August 05, 2008
Negawatts vs Megawatts...
How easily one can take a symbol, and turn it around. Read this article on CNN to understand how conservation steps easily taken, can save us more than the oil which will eventually be producedin Alaska...
Sass
Posted by sass at 07:19 AM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2008
Which is better, higher oil costs or investing in green?
Well at least I can agree with Senator Obama on his green policy. Below is copy of a blog text on CNN.com just reported.
(CNN) — According to his campaign, Obama wants to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years to establish a green energy sector; create a national low-carbon fuel standard to ensure that the fuel is more efficient, and invest in clean energies like solar, wind and biodiesel.
That, according to the campaign, would create up to 5 million new green energy jobs.
There are two ways to stimulate green energy, keep oil prices high...or invest in green sectors. While the first is as effective, it is destructive to our economies. The latter is the right way to go in my opinion.
Thoughts anyone?
Sass
Posted by sass at 09:11 PM | Comments (2)
March 18, 2008
Blogging on blogging...
The Globe and Mail published this article on CEOs that blog. Thought it may be of interest to you...
Sass
Posted by sass at 05:19 PM | Comments (4)
December 17, 2007
Never say die...
I write this entry without the slightest bias towards any american political party. Being canadian, my opinion would hardly have any effect anyways.
I have to take my hat off to John McCain, who is currently running to be the republican president for the United States election scheduled for next year. Just a few short months ago, several pundits were predicting the death of his candidacy. He had gone through various staff changes, was having major budget issues, and looked like a dead duck in the water.
Today he received endorsement from a Democrat, turned Independant, Joe Lieberman. He also received endorsement from New Hamphire's Governor and several newspapers. What gives?
John didn't quit because others told him it was dead. He has a conviction in himself and in what he believes is best for the United States. Having recently gone through a similar situation where I could easily have given up, I chose instead, to follow this path of resilience and persistence and patience. Its not about being bullheaded. Its about what you believe in. If you have a dream, let nobody steal it from you until you have exhausted your last breath. If it is something without which you will feel empty, then don't accept others opinion of its state, make your own judgment about what you can afford to give to your dream.
When people are not inside of your head, they don't know how something is so much a part of your fabric, that without it, you are not yourself. Had John quit and had I done the same, we'd both wonder for the rest of our lives what would have happened had we not. Live without regrets and you'll never look back. John morphed according to the needs of the situation. This is another key part of life..change is the only constant and any refusal to change is simply a disconnect with new realities. Every second is a new reality to which we must choose how we react. We never control what happens to us, we only control our reactions. The true test of leadership is exactly what Jack Nicklaus once wrote...“Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation.”
Sass
Posted by sass at 06:57 AM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2007
Canadian Clean
Canadian provincial premiers are showing leadership in trying to come up with a unified, fluid energy policy across the country. It appears that many are envious of Ontario's leading position which is soon to make it the "germany" of North America, perhaps even ahead of California.
It is amazing to me that the largest solar farm in the world would be announced in Canada and not Germany, California or Japan. Mind you, what do you do with a bunch of distressed land when the government will pay you $0.42 per kilowatthour for solar power? Distressed becomes impressed!
Good for you. Surely Prime Minister Harper may see that his oddly conservative approach in a day where fresh leadership is required, may in fact not help him win a majority in the next election. The climate and clean energy are sure to be two hot topics as candidates debate the economic strategies of the future.
Sass
Posted by sass at 07:48 PM | Comments (0)
April 21, 2007
Follow your kids...
If you really want to know what's happening in technology today, don't ask adults, ask kids.
One year ago, my eldest, Ethan, put me onto Firefox as a browser. Then a few months later, and my own tremendous respect for Steve Jobs, he got me to move to a Mac, after having used PC's only for about 17 years.
These days, when I want to ask kids about the latest websites, they know them all. Youtube and myspace are now old hats. New versions are popping up which seem to be more the "edgy" feel that kids want. Remember they get bored quickly with other things in life, so why not websites? Well "why not" could be if you realize that your audience today on the web is actually moving quicker than any audience used to and you adjust your strategy to pre-empt their "boredom", thus keeping them interested and taking the time to develop evolving relationships with them.
Its not to say that youtube and myspace won't continue to grow like crazy. It just mean that kids that are cutting edge, thereby in fact predicting where the "masses" will migrate in the future, are the audience to listen to. ICP Solar is strengthening its marketing streams substantially as we speak to begin to really start to take advantage of these trends far beyond the "watt". This is what you've begun to see with our partnership with Ted Turner and with much more to come.
You ain't seen nothing yet is what I used to say...and now I listen to my kids attentively when they are about to show me the latest/greatest. Do you listen to your kids? I don't mean "hear", I mean truly listen. You'd be amazed at how much they can teach you...
Sass
Posted by sass at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2007
SHOW (Solar Hydrogen Oxygen Water) TIME !
News today of a $0 cost home using solar and hydrogen built by a private individual in New Jersey!
Now we must admit that we would not think of NJ as the hub of eco-friendly power, yet you must know that New Jersey is in fact quite progressive in its support of solar power.
The builder of the home in the link above did it on his own, sinking $250,000 (net of subsidies) into his estate to build a completely self-sustaining home, totally disconnected from the grid!
This is proof that it can be done, although I will bet that the cost factor must come down by a factor of 10 before we get mass adoption. So my guess is that by 2020, we'll see this combination of technologies in a fair percentage of new homes...
Sass
Posted by sass at 12:01 AM | Comments (1)
February 04, 2007
President GW Sunbeam?
Sorry, yet I simply could not resist using the same headline as this LA Times article.
Giant mirrors pointing the sunlight back at the atmosphere to control the earth's temperature is one of the solutions proposed by Dick Cheney. Why not giant fans with heaters to evaporate the ocean's rising level? Or how about giant snow machines to reduce the polar ice cap reductions?
Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to pick only on the USA's current administration. I think the rampant and uncontrolled development in countries like India and China which are racing to improve their population's income level is going to catch up very very soon if you look at the carbon emissions now generated by those giants.
The world is in dire need of strong leadership that not only takes the climate change threat seriously, yet rather takes it as a challenge and invites and incents business to help come up with solutions. We have apparently created the problem and I'm not suggesting we need some type of socialist agenda to resolve it. Usually, as the japanese have shown, a combination of government vision and business focus makes for the best initiatives...as exemplified when the Japanese government decades ago, created incentives for solar power installations. Today they have virtually little incentives, yet the industry is quite dominant in the world.
