Episode 01: Bold Leadership with Dave Angus
Dave Angus 0:00
I think increasingly when we talk about workplaces, part of the higher purpose focus is how workplaces are engaged in the community, because increasingly particularly millennials, and now Gen Z's coming into the workplace, they gravitate to companies that have that connection, they want a higher purpose. They want a deeper meaning. They want to make they want to be part of something special, and an organization that's making a difference, whether it's in their community or on the planet.
Matt Johnston 0:29
The human experience is the greatest project any of us will undertake. It's often the one we spend the least amount of time working on. My name is Matt Johnston. I'm a self-professed personal development junkie, a retired pro golfer, and I now work for an organization that provides employee and health benefits to hundreds of thousands of people. It should be common sense to realize that what happens at work is what people bring home and what happens at home comes with them to work, but that's too often ignored. That's why each week I hope to uncover a little more around what it means to be a human work. And living in the 21st century, we'll be learning from experts having conversations and getting insights into all those things that fall at the intersection of life and work, emotional and physical health skills and money. All the relationships we navigate each day, and of course the purpose and meaning we all desire. This is The Human Assignment.
Hello, and welcome to the first episode of this podcast. I'm really excited about the interviews and episodes ahead, but I couldn't think of a better place to start and sitting down with Dave Angus. Dave is the president of Johnston Group, one of Canada's leading group benefits providers. And prior to Johnston Group, he spent 17 years as the president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, where he also served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada, and as the Canadian representative on the board of directors of the American Chamber of Court Congress Executives, going through Dave's bio is quite frankly exhausting, because the list of organizations, government, non-profit, for profit that he supports, and has supported is just extraordinary.
Dave has a tremendous amount of experience. But what I really wanted to dig into in this interview were his thoughts around the topic of leadership, and what he sees the organizations of the future looking like, David's become a really good friend of mine, a mentor, and actually my boss is the president of Johnston Group. So, I get to watch them firsthand each day in action. And he really is one of those special people and a one of a kind leader. It doesn't matter where you go, and who you talk to, when you bring up the name Dave Angus, there's just overwhelming praise for what a nice man he is, but also what an inspiring leader he is, as you'll hear in this podcast, he's totally devoted to his community. He's beyond passionate about the topic of developing young leaders, and he has some really interesting ideas on the responsibility businesses have to their employees in their community.
So please enjoy the inspirational Dave Angus.
Dave Angus 3:03
Well, Matt, it's a pleasure to be on. So, thank you for inviting me to be your very first guest. This might be the show that ends the rest of the shows, but we'll see how it goes. It's a pleasure to be here.
Matt Johnston 3:14
Thanks for thanks for being here. My thought for today is that we could focus on business, the changing landscape of business leadership. And, of course, sort of what it means to be a human in the 21st century, someone that wants to make an impact at work, have meaningful relationships, at work and at home, make an impact on the community. But I was thinking that we could start - before we dig into your background and your experience - with getting you to explain this notebook that you have in front of us here. Because I've been in your office and there might be 80 copies of this exact same notebook and you're always writing in this and every I see you give a speech, you're giving a speech out of it. So, the front of this notebook, there's all sorts of things written. Where did this thing come from? And what why have you bought the global supply of this particular one?
Dave Angus 4:13
I was in Washington actually on a trade mission - I was in Washington, I saw this book in a bookstore. And we at the Chamber started this Bold Initiative. And so, everything was about being bold and bold ideas, and how do we activate those ideas for Winnipeg and, and I saw, you know, "Be Bold" is the first statement on this book. But as I took a look at it, there were just all these great statements about exceeding your expectations and "don't take no for an answer," etc., that I thought would inspire me. So, I bought this book in Washington and then I ran out of the book, so I hunted down the manufacturer, and I ordered 10 more books for the manufacturer coming from the US somewhere down in southern states. And then I was walking through Chapters, and there was the book, same price Canadian. So, I've been buying the book from Chapters here locally for a number of years. The last time I went, they were out. So now I have to pivot to a new book. Oh, no, no, but it's definitely a book that has kind of helped inspire me but it all really started with the Bold Initiative. We did it at the Winnipeg Chamber.
Matt Johnston 5:17
I love it. Every time I see the cover that book that just kind of represents Dave Angus to me.
