The Imperfect Cafe

 Most of us interpret the world through stories about ourselves, others, and what’s happening around us. But what if understanding those stories could dramatically improve how we connect, resolve conflicts, and lead more intentionally? In this eye-opening episode, Darryl and Thomas unravel the power of stories in shaping perceptions and interactions, revealing how we can actively craft shared narr...

Most leaders are overwhelmed by chaos, yet the secret to building resilient, high-trust organizations is simpler and more impactful than you think. Chris Dyer, a leading expert on organizational culture, change, and leadership, shares the groundbreaking strategies that transformed his approach from managing chaos to cultivating trust and transparency at scale.  In this episode, discover why genuin...

Most leaders are caught in a trap of flawed beliefs, believing they must have all the answers, stay perfect, or control everything. But what if true leadership is about vulnerability, trust, and love? In this eye-opening episode, John Rennie, a former Navy submarine officer turned leadership mentor, shares game-changing insights from decades of military and corporate experience on resilience, team...

Most of us struggle with making mistakes—and often feel like they define us. But what if those missteps aren't just errors, but essential steps toward growth and connection? Chip Baker's inspiring story proves that embracing imperfection and fostering relationships can unlock unexpected success and impact.  At 27 years in education and a creator of 27 books, including bestsellers, Chip r...

In part two of their discussion around vulnerability, Darryl Stickel and his son Thomas Stickel sit down to look at vulnerability in a more applied sense. While vulnerability can feel like a big, bad dragon waiting to bite your head off, it does not have to be scary or even a big concept.  In this episode, get some real-world examples of how to microdose vulnerability so that you share but don&apo...

Vulnerability is often viewed as a scary word.  We can associate the word with being attacked or immediately get defensive when we hear the word. On this episode of The Imperfect Cafe, Darryl and his son Thomas will explore vulnerability, what it means, how we are vulnerable on a daily basis, and what the benefits of being vulnerable can be. They will do this by talking about the situation involvi...

Most leaders and everyday people alike are trapped in a cycle of fear, control, and self-limitation—yet the key to unlocking their true potential lies in vulnerability and conscious awareness. Dr. Ron Stott, a pioneering expert in human development, shares his remarkable journey from loss and chaos to mastery of mind, body, and spirit, illustrating how profound self-transformation can catalyze bot...

Dr. Russel Thackery is an expert on change management and has helped many organizations work through organizational change. Change does not have to be big and scary, and we hope you'll join us as Darryl Stickel sits down with Russel to discuss how to better approach change. "Talk to us" The Imperfect Cafe Thank you for tuning in to another insightful episode of the Imperfect Cafe br...

In these uncertain times addiction has become something we are more and more aware of. Whether that's to our phones, alcohol, social media, or opioids. Join Darryl Stickel and his son Thomas as they look to explore what addiction is, what causes it, and some ways for people to overcome their addictive behaviours and start redefining what good looks like in their personal lives.  "Talk to...

Cathleen O'Sullivan is a time management expert and an entrepreneur. We hope you'll join us on the Imperfect Cafe as Cathleen and Darryl discuss interesting topics such as how to more effectively manage your time, safety, and its importance, how setting boundaries can make you more reliable, and so much more! We hope you'll make the time to listen to this incredible conversation. &q...

On this episode of the Imperfect Cafe, Darryl Stickel sits down with his long-time friend, Eric Lott, to discuss the nature of relationships in our modern world. Listen for some insights on how to build deeper connections and some good ideas as to why we might struggle to build these relationships in the first place, especially in our digital age, where we are so connected yet so far apart. This i...

On this episode of the Imperfect Cafe, Darryl Stickel sits down with his good friend Dr. Tony Simons. Dr. Simons is one of the world's leading experts on integrity, and he and Darryl are set to work through what integrity means and what it looks like in practice. Integrity is one of those concepts that many enjoy but not everyone fully understands. We hope you'll join us at the Imperfect...

