Bernie Melanson - Speaker

About Bernie Melanson

Before you read about the books and the awards, you should know something. None of this happened overnight. It took years, and more than one hard fall.

I served as a flight engineer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. I survived a helicopter crash and several close calls. Those experiences showed me how fragile life is, and they woke me up. I'd been sleepwalking, taking my time for granted. After that, I started paying attention.

In the aircraft, I had a simple habit. Notice what you're feeling, take a breath, then decide what to do. I brought that habit home and used it on ordinary days: the frustrating email, the short temper, the conversation I kept putting off.

Then, in my late 50s, life tested me again. The board fired me from the company I co-founded.Eight months later; the company failed. I lost millions in share value, and so did the other investors. I won't pretend that didn't hurt. It did.

It took me a while to find my confidence again. I remember sitting at home over the Christmas break, shortly after I was dismissed, burning what felt like a cord of palo santo wood and binge-watching James Bond movies. Breathwork finally got me going again. One breath, one choice, one day at a time. It changed how I lead, how I train, and how I speak.

Today I'm a retired veteran, a Toastmasters International award-winning speaker, and the author of An Inspired Renewal and Minutes Matter. I work with entrepreneurs and leaders who want to stay calm and clear when the pressure hits, so they stay in charge of their lives even on the hard days.

Here's what I've learned. You don't need to fix your whole life at once. You just need to notice the next moment and make a diferent choice in it. (That even goes for coffee. I stopped settling for bitter, and it reminded me to stop settling everywhere else.)

Take a look around. If something here speaks to you, send me a message. I'd like to hear where you are and where you want to be.

For more information hit this link and leave me a message: bernie@konect2one.com