Sass
Posted by sass at 07:32 PM | Comments (0)
January 30, 2007
America...Wake Up and See the Sunshine!
A report out today suggests that of all the citizens of the planet, Americans are the least concerned about global warming.
Although I won't dispute the results of the survey, I believe these are a static picture of an evolving belief-set in the USA. As we've seen with Al Gore's movie and many other recent media events, global warming and climate change are beginning to really take root in America in terms of their importance, awareness and as a priority. With the recent changes in American politics, we can bet as well that the change of Congress will surely make the environment and pollution a much great priority for the future government actions.
The fact is that solar power nor ICP Solar's activities in this industry alone could not solve global warming at the current costs of solar energy, yet these are dropping as I write and therefore can definitely bring to us some relief. Yet the fact that the world is now tabulating awareness is a right step in the direction we must go.
I've never really calculated how much in carbon emissions all the solar panels that ICP Solar ever sold have been saved yet one day, expect to see it here...and we don't even get credit for those savings on the carbon exchanges! The question begs..how can our clients get the credits for they are the ones in the end who are making the final decision to purchase solar power. Hmmm....a business challenge to which I am sure an American will wake up to a solution one day.
Sass
Posted by sass at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2006
Symptom vs Cause of CEO Stress...
A gem I just received from a friend named Tom. So true...
Forbes.com just published ten ways for CEO's to cut back on stress. See if you can detect the obvious problem with this list:
Find An Outlet - A hobby, like fishing
Get A Massage - And light a candle
Get Your Zs - Sleep helps
Have A Sense Of Humor - Lighten up, dude
Lead A Healthy Lifestyle - Exercise and eat well
Have An Understanding Spouse Or Partner - Manage the situation
Learn How To Delegate - Let it go
Make Money - Money calms many worries
Meditate - It's not just for Buddhist monks
Schedule Vacations - And then take them
Do you see the problem? Exactly! It doesn't deal with what's causing the stress. Here's my list (and Forbes? Perhaps you folks should switch from business to alternative medicine.):
Be passionate - About how your work improves people's lives
Be clear - About precisely how you provide that value
Stay focused - On what customers truly care about
Communicate unceasingly - Your passion, vision and strategy
Stay tuned in - To the rapid and endless changes in today's marketplace
Be kind - If you want your people to be kind
Stop lying - To your people, shareholders, customers and, especially, yourself
Trust others - Which is not the same as telling them what to do (see #7 above)
Give back - To customers, employees, the needy, and the environment
Take risks - Brand is a verb, not a noun
Sometimes there is no point to my own words when someone says it so much better...
Sass
Posted by sass at 05:38 PM | Comments (2)
December 03, 2006
Sustainable Virgins...
Good for you Sir Richard!
Not only has Richard Branson announced that he'll pump hundreds of millions of dollars of investment into renewables industry, his main flagship Virgin Airlines has now begun to experiment with fuel saving measures aiming to reduce the use of fuel during taxi at airports.
While saving fuel, they believe they can cut carbon emissions by hundreds of thousands of tons. When we mention the sustainable environment, its not always about high-tech solutions. Here we have a very simple and practical measure which not only makes sense for the world, it makes sense for his shareholders (the savings in rising fuel costs will be huge as well).
Isn't there something that your company could do to save fuel, money and carbon emissions? Imagine the win-win-win you could create through your own initiative at work. Go for it!
Sass
Posted by sass at 08:25 AM | Comments (1)
October 18, 2006
Who is greener..Google or Microsoft?
Seems like these two IT giants are set to battle on yet another front...who is the greener of them all!
Microsoft had previously announced solar installations to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by its massive use of energy when along comes Google today and announces its own solar energy generation program.
And then we learn that one of the Google billionaires, Sergei Brin, has been using solar power to recharge his mobile phone in London! So it seems that celebrities, industry movers and others are now embracing this technology as it becomes CHIC to be GREEN!
The awareness will simply continue to grow as people of this stature validate the technology as life-enhancing. Adoption however will continue to depend on how we can design products that enhance the customer's life experience rather than interfere with it for the sake of being green.
Sass
Posted by sass at 06:13 AM | Comments (2)
September 20, 2006
California Carbon Concerns
California has decided to sue automakers over carbon emissions thereby holding them accountable for damage to the environment. This is a new step in the efforts to reduce global warming which could have serious repercussions for industry as a whole.
Why stop at the automakers? How about manufacturing plants, power plants, boat makers, RV makers, fireplace makers, etc...? Frankly I wonder at which point we overstep the bounds of reasonable conduct and get into a situation where rather than focus on enforcement of limits, we "blame" others for the issues we fail to control. Sounds a lot like legal beagles getting the best of a process.
I would personally prefer to see California make it illegal to sell cars with MPG's below a certain level or maximize the size of engines in the vehicles sold (per class) or enforce an ethanol strategy across the spectrum of vehicles. I'm not a fan of legal pursuit to achieve objectives. I've seen tons of money poured into legal pursuits and have found its rare that they result in a positive outcome...except of course for attorney pocketbooks!
So although I commend Governor Arnold for promoting an aggressive stance within his team against global warming, I believe this is not necessarily the manner in which I'd want to be helping to control carbon emissions in my home state.
Sass
Posted by sass at 07:14 PM | Comments (1)
September 03, 2006
Adios Andre Agassi...
You can't be sad for a guy who has such a fantastic attitude as his words today portrayed after losing in the 3rd round of the US Open. "I don't take pride in my accomplishments. I take pride in the striving."
Andre Agassi stands as a testament to all those that feel the same way, that their victory comes not from winning but from not quitting, from giving it your all and for believing in a dream to the end. Andre, you have inspired me as a tennis lover, my kids who watched you struggle through the week and so many more that will always remember your spirit for its giving, intense and honest nature.
Andre Agassi is a champion in my eyes not for what he has accomplished in the win-loss column, but more for how he did it. His "personal brand" is as eloquent and profound as it gets, as we all understand that when he speaks and operates, it is from an authentic position rather than trying to spin a shallow image in an ever-changing marketplace.
Never quit. Chase your dreams. Be real. The reward is on the road, not at the destination.
