It has been a really hectic couple of months. Finishing off the school term, a couple of academic papers and a major conference presentation in Doha, Qatar has kept me running. Doha is an amazing city and I loved being there. Keep your eyes on Qatar – economy moving at light speed and dedication to education and health care. An idea that a few other countries (like Canada) should keep in mind!
One last conference keynote was on the agenda before the next adventure of teaching in Copenhagen at the Business School this summer. The Journey 2 Success Women Entrepreneurs Conference in Oakville, ON was a couple of days ago and what a delightful treat it turned out to be! Not only a great conference, but found a treasured gem that now has an honored place on my bookshelf.
The luncheon speaker was Barbara Stegemann of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her book, The 7 Virtues of a Philospher Queen tells her amazing entrepreneurial story. Barb started a perfume company that purchases its perfume oils from war-torn regions of the world and her motto is “Make Perfume Not War”. She believes that we can use our buying power to empower families in those countries that are rebuilding after conflict or any other disaster. The book is dedicated to a close friend who was wounded in Afghanistan – you have to read the book to find out more! Great storytelling, sound enterpreneurial advice and social innovation make a great read for the summer.
I love her story and the 7 Virtues Fragrance selection to my nose, is a winner. I am sorry to report I have left my favored Jo Malone perfumes for another woman. My choice was a harmonious blend called “Middle East Peace” – a combination of grapefruit, lime and basil that is just yummy. Available at the Bay stores in Canada and Lord & Taylor in the US. You can get the books online (link above) or purchase at the Bay or Lord & Taylor’s while you are testing out the perfumes. Just think, buying a bottle of perfume as a way to reduce conflict. Teaching people how to fish instead of giving them ‘aid’. Social innovation at its best! Great book. Great perfume. Great woman!!
MythGinger 
So true Ginger, Barb Stegemann left a mark at the conference. When you hear a person speak with such passion and courage about taking a chance, keeping a promise and ultimately making a difference in the world we can only be left inspired!
Amy: So glad you enjoyed the conference! It will be on my list to attend for next year.
I am still digesting the banquet of amazing stories and ideas shared, it really was excellent. You are a very engaging speaker Ginger, your work and journey resonated with me on many levels and you had us captivated from the beginning to end. Thank you for coming!