Dave Angus 5:26
Confusing? A lot of words? Is that what it is? [Laughs]
Matt Johnston 5:30
Yeah. No, no bold, inspiring. I just love that. I'm so Dave, you are now the President of Johnston Group. This is actually more for my benefit, what does Johnston Group do? I've been trying to figure this out for years now.
Dave Angus 5:52
Johnston Group is in the group benefits business. We look after employees really and helping entrepreneurs look after their employees by providing group benefits. Whether it's insured products, whether it's covering health and dental costs, whether it's wellness type coverage, it's, it is a very important factor that employers need to have in order to attract people and keep people is having access to those kinds of resources through their employment benefit program.
We started back 35 years ago with a gentleman you may know Dave Johnston and his father art, and started, really, in a way and this is one of the reasons why I'm with Johnston Group is because I have so much respect for how it started. It started with a higher purpose. They looked around and saw that small business just didn't have access to group benefits and couldn't compete against larger companies that did. And they were on a mission to be able to provide group benefits and they looked across the country and said, "Boy, if we can get small businesses working together to create a pool, upon which we can build a group benefit program. where they can have the same benefits and offer the same benefits that larger companies can, then they would be able to compete in the marketplace."
And what I've also respected is we sustained that passion through the years, like our average group size is less than five. So, we help the smallest of the small companies across Canada, from coast to coast because we're a national company, compete, because we provide great group benefits for their employees. I've always had a huge respect for how the company started and the discipline that they had to maintain that purpose throughout the years. So, we're very proud of that legacy.
Matt Johnston 7:36
I want to dig more into the work you're doing there and maybe the future direction of the company throughout the chat. But prior to Johnston Group, you were with the Winnipeg Chamber for 17 years.
Dave Angus 7:53
Yeah, that's a five year gig that turned into 17.
Matt Johnston 7:57
I'm curious, tell me more about the how you got to the Chamber. Where did you come from? Where did you come from before? I knew you're a part of a family business before the Chamber but...
Dave Angus 8:10
Everything I've done has been in by accident. I just kind of fell into it. I'm really a go with a wind kind of guy. And as things kind of open up in the Chamber, like I worked in a family business, actually two different family businesses work with for my uncle in one. And my father and mother, we both we all three of us started a business. Both of those started in a basement in Transcona. I just want you to know that all great companies start in a basement of Transcona. I had that sort of family experience, it's very typical when a big company experience in terms of family businesses - and you would know - and then I had some other I worked in the publishing business and the computer business. I had multiple jobs and I was kind of a five-year kind of guy. And then I got involved with the Chamber. You know, it's funny how I got involved.
I was working with a family business. And we were looking to actually expand. And I had trouble with the city, trying to get a variance for a piece of land we're looking at. And anybody I talked to the city just didn't understand what I was trying to do as a business. And I found the Chamber. And finally, I found somebody that actually understood and so I got involved in the Chamber. And then I became the chair of the Chamber 9697 and then Shelley Morris, my predecessor, left and a position opened up and I was approached to apply and got the job. And again, I was expecting five years and then move on to something else, but there's just so many new projects that came along. that kept me interested for 17 years, and finally they got rid of me. And then I landed in Johnston. And here we are today.
Matt Johnston 9:53
I'm so fascinated by the work of the Chamber and I really didn't fully know - I still don't fully understand, but - I didn't understand it until a couple years ago, really until meeting you. Can you talk a little more about what is the Chamber of Commerce? And where did there?
Dave Angus 10:11
Well, the Chamber is a business organization, membership driven organization doesn't take government money, or at least it shouldn't. So, it's all strictly privately funded. And they represent business along a number of different things. First of all, they are the voice of business. They need to collectively articulate what businesses need in order to be successful. And so, they lobby government, but they also lobby business to do some things as well. The advocacy piece is a very important part of what chambers do. The other piece is member business programs Chamber Plan is the most successful that's what Johnston Group administers for chambers. 850 across the country is the most successful program but there's a number of programs that chambers offer their members in order to make them more competitive and more successful.
And then, you know, the other big piece. And this was the learning that I had. So, I went in, I thought it was all about businesses. But the reality is that successful businesses have to operate in a successful community. If it's an unhealthy community and an unhealthy ecosystem, businesses will not thrive, they need each other. Chambers also advocate in terms of community issues, poverty, indigenous employment, housing, things that are critical to a thriving community, also needs that business voice and business involvement when it comes to community initiatives and other things.
