Share.Learn.Inspire.Transform
“I have found the ‘more’ I had been looking for. I found it with Epilepsy Canada. In hindsight, I see that my personal quest and perseverance to obtain my MBA was to honour the memory of my little girl. She was my inspiration and it is my soul-fulfilling honour to be able to use my hard-earned MBA to help find a cure for epilepsy”.
-Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018-
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
Read Carrie’s article here
“The mind is powerful, and I would argue that everybody can benefit from truly disconnecting (i.e. do yourself a favour and toss the technology aside once in awhile). The world appears to be getting more complex and stressful, with people dealing with increased pressures.”
-Stephen J. Boyd, MBA(FS) Class of 2018-
Stephen Boyd Surfing The Point at Lawrencetown, Photo Credit, Stephen Boyd
Read Stephen’s full article here
“Words are powerful, don’t dwell on negative words spoken to you, rather, let them spur you on to achieve what you set out for yourself. Do not conform to any mainstream stereotype, do not let anyone put guardrails around where you can or cannot be employed, what you can or cannot do, who you can or cannot be. Do not discount yourself nor let anyone discount your skills, experience or intelligence, for what you have on your inside, no one can take it away from you. You Own the Patent to Your Path”.
Akin Iwajomo, MBA(FS), Class of 2018
Akin Iwajomo, MBA(FS), Class of 2018
Photo Provided
“I have found the ‘more’ I had been looking for. I found it with Epilepsy Canada. In hindsight, I see that my personal quest and perseverance to obtain my MBA was to honour the memory of my little girl. She was my inspiration and it is my soul-fulfilling honour to be able use my hard-earned MBA to help find a cure for epilepsy.”
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
At the end of my academic journey with Dal and my MBA goal achieved, many people asked, “what are you going to do with your degree?” To be honest, I always knew I wanted to do more… more than my role at the bank, which fulfills my need for professional growth, my ambition and pays my bills. The problem was I did not know what “more” looked like or how it would manifest itself or materialize.
Currently, I work as the Chief of Staff for Enterprise Systems, Security and Solutions, TD Bank. I work closely with senior leaders to run, protect and transform the bank. This means we ensure stable and secure operations through technological solutions, enablement, advancements and innovations. Sounds kind of fancy but in simplified terms, the team I work with delivers information and cyber security, enterprise technology and transformational programs and initiatives. It is a role, to be honest, which challenges me daily and provides me a new-found knowledge and insight beyond what I had imagined. And yet, even though I feel engaged professionally, I acknowledged that I was ready for something outside my career path.
I determined that it was time to search for the “more” by exploring options and opportunities. I asked myself some soul-searching questions: What could I do with my MBA? How could I leverage my education and degree for the greater good? Why had I persevered through years of school? What was it all for? I recognized that I was personally invested in school, but it was during this time of reflection and discovery that I came to find its true connection.
My MBA gave me a professional distinction which was recognized not only within my company and industry, but across the country and, in fact, world. Those three letters, MBA, are a universal acronym and symbol that tells people, ‘hey, that person knows a thing or two…’! My MBA gives me credibility – a credibility for which I am responsible to live up to and uphold, a credibility which is tangible and understandable inside and outside of a business context.
This credibility led me to consider opportunities which would have otherwise been out of immediate reach. Opportunities like: becoming an Exec at a fintech or startup, something new and exciting and almost entrepreneurial in spirit; possibly teaching, taking additional adult learning courses in order to inspire and instill knowledge in others, which I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive; and/or finally join a Board. Not just any board, a board which had salience for me. A board which fulfilled my soul and personal quest for “more”.
This was it! Joining a Board would allow me to leverage my MBA for a good cause. My MBA was an allowance, giving me the permission to apply within this arena without having to have work for 25+years. It provided me credibility which is usually gained through years of service. Through my journey of self-discovery, which followed graduation and lasted about a year, I had finally figured out what “more” meant to me.
