In this edition of Meet a Cool Canadian, Keith McArthur shares his views on life, career and self. Keith and I go way back – about 10 years – and in that time he’s been a boss, mentor and friend. Everything I’ve learned about social and digital media goes back to working for him at a large Canadian Telco. The techniques I now bring to my classroom have roots in the presentation and managing skills he helped me develop.
But most recently, Keith is teaching me to be a healthier and happier individual through his latest endeavour called My Instruction Manual, which is both a Blog and Podcast . His recently released book, “Winning Resolutions: Achieve Your Biggest Goals and Wildest Dreams Once and for All” provides practical advice on how to set and achieve resolutions. Haven’t read it yet? You should! Resolutions aren’t just for the new year.
I’m so thrilled to introduce you to Keith McArthur! Read below to learn more about Keith and follow along on his journey of self-discovery, sage advice and positivity.
What’s your favourite thing about your current job?
“I love being my own boss and working from home. It isn’t for everyone, but it works for me. It provides our family with flexibility to deal with doctor’s appointments, and all the other things that come up when you have a special-needs kid. The flexibility also allows me to go to the gym or walk the dog on my own schedule. I also love how varied the job is. I write books, I create podcasts, and I do some consulting, coaching, and content marketing. Every day is different!”
What would be a perfect day for you?
“I love travelling, so I would wake up in a city I’ve never been to. I would get up early and go out to explore, finding somewhere with a local feel for coffee and breakfast where I could sit and people watch. My wife Laura prefers to sleep in on vacation, so she’d wake up later and join me for lunch. Then we’d explore together, taking in the culture, sites, food… and drinks! (There are other versions of my perfect day where I’m with my kids, but in this version, it’s just Laura and me. I assume the kids are having an amazing time somewhere else.)”
Was the last thing you read digital or in print?
“Mostly, I listen to audiobooks. Right now, I’m listening to The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukkerjee. It’s a long book… nearly 20 hours on audio, but compelling. My son Bryson has a rare genetic disorder, and one of my big goals for 2019 is to spend as much time as I can learning about his disorder so I can advocate for better treatments and a cure. Learning the fundamentals of genetics is a good start!”
How would your 10-year-old self react to what you do?
“When I was 10-years old, our school got a handful of Commodore PET computers. We had two in our classroom, and the kids who finished their work first got to use them. I raced to get my work done! After using the computer for the first time, I went home and told my parents that they had to sign me up for computer class. They signed me up for a class at George Brown college where I was the only kid in a class of college students. I probably should have stuck to that, and become Mark Zuckerberg or something, but I had too many interests and I moved on to other things. Even though I didn’t go that route, my 10-year-old self would have been excited by how much time I spend in front of the computer in my job.”
What’s the career highlight you are most proud of?
“I’m usually most proud of the last thing I did, so right now I’d have to say that it’s my new book Winning Resolutions. Or, maybe it’s the next thing I’m working on. I can’t share the details yet, but I’m just getting started on a new podcast project and it’s going to be amazing!”
Thanks for following along! If you missed the inaugural post, you can go here to meet Cool Canadian Meg!
Blog: www.myinstructionmanual.com
Instagram: My Instruction Manual – Podcast
Twitter: @keithmcarthur
Instagram: @myinstructionmanual
More Info: Books by Keith McArthur
xo,
Mary
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