“Teamwork makes the dream work”

What a cheesy quote, is what I used to think when I heard my Uncle Kenn say this line over and over again as a kid.  Only recently, as I’ve been on my own journey to build on my dreams, have I finally realized that Uncle Kenn was right. This quote is far more honest and authentic than the cheesy label some naïve kid version of myself applied to it years ago.

Do you want to know how to bring your dreams to reality? Here’s my take on the sequence of events: Share the dream. Build the team. Hold your ideas loosely. Innovate.

Share the dream. Build the team. Hold your ideas loosely. Innovate.

Share your “can’t be done”, big ideas with people you trust and who believe in you. Forget the haters and skeptics that will tell you it can’t be done. I’ve heard it all … things like.. “If you can’t do it well.. don’t do it at all” BS!!  I can bet that anyone telling you that haven’t done much in the way of chasing their own dream… They are poison and will not serve you.

I’m convinced that sharing is 51% of the equation. Inviting people along for the ride is crucial, and humbling.  If your dream is big enough, you have to know that you can’t do it yourself.  Nor should you want to…you might have the big idea, but you won’t know everything. Nobody does. You will definitely benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences of those around you when trying to resolve the smaller issues and details that crop up.

If your dream is big enough, you have to know that you can’t do it yourself.

Now that you’ve invited others along for the ride, and these people have been generous enough to give of their time and stand with you, you have a MASSIVE responsibility to give back to them. People helping you build your dreams MUST be treated with the utmost respect, honour and kindness. Anything less is unacceptable. Dreams take time to realize, and you’ll need long-term support.

People helping you build your dreams MUST be treated with the utmost respect, honour and kindness. Anything less is unacceptable.

So what dream is coming to pass for me? Why am I compelled in the middle of my nutty week to write this? (besides being a bit crazy myself)

Well…let me tell you. Actually, I am currently working on two dreams to be exact.

First… If you’re in the marketing industry in North America and haven’t heard of The Gathering yet, you must be living under a rock. But just in case you need a backgrounder, here it is…

The Gathering’s vision is simple: Build an exclusive global summit focused on exposing the principles and practices employed by the world’s most successful brands.

While most marketing conferences and award shows only celebrate creativity or successful campaigns, The Gathering was conceived to recognize and reward brands that build amazing cultures and connect with consumers in ways that don’t just get them to buy, but to buy in.

Read here what people from around the globe are saying about this summit: (http://www.cultgathering.com/view/media/)

So The Gathering Summit is off to the races, and if we continue to get things right, it will become more and more established as the “go-to” event for the world’s marketing elite and enlightened…or those working hard to become just that.

Second…Now I pivot to a new event that really underscores the teamwork/dream work theme. About 30 days ago (yeah, 30 days. We’ll get to that later…), Cult Collective launched The Gathering // Music – A music festival that will be different than anything you have ever experienced.

Here is what The Gathering // Music is all about: Inspire authenticity and creativity, and facilitate real relationships between brands and bands to influence global culture. Our big goal/dream is to play a small role in helping to get the music industry back on the rails by making it possible for artists to make money again. Learn from industry influencers about how brand and band partnerships are formed and gain exclusive access to unique shows from renowned artists.

Our big goal/dream is to play a small role in helping to get the music industry back on the rails by making it possible for artists to make money again.

Things are moving fast (did I mention the 30 days thing?), and we already have support from The Grammys, Red Bull, Converse and many heavyweights in the music industry. Wow!  How does that even happen? The power and integrity of an idea or dream whose time is now is like a magnet that pulls the right people together. This music festival, I believe, can be a game changer.

Check it out and get your tickets here: http://www.cultgathering.com/music/

Back to the story…Starting The Gathering // Music so late in the game is probably the craziest timeline I’ve ever put myself and team under, but it’s incredible to see what can be accomplished and what we are capable of when we are put under pressure and work together. My amazing team is focused and motivated to get this thing off the ground, because we know that by supporting each other, we have the ability to deliver something world class!

What the team has done in such a short period is nothing short of remarkable.

Teamwork, really does make the dream work.

I am so thankful and so impressed with the number of people who have gone above and beyond, that I need to call out some individuals who you probably won’t know, but who I am proud to call team members as we bring this crazy dream to life…

Rolllll call…when you hear your name, please stand and take a bow. Without you…yes, you… there is no way we will pull this off:

Greg Damus

Sheldon Lachambre

Owen Reader

Brandon Harris

Eric Shwed

Justin Martin

Nicole Lau

Brad Foster

Amy Gallagher

Isabelle Desbiens

Ben Tong

Chris Kneeland

Ciera Jones

Reilly Gill

Trent Martens

Charles Blackwell

Rob Howard

And 40 other volunteers from The Gathering // Summit that have also jumped on board to help with The Gathering // Music.

I know it’s dangerous to name names. I’m sure I may have missed someone, and for that I deeply apologize. But I really wanted to single out the above individuals, as they have gone over and above to ensure our newest The Gathering venture comes to life.

And finally, I have to call out my wife, Aimee and my daughter, Scarlett…These two ladies are my A-1 team. I want to thank you for letting Dad be at work for what seems like 24hrs a day/7days a week for the last little while so he can realize a dream. When this year’s event is over, we’re taking off to someplace where nobody can find us and no email or call can reach me. I love you both dearly, and I thank you for your support. Teamwork makes the dream work.

The Gathering Summit and The Gathering // Music are only a few weeks away. They are going to be awesome.  If you can join, great! If you can’t, cheer us on!

Go team!