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Aug/10

Adoption – it should be about the kids and love, not past conventions or fear.

by Jason Bradshaw under Jason Bradshaw, Life

Hi Everyone

Today I read an article titled ‘Christian lobby group urges MPs to reject adoption bill, you can view it online at http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/christian-lobby-group-urges-mps-to-reject-adoption-bill/story-e6frfku0-1225911982342 The article is calling on members of the NSW Parliament to vote against a bill to allow same sex couples to adopt children.

Now before I speak further I declare that I am currently an employee of the NSW Government and all views expressed in this blog are personal and are not comments on the Government of the Day or Members of Parliament. Further any reference to the current policy are for information purposes only. I further state all views, unless expressly stated otherwise, are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of either my employer or the views of any other organization that I am affiliated with in any form.

With the disclaimer out of the way, let me share my views on this matter.

The above mentioned article as stated is calling on politicians to oppose the adoption bill that would allow same sex couples to adopt children, which quite frankly is an issue I can not stay silent on. Let me state that I support the adoption of children by any person or couple, same sex or opposite sex couple, that can provide a loving and nurturing environment for the child.

Children become available for adoption for many reasons, each of these reasons are unique to the circumstances of the birth parents. It must be a very tough decision for a parent(s) to make, the decision to place a child up for adoption.

What I believe to be the case is that in every instance the desire of all concerned is that the child will be adopted by a loving person, a loving couple, with the means to support and nurture that child emotionally and financially.

Indeed even in the generations where children of unwedded mothers were taken from their birth parents and placed up for adoption, I fundamentally believe that an underlying reason was to ensure that child was supported and nurtured on their life journey. I know that this is a controversial statement and that many believe that in years gone by those decisions were motivated out of religious shame. I am not saying they were or they weren’t but I do believe at the time the people concerned thought they were doing what was in everyone’s best interest.

Those readers that follow my @jasonsbradshaw twitter account would understand I adore and love my parents and my mothers parents. In 1956 my Grandmother and Grandfather adopted my mother the first of four (4) children they would adopt. In the 50’s and 60’s it was not common place to adopt so many children, but I am very grateful to my grandparents for doing so.

I have witnessed first hand the unwavering love and support that only a parent can give to a child. I have seen my mother and her siblings receive this love and support to the same extent that I have from my own parents. There is no difference in the love, it is the same, the only difference is my parents are my biological parents and for Mum they are her adopted parents. I have discussed this topic with my Mother many times and she sees Grandmother and Grandfather as her parents and believes without a shadow of a doubt that she was raised with love and support in the same way she herself has loved me, her (biological) child.

I have also observed, from a distance, my Uncle and Aunt search out their biological parents and in their own way express after the fact that nothing can ever replace the love from their parents, my Grandmother and Grandfather – technically their adopted parents.

I share this with you to demonstrate that what matters here, in my opinion, is that the child is provided a loving a home, a nurturing environment and support to be the best person they can be. Something I am grateful my Grandparents gave to my Mother and her siblings.

I also do not believe that an opposite sex attracted family has any greater capacity to love or provide for a child than a same sex couple has. I further do not buy into this notion that the only suitable environment for a child is with a woman and man raising them. I think this statement itself is disrespectful to the thousands of single parent families that raise children alone and have done so forever, in many cases not through choice but circumstance.

No I don’t have a child myself but my sexuality nor the sex of my partner should determine my ability to adopt a child. Nor do these things dictate my ability to love or to be a good parent.

If you believe that in NSW Same Sex couples should be allowed to adopt children I encourage you to visit the Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby website at http://glrl.org.au/index.php/Take-Action/Current-Campaigns/Inaction-is-Unacceptable-Remove-Adoption-Discrimination-NOW where you can easily voice your support for this legislation.

I also invite you to leave your comments on this blog.

In closing – equality should be a birth right.

Thanks

Jason Bradshaw

PS – I know this blog has some grammatically errors but I wanted to get it out there fast (plus it’s part of my quirky charm). Thanks for reading.

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Aug/10

Three Must Read Books

by Jason Bradshaw under Success

Hi Everyone

Since a very young age I have had the belief that it is beneficial to read at least one book a month. I don’t think it matters if it is fiction or non-fiction, both feed and expand your mind – which is great.

Over the years I have read many books, some in print and some as audio books – while I am sure the “experts” would argue books in print form are better than audio, I believe both formats have their place, as will eBooks have theirs. Regardless of the format if it helps me grow and learn – I believe it is a good thing.

So three non-fiction must read books, as recommended by me are below. I ask everyone I mentor to read each of these books – I can always tell those that have done so without even asking, as their professional behavior shifts upward if they have read them.

