“This is just chapter one—not the whole book”?
That’s exactly how I feel when I reflect on my own story.
We’re all born into something we didn’t choose—geography, family, culture, privilege, or pain. But what we do next? That’s entirely up to us.
January always brings reflection. And for me—someone tied deeply to both Australia and Canada—Australia Day (January 26) always hits a little different. It’s a day filled with pride, history, and hard conversations. A mix of celebration and reckoning. And every year, it reminds me exactly why I live the way I do.
My mom grew up in humble circumstances in Australia. Not a lot of money. But full of grit, loyalty, and character. That’s what shaped her. And that’s what shaped me.
My dad? A proud Canadian who met my mom while traveling. They married within a year. He promised he’d bring her back to Canada—but make sure she could always visit home. And to his credit, he did. Got a job with the airlines. Made sure we flew back to Australia once or twice a year throughout my childhood.
Those roots—Australian hustle, Canadian balance, a global mindset—stuck with me. They taught me that loyalty matters. Duality is a strength. And hustle is a universal language.
Here’s where I’ve grown:
I no longer look at holidays with just surface-level eyes.
Because for many Indigenous Australians, January 26 is not a party. It’s a reminder of what was taken.
It’s a day of mourning. Of survival. Of truth.
And it’s not just Australia.
Leadership isn’t about ignoring those truths.
It’s about understanding them.
It’s about saying: “I might not feel it the same way you do, but I’m here to learn.”
That’s how we get better. That’s how we connect.
Whether it’s Pride Month, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, or Australia Day—we don’t just post graphics and move on.
We ask questions.
We listen.
We make space.
Because questions bring clarity.
And clarity brings connection.
That same mindset is how we train, lead, and close deals.
It’s not about perfect branding or polished funnels.
It’s about understanding people. And serving people.
Looking back, I’m thankful for my roots.
But I’m more focused on where I’m headed.
Because while I didn’t get to choose where I came from, I damn well choose where I’m going.
At Boom Marketing Group, we live that every day.
Truth over fluff. Growth over guilt. Progress over perfection.
So whether your story looks like mine—or nothing like mine—you’ve got a choice right now:
Let’s go build something that actually matters.