Sass
Posted by sass at 05:53 PM | Comments (0)
August 31, 2006
How NOT to let people go...
Radio Shack recently sent a mass email layoff notice to employees. It was not personalized and rather short. And please don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for this organization which has been very good to ICP over the years of our existence. (its former ".com" President sits on our board)
Now, I know that email can be a very impersonal medium if only because we can tend to hit SEND far before we've really thought through the words we write. When we write a letter, we have to put it in the envelope, get a stamp, etc.. and we have more time to think about what we write and whether or not the words truly reflect what we wish to communicate. When we hit the SEND button on our email program, its gone, finished, sent and usually delivered within seconds.
So just a thought about how quickly loyalty and feelings of endearment towards an organization can vanish. Treat people on exit as you did on entry and you will have more people wanting to come into your organization than wanting to leave.
Reminds me of the joke about the devil recruiting...
Sass
Posted by sass at 10:57 PM | Comments (0)
August 05, 2006
A matter of principle.
I have been informed this week that the author of the study at Humboldt University was forced to retract the study due to the legal pressures being applied by a company which has everything to lose by the knowledge of the truth of what they have been marketing.
There is such a thing as free speech in Canada and the USA, and the author is being muzzled, in my opinion. I am therefore taking the unusual step of posting the study once again. While there is no paper trail to Shenzhen Topray Solar as regards the source of the modules, there is a clear one to others. So for the sake of "dotting i's and crossing t's", when you read the study attached, please understand that only clear proof of sources being Sunforce Solar, Brunton Solar and Northern Tool Solar can be proven beyond any doubt. While proving that these panels are made by Topray Solar can be done beyond any "reasonable doubt", I will be happy to let any court decide that if need be. To me the court of public opinion is that which matters the most in this situation.
To download the original study, click Download file
Regards
Sass
PS> If anyone else out there cares about free speech, I would invite you to distribute this study to as many people as you can. The truth needs to be known!
Posted by sass at 09:16 AM | Comments (0)
August 03, 2006
The definition of balance
So I went googling on the "definition of balance" realizing that recently I have known a number of people who have shown such symptoms of imbalance in one way or another, and these were found across different continents of people in my circle. I say this because its' been something rumbling in my head for a while, as I seek to continuously fine-tune my life to catch that forever elusive true balance that we all seek.
Some of the interesting hits that came up on Google included:
bal·ance Pronunciation (blns)
n.
1. A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless.
2. A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
3. The power or means to decide.
4.
a. A state of bodily equilibrium: thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
b. The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium: Gymnasts must have good balance.
5. A stable mental or psychological state; emotional stability.
6. A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design. See Synonyms at proportion.
7. An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
8. The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
9. Accounting
a. Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
b. The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
10. Something that is left over; a remainder.
11. Chemistry Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
12. Mathematics Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
13. A balance wheel.
Of all of these above, my favourite is #6. The inclusion of words relating to harmony and satisfaction are important yet we must realize that on the pendulum of life, you will never achieve that perfect middle point immediately even from the moment you decide that its what you seek and the middle point will continuously change. Those who have true balance are able to find balance quickly and maintain it by being proactive in their environment to protect it and reactive quickly enough when events occur beyond their control to help restore it.
The following link provides a great summary as it focuses on the methods and goals one can have in creating balance between work and play. My favourite quote from it is "Balance is not so much an end goal as it is a way of experiencing life".
Sass
Posted by sass at 10:47 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2006
Oh, how the truth makes some people crazy...
Latest information received by me is that representatives of Shenzhen Topray Solar, a company consistently found in different studies to be manufacturing products with false-labels, are pretending to be so upset with the results obtained by Humboldt University's Arne Jacobson that they implied legal action if the study was not retracted in an attempt to prevent it from being publicized any further. Their position (apparently) is that Dr. Jacobson could not paper trail the solar panels he bought from Brunton, Northern Tool, Sportsman's Guide and others, all the way back to Shenzhen Topray Solar factory.
It would be good to review some facts:
Fact- Shenzhen Topray Solar supplies those modules tested to the various retailers/distributors listed in the study and are the only maker in the world to feature them on their website.
Fact- Thousands of people have now seen the study and press coverage.
Fact- The results mimic what was found to be the outputs of Topray Solar panels in 2004/5 by Dr. Jacobson, as well as the initial power results obtained by Bodycote Materials in Canada , Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, and West Marine's testing at CalPoly in California.
So here's my suggestion to Dr. Jacobson and Humboldt U; replace the name "Topray Solar" with those of Sunforce, Brunton and whatever other brands are on the labels of the panels in the study, since there is no way to deny the paper trail conclusively leads back to them.
Comical at best...sad at worst. My message to Topray Solar and its middlemen is simple: "Stop marketing panels that are falsely-rated and join the rest of the manufacturers in our great solar industry in growing the business ethically, honestly and with integrity. Everybody is willing to forgive the past if you clean up your act and begin today! "
Sincere Solar Regards,
Sass
PS. The democratization of marketing springs to mind here. You can't stop the truth from getting out, no matter how hard you try. Just see how fast Google, Yahoo and MSN jumped on the news...However, I guess I must admit...I am enjoying this a bit too... :)
Posted by sass at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2006
What do a father and leader have in common?
My daughter gave me a lovely poem in a hand-made paper shoe today. Here it is:
Daddy's Footsteps
"Walk a little slower, Daddy",
Said a little child so small.
"I'm following in your footsteps,
And I don't want to fall".
Sometimes when your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So walk a little slower, Daddy.
For I must follow you.
If you think about leadership and of fatherhood, in this context, they have so much in common. It made me think of the zigzags, speed of pace and change I have taken my own organization through for a number of years and how difficult it must have been for many to follow or understand where I was taking them.
Interesting thing kids are...their language is so plain and straight. Thank you Emma...
Sass (and Dad)
Posted by sass at 05:23 PM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
Oh no! The solar CEO is blogging again..
Seth Godin warns CEO's about blogging in his posted article in which he advises that a CEO must be prepared to walk the talk if he/she expects visitors to his blog to get any value and if he expects to be driving value for his corporation. After all, if he is not doing that, then why blog at all?
Seth says that a CEO must exhibit at least four of the five traits of: Candor, Urgency, Timeliness, Pithiness and Controversy for his blog to add any value in the world of blogs.