The Pursuit of WOW! by Tom Peters

I first read this book when I was 13 or 14 and many of the lessons and ideas from this book have stayed with me throughout my career. The sub-title of the book is every person’s guide to topsy-turvy times.

Fundamentally this book will get you thinking about how you can deliver greater experiences for your staff, customers and colleagues.

The author, Tom Peters, is a renowned author having published a number of high grossing books, is a sort after event speaker and has served in the US Armed Forces and worked with companies such as McKinsey & Co.

I truly believe that this book will get you thinking!

From Good to Great by Jim Collins

I first became aware of this book when a manager of mine shared an abridged version of the book with me. This book is an evidenced based book explaining what common threads exist between those companies that make the leap from good to great and how you might implement those ideas in your own organization.

This is another one of those books that gets you thinking about your personal leadership style and the leadership that exists (or otherwise) around you. I ended up buying this book in audio book format, after buying the hardcover version, so I can easily get a refresh of the book anywhere that I am.

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

My recommendation of this book does not come through any allegiance (or otherwise) to The Democratic Party of the United States of America. I make the recommendation because I believe the book is a great example of what having a dream, a hope, a determination to make a difference can make.

Love him or otherwise, President Obama is a passionate man with convictions and I believe that following your passion and convictions is always a good thing. Also an understanding of how President Obama communicates may assist you in becoming even more inspirational in your communication.

At the end of the day I make these recommendations because I believe these books to have been positive influences on my life, if you do read them I would love to hear your thoughts on them.

Do you have a book (non-fiction) recommendation for me? Send it to me via twitter or email.

Thanks for reading.

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Jul/10

Thank you – An update from me.

by Jason Bradshaw under Goals, Jason Bradshaw, Life

Hi Everyone

Ok, I know it has been a while since I posted a blog, l hope that during the period of silence you have been achieving great things.

I thought I would make this post an update on what’s been happening with me over the past few weeks.

Firstly let me extend my thanks to my Mother, Father and Grandmother for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my life.

Secondly let me extend my thanks to my friends and colleagues that have shaped, supported and encouraged me throughout my life. In part that thanks should also go to those people who don’t fit into any of those categories but who have challenged me to think outside my comfort zone and consider alternate perspectives.

If you follow me on twitter @jasonsbradshaw or on facebook you will know that recently I was successful in my application and was appointed as Director, Transformation Management Office within the NSW Department of Services, Technology and Administration.

Myself and my new office will be responsible for implementing significant reform to State Procurement in partnership with my colleagues and the wider team. I am confident that we will deliver on the plan. A plan that will deliver increased savings and value to the NSW Pubic Sector which results in improved outcomes for the people of NSW.

You may recall that last year I posted a blog regarding my desire to achieve a certain level by the time I was 30, so becoming Director at 30 fulfills that goal and reinforces my belief that setting clear goals and passionately working towards them will result in better outcomes.

I also believe that my success, in life and career, is always best achieved through helping others be successful in their endeavors and that is a reason I always try to support my friends and why I donate my time to a number of mentoring programs.
To add to this exciting news I was also elected to the Board of Oz Showbiz Cares / Equity fights AIDS and is dedicated to mobilising the unique talents within the media, entertainment and arts industries to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. I am excited by this Board appointment as it allows me to continue to expand my contribution to the community.

I now sit on the Board of two organizations, ACON Health Limited, Australia’s largest Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Health Promotion and HIV Services company and OzShow Biz Cares an Incorporated community organization. I am honored to be involved in both organizations and encourage you to get involved in supporting the community in some way, volunteering your time, donating money or simply attending events, it helps make a difference to the lives of so many. I also learn so much through my involvement in these organizations that no matter how much I give of myself to these organizations I am rewarded through the learning and experiences – get involved it’s great!

So apart from that news I also share with you that 11 July 2010 marked the first year anniversary of my fathers death. My Dad was to me a remarkable man who above all else was never afraid to show his love for Mum and I. He taught me so many things but of all the lessons, I know I will live every day, the lesson of unconditional love and to not to be afraid to show it.

Dad would always tell me to lead by example and he demonstrated daily that applied to love, friendships and career – I hope that everyday I lead more by example than the day before. I hope that by doing so I make my Mother, Father, Grandmother and friends proud of being in my life.

No matter what you do, do it with passion and if you ever want to vent, bounce an idea off me or ask a question, whatever – just send me a note and I will help where I can.

Take care – enjoy life.

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Jun/10

The iPad 1 week on and it’s still magical!

by Jason Bradshaw under Technology

So a recent blog was about the first 24 hours of my new magical and revolutionary Apple iPad. I wrote, with enthusiasm, of how I thought it would be a valuable tool to my working week, so here is my wrap up.

My Work Days

I joked when my iPad arrived, with my colleagues, that I was going to have a week without paper and pen – so in some ways that became the test for this week.