Before I started my MBA, my husband and I sadly lost a child, Carlee Dale, when she was an infant, to a rare epileptic disorder called Ohtahara Syndrome. The experience of losing a child changed me forever and I hope no one will ever have to live with the lasting sorrow, like I do. I persevered through some personally tragic, hard and dark times. As time progressed, so has my healing. However, I continued to crave a challenge of perseverance. The challenge gave me relief and solace. It gave me something on which to focus my energy, while providing a distraction.
Fast forward, having my MBA in hand, the only thing that made sense was to fight in Carlee Dale’s memory and for other people impacted by epilepsy. I applied to the Board for Epilepsy Canada and was welcomed to join the Board in September 2019. Epilepsy Canada is a Canadian charity which works to raise funds to fund research and find a cure for epilepsy. Its funding is driven primarily by social media, individual events and sadly, estates. We are actively seeking corporate partnerships and alliances in order to strengthen and support our ability to fund important research initiatives to find a cure across Canada.
I have found the ‘more’ I had been looking for. I found it with Epilepsy Canada. In hindsight, I see that my personal quest and perseverance to obtain my MBA was to honour the memory of my little girl. She was my inspiration and it is my soul-fulfilling honour to be able to use my hard-earned MBA to help find a cure for epilepsy.
Epilepsy Canada. – Canada’s only national, registered charity, dedicated to raising funds for Epilepsy research and education.
Founded in 1966.
Did you know:
“I have found the ‘more’ I had been looking for. I found it with Epilepsy Canada. In hindsight, I see that my personal quest and perseverance to obtain my MBA was to honour the memory of my little girl. She was my inspiration and it is my soul-fulfilling honour to be able use my hard-earned MBA to help find a cure for epilepsy.”
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
At the end of my academic journey with Dal and my MBA goal achieved, many people asked, “what are you going to do with your degree?” To be honest, I always knew I wanted to do more… more than my role at the bank, which fulfills my need for professional growth, my ambition and pays my bills. The problem was I did not know what “more” looked like or how it would manifest itself or materialize.
Currently, I work as the Chief of Staff for Enterprise Systems, Security and Solutions, TD Bank. I work closely with senior leaders to run, protect and transform the bank. This means we ensure stable and secure operations through technological solutions, enablement, advancements and innovations. Sounds kind of fancy but in simplified terms, the team I work with delivers information and cyber security, enterprise technology and transformational programs and initiatives. It is a role, to be honest, which challenges me daily and provides me a new-found knowledge and insight beyond what I had imagined. And yet, even though I feel engaged professionally, I acknowledged that I was ready for something outside my career path.
I determined that it was time to search for the “more” by exploring options and opportunities. I asked myself some soul-searching questions: What could I do with my MBA? How could I leverage my education and degree for the greater good? Why had I persevered through years of school? What was it all for? I recognized that I was personally invested in school, but it was during this time of reflection and discovery that I came to find its true connection.
My MBA gave me a professional distinction which was recognized not only within my company and industry, but across the country and, in fact, world. Those three letters, MBA, are a universal acronym and symbol that tells people, ‘hey, that person knows a thing or two…’! My MBA gives me credibility – a credibility for which I am responsible to live up to and uphold, a credibility which is tangible and understandable inside and outside of a business context.
This credibility led me to consider opportunities which would have otherwise been out of immediate reach. Opportunities like: becoming an Exec at a fintech or startup, something new and exciting and almost entrepreneurial in spirit; possibly teaching, taking additional adult learning courses in order to inspire and instill knowledge in others, which I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive; and/or finally join a Board. Not just any board, a board which had salience for me. A board which fulfilled my soul and personal quest for “more”.
This was it! Joining a Board would allow me to leverage my MBA for a good cause. My MBA was an allowance, giving me the permission to apply within this arena without having to have work for 25+years. It provided me credibility which is usually gained through years of service. Through my journey of self-discovery, which followed graduation and lasted about a year, I had finally figured out what “more” meant to me.
Before I started my MBA, my husband and I sadly lost a child, Carlee Dale, when she was an infant, to a rare epileptic disorder called Ohtahara Syndrome. The experience of losing a child changed me forever and I hope no one will ever have to live with the lasting sorrow, like I do. I persevered through some personally tragic, hard and dark times. As time progressed, so has my healing. However, I continued to crave a challenge of perseverance. The challenge gave me relief and solace. It gave me something on which to focus my energy, while providing a distraction.
