by Dean Bardouka | May 18, 2019 | Featured
I wasn’t living in New York City during 9/11, but moved back to the area a little over a year later in January 2003. I remember the shock of how different it looked and felt, and I am not just talking about the enormous hole in the ground. It was everything: from the...
by Dean Bardouka | Mar 21, 2018 | Featured, Love, Make, Wanderings
I recently acquired a button maker. You know, to make those pin buttons you put on your backpack or jacket to rep your favorite band, the cool startup you work for or to give the world that personal snapshot, large or small, about what’s going on in your mind. I am...
by Dean Bardouka | Feb 23, 2018 | Featured, Love
As soon as I walked in, it felt like home. From the sweet, fresh baked smell to the seemingly uncountable “helawiat” (sweets) displayed and glistening under glass like jewels. A kind faced man emerged from the kitchen greeting us with “as-salamu alaikum” (peace be...
by Dean Bardouka | Sep 19, 2017 | Featured, Grow, Live, Love, Work
On September 13th we hosted this lunch and learn event at our office: Leading with Empathy: The Way Forward for Modern Changemakers Leading from the heart is the true path forward for creating change. Sustaining empathy as we lead requires attention. Awareness of how...
by Dean Bardouka | May 22, 2017 | Featured, Love, Work
“Hostages will not be recognized for bargaining purposes.”Wait, what?! I was sitting there reading the release forms and guidelines that I was asked to sign, and came across this line and at that moment, I wondered just what I had gotten myself into. You...
by Dean Bardouka | Feb 22, 2017 | Work
A Self Guided Workshop for Startups and Small Businesses Element Five presented their new Branding Basics Workshop. This workshop was designed to help early-stage startups and small businesses think about and establish their brand’s foundation even (and...
by Dean Bardouka | Dec 22, 2016 | Featured, Wanderings
The day after the winter solstice – I love this day! The idea that we have experienced our darkest days and that from here on out things will get brighter always fills me with such hope and joy. And, I need that hope – this year more than any other year of my life. I...
by Dean Bardouka | Dec 20, 2016 | Featured, Love, Work
This is one we were super proud to bring to you all. This is an amazing organization that is making a difference and personally has changed my life and perspective profoundly. Thanks to Natrina, well…for being Natrina and to Aly for sharing so openly with us –...
by Dean Bardouka | Dec 20, 2016 | Featured, Work
It took us awhile to get these up, so #1 and #2 are coming back to back (sorry, we are still working out this A/V stuff!). On that note, the audio and video are not perfect, but since the content is extremely generous and very useful, we are sharing it anyway. Oh, and...
by Dean Bardouka | Oct 27, 2016 | Featured, Grow, Live, Wanderings
I had a friend, teacher and mentor once; let’s call him “Ray”. I met Ray when I was about 24, he was a First Nation artist that taught me silver and gold smithing, wood and stone carving, some bead and leatherwork, how to make ceremonial pipes and a...
