The Canadian chapter of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) celebrated one of its most distinguished benefactors at a recognition luncheon on Sept. 15. Leadership expert, author and Director of the Atlantic Leadership Development Institute, Dr. Brad McRae, donated $50,000 to AIMS in the past year because he believes the organization exemplifies Tipping Point Leadership. This type of leadership sees a small change. For AIMS, it is reinventing the university and encouraging students to solve real problems, which through momentum propels greater societal change.
The celebratory event was hosted by AIMS Canada Chapter Head Gisele Gedeon. Dr. McRae delivered a 30-minute keynote address to a distinguished group of Toronto business members, as well as, staff from the AIMS Canada chapter. The speech delved into the key strategies for leadership in today’s constantly changing world and how philanthropy plays an important part in business success.
“H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Others Persevere Effectively, or on AIMS’s case – Helping Others Persevere Exponentially,” McRae said. “Leaders like Neil Turok live the legacy they create and they do it by ensuring they pay their leadership success forward.”
He spoke to attendees about Halifax’s most famous philanthropist Ruth Goldbloom who led incredibly successful fundraising campaigns for IWK Children’s Hospital, Mount St. Vincent University, the United Way and the Pier 21 Museum of Immigration. Goldbloom’s secret to her success lie in her ability to connect with everyone and convert them into donors.
“Ruth Goldbloom knew everyone in Halifax so well,” he said. “She didn’t have to ask them for money.” McRae also detailed the success of social entrepreneur Luke MacDonald who, as part of Aerobics First, collects and repurposes athletic shoes to ensure the city’s homeless do not go barefoot.
The talk highlighted the leadership wisdom McRae collected from 100 interviews with Canada’s most accomplished leaders. It forms the basis of his book – The Seven Strategies of Master Leaders. He is currently working on a new book on adaptive leadership set to be released in 2018.
Following Dr. McRae, attendees heard the story of Margaret Ikape, a Nigerian AIMS alumna who is now studying for her Masters in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. She attended AIMS to improve her mathematical skills and praised the knowledge she gained through collaboration with her colleagues and professors. She credited the experience using supercomputers and essential to her research today, but more importantly emphasized learning the importance of serving her community in Africa. Ikape taught Astronomy to budding scientists in Ghana this past summer as her contribution to Tipping Point Leadership.
The luncheon was sponsored by Anthony Kheir of Globex Immigration and Legal Services, which specializes in all aspects of immigration consulting services to Canada. The firm has more than 22 years experience in the field.