I talked about the Bold Initiative, which was really sort of a platform for new ideas and the ideas came in, it wasn't just business ideas, it was ideas throughout the community in terms of how we make the community better. The big learning I had, is that chambers need to play a role in terms of being a community advocate as well as some of my greatest, relationships were with the community itself. And so that's kind of what chambers do, and I think they're very important to business, but I think they're very important to the communities that represent.
Matt Johnston 12:12
That idea of community is one of the many reasons I wanted to talk to you, but I'm just excited to dig further in was this. I'm just so inspired. You just seem to have such a healthy relationship on the three areas that I think are so important: family, business and community. And the things you do in the community - just going through your bio ahead of time - looking at all that you do and have done in the community. It's exhausting, actually. Can you speak a little more about that, that importance of community focus? I think that we all get so caught up in what we're trying to build for ourselves, taking care of our family, that this idea of supporting the ecosystem around you?
Dave Angus 13:03
Yeah. And I find that we have a culture here in Winnipeg, that is community focused, it's easier to get involved in the community here in Winnipeg. And so, it was easy for me. And one of the values that come out of getting involved in community is not only the relationships that you build, but it's actually how you learn about your city. My education over 17 years at the Chamber, has been about learning more about my city.
And the more I learned about one topic, the more I loved it, and so I learned it through interactions and relationships I had with different community organizations and efforts that were happening. It made me a better person. It changed the way I viewed my role as an individual and a citizen within Winnipeg. And what I needed to do in terms of supporting my fellow Winnipeggers in the city, as I would hope they would support me. My involvement was pretty broad and got involved on a number of different areas. But it was only because I saw the importance of each of those areas to the overall impetus of building a great city.
So, for me, it was very fulfilling and continues to be very fulfilling. And I think increasingly when we talk about workplaces, part of the higher purpose focus is how workplaces are engaged in the community, because increasingly particularly millennials, and now Gen Z's coming into the workplace, they gravitate to companies that have that connection, they want a higher purpose. They want a deeper meaning. They want to make they want to be part of something special, and an organization that's making a difference, whether it's in their community or on the planet. And so, this is going to be increasingly important for companies to embrace in terms of how they actually demonstrate contribution back to the community.
Matt Johnston 14:55
That last piece just makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I still believe in that and I think that just in talking to you over the last few years - your time at the Chamber - you've had the ability to see or had access to see so many different kinds of businesses. And then obviously over 17 years in the organization, probably trends within the business community. Can you speak to some of those trends and obviously, the demands on business?
Dave Angus 15:33
Yeah, well, I think one of the trends that I've seen is kind of the speed of change. And I do have the context of 17 years. And it when I started, I know change was happening, but it took a long time for it to actually take hold. And so, businesses had time to pivot, they had time to adjust to it. In today's world change is happening so fast that it can be scary for business, right? In terms of how technology is changing, how consumer trends are changing, how consumer trends are actually leading business trends, and how in today's world as a business. And I would say as Johnston Group, when we're developing technologies, and looking at how we're engaging with customers, they're going to gauge us on user experience, not user experience for group benefits. User experience that they get with Amazon, or with other types of platforms that they use as consumers, will now be the benchmark.
It's these kinds of things that are happening, and how global - or increasingly global - we're becoming, and who knows what competitors is going to be on the block next week, that is going to have an impact on our business. So, it's the speed of change that I find is the big trend. And that's why I think more and more businesses need to be more nimble. So that's definitely one trend that I've seen. And the other trend, and we've talked about it before, is around the purpose. And so, I'm seeing that and what's driving that really is Millennials, is the next generation. And I remember back 17 years ago, where Millennials were coming into the workplace. There was mass confusion within board tables around corporate Winnipeg about how do we deal with these aliens? Right? How can we change them to become what they need to be?
And what has changed is the fact that businesses realized that it's not the Millennials that need to change. It's the businesses that need to change and find ways to reorganize their workplace and their jobs and the culture in order to get the most out of those Millennials because they have a lot to give. And so, businesses need to kind of get that, so I saw that kind of trend also change. There's a lot of things that have happened in my tenure over at the Chamber. Some of those things can be looked at as negative, but they're all really, really positive in terms of us moving forward. But I'm very focused right now on the purpose side of things for businesses.
Matt Johnston 18:15
I noted before we started, that I think it was, it might have been the second week that I've got to know you, you gave me a book recommendation called The Purpose Economy. And we talk about purpose all the time. So, can you talk a little more about that both, I guess, in terms of the importance of purpose in business, but also the connection with individual purpose?
