more effort is needed to compensate. Strategy does not break on intent. It breaks on not understanding what it needs.