Firstly let me remind you that my day job is for the State Government and while the public sector is transforming itself there is still a considerable need for paper submissions and approvals, so going completely paperless isn’t easy.

Regardless of these limitations I am giving the iPad a tick for productivity improvements for the week, for example

- Any action points that I gained during the day went straight into my online, syncing, task management program. Compared to my old method of witting it on my daily running sheet and then either trying to remember it or manually putting it into my calendar.
- I had it set up in one meeting with the photos of everyone at the meeting, their names, position and organization so I could easily remind myself of who they where. (Sounds weird but it made things a lot easier)
- I’ve used it to edit documents on the fly while in the back of cabs from one meeting to the other – it’s the form factor that makes it great for that sort of thing. Sure not something I have to do all the time, but it was great to be able to do it.

Some of these examples may seem small but when they occur over and over again in a day and a week – it adds up and makes a difference.

My Uni Class

Usually while I am in class I am doing e-mails, taking key notes from the presentation, reading RSS feeds, using google to quickly find information on the topic being presented, so I thought I would try it without my laptop and just use my iPad.

The hands down benefit of just taking the iPad is the sheer ease of use and portability, not to mention that it fits on those darn little tables much better than the 17” MBP. I managed to do everything I normally would do and found it less intrusive for the other students during the tute.

My Daily Commute

Okay so these days I catch a bus to and from work, prior to the iPad I tended to listen to music, read the occasionally newspaper article or some rss feeds or twitter. Now with the iPad I am finding that I am reading The Australian online before I get to work. This means that the 15/20 minutes I would spend going through the political and business headlines each morning are done before I get to the office another time saver.

Of course I also did the normal 15+ things during the commute now just with a bigger screen and keyboard.

But, it’s not all work there has been FUN as well.

I am not a huge game player but I do like a few other apps designed for chilling out. From streaming multi-format videos over wifi and 3g to my iPad to reading some of my favorite magazines, I am able to maximize my down time no matter where I am.

But is it really Magical and Revolutionary?

I can already hear people saying you can do all of that stuff on a netbook, but the fact is I didn’t and a lot of people I know with netbooks don’t.

I do know that restaurants, hair saloons and all sorts of businesses are using iPads in settings traditionally filled with paper based methods or inefficient cash register systems, they could have but didn’t use netbooks.

When all is said and done Apple sold 2 million iPads in the USA alone in the first 2 months of sales. Despite the critics of the iPad and the apparent lack of need for such a device many companies have subsequently announced plans to introduce their own device to compete with the iPad.

I feel, at very least, it is encouraging people to rethink the possible when it comes to mobile computing and that I is going to have a wider lasting, perhaps revolutionary, impact on the market than many would think.

In closing yes I am an Apple fan but I have used netbooks and tablets and this is the first such styled device that I have personally found useful.

If you have an iPad I would love to hear what you love about it and your favourite app(s).

Have a great day and thanks for reading.

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May/10

How do you measure a year?

by Jason Bradshaw under Life

Hi everyone

Life sucks at times, life is amazing at times and most of the time it is somewhere in between those two extremes.

But how do you measure your life, your year past and the year ahead. The next 525600 minutes, will they be minutes of action or inaction, growth or otherwise?

Today my father, if he were still with us, would be celebrating his 60^th birthday. On reflection Dad achieved many things by traditional measures. A successful career, business owner, hobbyist, travelled, educated and so the list goes on.

However when I think of Dad’s last year, indeed his entire life as I know it, I feel his number one success area was in love. A loved Husband, Loved Son-in-Law, Father and Friend to many. At Dad’s funeral I reflected on the life long lesson that he, and Mum, taught me – and that is to live with passion and unconditional love. I knew every single day that he loved, Mum and I, unconditionally and that was demonstrated in so many ways.

Today as I celebrate his life and what would have been his 60^th I ask that you take a moment to reflect on my earlier question, how do you measure a year, a life?

I encourage you to live passionately, try new things, don’t be afraid to let someone know that you care and perhaps most importantly, and also the hardest thing to do, don’t be too hard on yourself.

I believe life is a journey, one where we won’t always get it right at every turn, but it’s through the experience of life itself that we grow and hopefully along the way make some great friendships, love and are loved in return.

With that in my mind I extend my thanks to everyone that plays a part in my life’s journey.

Take care.

Regards

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May/10

The first 24 hours with my iPad

by Jason Bradshaw under Technology

Hi all, well if you follow my Twitter account @jasonsbrsdshaw you would know that yesterday I was like a kid on Christmas day, with the arrival of my iPad.

Yes I generally love Apple products and I would consider myself an early adopter of technology so it’s no surprise that I pre-ordered the iPad and waited anxiously for it’s arrival.