Dave Angus 18:43
When those two come together, and that's what businesses need to recognize, and that's why I'm so enthusiastic about your focus in terms of the human connection within the business community, is that when you look at, you know, just from a business imperative perspective, I think this is going to be the big differentiator for companies going forward, in terms of how they connect to a higher purpose and a mission. Because the data will tell you that the next generation is going to gravitate to companies that demonstrate a connection to higher purpose. They want to be part of companies that make a difference. But they also want companies to provide opportunities for them to make a difference too, so the personal connection to making a difference and allowing them to get involved in community, get involved in causes. And not be separate but be part of the business imperative and be and be supported by the company. And so, the ability for companies to be able to attract talent and keep talent, I think one of the big drivers is going to be how they connect and commit to a higher purpose.
But it's also filtering out into the consumer market, consumers are choosing to work with companies that align with their values, right? So even from a business perspective and that data will tell you then increasingly when they poll customers - how a company treats the environment, how the company is ethical - all of these things are leading to consumer behavior. And so that's part of the business imperative. And even on investors, investors are now increasingly placing their money with ethical companies, with companies that that show leadership on the environment. And so those pieces, but imagine what's possible, Matt, if companies increasingly commit to purpose, imagine how the world can change, because the workplace can be a very powerful platform for individuals to really make a difference.
And if these companies can help to mobilize and bring resources to bear in order to pursue those kinds of purposes, and empower their people to do that, a lot of the issues that we're facing today can best be addressed through that kind of mentality going forward. So that's why I'm very hopeful, because I'm seeing this trend and I'm seeing companies go and get very committed to the workplace being a real platform for change and led by the individuals and the humans that are part of it. And so, it's exciting time.
Matt Johnston 21:22
That gets me so excited. I mean, this has made my day.
Dave Angus 21:28
Well, the day's early.
Matt Johnston 21:32
I won't be in this afternoon. I as you're saying that though, the thing the thing that just keeps coming to mind is the is the pressure on leaders. You know, as you talked about, the changing landscape of business, things are moving faster than ever and then you've got this this purpose thing and connecting with that. No matter where I go and bring up your name, people have just glowing reviews of how they've had their interaction with you having worked with you-
Dave Angus 22:08
You should spend more time with my family for the other the opposing views I'm sure.
Matt Johnston 22:11
[Laughs] I've had some good texts from your fans leading into this, and I get the opportunity to be led by you at Johnston Group, and see you in different settings and you just like you breathe it, you're just the embodiment of the leader that you just described to undertake that kind of change. How did Dave become Dave and how do you become a leader to be that change that you're talking about?
Dave Angus 22:47
Today, one of the gifts that I was given at the Chamber was an opportunity to bring good people around me. I have one skill, Matt, and I would say this is a skill is that I can bring good people around me. And that is been so critical in the Chamber. And so, I have had moments of inspiration by just being associated with people and observing how they do things. And that was really the biggest gift I got through my work at the Chamber is I had that ability to be able to associate myself with people that really inspired me.
And so, I am a product of that experience, of people here in Winnipeg particularly, that I've been associated with, that have really sort of developed my thinking in a way, in terms of how I view the world. And so, I'm a product of this city. I'll be the first to say, and very proud of that. And because there's some just some great leaders that we have here in Winnipeg, and many, many of them are understated. The ones that I really appreciate the most, were the ones that nobody knew about. These, these heroes. They're working in a social setting in particular, they're doing unbelievable work that nobody knows about. But they're just showing such great leadership in Winnipeg. So that's how Dave became Dave. It's because of association with others that I learned from, but also particularly inspired by here in Winnipeg.
Matt Johnston 24:13
I have this 30-year-old at a workplace in mind, who may not be in a position of leadership - might not have the title of a leader within an organization - but I'm curious as to how you would empower that individual. To either step up for the change they want to see within an organization, advocate for the change they want to see in their organization. And, and I guess, at the end of the day, connect their purpose to the higher purpose of the organization.
Dave Angus 24:55
Well, yeah, I think that that's a struggle sometimes. To be in that position, but I think more than anything else, and it kind of goes back to some previous discussion around how important the sort of the cross-mentorship piece. The reality is great leaders live in the future. What companies require now are people that really know where things are headed. That can be advocates for higher purpose and what it means to the company that can look at changes within the workplace and be able to start to mobilize support around some of those notions within the staff itself.
