Home: Ontario, Canada. Age: 57. Birthplace: Ontario, Canada. Profession: Educator, politician. Significant other: My best friend and wife, Jane Orazietti. Alma mater: Carleton University; Northern Michigan University; Nipissing University.
Current project: Studying the application and integration of AI in the education sector. Recent recognition: Recipient of King Charles III Coronation Medal and recognized as an Honorary Member of Algoma University. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Starting a small business through the development of an app. Hobbies: Skiing, swimming, pickleball and exercising. Attending sports games and live music events. Recent travel or adventure: Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail in the Algarve region of Portugal. Last book read: Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t, by Simon Sinek. Recently viewed and recommended: Yellowstone.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Trustworthy. How do you define a perfect friendship? Respectful, open, common interests and shared values. What is your greatest joy? Spending time with my family. What natural talent have you neglected? Musical ability. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Police officers, firefighters, EMRs. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Being at camp and enjoying the outdoors. How do you relieve stress? Exercise. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? In addition to family and friends, great food and great weather.
What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Never give up. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Value and protect your reputation and integrity. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? An outdoor recreational activity. What company or organization do you most admire? Habitat for Humanity. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife being diagnosed with cancer.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Greater tolerance and acceptance of others.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Be resilient in the face of constant change. What mega-trend most excites you? The use and integration of AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? Ethical and moral challenges with AI.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Harrison Ford. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A race car driver. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photos. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Surrounded by my family at the cottage, sharing our favourite memories. What advice would you give your younger self? Invest in relationships with people who are honest and caring. Good friends will be there for you. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day.
Personal mission: Family, lifting up others, community service and life-long learning. Personal motto: Carpe Diem (seize the day). Favorite quote: “None of us are as smart as all of us” (Ken Blanchard).
