Alex Meers: Today’s Notable Young Professional

Today’s Notable Young Professional is Me to We Director of Leadership Programs Alex Meers, whose work is all about fostering global citizens and empowering young leaders with the skills they need to make a difference in the world…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I work with a team that helps young people discover what they care about and equip them with the skills they need to make a difference. Currently I’m the Director of Leadership Programs at Me to We. I’m responsible for leadership development and social justice programming across North America, which reaches over 90,000 youth each year. Some of my current responsibilities include program development, expansion, reporting, quality control, curriculum development and strategic planning. 

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
After graduating, I decided I wanted to work somewhere that aligned with my personal values. My passion for fostering global citizens and young leaders brought me to Free The Children and Me to We. 

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
As someone who works with a team of 24 people, I see my successes through the successes of my team. When they succeed, I succeed. That’s what motivates me. At the same time, being in the “do-good/world changing” industry is one of the most daunting careers I can think of. My job involves diving into the world’s most difficult social issues every day, which requires a determination never to give up and a committed sense of hope. 

What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
When I feel like I’m going through the motions but not able to give 100% of my energy toward something, that is usually an indication that I need to refuel and adjust what I’m doing. For me, work/life balance is not about time management. Rather, it’s about how satisfied I feel with the attention I’m giving to the most important things/people in my life. So the most important question around work/life balance is how satisfied/happy/fulfilled I feel in all aspects of my life (friends, family, work, personal, etc.) 

I used to think that balance was about prioritizing my activities, therefore good planning and scheduling would help me achieve better balance. However, I have come to learn that life/work balance is about our ability to find happiness, meaning and fulfillment in everything we do. It’s about constantly adjusting the things that give me energy with the things that expend my energy. It’s about expanding our capacity rather than “off-loading” to fit more within our perceived limits. This perspective and daily motivation is rooted in my spiritual practice of Nichiren Buddhism (Soka Gakkai International), which is the driving force in helping me achieve new personal limits and expanding my life. Needless to say, I’m a huge advocate for spirituality and humanistic life philosophies that help us overcome all of our personal limitations.  

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Whether it’s five years or 100 years, in my personal life or in my professional life, I will always continue to do work that is connected to my purpose – which is to help others grow, change, and develop to achieve their greatest potential. My work will always be connected to creating value in myself, the community, and the world. 

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Over the past seven years, I’ve been promoted five times. I started as an intern and am now completing my third year as the Director of our department. Every time I was promoted it was difficult for me to find confidence in my own ability to fulfill the massive responsibilities that were placed on my shoulders as I moved up in the organization. I had to develop myself quickly in order to overcome this feeling. It forced me to become a quick learner and to ALWAYS remain humble and curious. In retrospect, this attitude was my saving grace that not only helped me overcome my lack of confidence, but has also been the cornerstone of success and leadership for me. 

What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is about one’s ability to persevere through challenges joyfully and create a positive impact on those around them and society at large. It’s has nothing to do with money, but if you can make a living out of it…awesome! 

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In 2012, together with my best friend Spencer West and David Johnson, we summited Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. In the process, we raised over $650,000 for sustainable clean water projects for those suffering from the drought in East Africa. Together with Free The Children, we created a campaign called “Redefine Possible”. Oh, and I forgot to mention, my friend Spencer has no legs! He was born with a genetic disease, which caused the muscles in his legs not to work, so at the age of 5, they were amputated from the waist down. Which means Spencer climbed this mountain on his hands and in his wheel chair! We successfully summited on July 19th, 2012 and were able to meet our fundraising goal. It an incredible opportunity I got to be a part of during my time with Me to We. Check out our summit day here and many more clips from our journey:

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
“Never stop trying to become qualified for your job” – one of my favourite pieces of advice from Jim Collins.  

Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I’ve got to say, the Keg tops the list for me. Great place food, great staff, awesome atmosphere. 

When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Spending time with my baby nephews and niece, hanging out with family and friends, playing any sport that the weather will allow! 

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Japan. My mom is from Japan so I feel it’s like a second home.

If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Be – by Common. 

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Exploring the world! I love to travel.  

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I absolutely love what I do with Me to We and how our work positively influences youth empowerment and international development through Free The Children. I also support anti-poverty advocacy groups (Put Food in the Budget), arts-based youth mentorship programs (Unity Charity), and do my best to support the spiritual development of young men through a lay Buddhist organization called Soka Gakkai International. 

What to you is notable?
Lead. Change. Grow.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other? 
Blackberry for work, iPhone for play. 

#NOTABLE

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