Food, drinks and culinary tours are not the only things Edible Canada is now serving.  While they are known for creating amazing locally sourced cuisine and drinks, they are also in the business of cultivating a global Canadian culture of “feelings to flavors”.  And now, they’ve gone even further and added their feelings to their work!

"It was without a doubt one of the best investments in our team and corporate culture we have made. While not specifically related to the business, the effect of having our managers understand their Core Desired Feelings has had a very positive impact on them personally, which in turn makes them more effective leaders for our organization. I would highly recommend this program for any business looking to gain a competitive advantage and improve employee engagement!"

Eric Pateman, President

THEIR STORY, told by Meghan St Jean, Director of Operations.

YOU are the most important place you can put your time and money. Unlike other investments out there, investing in yourself is never a risk. It always pays off. Investing in yourself inspires you to improve, and empower yourself by discovering where your full potential lies. YES! The result is a more satisfying and meaningful life. It becomes evident in your relationships, work, self-image and self-confidence. It really makes it easier to manage your perspective. 

When it comes to business specifically, I think it’s an incredibly wise and forward thinking concept to help your team invest in themselves. There are people who will realize this is their career and invest back into the company more effectively and with more passion and vigor, and of course, there are others that may realize that this isn't their calling and they may decide to leave. At the end of the day, not only will you weed out the C players, but you'll also help move people in the right direction (for them). Beautiful results either way.

I wanted to do The Desire Map Workshop with my management team because we were in the stages of setting company goals (OKRs) as a team and I wanted to take it a step further. I was hoping to help them understand the importance of goals and how it directly correlates with results. I also wanted to increase or sustain commitment to the company (reduce turnover) and ensure that the team was the 'right' team. Doing something that supported personal development, I know from experience, usually evokes questions about every area of life - am I where I want to be? Doing what I want to do? I wanted them to confront these questions. Confident choices = better results.

The Desire Map Workshop with Jenny was a wonderful experience for the team. Our industry calls for a lot of long days. Balance can be difficult, so to spend 3 days on ourselves, together, was a true bonding and memorable experience for all.  As we uncovered our core values, I saw each member of my team dig deep, open up and light up. It was inspiring to watch and to experience it myself. What was especially impactful was the unveiling of core feelings - the excitement, enthusiasm and emotion behind understanding themselves better and the goals that came from this (personal and professional).

It’s been over 5 months since the workshop and my team has become more confident in their own trajectory and the trajectory of the company. The clarity on what it is they want to experience at work (and in life) definitely optimizes their ability to make quicker decisions.  The increased confidence from the self-development, learning and uncovering of what makes you tick, that’s the gem. That’s where I see power.  I've seen unbelievable camaraderie. I've witnessed an improved commitment to personal time (time off), helping people stay balanced and refreshed. The management team came away very grateful and honored that we, as a company, would provide such nurturing opportunities for the staff. Without a 'direct' focus on work results, it felt more authentic (and it was) and they really genuinely appreciated that. They felt we cared (and we do).

We are about to revive our core desired feelings in a follow up session over the coming weeks. I want to keep the spark alive and to keep my team connected to themselves and one another. I truly feel that people who invest time in themselves are more apt to choose things they believe in, and therefore they want to invest in. That's what I've experienced and that's what I think companies should consider.  The Desire Map Workshop is worth the investment.

"When I heard Danielle Laporte talking about setting goals 'from the inside out' - how you want to feel vs. what you want to achieve - it hit me personally. I thought, why wouldn't I want my team to set personal and professional goals from that place? Why wouldn't I want my team to be able to create at work, something that could light up their core values? Talk about buy-in, engagement and passion.
 
The experience became much more than that. What a beautiful journey to go on together. As the workshop unfolded, we opened up to our own emotions/core values, we became more united as a team. Watching my team offer such space, support, celebration and vulnerability was inspiring in itself. I believe that what transpired from the journey was not only a stronger commitment to their roles at work, but also, and perhaps more importantly, a stronger commitment to supporting one another.  

As far as Jenny goes, she is an incredible facilitator. She is authentic in every way, which in turn brings that out in everyone.  She's a strong coach and is there to support everyone through the process - true to their own way.

My team was grateful and some spoke of transformation. We cried, we laughed and we opened up. Would I suggest it? Yes, hands down!”

Meghan St Jean, Director of Operations