12/17/2024
🌱 Inspire and Share: An Experience That Left a Mark
As the holiday season approaches and the theme of sharing takes center stage, I want to share an experience that deeply impacted my early days as an entrepreneur.
In 2001, when I launched my first business, I joined the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal to expand my network. At the time, the Chamber offered a unique program: inviting professionals to meet with students in grades 8 or 9 from underserved neighborhoods to share their career journeys and encourage them to complete high school.
During my visit, the teacher began by asking the students, "How many of you want to finish high school?" Out of 25 students, only 3 raised their hands. That struck me deeply.
I had 50 minutes to talk to them. After briefly sharing my own journey, the students immediately asked me direct questions like, "How much do you make?" and "What car do you drive?" These questions made me smile, but they also revealed what mattered most to them.
We spent the rest of the session discussing different job opportunities. I shared real-life examples of people I knew who had dropped out of school at 15 but later returned to complete their education and pursue a vocational diploma. Today, these individuals have successful careers and earn good salaries. The students were captivated by these stories.
At the end of the session, the teacher asked again, "How many of you want to finish high school?" This time, every single student raised their hand. They even wished me luck with my new business—an unforgettable moment for me.
What I learned that day is that when we take the time to share, listen, and inspire, we can truly make a difference, especially with younger generations.
Today, at Onuà World, my aquaponics garden is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a tangible way to show that your business or organization is committed to our planet’s well-being. But more importantly, sharing it can have an even greater impact.
Imagine inviting a class of students to visit your facility, showing them your eco-friendly initiatives, and explaining why you take these actions. You’ll inspire them to become active participants in building a brighter future for themselves and our planet.