I'd have discussions with your senior managers about that, because senior managers need that. Sometimes senior managers in organization can get really stuck in the existing paradigm. And they know things are changing around them, but to have a young 30-year-old that can advocate on behalf of their demographic, in terms of things that are going to be required going forward even as an employee, that's a huge asset for any company to have. So, it does go back to communication, but it also does go back to feeling comfortable and advocating for the things that you and others of your demographic require within the organization.
Because senior managers will view that in a very positive way, I believe, and will be, you know, sort of looked at as wanting to further empower that individual within the company as a as a way to kind of advance through your career journey.
Matt Johnston 26:36
I think that leads well to a question, actually your son texted me, that he was wanting to get answered. You talked a lot about mentorship and the importance of mentorship. Who were your mentors?
Dave Angus 26:53
Good question. Good question. I'd say one of the one of the values of, and I spoke at I was emceeing the family enterprise awards, and we spoke about that that night, in terms of one of the unique aspects of being in a family business, is you get a chance to spend time in a business context with your family. And one of my biggest mentors through life was my father, for sure, in terms of how he did things, and how he treated people and how he viewed the world.
But you know, throughout my career, I had 17 chairs that I worked with, - men and women, all different - and I would consider them to be, I always thought that this was my university, going through, because I learned so much. But they were really my mentors, because I observed how they did things and I picked up on those differences. And that was also a very much a gift is having this really unique relationship with my chairs because we really were in it together. And so, I consider them some of my biggest mentors. But the other mentor over 17 years, is I got to know your father.
Matt Johnston 28:09
Oh, boy.
Dave Angus 28:09
Yeah. And, and observing how he did things and that he's a big reason why I came to Johnston Group. Because I just respected his values and how he treated people and how he ran the business actually. He is definitely in that group of people that have had an influence on me.
Matt Johnston 28:27
Thank you for that. That leads to something that I'm curious about. Your 17 years of the Chamber, I can only imagine how dynamic the role of Presidency of the Chamber and all the things coming at you, like you walk in the Chamber office any day and it just - like it just it almost feels like a newsroom. There's so much going on there. You guys have so much going. How did you how did you go from there, the Chamber, to Johnston Group and why at this point in your career?
Dave Angus 29:04
Well, I was ready to go off 17 years and, one of the things that's important is you have to know when to leave. And some people struggle with that, they stay too long. And I had some leaders coming up that couldn't lead with me there. It just was wasn't possible, right? Because they just didn't feel comfortable leading. And so, it was time for me to step aside to let them shine. And they have. Loren Remillard has done an amazing job with Winnipeg Chamber. Alana Cuma, the Executive Vice President, is doing an amazing job as well. And the whole staff is doing fantastic but those two in particular are ready to lead the organization. And they've done a great job, so it was time to go.
And again, I'm go with the wind kind of guy. Remember that I'm a go with the wind kind of guy. And the wind was blowing through David Johnston, in terms of looking at whether it would be possible for me to come over to Johnston Group because I had experience with the company being on the board of the Chamber Insurance Corporation. And I knew David and he knew me. And I think there was, you know, we had a year and a half kind of this is long kind of dating process. I think we're kind of doing the sniff test on each other. Right? Do I want to go work with David? Does David want me to me to come over?
Matt Johnston 30:27
I just got a visual of you guys doing that.
Dave Angus 30:30
I know, but a year and a half, so we kept coming back at it. And we had no idea whether it was going to happen or not. But it just at some point in time, it just felt right on both sides. And I think part of it was that because I was so involved in the community - and so was your father and so is the company - that keeping that anchor of connection to community was important to your dad and I think having me come over with that commitment, I hope anyway, brings comfort to him. That that culture and that commitment back to community will certainly continue. And the reality is, he didn't need me to do that, because I've met all the staff and they are all, in terms of the role Johnston Group plays within the community Winnipeg.
Matt Johnston 31:18
Well, we are so lucky to have you. And I just I remember hearing about that time. And there in his mind, "There was one person that I that I want to move into this this role," and it was through a similar, he had a similar way of describing it, "I'm working hard to bring him over." And when, I guess what I'm hearing, and I noticed from him as well, is that there's this sort of, you're very clear on purpose and who the match is. And so, for him, there is no doubt that you were the match and it was It sounds like it was it was the connection to purpose that that an alignment, at Johnston Group.