Fast forward, having my MBA in hand, the only thing that made sense was to fight in Carlee Dale’s memory and for other people impacted by epilepsy. I applied to the Board for Epilepsy Canada and was welcomed to join the Board in September 2019. Epilepsy Canada is a Canadian charity which works to raise funds to fund research and find a cure for epilepsy. Its funding is driven primarily by social media, individual events and sadly, estates. We are actively seeking corporate partnerships and alliances in order to strengthen and support our ability to fund important research initiatives to find a cure across Canada.
I have found the ‘more’ I had been looking for. I found it with Epilepsy Canada. In hindsight, I see that my personal quest and perseverance to obtain my MBA was to honour the memory of my little girl. She was my inspiration and it is my soul-fulfilling honour to be able to use my hard-earned MBA to help find a cure for epilepsy.
Epilepsy Canada. – Canada’s only national, registered charity, dedicated to raising funds for Epilepsy research and education.
Founded in 1966.
Did you know:
Editors note: CEGE Connection is pleased to advise that Carrie has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection.
“Mission accomplished! My kayaker and I safely made the crossing from NB to PEI, in 5 hour and 40 minutes, in which I swam approximately 16 KMs. My kayaker plotted a near perfect arc/trajectory and weather/sea conditions were ideal, other than higher swells near the midpoint!”
Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018
Mission Accomplished Stephen J. Boyd
Stephen Boyd accepted the challenge of the BIG SWIM held on August 18, 2019. Over the past months, Stephen focused on training for this “epic” swim. CEGE Connection has been following Stephen on his journey: The Big Swim – A Give to Live Project.
The BIG SWIM
“I reminded myself that I had taken on an epic feat of endurance. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Going beyond takes a person to the next level of personal fulfillment. It builds resilience to seek out the next challenge. I am certain that I will do other marathon swimming events.”
Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018
The BIG SWIM charity event, held in August each year, combines a feat of endurance, swimming from New Brunswick to PEI, with the opportunity to raise funds for an awesome charity. The BIG SWIM is not a race and supports swimmers of all abilities to get out into the Northumberland Strait and achieve the unimaginable. For normal people who cross the Northumberland Strait by bridge or ferry, the distance is roughly 13 kilometers. Due to currents, and other unknowns, we are told that the average swimmer will cover 15+ kilometers. It is a truly an epic undertaking.
The BIG SWIM
Michelle Hunter and I want to thank Stephen for sharing his remarkable journey over the past months on CEGE Connection. Well done! Congratulations!
Rebecca Budd,
CEGE Connection Blog Coordinator
Mission Accomplished
Check out the news link on CTV Atlantic Canada for more detail of the August 18, 2019 event.
Morgan Rice, MREM Class of 2018
I am a nature lover at heart and hold a strong passion for the protection and conservation of our biodiversity and ecosystems within Canada. I am pursuing a career where I can connect society with conservation science in a meaningful way. In 2017, I embarked on an academic journey at Dalhousie University in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies (SRES). This course-based program allowed me to significantly improve my understanding and knowledge in innovative environmental management problem solving, providing me with real-world experience. I explored the complexities of conservation science and environmental sustainability, which provided me with the skill-sets to fulfill my goal of communicating scientific knowledge on these topics and, in so doing, help build sustainable communities.
Crawford Lake, Photo Credit Morgan Rice
A highlight of my studies was working together with my mentor, Professor Karen Beazley of SRES, to plan the first Canadian Maritimes Ecological Connectivity Forum which was held at Dalhousie University on April 24th and 25th, 2019. With over 110 attendees representing regional government departments, academia, industry, First Nations organizations, and non-government organizations, the forum cultivated a social network to advance efforts in implementing connectivity on everyone’s agenda. This network of partnerships will allow for improved collaboration between various groups who would not be able to reach their goals working alone.
I gained much more than a Master of Resource and Environmental Management degree from SRES. I now have life-long friendships with fellow students, faculty and staff. The SRES community became my extended family, a home away from home. This support and encouragement gave me strength to embrace the challenges and obstacles of life as a graduate student.
