Find Devon’s TEDx Talk here: What If We Built People First? A Radical Construction Approach
Friends, family, and union representatives from Local 93 were amongst the crowd for UBC member Devon Havenaar’s TEDx Talk. It was confidence from some of the most important people in Devon’s life that helped get him on stage to speak; that and knowing he was contributing to something he said, “felt bigger than himself.”
Devon’s story starts with his challenges of navigating his position as a supervisor. But what began as a challenge, quickly became his source of inspiration.
Being a supervisor allowed Devon to do what he loved doing most: building others up for success. But he knew he needed better support to do that and so he began searching for alternative resources. He read books and listened to podcasts for self-help, he took online courses that gave advice about how to better help others, and he reached out to the UBC.
After participating in the 212 Leadership course at the International Training Center in Las Vegas and completing a personality assessment, Devon says he gained another tool in his toolbox. With the results from the assessment, Devon and fellow participants exercised their knowledge in practice scenarios, while learning how it applied to jobsites and the construction industry.
Devon says the information he collected at the ITC and through his own studies was a turning point for his career. What he learned inspired him to found Bad Leader, his company that offers a mentoring service for tradespeople who want more. Devon describes Bad Leader as “a free resource to help people in the construction industry.”
Once Bad Leader was established, Devon wondered how he could bring awareness to his fellow members and others in the industry. While scrolling on Instagram one day, he saw a story about a TEDx Talk event looking for applicants. Devon, who rarely uses social media, felt it was fate that he encountered the story.
Devon sent in a two-minute video application speaking about his experiences, the union, and Bad Leader to TEDxMechanicsville. To his surprise, out of over 100 applications from innovators, visionaries, and thought leaders, Devon was chosen to speak. Upon hearing the exciting news, Local 93 and the CRC decided to sponsor the event.
Devon said the encouragement from Local 93 and his Business Representative, Tommaso Giannetti, was a big deal for him and made the experience even more significant. While rehearsing his presentation and fighting his nerves, Devon reminded himself he was doing this for UBC members and anyone else that has found themselves in a situation like his own.
Devon described the day of his talk as an out of body experience. He was still anxious, but he quickly squashed the feeling by looking for the support he had in the crowd. His wife, mother and father were there, and Tommaso and Local 93 Coordinator, Marco Van Mechelen, attended as well. Wearing his Bad Leader t-shirt, Devon launched into his presentation.
His talk included real stories, industry challenges and hopeful solutions. He spoke about the framework he developed called “RISE” standing for Respect, Invest, Support, and Educate. He ended his talk with the remark that “leadership is a role of service and not status.”
Tommaso says Devon was well spoken during his talk and easily engaged the room, “Audience members were listening intently while he spoke. Marco and I saw two other talks before Devon, and Devon’s was far superior because what he was saying was so eye-opening.”
Devon described the talk as an incredible opportunity, and he is excited for what the future holds. He may even have the chance to join the TEDx roster for coaching. While Devon has big dreams for his mentorship and public speaking ventures, he also has a new priority, with his fourth child on the way, he plans to spend more time with his family. Ever committed to his mission, his mentorship ambitions remain strong, and he hopes to continue to inspire union members, offering encouragement and support to those who are struggling or uncertain, and igniting the spark that inspires them to keep pushing forward.
See the full talk on YouTube!
To learn more about Bad Leader and inquire about Devon’s free mentorship services, visit badleader.ca.
Follow Devon Havenaar’s Instagram and LinkedIn pages for updates and more information.