I have hundreds of conversations as I sort of have done roundtables across the country, in interviews with different people, especially young people that are trying to navigate that same question, but earlier in their career, they're purpose driven. They want meaning in their life in their careers. I guess the best way to maybe ask you this question is, what advice would you give to your 30-year-old self? Now being, you know, you've sort of led this purpose driven career and knowing that this, what would you go back and tell Dave Angus, at 30.
Dave Angus 32:48
I'd tell Dave Angus at 30 that he should have spent a lot of time with Dave Angus at 58 to inform him about the kind of workplace that would get the most of me at 30. And I think that interaction is very important. There's a there's kind of a cross mentorship dynamic in good companies, where young people will get mentored by more experienced people within the company. But good companies also get mentored by the young people coming in - about the changing dynamics - because it's not just about attracting employees. It's also about this marketplace. It's also changing, as young people get more and more income to spend. So that's what I would tell him, that relationship is going to be critical going forward. Because that 30-year-old needs to inform how the workplace needs to change and the workplaces do need to change.
We need to kind of take a different view at how workplaces function and whether it is attracting Millennials, attracting Gen Z's, which are now in high school and university right now. So that's the next evolution and they are different than Millennials. Whether it's allowing a workplace to allow women to pursue careers and advance through careers. We need more women around C-suites, we need more women around board tables. So, what are those barriers and make sure we're designing workplaces around that. You know, I was reading some books, I'm speaking at a conference, or women's conference. And so, I was doing some reading on it. And one of the comments that came out of it is that it seems that we design workplaces and jobs like families don't exist. Well, families do exist. And when you have an employer, it's not just the employee. It's all those influences around them that is now in your workplace. That you need to take care of, that you need to be concerned with all the issues that they face outside of work.
How can workplaces be designed in order to be a resource and a support for those? You know, that's why your project I think is so important is because I think managers and leaders need to look and view differently in terms of how we are organizing work and workplaces in order to provide that more human experience. And so whether it's women, whether it's whether it's indigenous people and indigenous youth in particular, whether it's new Canadians, whether it's the disabled, what you know, all groups and the inclusion of all people within workplaces today is going to take, I think, a different view of how we organize ourselves. And I think things are happening. But I think the core fundamental piece, comes back to purpose as well, in all of those different regards. People want to make a difference in their companies want to make a difference in their communities. And let's make sure that we're not creating workplaces to create significant barriers for them to do exactly that.
Matt Johnston 35:45
You're here.
Dave Angus 35:47
So, it's time to lead the change. I think it'd be great to have ongoing discussions about how workplaces have to change, and we'll see where it goes.
Matt Johnston 35:56
You before we jumped on you talked about it. You talked about noticing that there was there was this tipping point in terms of, you've seen this focus on purpose and change in the workplace. Can you speak to that?
Dave Angus 36:10
Yeah. It's fascinating when you look back at what triggers change. And I remember when we did their Bold Initiative, it was, you know, can we get to a point where, you know, we stop talking about "Should we do it?" and we start talking about how we're going to do it. And, and there's a lot of those examples when it comes to the purpose thing, I think there was a real milestone moment. And it was the, it was the TED talk of Simon Sinek. That got broad distribution internationally. I had people sending it to me at the time.
Talking about Start with Why, I think that was a trigger for change. And so, and I'm sure when Simon Sinek did the TED talk, I'm sure he didn't even imagine where this thing was gonna go. But it just resonated, it connected. And people started to mobilize because that's something to mobilize around. When you look at those things, you know, I would say the same on the environment with Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth movie - which really was a lecture - I think that it had a huge impact. Because that broad distribution has a huge impact on how people viewed their role when it comes to the environment, and a sense of urgency. And so, there's these sort of milestone moments around these particular issues that I think have huge impact.
And I think we should think about that, you know, when we look at what change has to happen, I know I'm sitting around the poverty reduction table. And poverty is a huge issue in almost every major metropolitan center and others. What's that milestone moment that'll start be the tipping point to address poverty and homelessness, Truth and Reconciliation, milestone report calls to action. I reflect on that report. That is the tipping point. That's Is the turning point we are now not talking about, should we understand and embrace indigenous history and culture and understand what they've gone through. It is a call to action and things are starting to mobilize. And I think will point back to that report as that tipping point on truth and reconciliation in this country. We need those milestones, and we need to create them. And there's been great examples throughout history on how those moments have really changed things.