I look forward to joining the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education this summer as the Program Assistant. Dalhousie continues to provide extraordinary opportunities for sharing knowledge that fosters positive outcomes for society and our world.
Morgan Rice, MREM
August 2019
“One of our friends asked me how I manage to incorporate endurance sporting events within a busy lifestyle. I had to think for a moment, before offering the only reasonable response that came to me – that I am willing to go beyond what others would do.”
Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018
Stephen Boyd Surfing The Point at Lawrencetown, Photo Credit, Stephen Boyd
Stephen Boyd is taking on the challenge of the Big Swim to be held August 18, 2019. Over the past months, Stephen has focused on training for this “epic” swim. CEGE Connection has been following Stephen on his journey. This is the second in the series of The Big Swim – A Give to Live Project.
Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018: Update July 2019
My wife, Sarah and I met up with friends a few weeks ago to celebrate the recent purchase of our new house. Over an animated dinner conversation, the topic of swimming came up. Our friends were interested in Sarah’s upcoming national synchronized swimming competition in Quebec City, including hearing about the sacrifices that had to be made to participate in this physical activity (her team did very well- proud husband). The discussion soon shifted to my participation in the BIG SWIM charity event, held in August each year. The event combines an epic feat of endurance, swimming from New Brunswick to PEI, with the opportunity to raise funds for an awesome charity. The BIG SWIM is not a race and supports swimmers of all abilities to get out into the Northumberland Strait and achieve the unimaginable. For normal people who cross the Northumberland Strait by bridge or ferry, the distance is roughly 13 kilometers. Due to currents, and other unknowns, I am told that the average swimmer will cover 15+ kilometers. It is a truly an epic undertaking.
One of our friends asked me how I manage to incorporate endurance sporting events within a busy lifestyle. I had to think for a moment, before offering the only reasonable response that came to me – that I am willing to go beyond what others would do.
If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
Since that dinner, I have reflected on my response regarding my willingness to commit to a physical challenge that demands a lot of dedication. Taking on the BIG SWIM will test my courage and resolve. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I do not have extraordinary athletic abilities, but I am prepared to make sacrifices such as getting up at 3:15 AM to train for an Ironman triathlon. This past Saturday, I swam approximately 8 KMs at the Dalplex. Although it does not appear to be a daunting task, Sarah, my greatest supporter, reminded me that distance equated to 160 + laps of an Olympic long-course pool.
Overall, training is going as planned. On those 5:30a.m. drives to the pool, I stay motivated by thinking about the exhilaration of participating in an endurance event. The charity swim is scheduled for August 18th, and I still have a lot of hard training ahead. I remind myself that I have taken on an epic feat of endurance. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Going beyond takes a person to the next level of personal fulfillment. It builds resilience to seek out the next challenge. I am certain that I will do other marathon swimming events.
While driving to our new home this weekend, a local school had a billboard that read: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” I am uncertain who originally came up with this thought, but I think it is brilliant.
Steve
July 2019
Have you ever considered swimming across the Northumberland Strait? Most haven’t. But for those who have there is the BIG SWIM, your chance to do something truly epic. The BIG SWIM is a supported event held in August each year that combines an epic feat of endurance with the opportunity to raise funds for an awesome charity. The BIG SWIM is not a race and supports swimmers of all abilities to get out into the Northumberland Strait and achieve the unimaginable.” The Big Swim
Stephen Boyd is taking on the challenge of the Big Swim to be held August 18, 2019. In the coming months, Stephen will be focused on training for this “epic” swim. CEGE Connection is pleased to advise that we will be covering this event over the months, following Stephen on his journey. This is the first in the series of The Big Swim – A Give to Live Project.
Stephen J. Boyd (Class of 2018):
Life has so many wonderful opportunities to offer
As mentioned in a previous post, I am recovering from an injury that will prevent me from competing this summer in my first 100-mile ultramarathon. During my period of self-pity, Sarah (my best support and spouse), suggested I consider the BIG SWIM event, where athletes of all abilities swim from New Brunswick to Prince-Edward-Island. For normal people who cross the Northumberland Strait by bridge or ferry, the distance is roughly 13 Kms. Due to currents, and other unknowns, I am told that the average swimmer will cover 15+ Kms.