On this episode of the Imperfect Cafe, Darryl Stickel sits down with his long-time friend Eric Lott to discuss the decline in trust in institutions in our modern world. Using the book "Why Nations Fail." Darryl and Eric take a deeper look at the socioeconomics of both Canada and the United States. Using criteria such as the wealth gaps seen in both countries, inclusion, and isolationism,...

In this episode of the Imperfect Cafe. Darryl chats with Stephan Shaner, who is known as "The Attitude Chiropractor." Stephan shares some really great insight into how to reframe certain things in order to effectively change your attitude for the better. Attitude is one of the few things that is always within your control, and in this episode, Darryl and Stephan help explore all the ways...

In this episode of The Imperfect Cafe. Darryl sits down with his son Thomas to discuss the concept of safety. While many have an idea of what feeling safe might mean to them, Darryl and Thomas seek to define what safety means in a more general context and how leaders can better create safe harbours from which their followers can take risks. This episode contains discussion around risk and risk tol...

On this episode of the Imperfect Cafe, Darryl sits down with Rotman Professor Dr. Beatrix Dart and her stepson, Henry Sexsmith, to discuss a wide range of topics. Including Video Games, Social Media, and some of the isolationist behaviours we see in today's world. Listen as the three participants work through complex issues and discuss the psychological and social nature of these problems fro...

Today, Darryl sits down with Will Vyse and Nolan Aziz who have started Canada By Canoe along with their friend George Kirijian. They're avid canoers for a cause. They rose to fame with Canoe4Covid, a 60 canoe trip that raised money for Covid relief. They partnered with local food banks to give back to people in need who had lost their jobs in the pandemic. After finding success, they've...

Dr. Övül Sezer is Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations at Cornell University and at night she is a stand up comedian. She joins Darryl to talk about the art of the humble brag. They go over why people feel shame about bragging and how to get over it. They talk about how to receive and give feedback in a way that is kind and helpful.  Learn more about Dr. Övül Sezer here: https://ovu...

Kate Lund is a licensed clinical psychologist of 15 years, peak performance coach, best-selling author, and TEDx speaker. She uses a strengths-based approach to help my clients improve their confidence in school, sports, and life while helping them to become more resilient and reach their full potential at all levels. She sits down with Darryl to talk about resilience. They go over what resilience...

Today, Darryl and Eric discuss Trump’s effects on Canada and how his actions affect the trust between the two countries. They talk about the damaged relationship between the US and Canada and compare it to trust in relationships. They pitch how they would come at the new tensions between the countries both as Canadians and as Americans. They give actionable steps you can take to make your voice he...

Dr. Emi Garzitto has studied and worked with conflict for over 30 years. She joins Darryl today to talk about the difference between a disagreement and conflict and how the two are often conflated. She talks about conflict as an opportunity to grow and deepen a relationship but many people shy away from it. They both bring their personal experiences to the table as they explore what makes conflict...

Dr. Allison Rees has been teaching LIFE Seminars courses, counselling families, and training other professionals since 1993. She is the co-author of two parenting books and countless audio books on parenting, intimate relationships, running and managing educational groups and personal development. Allison joins Darryl to chat about raising children and how trust plays a vital role in that process....

Darryl and Eric sit down together to chat about the impact of negative stories and how it pertains to trust. Eric goes through some top questions they get on this topic and they take a deep dive including the research they’ve done and personal experiences they’ve had that back up their research. They talk about current events and how negative stories are impacting narratives today. "Talk to u...

Allison Graham is a keynote speaker, former executive director of a mental health organization, and an author. She inspires individuals around the world with a fresh perspective to rethink stress, resilience, and problem-solving so they can optimize their performance, develop stronger connections, and create harmony in the workplace. She joins Darryl for a chat on the importance of clear communica...

Darryl and Eric take a look at young men in today's society and the common question, "where have all the good men gone". As fathers to boys in their 20s Darryl and Eric take a look at how phrases like toxic masculinity have shaped young men. They talk about why men are being forgotten and the effect it's having on society. They also discuss how to go about fixing it and tips fo...