So I went back and began to re-read the blogs I have posted since last July. I came up with the following conclusions:
Candor- I believe I have been nothing but and so give myself a passing grade here.
Urgency- Well, not everything I write about is urgent, so I'll say that here it is questionable as to whether my blogs carry this definition well.
Timeliness- I have been accused of letting cats out of the bag too soon and so here I believe I pass. (My understanding is that our competition made a habit of reading my blogs to help decipher ICP Solar's future strategies!).
Pithiness- I have no clue what this means, and so I will say that I fail (to be safe!)
Controversy- I believe that my stance on a variety of things has sometimes been controversial (as measured by the "how could you write that" comments I have sometimes gotten from my team).
And so in conclusion, I believe that I still have a long way to go before this blog can be construed as tremendous value to ICP Solar. For the moment, it's an outlet that has had a tremendous effect on myself and helped raise my game as a CEO.
Sass
Posted by sass at 03:30 AM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
Ain't no mountain high enough...
The Everest Peace Project is nearing its goal of attaining the summit of Mount Everest.
Here is a picture which says it all to me and of which I believe they should all be proud:
I am so happy that ICP Solar chose to participate with its partner Coleman in this adventure. Amazing how a common challenge can rally people together, setting aside thousands of years of difference between them to overcome a common hurdle.
The distinction between trust and faith is blaring here for all to ponder. While the climbers most probably had faith in each other's ability to climb the mountain simply because the leader chose them, trust only came as they got to know each other and believe that one would cover the other's back. Interesting parallel to life, wouldn't you say?
Sass
Posted by sass at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)
April 26, 2006
A true leader speaks out for solar..
Mickael Gorbachev is someone who has made his legacy a long time ago. As the person who most influenced the lead out of the USSR into the current federation of independant countries that used to comprise the old Soviet regime, he has shown his ability to see the future and take action.
So you can imagine my pleasant surprise when I read today that he is calling on the G8 to create a $50Billion fund to help fund solar power across the world.
When you consider how much government subsidy has gone into hydro, nuclear and oil, the call from a leader to the world governments is only to actually even up the playing field. The other technologies are things of the past if solar is funded to the same extent. Not only is it renewable, it can last forever.
Let's see which government takes him up on his call. Now imagine if Bill Clinton would join him? Two former leaders of the most powerful governments in the world calling for more funding for solar. One must dream big...
Sass
Posted by sass at 08:44 PM | Comments (1)
April 12, 2006
Power for Peace
It's all in the title. ICP Solar has sponsored the Everest Peace Project as the primary supplier of power. We've supplied both Coleman and Sunsei solar panels (depending on application) and will look forward to hearing how our products stood up to the "Everest test".
This project is about peace. It features climbers who are Israeli and Palestinian, amongst others, joining together to promote unity and harmony in the world. What better opportunity for us to join in and support it.
When I heard about the combination of the challenge and team member make-up, I couldn't help myself. We donated larger Sunsei panels and our new charge controllers for base camp, and the lighter Coleman self-enclosed portable units for the higher camps where less equipment is used yet just as important to have recharging power.
Kudos go out to Lance and his team for this effort (they are currently caught in the strike in Indonesia yet believe they will get through to their ultimate destination shortly) and to the ICP Solar team from Dallas to Montreal for making the delivery of panels to them in super speed.
I can't wait to see the first pictures. I'll post any that pop up of our solar system at base camp Mt. Everest on my solar blog. If this project just helps a few palestinian and israeli kids hear the wonderful story of how two adults of their community worked together in harmony towards a common goal, and if that story moves them to a more peaceful position, then these will become just a few more small steps which continue to support the momentum towards the ultimate destination of peace between their people.
Sass
Posted by sass at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)
March 09, 2006
Solar Psychology
Ever taken a psychometric test? These are usual given by personnel search agencies in order to gauge candidates appropriateness for positions they are mandated to fill. Well, I took my first one this week and man was it revealing!
Apparently, I'm a social animal, who loves to create and lead. It didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know and perhaps placed "in my face" other facts that I need to think about, yet I believe it's accuracy proved its worth for anyone who'd want to hire me! You'd know you were dealing with an independant thinker who doesn't mind going out of the box to find the right solution. Perhaps not as pragmatic as I should be, dreaming is something I'm apparently good at! (This reminds me of a time in school when I had to write an essay about why I should have been paying more attention in class!).
This test had three answers for the questions with the middle answer being a "?" which indicated to me that I did not agree enough with any of the answers posted to put a check mark near them. If the issue was about honesty in choosing what I felt was the "right" answer, then I guess I checked that mark a few times more than others because the results pointed out to the recipient of these results that they should investigate this further. I guess they're trying to eliminate the potential that I have an underlying psychosis which has yet to surface!
The people who had me do the test were yet more potential "investors" in ICP Solar. As I've said before, any company with a global presence, making its own solar cells in a supply-strapped environment and a list of "who's who" in clients buying its extremely attractive and creative product offering, is an attractive takeover target. And yet, there's the fact that I love this industry so much which keeps me wanting to hold onto it (even a small piece) just to be involved.
My father told me of someone he knew who makes money "for every partner he has". That is the right model to follow. It's the key to any sustainable partnership and in of itself will lead to more partnerships.
With the public markets pricing solar companies into the stratosphere, if you have a good story, you'll get partners. And ICP has a good story now, so I must be patient enough to find the right partners...and do them right.
Sass
Posted by sass at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2006
That which transcends our lifetime...
Lasting value is not created by what we do for ourselves but rather through what we do for others. Think about it for a second. Your accumulated wealth will only have a legacy if you bequeath it in a manner so as to create value beyond the years which you will spend on this earth.
I invite you now to think about the fact that everyone involved in the solar industry is in some way, shape or form impacting the future of the planet. You can't help but feel good knowing that the products you offer do more than simply make someone money. They actually are helping to shape the future of the globe our children and future generations have lent to us.
At ICP Solar we've already put about $100million worth of solar power into the world market. That translates into a lot of saved batteries, reduced carbon emissions,elimination of the use of gas burning lanterns and so many other benefits. We have learned over the years that those who mislead the consumer only cheat the legacy which they create for their name.
And so with each passing step, as we were able to move the markets, we increased the rigor of power reporting, educated our customers about how to properly test what they were buying and are now so strict in our quality control processes to the point where we actually are under-rating a number of products today.