Matt Johnston 38:27
I think this this leads to something that I've always wanted to ask you and you've mentioned it in passing a few times the importance of communication. And I think when I when you touched on each one of those moments, it was the ability to speak to or communicate or tell a story around the change that you that you want to see. You might be the best communicator I've ever seen in person. Over and over again, your ability to grab a microphone or to stand - sit - in a meeting or get on a podcast and express what you believe in, and what's important to you. And do it in a in a way that just draws people in. It's just, it seems like a gift.
Dave Angus 39:18
I know and I've looked at a lot of different speakers. And I think the most important element to effective speaking is authenticity. Because there's been - there's a lot of different styles that can all be very effective - but it all comes back to being authentic. Like when you speak, you really need to speak from a place that is real, right? And because people will pick up if you really don't believe in what you're saying. So, I think the authenticity piece is important.
But I, you know, when I talked to that 30-year-old or I talked to the high school student, communication skills is a huge enabler in today's world. Particularly, if you want to affect change, and I'm not sure we're serving them well when it comes to developing communication skills, in all kinds of different contexts. I think that is, is an important skill, maybe the most important skill, particularly if you want to make a difference, is your ability to communicate, to mobilize to bring people on site to get people excited to inspire. And I think that when we talk about empowering the next generation, I'd really like to see more work done on how we can enable better communication.
Matt Johnston 40:33
In particular, are there any skills that people can dig into? What would you tell that 30-year-old or that or that high school student? There's the authenticity piece, speaking from the heart, I mean?
Dave Angus 40:49
Yeah, one of the things just on the skill piece, because it is about empowerment, right? Like how do we empower the next generation, and I know that my son started a company called HP Change since he's been working with high school kids. And so, part of it is come forward with your ideas, give them a platform to come forward ideas. And he's done a few sessions where they've sort of laid out the idea. And now it's about, okay, you got an idea, but ideas are a dime a dozen. How do you navigate that idea, for it to happen? And what's the skill set that you require? Fundamental is communication skills, networking skills, and building a network and a coalition around the around it. Being able to identify similar projects that might align with yours that you can kind of bring together. Being open to changing your idea because you're informing it.
There's all these, sort of, just on that alone, in terms of being able to make a difference and taking an idea to fruition. There's all kinds of skills that I love to see us work with the next generation on, because they ideas are phenomenal. Like they really are, right? But they're ill equipped right now to be able to actually push them to fruition. So, let's bring them those resources - Let's empower them to do that. It's been interesting working with Scott on that project, because you start thinking about, and looking at, how did this happen? How did this change happen? And what were the things that led to that. And let's learn from that. And let's empower that next generation that have these amazing ideas and really are going to be responsible for fixing all the ills that my generation actually inflicted on the planet. Let's empower them to be able to make that change and give them the tools to do so.
Matt Johnston 42:40
That's fantastic. Well, let's wrap it up right away here. I've keep keeping an eye on time here. But before we do, I've heard you mention the future earlier and you're optimistic, I believe you've said, and I've seen you speak to this in the past, but what does excite you about the future?
Dave Angus 43:08
I'll be honest, in the Chamber, my favorite program - much to the chagrin of people that ran other programs - was our high school program. And we talked about the reverse mentorship. I saw that with me, dealing with these high school kids. I was just blown away by their inspiration by their motivation. And their enthusiasm, actually. So that program I embraced because it's what gave me hope, because I saw this value set. That is, I think, so critically important going forward, this respect for environment, this, this social cause aspect of how they do things, is higher purpose and wanting to make a difference and want to do Things that are meaningful, I just saw this huge opportunity.
And that's why I'm so passionate about this empowerment piece. Because if we can empower them to be able to make the kinds of difference they're talking about, we have nothing to worry about. And so, it, more than anything else, any other engagement and it was all very inspiring. It was really engaging with the next generation that gave me that kind of hope and optimism going forward. And I'm still very optimistic about where we're headed and what the potential is. And that's why I want to live as long as I can to be able to witness it and see what happens.
Matt Johnston 44:34
Well, we need you to live as long as you can. You're you are an inspiration and I'm very fortunate to have you as a mentor and a friend and a hell of a boss.
Dave Angus 44:47
Well Matt, we're fortunate to have you in Winnipeg.
Matt Johnston 44:49
Thanks so much, Dave, and thank you for being our first podcast guest.
Dave Angus 44:54
My pleasure.
Matt Johnston 44:55
To be continued.
Dave Angus 44:56
You bet.