The Big Swim – Give to Live gives participants the opportunity to accomplish a feat that few have, while raising funds for a charity that supports children. It is a great opportunity to give back to my community. Without any hesitation, or putting any thought into logistics, I registered the moment the portal opened.
For the last month or so, I have been swimming at Dalhousie’s recreation and athletic center, where I log miles in the pool. Since there are not too many of us who show up for 5:45 am (other than the varsity teams), I have had the opportunity to speak with one of the “regulars”. One on occasion, he asked me if I was training for anything in particular; I went on to explain that I was intending on swimming across the Northumberland Strait. As is the case with most people, his question to me was: “why?”
My immediate response was: “why not?” I further elaborated on the importance of my two kids embracing that life is about going beyond the ordinary, and welcoming the unknown.
Recently, during an exchange of correspondence, Rebecca Budd (CEGE Editor) reminded me that on occasion we have re-evaluate our priorities, and that success in life goes further beyond our careers. Don’t misunderstand me; I appreciate my professional career, but it is only a small part of who I am. Later in the spring, Sarah will be competing with her synchronized swimming team in Quebec City. Despite working full-time and being an exemplary mother of two, she has the tenacity to train hard during the week; that is success I admire.
Some years ago, I had the opportunity to speak with someone that had reached the summit of the world’s highest mountains. His advice to me was to never forget that we really only compete against ourselves, and to keep winning; perhaps, that was some of the best advice I’ve ever received. Besides, ordinary is exactly as it sounds. As Mark Twain once wrote:
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
I look forward to sharing my thoughts as I embark on the exciting journey.
“The sweetest successes come from adventures which push us past our limits, challenge our strength and test our will. Ultimately, learning to embrace change, thriving within ambiguity, stretching and releasing myself of personal constraints, and having the determination to persevere no matter the challenge were my greatest lessons.
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
With the completion of my MBA(FS), I rewarded myself by taking the trip of a lifetime, cage diving with Great White Sharks off the coast of Guadeloupe. What a thrilling adventure, taking risks and diving into an experience filled with uncertainty! Believe it or not, I leveraged many of the skills I learned to enjoy and embrace throughout my MBA candidacy.
In 2014, I resolved to take ownership over my own success and explore opportunities that would push me outside of my comfort zone. As a mother of two and a dedicated Branch Manager in the financial services sector, my decision to engage in a challenging academic journey was an affirmation and commitment to myself. I recognized that life is measured by our choices and the risks we take to realize our potential. I wanted a life filled with experiences marked by courage and purpose, rather than defined by risks avoided or sidestepped.
My MBA journey provided me with lessons far beyond my expectations. Fast forward four years of balancing multiple priorities and a lot of hard work, graduation became one of the proudest moments of my life. I experienced indescribable feelings of accomplishment, confidence and assuredness, which can only be summarized as personal success!
Upon reflection, the most significant and impactful lessons were not illustrated within the program outline or a course syllabus; rather, it was the unwritten lessons which have left a lasting imprint:
Surprisingly, and in some ways not surprisingly at all, the ultimate learning I have experienced from achieving a MBA is that the sweetest successes come from adventures which push us past our limits, challenge our strength and test our will. Ultimately, learning to embrace change, thriving within ambiguity, stretching and releasing myself of personal constraints, and having the determination to persevere no matter the challenge were my greatest lessons.
Today, and as I move forward in my career with aspirations of becoming an executive of the bank within the year and a senior executive within the next seven years (I always put a time frame on my goals), the textbook learnings, care of Dalhousie University, will guide my judgement and decisioning. Whereas the unwritten, unpublished and unmarketed soft-skill learnings will continue to drive me forward toward my dreams and full potential.
My advice is to have courage to accept a challenge and reach outside of your comfort zone, for within challenge is where personal growth blooms!
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) Class of 2018
Carrie Morrison MBA(FS) leads an amazing group of colleagues who represent the North American Contact Centre in initiatives, campaigns and projects across the TD enterprise in a business leadership capacity. CEGE Connection is pleased to advise that Carrie has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection.