What is your role or relationship with CESO?

CESO Advisor (Present).

How long have you been working or volunteering with CESO?

Since 2003.

What motivates you to work or volunteer with CESO?

So many things:

– the challenges of assessing the client’s property and creating a work plan
– making new friends
– learning about new cultures and business practices
– the thrill of travelling to less travelled countries
– the sense of satisfaction upon completing an assignment
– partnering with our Indigenous communities

What is your most remarkable experience or memory of CESO?

So many – how to choose! One outstanding assignment I had was in Colombia with a large hotel that was about to declare bankruptcy and subsequently put a large number of people out of work. The economic impact of that would have been horrific. With a lot of hard work, great team work and a renewed sense of purpose, I, along with the hotel’s management team were able to create a more viable business plan and allow the hotel/ restaurant to continue operating.

Economic development is important because…

It provides stability, individual growth, new opportunities, and a future.

What advice would you give other CESO Advisors?

Go with an open heart and mind and you will experience the most memorable relationships that will enrich your life.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just get involved… you never know what impact your work will have, long after you leave!