I had the good fortune of meeting an amazing leader a few years ago - I met Bill Gale at a business event and things have not been quite the same for me since!

Bill has become both a role model and a friend. He has also inspired me to look at how I have been 'giving back'.  He's one of those guys with an uncanny ability to encourage others to look outside of themselves and contribute in a bigger way! 

How does he do this? I've concluded that he inspires others by 'being Bill'. 'Being Bill' means leading by example while striving to help those who are less fortunate. So when Bill asked if I could help raise funds for the Parkinson's Society, I found that I couldn't refuse. How could I cite a growing business, a young family or lack of free time when Bill, who lives with Parkinson's - a disease I watched my grandmother battle - manages to find the time to give back to his community on such a large scale.  Read Bill's story here, written recently by Michelle Porter for the Telegraph Journal.

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and there are two upcoming events in Saint John that support the Parkinson's Society that I encourage you to attend.

The first event is near and dear to my heart -  there are still some tickets available for The Bill Gale Roast on April 29th. Grab a friend or two for an entertaining evening of laughs and fun, all in support of the Parkinson's Society.  It promises to be an unforgettable roasting! Read more and get your tickets here.
 
And, on April 28th there is a workshop being presented at UNB by Dr. Bill Howatt. Entitled Leadership 2020 : Increasing Community Capacity through Leadership, this session would appeal to all HR professionals, operations managers and directors and people managers at all levels. Scroll down the page to read more and register.