25 years. It all started in the fall of 1994, in an age where “word of mouth” meant speaking on the phone or in person, not a LinkedIn referral or an Instagram endorsement. Borden Communications has endured great change, overcome many challenges, celebrated successes, connected with some of the most incredible, kind, generous, hard-working people, and continues to grow and evolve. Although we appreciate the strong foundation our experience affords us in our daily work, we take great pride in being open-minded, listening, understanding, learning and staying nimble in an ever-changing world.
Since 1994 much has changed, however our core values have remained the same and only grow deeper roots with time: we are fiercely independent but love community and give back with great dedication and pleasure, and we have an edgy spirit (and my “direct” way of speaking is well-known) but we are really sweet on the inside. We are relentless in the pursuit of success for our clients, but never compromise on our morals or ethics to deliver an exceptional experience or return on investment. As connectors, creators and Network Orchestrators, we work hard to deliver value to our clients (and to good organizations and people who aren’t clients) through making meaningful introductions, promoting the good, fostering interactions, and developing strategic partnerships. The little green mosquito remains our mascot for good reason.
Are we proud? Absolutely, we are. But, we still feel like we are just getting started in many ways, and we have a lot of work to do!
As we look to the future, we’re excited at the prospect of being involved in positive change and supporting the launch and growth of innovative products, personal brands and services for better health and goodness. We look forward to fostering a sense of community and connection and having a positive impact on people, the companies they build and run, and our world’s wellness.
We blend our experience and insights with strategy, marketing and creativity to move people and brands forward, increasing efficiencies and energizing growth.
We are a founding Canadian B Corp, and we take every opportunity to create and do good work with passion, hyper-focus, and common-sense as we continue on our way with immense gratitude and appreciation for our remarkable clients. We learn so much through our work and are able to support ourselves, our families, give back and pay it all forward.
Integrity is at the core of all we do and although we like to believe that we have developed our own unique way of doing things, and that we work according to our own philosophy, our foundation is built on and draws from many existing concepts…we are always looking out for thought ideas and other people’s work that resonates with what we do and how we do it… it inspires us, it connects us to community, and it helps us grow, and hopefully helps others too.
Along with our own purpose, Ikigai, helps us to focus on the “why” of our work, and of what our clients want out of their life… fulfillment and success. And, along with our own values, Meraki Values, help to guide us as we endeavour to create businesses that are successful and forces of good.
Ikigai
eye • ka • guy: a lifestyle that strives to balance the spiritual with the practical
This balance is found at the intersection where your passions and talents converge with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for. Ikigai is about finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in our daily routines.
Our jobs and careers, our family, our passions, and our hopes and desires are not separate – the fundamental truth of Ikigai is that nothing is separate – everything is connected. And, it really is. This realization changes everything – it guides us to do the work to make it possible to be true to your passions, live a life of consequence, and use business as a medium of expression, fulfillment and true success (defined by you!). The real outcome when we do our work in connection to how we want to live are feelings of peace and happiness that can sustain us in every way.
A few essential qualities of Ikigai are woven into our work and our clients’ work.
It’s challenging. Your ikigai should lead to growth and fulfillment – anyone who has worked with us (particularly me) knows that it can be challenging – everyone holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out – sometimes it requires a lot of work to create a concrete foundation in order to move forward.
It’s your choice. You should feel a certain degree of autonomy and freedom pursuing your ikigai. When we work with our clients, we explain the “why” and always offer options, strategies, complete solutions and support. We coach and coax, but ultimately, we are all our own best experts, and we help you realize this and then depend on yourself.
It involves a commitment of time and belief. You need to invest in yourself for every good reason (especially since you want others to), and this includes discovering your mission, your passion, what you are good at, what you are willing to do (and not do) – this takes time, and patience and believing. You must first commit to figuring out what you’re most passionate about. Then, you find the medium through which you can express that passion.
It boosts your well-being. Ikigai is associated with positive relationships and good health. It gives you more energy than it takes away. Think about your work bringing all of that about!
Meraki Values
me • ra • ki: Something done with soul, creativity, or love.
We simplify everything (as much as this can be possible).
We simplify complex problems to make it easy for people to work with us and to collaborate with each other.
We are better together.
We are a small but mighty team that works together towards our goals with respect, love and drive. We listen to each other, share ideas and invite difference of opinion and challenges. Connection is everything.
We care. A lot.
We care about what really matters – for our clients, for our partners, for each other and for our community at large. We focus on building meaningful relationships and creating great partnerships and collaborations.
We are brave.
We push boundaries, challenge the norms, and experiment as much as we can. We learn from our experiences, failures, and help each other grow with a relentless determination. We have the grit to get the job done and we are committed to never being done at getting better.
What we are truly passionate about is transparency, truth, authenticity, being a force for good by helping people live up to their highest potential. Borden Communications is simply the vehicle through which we take these passions, apply them to the things that the world needs, and, make a profit in the process.
Here’s to the years ahead – none of which happens without you, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts and souls for trusting us and giving us the opportunity to do and create meaningful work with you.