The big day arrived and my iPad finally arrived. Yay leaps of joy internally and loads of new toy smiles. However I did ask myself, “did I just pay $1049, just for a smile?” I am glad to say that the first 24 hours has confirmed for me that the iPad is more than a geeky accessory.

The first 24 hours of use?
Well let’s start with using the iPad during a meeting within the first few hours of having it. I was talking with a colleague about a new initiative for our staff and how social media could assist the program. So out comes the iPad and I demonstrated, in real time, social media tools that could be used to assist.

Productivity boost achieved – I didn’t have to schedule a follow up meeting and take my MacBookPro along, I simply dealt with it on the fly.

Outside of this i have used the iPad to read a number of newspapers, start reading some magazines and looked at some books. I have found reading on the iPad easy and love things like going straight to a website mentioned in the article or in text video, unlike traditional print media where you would have to go to the computer, etc.

I am also travelling today and while I wouldn’t usually get my laptop out for a one hour flight, the iPad is easy to whip out and start working on. I can actually see myself leaving the laptop at home for short same day or overnight trip.

Oh and if all that productivity stuff is boring you, never fear – games are awesome on the iPad! I am not a huge gamer but i can see the iPad having an impact in this space as well.

Ok it’s not perfect.
So people have said, it should have a camera or it needs multitasking and other such things. Well sure a camera would be handy, but how often do you actually do web conferences with video? How often do you use Skype for video? Sure I use these tools but not regularly and not enough for me to miss the camera, I’m sure it will come in a future generation.

Now multitasking would be nice – I am guessing it will come as an OS upgrade sometime after Apple’s WorldWide Developer Conference.

Oh and a mute button would be handy, but I am just being picky.

The wrap up.
Thr iPad has lived up to my expectations and I can see it being a positive impact to my productivity and also put a bit of fun into my week when I steal a free moment to practice my rally car driving skills.

I am really looking forward to Grandma and Mum using the iPad, I think they are going to love it. It will be Grandma’s first “computer” like device.

So there you have it a full 4.5stars from me.

PS – this entire blog was typed and published on the iPad

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May/10

5 cents can make a difference!

by Jason Bradshaw under Jason Bradshaw, Life

Hi Everyone

I am often asked for recommendations about what podcasts to listen to and I always include TED. TED explains itself as a nonprofit organisation devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, ideas by people from all walks of life with all sorts of ideas.

The wide range of ideas shared via TED is amazing and I always enjoy listening to or watching the podcasts. Each year TED holds an annual conference in Long Beach which always sells out fast. Thankfully now there is TEDx events, local community events based on the TED conference to help individuals share their ideas. Being a long time follower of TED I was very excited to learn that TED was coming to Sydney called TEDxSydney on the 22 May 2010.

The TEDxSydney Team released an open invitation for people to develop a short video to share their ideas and a number of videos will be broadcasted live during TEDxSydney.

So here is my idea, a simple one – have a listen.

Ok so I know the video quality isn’t the best, but hey I hope you like the idea enough to share this blog on your social media sites.

Don’t forget to take up the challenge!

Regards

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May/10

The most important things happen with someone.

by Jason Bradshaw under Jason Bradshaw, Life

Hi Everyone

I hope you are enjoying my posts and if there is something you would like me to blog about please let me know.

Today’s post was in part inspired by a movie I recently watched where an actor said, “the most important things happen with someone.” I could not agree more, from the random unforgettable conversation with a stranger, the first kiss with a person to falling asleep in the arms of a loved one, all of these things would not be the same alone.

The line in the movie led to some self-reflection and asking is it possible to find a +1, a life partner, while maintaining and building a busy career. The question of career / life balance, if you will.

Do you have to put your life, romantic desires, ahead of your career?

Let me put this in perspective from my personal experience. At the age of 20 I started a long-term relationship that lasted 6.5 years. During this time my career went from strength to strength and while very important to me, my partner and family were always first in my life, or at least I thought they were. However there were probably times were I was not as attentive as I could have been as a result of my focus on my career. (As a side the separation wasn’t my idea.)

Now having been single for four years, despite some set backs, I still remain passionate about building a successful career. I however wonder have I replaced a sustained romance for a busy a life. Despite going on numerous dates over the four years I remain single but the number of projects in my life have continued to grow.

From a young age I was always someone to have many projects on the go, so this is part of my DNA, but do we get to a point where we self-sacrifice part of our desires for the fulfilment of others?

Unlike other blog posts I don’t have any hints or tips in this one, except to enjoy life and to remain passionate about what you enjoy.

I would like to think that the “right person” would always compliment you, bring balance to the areas that need it and encourage the best in you. Therefore being passionate about career and being busy because of it, wouldn’t be a road block to having a successful romantic relationship.

So does everybody need a co-pilot, a partner, in life?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Take care

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