Some would say we are cheating ourselves. Not so. In no time flat, this will be discovered by the public at large and then our Sunsei brand will be known as the one that delivered "beyond expectations".
A recent event reinforced this belief through a conversation and subsequent product development path suggested to me by Chuck Hawley, VP of Product Dev't at West Marine. Chuck said to me "we want panels that outperform their ratings". Having just been stung by panels which were proven to be cheating their customers, he stepped up and reminded me just how valued the West Marine brand was to him and his team. The value of the brand was that it created an expectation by customers of superior marine solutions. Thanks Chuck. As we will surely meet this week in Orlando at your dealer show, you will forever have a place in our future as someone who impacted the manner in which we brought product to market.
Everlasting value. It's what we should all be about. Is your brand about exceeding expectations? If not, the legacy that survives you may not be what you set out to create when you were just a big-eyed pup full of promise, dreams and "I'm going to change the world" hope.
Sass
Posted by sass at 11:12 PM | Comments (3)
January 28, 2006
Green Energy uprising?
This week's elections in the Palestinian territory marked a major shift and upheaval in Middle East Politics. While the obvious to all is the surprise of the Hamas organization taking over as lead political authority in their territory, there is a deeper meaning to this all that I'd like to explore and its relation to what is happening in the solar power industry.
The fact is that Hamas is a popular party. They were voted in democratically. Without taking any sides in this case, I am simply pointing out that the people have spoken and no force can hold down the groundswell caused by the grassroots of a society when it gains enough momentum to become its collective will.
Same goes for solar power. Years ago it was scientists and treehuggers. Now, it's the business of power. And yet much of the reason it made the transition is due to the political will of some countries to revolutionize power. They had needs that were not being fulfilled. Countries like Germany and Japan where the density of population is high and the cost of having bad air in a small area is therefore very high. This led to the need to develop alternative energy programs. Through them they drew investment and job creation, but most importantly, industry leadership. The lead that these two countries have in the world race to engage renewable power will only be caught up to in decades.
In comes California...finally! Again with a tremendous grassroots support, Governator Arnold knows he can get through Renewable Energy programs like the massive one he has proposed (and hopefully will use our Sunsei Construct solar slate!). Adding $3Billion of funding to a $10billion worldwide industry puts one helluva dent in solar power demand!
So as we see the democratization of the Middle East (arab sector) through organized elections in the Palestinian Territory, Iraq, Lebanon (and even municipal ones in Jordan), we see the democratization of power (the choice of the people expands). I truly believe that as the availability of solar power increases, the more people will demand it as their source of energy, and eventually it becomes a great circle of growth for all those involved in the industry.
The "establishment" utilities therefore are faced with two choices..jump on board the groundswell of popularity or become a dinosaur. Funny how power and politics are so similar?
Power to the people.
Sass Peress
Posted by sass at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2005
Man in the glass
A gem of a poem which was just sent to me:
~ The Man in the Glass ~
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass
You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And think you're a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please - never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.
Posted by sass at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2005
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!
Yes we all remember at some point hearing a european announcer of a football (or is that soccer) game yelling GOAL with all the power in his lungs for as long as he can.
There are many different goals in life as I witnessed today at yet another goal cultivator seance. The goal cultivator program, created by Dan Sullivan has helped in just 90 days achieve 3 of 5 goals (well, the beginning of achievement) I had set for myself.
Introduced by Mitch Joel and hosted by Barry Pascal (a great coach if i ever met one), today's session brought to my mind the fact that the whole circle in which I am now engulfed was brought to me by Howard Firestone and has radically changed me and my life as a result. So a big public thanks to Howard, yet another of my "guardian angels" helping me protect myself from...me!
If you've never been involved in such a process, I highly recommend it. Not only could you become a better CEO, father, husband, friend and colleague, but you'll understand that no goal is too high, it's always just a matter of time and will.
Someone asked Einstein why he was giving the exact same exam one year after next in a university where he taught. "Wasn't that too easy?" he was asked, to which Einstein responded "the questions are the same, but the answers have changed". To all of you who have the same questions, you'll only find the answers within yourself, and expect them to change over time.
Sass
Posted by sass at 10:14 PM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2005
Marvelous Massachusetts
The state is about to vote in some tax breaks for consumers that buy hybrid cars!
If you're hearing more and more about conservation and alternative energy in the past month, its all because of a flurry of consciousness that comes from the ravaging the hurricanes in the USA have caused. Renewable energy company stocks are soaring, as gas prices soared. Yet what will happen with the gas prices come back down, as they surely will?
My suspicion is that the feeling of needing alternative energies will endure in the US. This is one of those "marking moments" in history, where a people was so affected, that its leaders began to search in earnest for alternatives. Now don't get me wrong, a leader from Texas is hardly going to run out and become "green" overnight. There's a reality check that says that when your supporters are enriched by the flow of petrol, you help petrol flow! And yet, in his second term, we see a more modest George Bush ready to embrace alternatives, even to the point of suggesting ways to save gas.
From Amazing Arnie to Marvelous Massachusetts, as long as Americans are moving towards where the rest of the world already wants to go, who cares if its Kyoto or any other event which helps this happen. Of course, it would have been preferable that it not be an event which caused so much destruction. Well, at least its leaders are listening now...
Sass
Posted by sass at 07:55 AM | Comments (2)
September 10, 2005
If it's "givers gain" then why am i feeling "givers pain"?
Yesterday was the Linda Saab Breast Cancer Golf Tournament. My team and I raised almost $10000 for the cause of breast cancer research and wellness centers in Montreal, thanks to the support of partners of ICP Solar. Of course, it feels great to be able to give to others in challenging moments. After sharing this event with my ICP team, including Isabel, Gordon, Randy, Dave, Luc and of course my wife and friends, it remains one person who continues to influence me to give more. His name is Mel and he's my father's youngest brother.
Mel is an incredible giver (and the best salesman I have ever met). He comes through with actions that match his words of giving. What I did not know, is that this man, who now regularly shoots high 70's in golf, had never picked up a golf club before one day going to the Linda Saab Golf Event in a suit, just to give moral support to his friend Charlie (linda's husband). 15 years ago, Charlie was missing some golfers so he told Mel to take off his tie, borrow some clubs and play. Mel has never looked back. After that first time playing golf, he was hooked.
