Category Archives: Personal Development

FILM REVIEW: The Happy Film – International Premiere HotDocs 2016 (in progress)

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Last updated: TUES May 10 2016 9:20 PM

By Glenda MacDonald


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****REVIEW IN PROGRESS**** I found this film so fascinating that I’m doing additional research to provide useful external links. This is an enhanced-content review which I’ll expand as I ponder the ideas which were presented. You can watch me write it, and I’ll tweet the link when done! I’m giving The Happy Film a ‘full bouquet” rating.

(USA) International Premiere (92 minutes)

The Happy Film at Hot Docs 2016

Co-Directors Stefan Sagmeister and Ben Nabors address questions from the audience at #TheHappyFilm Canadian premiere.  Emceed by Gabor Pertic of #HotDocs2016

FILM FESTIVAL: Hot Docs Film Festival, Toronto ON. North America’s largest documentary festival, conference, and market. April 28 to May 8 2016.  #HotDocs16
GM Note: I attended Monday May 2 10 AM showing at TIFF Bell Lightbox

SYNOPSIS: The Happy Film. Art project meets self-improvement quest as graphic designer guru Stefan Sagmeister drives to shape himself into a happier, more fulfilled person through a dedicated mix of meditation, therapy, and drugs.( Festival program.)

Co-Directors of The Happy Film at #HotDocs2016 Premiere Toronto Stefan Sagmeister and Ben Nabors

Meeting Co-Directors of The Happy Film at #HotDocs2016 Premiere Toronto:  Stefan Sagmeister and Ben Nabors for further happy chats.

CO-DIRECTORS: I met with Co-directors Stefan Sagmeister and Ben Nabors after the film. Third former co-director was Hillman Curtis.

Imagine yourself on a motorcycle on an open road. Your MP3 player is streaming your favourite music as you meander, relaxed, without specific intent or purpose through towns and beautiful countryside. In such a moment Stefan Sagmeister was able to ‘manufacture’ a high degree of happiness.

This is the story of a road trip for the mind and the metrics of happiness. The first stop along the way explores meditation. The second leg of the journey is a deep-dive into therapy. And finally there is (in Stefan’s case) a hallucinogenic trip as well as formal medical intervention with a commonly prescribed antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety.

…more thoughts to follow…

 

Discover Your Personal Brand conference – August 16, 2014 – Toronto

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Last updated: August 9, 2014

Are you the who you want to be?
Is your who what others see?

The first time I considered the concept of personal brand was when I was a newly-minted MBA working as the Advertising Manager for an international specialty metals manufacturer. I don’t remember the context of the phone call I received from a woman one morning but my direct and honest response to her request elicited the following feedback – “You have real integrity. Don’t ever lose that. It is something rare.” This has become part of my personal brand and I work hard to maintain that aspect of my reputation.

Have you thought about what it means to be you? What is your authentic self and how does that translate into your personal brand in the eyes of others? Certainly how we dress and speak is part of it but it extends to so much more, especially in the virtual environment. These are considerations that are important whether you are working for someone, job-seeking, or running your own business. Personal brand is a work in process and will evolve as you gain more experience and your goals change. In a competitive environment having a clear sense of your personal brand and that it matches your goals may increase your confidence in yourself and the confidence of others in what you have to offer.

I will be live-tweeting and blogging at the Discover Your Personal Brand Conference on Saturday August 16 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the OISE Building, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor St. West. A panel of industry experts will share their experience on personal branding to help you define and enhance your authentic personal brand. The conference is being presented by Bobby Umar, 4x TEDx Speaker on Leadership & Development.   Register today at my affiliate link above!

Here is the speaker lineup:

● Bobby Umar,4x TEDx Speaker on Leadership & Development,  Raeallan
● Alfredo Tan, Group Director of Marketing Solutions, Facebook Canada
● Nathan Downer, Reporter/ Anchor,  CP24
● Darrell Keezer, CEO, Candybox Marketing
● Marina Piccioni, Marketing Manager, Hudson’s Bay Company
● Fahad Meer, Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers
● Nicholas Kusmich, Strategic Consultant for Lifestyle Entrepreneurs, Everyday Prosperity Inc .
● Corey Herscu, Technology Publicist | Journalist TV Personality,  HerscuPR
● Ryan Coelho, Personal Development Specialist, RyanCoelho.com
● Katia Millar, Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer, Positive Fabulous Women
● Don Sagarese, Founder, On The Move catering
● Jahmeelah Gamble, TV Personality, Rogers
● Mahfuz Chowdhury, Digital Marketer, Candybox Marketing
● Hamoon Ekhtiari, Director, StudioY at MaRS,  and Social Media Coach & Strategic Consultant,  Socially Good
● Tamika Auwai, Power Presence Expert, Tamika Auwai
● Julia Sheldon,  – Operations Manager, The Acoustic Opera
● Cher Jones, Corporate Social Media Trainer, Socially Active
● Joseph Luk, Director, Solution Marketing Department, Huawei
● Ada Barlatt, Management Sciences Professor, University of Waterloo Engineering

The event will be followed by a career fair.

Follow the event with hashtag #DYPB14 .  See you there!

Glenda MacDonald

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