Although you are no longer with me in life, I still feel your love. (Unknown)
As expected, I managed to keep up with the BPR modelling training in Adam’s absence, which worked out not too bad.
When Adam got back, I was told that the overall training in the BPR was done to their satisfaction and the DND members who were trained, should go back to their departments to work with the consultants to do the real work of BPR.
We were assigned to the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). DRDC was Canada’s science, technology and innovation leader, trusted advisor, collaborative partner, and knowledge integrator for defence and security. They develop and deliver new technical solutions and advice to the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, other federal departments, and the safety and security community. They also work with partners in academia, government and industry and with Canada’s allies.
DRDC has specialized research and development (R&D) capabilities, across its seven research centres, as well as the Directorate of Scientific and Technical Intelligence and the Directorate of Research and Development Operational Capabilities. These capabilities include the people, expertise, equipment and facilities to carry out world-class R&D in support of Canada’s defence and security.
Our project was focused only on the head office in Ottawa but representatives from various centres were represented on the committee which was charged with the responsibility to support the BPR project which was initiated by the Headquarters. At the same time there was another committee at the headquarter which was responsible for making sure that the consulting companies assigned to various functional areas are delivering the promised results.
We as a team had to examine their role which included and define interfaces between the head office and seven centres:
- Provide national leadership on defence and security science, technology and innovation to enhance Canada’s defence and security posture;
- Advise the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, as well as the public safety and national security communities on science and technology related issues;
- Engage and collaborate with an extended network of stakeholders, domestic and international partners; and
- Exercise functional authority to ensure coherence of defence and security science, technology and innovation investments.
Research, development and innovation at the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces are grouped in eight strategic focus areas, described in the Defence and Security Science and Technology (DSST) program. As the science and technology organization of the Department of National Defence, Defence Research and Development Canada is responsible for administering the DSST program. Here are those eight groups:
- people;
- combat in the virtual and physical environment;
- advance platforms and weapons;
- accelerate command, control and intelligence;
- defend North America;
- enable safety and security;
- the institution; and
- evolution of science and technology.
It took a little while for my team to understand the role of DRDC before we started modelling.
Adam was back in Ottawa and attending his MBA classes in the night and working very hard with the project team. My members of project team were all relatively old including me. I was in my fifties.
The Director General who was assigned for our team, Andre, liked Adam a lot even though initially he didn’t know that Adam was my son.
When I used to get together with the senior management every week to brief them, Andre used to tell me how good Adam was doing.
One day when he found out that Adam was my son, he ran to me where I was making a presentation and said, Mir I just found out that Adam’s your son. Everybody in the presentation laughed and said – you are the only one who didn’t know that, Andre.
In any case, the things were going very well at DRDC. They seemed to be cooperating with our efforts, and they appeared to be happy with our interim reports.
Perhaps more importantly, Adam started playing more visible role in the process and intentionally started increasing his involvement in each activity.
One day I mentioned to Lynda that I was thinking to celebrate the success of our company by having a party at a golf course to invite some clients as well as some friends.
Lynda was curious to ask me what gave me that idea.
I remember explaining to her that we do take our clients out for lunches to appreciate their business but most of the times we end up discussing business. However, this time I would like to invite them with their partners so that they can play golf and have a meal with us in the evening.
She liked the idea and said to me leave it with me, I will make some calls and let you know accordingly.
I felt that I was focused on the business and neglected the fact that we have not been on any vacation for a while. We did get away for a weekend here and there, but Lynda was very patient with me, and I thought perhaps I should consider going on vacation for a couple of weeks. However, I had to think about the right time. Most of the things now turning out to be regular activities and Adam was actively participating in every aspect of the project.
On Friday when I got home little early, Lynda said would you like to go out for supper. I thought she must have something to discuss.
We went out to a local restaurant and Lynda said I made some telephone calls about your idea of having a golf party.
I asked if she found anything reasonable?
She said, I found one golf course not too far from here called Manderley.
When I spoke to the owner on the phone, he sounded very interesting, and he told me that he lost his wife to cancer not too long ago.
When I told him that I am the president of the local Sorority and we do fund raising to help patients suffering from cancer, he asked me to go there have lunch with him to see the golf course. She continued, I went and had lunch with him. He explained to me what they are offering:
- Manderley on the Green is only 5 minutes south of Barrhaven. They offer a great selection of facilities for the banquet, wedding, meeting or whatever get-together you are planning;
- They have three large banquet rooms that can accommodate all group sizes from 20 up to 170 guests. Their newly renovated banquet rooms are spacious, bright and fully customizable and can be set up to match your vision! In two large rooms, black chair covers are included as well as choice of napkin color, podium, microphone, screen, and projector use; and
- Banquet Room Fee for meetings when golf is included.
I was impressed with the information she gathered.
I told her that it seems like we can start planning for a party.
She asked me how many clients I was thinking to invite?
I told her that I like to invite several clients with their partners. Perhaps the best thing we can do is to start around 1:00 PM. Perhaps they can break for 30 minuets for the coffee or tea at 4:00 PM and then go back to finish their games.
Perhaps around 6:00 PM we can feed them.
Lynda said she forgot the most important thing the owner mentioned. I said what was that. She said there is a performer who is hired frequently enough to entertain there. It’s a single performer and the owner highly recommended for our party.
I said then perhaps we can plan that while having supper.
She said it makes sense.
I told Lynda to come up with a date and work with the owner to organize everything.
She said a couple of her sorority sisters already offered their help to organize the party.
She said how many sorority sisters she can invite with their husbands?
I said you decide whoever you want to invite, and I will figure out how many clients I can invite. I also remember saying that Adam will be a great help. He may also like to invite his friends, no to mention our consultants who are responsible for our success.
It took a little while to organize everything.
I was surprised that the number two person in the organization who was the scientist, but his position was equivalent to Brigadier General, was very much interested in attending the party with his wife. I invited several other senior folks, but I never neglected the working clients who I worked with every single day.
Thanks to Lynda and her sorority sisters who helped organize the party.
The party turned out to be a success. The entertainer was so good that we never stopped laughing.
The final act was the auction that Lynda and her friends had organized for fund raising. All folks who attended the party were very generous to buy things in the auction for fund raising. I ended up buy an electronic security gauge for our front door which was most expensive item.
I remember Adam was shouting to stop me raising my offer as I kept increasing my bid and Adam kept telling me that buying a dog will be lot cheaper to do the barking, dad, but I never stopped until I bought it. I don’t remember if we ever used it, but it was fun to raise the money for cancer.