Renee and I were very proud to be in the company of Mel and Joyce last night. But frankly speaking, after a full day of activity and several glasses of red wine, I am feeling "giver's pain" this morning... :)
Please remember to give. Last night the organizers gave over $40000 in donations for the beneficiaries. Who knows...maybe dollar "number 31222" is the one that cures breast cancer. Even if not, it certainly will have helped.
Sass
Posted by sass at 07:39 AM | Comments (0)
September 04, 2005
Dear George...
I saw George Bush today counting the number of water bottles, beds, blankets, being rushed to New Orleans and I just had to wonder..what if all those troops over in Iraq were in the USA right now helping from day one in Louisiana and Mississippi to save people's lives?
Why was the reaction to the tsunami so much swifter? Are the folks on TV right to say that because the majority of affected population is black, that leaders didn't rush in with resources? (I don't happen to believe that myself, but I do find it interesting that respected reporters are discussing this).
With oil having its "perfect storm" (China, Iraq and Katrina) the entire US population is suffering from price hikes in gas well beyond $4 in some area. 37 million americans live in poverty and by the looks of the pictures on CNN, the majority of those affected are poor people that chose not to leave the only possessions they likely own. How are the poor going to afford heating fuel this winter at those prices?
Leaders can get their jobs because of what they talk. But they only keep them because of what they walk...
Sass
Posted by sass at 10:26 PM | Comments (0)
August 29, 2005
Surpass your goals..
When was the last time you sat yourself down and wrote your top five goals of the year? Do it. Identify your strengths in being able to achieve them. Your weaknesses. How you can use your strengths to achieve them. How you need to shore up your weaknesses.
I bet after one week, you'll have already achieved a couple of them...just because..you finally set them down on paper, realized what you had to do to achieve them and did it. Those are probably the easy two...the real achievement may be the other three for they did not come as easily or naturally.
Two of mine were; more personal family time, and exercise. So I've just booked two hours a week of tennis with my wife and kids each and every week, plus a family vacation for two weeks (instead of my usual one week) WITHOUT laptop. Go figure! Two goals on their way to being met just one week after my "intervention"...gotta love life when you take it by the neck and make it yours.
Remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Now go be breathless...
Sass
Posted by sass at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2005
Unique Abilities...do you have one?
So what makes you different from anyone else? How do you feel you surpass others in an area of competence? This is called by some your "Unique Ability".
Focusing on what you do best is what will bring you or others the greatest return. Focusing on what you don't do so well only prevents you from excelling at that which you could. The strategic coach concept is one that I have not embraced until today. Today was life changing. I met a coach. I sat with him for three hours. I am changed. Well, let me rephrase. I have the potential to change. I need to embrace those areas where my "unique ability" makes me stand out, recognize the weaknesses that I have in others, and share the rewards that come from partnering with other people that compliment my skill sets in whatever I wish to accomplish.
If today, you spend 10% of your time delivering to your company in the area of your special capabilities, imagine what you could deliver to them if you spent 50%. Salesmen who are bogged down by severe administrative duties are being prevented from spending time selling...which is why you pay them the big bucks in the first place! The more time they are freed up to sell, the more they sell. Consider the biz model that has eradicated assistants and coordinators. So now you have a $300K per annum sales superstar filling out forms and reports each day when they could take that time to make you millions. How foolish is that?
Now put yourself in this picture and figure out how you can make your company more money. Remember its all about returns. Personal or corporate. What if you could double your vacation time yet still double your income?
If you think this makes sense, then visit this site for more information about strategic coaching. It could be life changing...
Sass
Posted by sass at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)
August 20, 2005
Solar Size doesn't matter!
Here's an argument for small is big.
Take your boat for example. There is already not much room on a boat to put a solar panel. Some manufacturers dream of placing glass panels on powerboats near the rear. Really? When was the last time you put glass that can shatter in the way of people that want to get in and out of your boat to ski or dive?
So at the very least, try to find the most dense power per foot panels. There are also mounts that permit you to avoid drilling the boat deck or even placing the panel on rails (the ultimate because you can then point the panel to the sun and even double the power you receive from your panels). For ATV's make sure your wire leads are long enough to come down from a shed roof. Nobody I know leaves a solar panel outdoors hanging around on their motorcycle or ATV. It's clumsy and not practical. Besides your friendly neighborhood bear might mistaken it for dessert...
Another example is RV's. Most people do NOT wish to drill holes through the roof of their valuable "second homes". So try to find a solar panel with "feet" that you can glue down. In Europe, gluing is standard practice, but not yet in America. Ask your RV dealer or favourite store if they have such accessories.
For RV winterization/maintenance, find a panel small enough that it fits just above your air conditioner but powerful enough to maintain the battery.
For RV large power applications, find some flat spaces that won't interfere with your desire to park yourself on your roof at the next NASCAR race! Remember to position the panels so that if you later on wish to expand your system (over 25% of RVers expand their solar systems later on) you can easily do it.
Anyways, just a word of caution. Bigger is not better in solar. Think japanese. The more compact the full-featured cellphone, the more valuable it is. You can usually rate the technology of the product you are buying by its "real world" power density.
Knowledge is power. Small is big.
Sass
Posted by sass at 12:09 AM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2005
Priorities in life...
Last night, my eldest son was very angry. When prodded, he let out that I had been travelling so much this year that his friend's first question was "is your dad in town?". My reaction was simple. I cancelled a trip to the Solar Congress in Orlando. Besides, Randy and Tom, both senior level people in my team, are capable of handling it.
So why was I going in the first place? Well I didn't sleep much last night until I came up with the answer. Having been defrauded by a previous group of managers who took everything from pictures to text files from our network to use for their competitive line, I was having a hard time empowering through trust.
Go figure! Here I have been professing about empowering a team while I was doing the complete opposite by overseeing even this trade show and other stuff that a CEO should really not be involved with. They say "out of the mouth of babes" come much truth. Like the little girl who asked her mom why she could not have the picture right away once taken, which led her father to develop the Polaroid camera.
We all need to remember that few fathers ever said on their death beds "I didn't work enough days in my life", but I bet there are more than a handful that wished they had spent more time with their kids. I guess I needed a sign to make sure I don't end up with such regrets...
