Yesterday was the Edmonton Golf Tournament, sponsored by Supreme Steel which benefits The Salvation Army’s EDS work. That emergency disaster service if you didn’t know, and why should you if you’re not involved. It’s the men and women and equipment that show up when something bad happens.

My golf partner for the event was Patrick LaForge the past president of the Edmonton Oilers. It was a delightful day and we played rather well I thought. Our foursome at the end of 18 were 6 under par.

I met Patrick about 15 years ago and he is very personable, very memorable. He’s a big man and of course that gives him presence in any room. As we drove along between golf holes I was asking some questions. What countries has he worked in, who were the best leaders in his experience and what made them so, who were the worse, and where has he enjoyed living the most.

It turned out to be a fascinating conversation. I asked how he got connected with The Salvation Army and who connected him. He was asked by his boss several years ago to help with the kettle campaign – to get volunteers and to help clear the path with building owners.

The day had begun quite cool and overcast but as we went the skies cleared and the sun was great! When I asked him how he got into hockey he told me that he had become the president of Molson’s and the Canadian hockey teams, other than Montreal were all losing money and were in deep financial trouble – Toronto included. There was great interest in selling beer to hockey fans and so Molson’s began to make deals with the clubs – even getting shares (from Harold Ballard) for Toronto. A deal, says Patrick that proved to be lucrative. Other sports followed!

I learned that when employed by CP Rail, it was Patrick that came up with and sold the idea of the Holiday Train which now goes coast to coast. Originally the idea was to collect food and deliver to each community as it went. It has only expanded.

On leadership, Patrick talked more about what he learned NOT to do from others rather than what he learned. But he did emphasize collaboration, bringing many voices into the room and include women!

It was a great day and I think we were a great foursome! Many thanks to my friend Robert Baldauf for the invitation and to Erin for being a fun member of our team and a great golfer!