Jan Miller
International Consultant/Trainer
I think I've always LOVED people. I love their complexity, discovering their humanity, their sense of humour, their wisdom, their uniqueness - it's an ageless thing. It is cross gender, cross culture. From grade school I've always searched for ways to lead, to support, to nurture.
When I was really young, I often caught myself observing my interactions. It was through my training as a clown with Richard Pochinko that I discovered that I was spending more time trying to cultivate how people saw me rather than being in the moment, being present. Richard called me out on this - it was tough. It was true. The intensive clown training (which was developed as a combination of European clowning, American Clowning and Indigenous clowning), stripped away dishonesty and artifice and forced me to go deep into what is authentically me.
From my clowning period forward, I have looked to create opportunities for others to discover this same freedom and to take ownership of what is uniquely their voice. Looking back, I see the pattern in this. I never worked on my own. I always would build from the energy, the magnificence of others who were in my life at that time: The Theatre Resource Centre, Small Change Theatre, The National Screen Institute, NHTV, The National Ice Theatre of Canada, The Local Heroes International Screen Festival, Strategic Partners, Trans Atlantic Partners, Women in Film and Television-Atlantic, Five in Focus, WIFT-Canada Coalition. And during this time I became more and more clear about the importance of gender parity and diversity and how my actions could contribute to this.
I've loved that my work has taken me all over the world - from Iran to China, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, eastern Europe, western Europe meeting and working with the most remarkable people, each with a story to tell. Sometimes the stories didn't work for me at all, but the people did, the conversations did as each individual worked so hard to find their authentic voice. For most, it was terrifying putting themselves out there. I was in awe as I watched people of all ages, listen, risk, gain confidence and transform. I can't imagine this ever not being a part of my life.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I'm most proud of the moments when I witness the transformation of those I'm working with as they find and celebrate their own voice and recognize and embrace their own value. I'm equally proud each time I'm sitting in the whelping pen of one of our beautiful dogs as she delivers each of her precious puppies. I've witnessed over 150 of these breathtaking (truly!) moments. And then there is the moment when we hand each of these four legged fur pals to their new mom and or dad. I remember saying to one of our new owners about her new puppy "She will change your life.'' The woman responded with a smile a mile wide "She will give me a life." You can't beat that.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
Our biggest opportunity is to embrace and nurture a diversity of voices in Nova Scotia - to ensure that they feel welcome and valued and that they are integral to the richness of this province. And, married to an environmental activist, I feel it's equally as important to fight for/defend a richly diverse and healthy environment that protects our forests, our lakes and rivers, our shores, our plants and animals. Nova Scotia can be the greenest place on earth. This for me is not just words, it is my commitment to make choices that contribute to what is truly important.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
I think my greatest stage of growth came through clowning when I discovered the importance of soul deep honesty, compassion, and listening. I've worked very hard in my teaching and relationships to honour these qualities. This exploration also brought me closer to my spiritual study and beliefs. Initially my study was repetitive and by rote, but authenticity has developed clarity as I draw from my teachings in everything I do. Another huge change in my life was when we started breeding dogs, standard poodles to be exact. These magnificent animals have absolutely transformed my life with their humour, their wisdom, their patience, their forgiveness, their independence.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
I love the KJV of the Bible. I really liked the novel Elephant Winter. But truthfully, I don't read enough. Rather than a good book, I get lost in memorable films and television. These are my escape.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year?
The importance of honesty. The importance of listening. The gift of the 5 dogs and one remarkable cat in our life.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
Mary Baker Eddy. Nelson Mandela. Richard Pochinko. My Dad. To follow one's path, despite the challenges. To listen. I know there are others. I will have to add to this.
What would you have done differently?
Listened more closely. Practised more consistently my spiritual beliefs.
What are the principles you live by?
Authenticity. Spontaneity. Compassion. Patience. Inclusivity.
How have you recovered from fractured professional relationships? What uncomfortable truths have you learned about yourself in those experiences?
There have been many bumps in the road. There continue to be. I’m sometimes surprised at the patterns and sometimes discouraged by them. But I have learned a wee bit to let go more quickly, I wish, wish I could do this more swiftly…
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Consultant, Trainer, Program Designer, Content Development, Pitching, Mentor, Dog Breeder