Sass
PS.Dear ET,
Thank you.It was a much needed wake-up call that helped me re-prioritize. You've said I should pursue those guys who stole from ICP to the end of the earth. All in time son. Good things come to those who have patience. We'll certainly do that. But mostly we will focus on winning the hearts and minds of our customers. The truth will be our ally. Love you, Dad.
Posted by sass at 11:55 AM | Comments (2)
July 29, 2005
Defining leaders...is anyone following you?
As I've gone through my life, stages have appeared sometimes because of my own doing or because of things happening around me, that changed my views on leadership.
One of my mentors is someone named Po K. Lau. An unassuming fellow that hailed from Hong Kong, Po defines leadership through influence rather than position, in its truest sense. A couple of years ago, when I was going through great soul-searching about how to change myself and my company's vision, he gave me a quote I shall never forget: "The difference between a boss and a leader is simple. A boss turns people off while a leader turns people on".
Its ever since that time that I've begun a re-invention process of my leadership skills that I hope continues on forever, no matter what part of my life I am calling on those skills for. And with each passage of time,a new "influencer" has entered my life. Recently, three other people have done so, and they've influenced changes in my views on leadership that I hope will positively impact my ability to lead in various aspects of my life.
The first person is Mitch Joel, whom I met last year and already wrote about (see "MY SOLAR SAVANT" blog entry). Mitch nominated me for an MS Leadership award, which I was chosen for. He was also the influence which led me to enroll my team to The Power Within conference.
The second person is Tom Sweeney. Tom came into my life as an advisor last year and helped me see things within myself and my own company that I had completely been blind to and ignored. Those issues may have killed my company had I not taken action to correct them. Let's just say he was just in time! Tom's mentorship focused on how I could become a CEO of a greater company than ICP already was and what were the issues I had to address immediately, lest my legacy rest in the memory of a failed entity.
The third person is Isabel Dos Santos, my executive assistant. Isabel has worked at public companies assisting executives in the highest positions. I feel she's taken me on almost as a project of sorts, to help me become as good a leader as I possibly can.
Issy's latest efforts included passing to me a book by John Maxwell, entitled "Leadership 101". Now for those of you who don't me, I haven't read a complete book in a decade, so this act was almost doomed from the start. However she gave it to me just as I was leaving last week to board a long 15 hour flight to Hong Kong, and so the hope was that my computer battery would die, I'd get bored with reading every single magazine or newspaper on board (as well as the airline magazine twice) and then I'd finally give in and start the book. Well, frankly, it wasn't that hard after all.
Once I picked up this book I could not put it down. Yes, I did finish it. In fact, I read it twice so far. So much have I seen inside it why some of my initiatives would not work no matter the intensity with which I tried and why some of the things I've been doing for the past few years are bang on!
John Maxwell is a recognized leader who pushes himself to new heights and gives people insight into how they can do it for themselves in this short, 100+ page handy-sized hardcover book. He focuses on essential qualities required for true leadership, being: influence,integrity,attitude,vision,problem-solving,and self-discipline. He then guides us through practical steps to develop true leadership in our lives and the lives of others around us. For my quest is not simply to make myself a better leader, but to help those around me acquire abilities to become leaders themselves.
A leader is nothing without a following. In fact, if he/she has no followers, then its really just a walk through life they are taking. One of my favourite quotes in the book is "People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care."
So to Po, Mitch,Tom and Issy, and so many other "leaders" in my life, a huge thanks. My hope is that the constituency that chooses to follow me, as opposed to being forced to follow me, can grow each day, as I redefine my leadership level in time and through effort.
I'm off on my 3 day holiday with family and friends, so no blog entries until next week! Yes, that's right, Sass with no computer on his lap...my friends are taking wagers at this very moment on whether I'll make it through the weekend without slipping off the "computer wagon".
Ciao for now,
Sass
PS> A footnote for Mike Gering, whom I should also mention in the category of "leader" and might even be surprised to read his name here, yet deserves mention as an "influencer" in my life. Mike, if you're reading...the ends do NOT justify the means.We've both had challenges leading solar organizations through troubled waters. A sincere wish of success to you and your team.
Posted by sass at 03:27 AM | Comments (1)
July 28, 2005
太陽能
Wondering what these interesting symbols mean? Not if you're chinese! They stand for "solar power".
I'm just on my way home from a long overseas trip which took me deep into Northern china, just shy of the Russian border. I visited volcanos and drank their mineralized spring water.
I noted on the web that most of the cars that entered the American Solar Challenge are going to make it. Those that will not will surely have learned valuable lessons in so many areas. Matters not if you win or lose, matters more than you tried your best.
The title of this entry was chosen carefully to honor my chinese hosts who are now avid readers. They took extremely good care of me and to them I am very appreciative. 谢谢所有的中国同事在中国对我的照顾，特别感谢宁书记私人邀请我共进晚餐，我很荣幸。Not sure if this will mean much to them (I used altavista translation) but we'll see.
Anyhow, gotta leave this Starbucks at Hong Kong airport and run to the gate...I wonder if we can ever solar power a Boeing?
Sass
Posted by sass at 02:31 AM | Comments (1)
July 19, 2005
I want to pump solar up!
Go Arnie Go! The "governator" wants to have a million solar roofs in California and bless him for it. Its refreshing to have a republican leader in office countering the others who are oil barons. And as long as he can navigate the political waters, Governor Arnie will indeed get his wish. It is the most ambitious solar program ever offered in the United States and rivals what the governments in Japan and Germany have done. Can't wait for our solar slate to adorn his governor's mansion..hey, a guy can dream can't he?
As stated in the article linked above, the "burden of roof" will be in the successful implementation. They believe that such programs can bring down the cost of solar to be competitive with fossil fuels and its probably true if you figure in the cost of pollution of those non-renewable power sources. Pump it up Arnold...and its no longer a gas pump we're hoping to be the source of your power!
Auf Wiedersehen,
Sass
Posted by sass at 12:26 AM | Comments (1)
July 08, 2005
Personal Power Inspirations
WOW! Spending 8 hours being engulfed with such positive vibes as we were today is exhausting! I invited my team to see Dr. Phil, Loretta LaRoche, Herb Cohen and a host of other motivating speakers during a rush of energy here in Montreal at the conference center.
Such events are meant to help you take a left turn where you would have always taken right. Empower yourself through action rather than just talk. Remembering that what was doesn't have to determine what will be. Owning your destiny through your own empowerment.
Basically, be your own sunshine. Take responsibility and control of your destiny. Don't be afraid to be different. Just a bunch of sensible advise that its' sometimes good to remember, yet organized in such a fashion as to be applicable by the simplest. "Getting it" was Dr. Phil's main message. Be a person who gets it. Not the one who says "HUH"? The example of Donald Trump was brought up. He lost all his billions and then made them back in two years. Those who don't "get it" can win hundreds of millions in lottery winnings and be poor in no time.
Loretta LaRoche is an absolute nutcase, yet so sensible in her vigorous approach to "living life" (think about that quote a bit). Firecracker is the best way to describe her. Her motto is "life is short, wear your party pants". "Be juicy" she asks us to be. Not the dried-up orange in the basket, rather the wet, explosive "juicy" one. She had me dancing in the aisles. I think our Sales Admin almost had a heart attack seeing me dance like that. SO WHAT! We were just being taught to LIVE in the manner which was professed by Bob Dylan in his song "Forever Young".
Distinction, energy, owning your destiny, living life..these are all themes that characterize ICP's attitude and vision for its team. They grow, we grow. I want my best salespeople to be making more than me. No caps on commissions. No ceiling on growth. Make ICP profits and they deserve the same.
And as one of the presenters professed "live each day as if it were your last and each night as if it were your first"..
Well,that's it for today, its night time and my wife is waiting to find out if this 45 year old has truly been re-energized!
Tata for now,
Sass
PS> Visit The Power Within to get a sense of what we had the privilege of living today.
Posted by sass at 07:55 PM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2005
My Team's Solar Power
Today I attended a "PROFIT100/NEXT100" gathering because ICP was selected as one of the Top 200 growth companies in Canada by PROFIT magazine, given that we've almost quadrupled sales in five years. At that event,a presenter showed the following saying by Lao Tze, an ancient chinese philosopher of Tao:
The best leaders are scarcely known by their subjects;
The next best are loved and praised;
The next are feared;
The next despised:
They have no faith in their people,
And their people become unfaithful to them.
When the best leaders achieve their purpose
Their subjects claim the achievement as their own.
Here I was amongst a collection of some of the best CEO's that had rocketed their companies from nothing to the sun. While our growth was impressive, 312% in 4 years, some achieved thousand percent growth in even less time. They tended to be software or internet related companies.
But one theme that struck me is how many of us faced the same issues in our companies. And it usually boiled down to the only distinction a company really has..its people. So the dilemna that was common was simply how to Get/Keep/Grow a loyal team. How to empower them so that they take the decisions which are facilitated by a CEO's provision of environment, resources and vision. The guy who found hotmail for Microsoft was sitting on my left, a magician not far away teaching us that what we do is similar to magic at the next table, a guy who can't make enough hot tubs to satisfy demand in Europe not far beyond (his companions were surely selected to help sell more tubs!). All of these people had the same challenge and we were there sharing our stories.
As I recalled the stages that ICP has been through, from a cowboy company where almost anything went to get the sale, to its transformation into an ethical, honest and integrity-based culture, I am truly thankful for having such wonderful people come into our company at this crucial stage. I am surrounded by leaders. My job is to make them CEO's of their jobs. I need to listen not talk. The more I listen, the more I can understand their needs. They are smart people. I hired them after all. Its about keeping the spark alive in the toughest of times, some of which we have just lived and gotten through. The more invisible I become, the more they take credit, the better job I will have done.
My job is to show them the sun. Point to the path, not walk it for them. Ask them how we can become our partner's sunshine, and get them the tools they need to succeed. Will I succeed? Time will tell. One thing for sure, I have evolved as a leader and so has ICP. Honesty, integrity, vision. That will be the brand we will build for our customers. That is what we will stand for. We won't accept to be compared to those who cheat, lie and coverup their solar panel ratings in order to dupe an unsuspecting consumer. We will aspire to be the ones that all others compare themselves to. ICP. Integrity. Customer-centric. Performance.
Posted by sass at 09:07 PM | Comments (1)
June 09, 2005
A Solar Power Blogger Deflowered
OK so I admit it..I've never blogged before. But with all I've heard its going to be a lot of fun and education, sharing daily thoughts with a bunch of like-minded, positive people who are interested in how we can use solar energy to better our lives.
However, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank so many people in my life that have brought "sunshine" upon it or who even have helped me grow through adversity. We can learn much from friends and foes alike.
Since I believe that change is the only constant, we must embrace it and remember that a foe today can be a friend tomorrow. It is why in the book "The Art of War" one is encouraged to treat even foes with complete respect. I must admit it has not always been my case, but I am glad to have reached this point in my life where I will leave no stone unturned in attempts to win people over as friends.
So today's first blog entry will be dedicated to thanking those who have been in my life either yesterday or today and through which who I am today, and will become tomorrow, I owe much appreciation.
To my parents who determined that the only way to become a Canadian was to make a Canadian...what else can I say but thank you for giving me life and teaching me so much about it! You gave me a head start that many only dream of.
To my wife who truly helped me become a better man. Anyone surrounded by such love and beauty could not help but be enriched. We've been through so much together yet our life is blessed with four children, a warm and caring home and friends that abound, with much credit to you.
To my younger siblings, I hope that with each passing day we may be greater inspiration to each other than the one before.
To my friends, whom I consider my extended family, you've been there through thick and thin always challenging the very old adage that "blood is thicker than water" and proving it so wrong so often. You've been there for me, my family, and have helped us create a wonderful life each time we spend together.
To my colleagues of past and present, I have been enriched and hopefully so have you. We've created new paradigms, surprised those that spoke of potential demise and proven that our longevity is thanks to our tenacity and dedication to making ICP the best solar company on earth. Some of you have even moved on to compete and that's OK. As long as we all play with respect and fairness, our activities can only serve to enrich the lives of others through the spreading of the "solar gospel".
To our partners worldwide, thank you for helping make ICP a stronger entity, recognized across the globe for excellence in the services and solutions we provide to our customers. We would not be what we are today without you.
So there it is, my first blog entry ever. From here on expect to read daily about my thoughts on life, business and how solar will become the number one power source within a few decades. May the sun be abundant in all our lives. As Winston Churchill once said "A living is made by what you get..a life is made by what you give".
Tata for today,
Sass
Posted by sass at 07:49 PM | Comments (1)