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Articles by Wes Hall
The Future of Wealth Technology
“You shouldn’t need a large account balance to experience real-time investing. Technology should make that kind of access universal.” For decades, financial advice technology has evolved around administration, not experience. Platforms have been built from the top down, starting with registries and accounting systems, then bolting on tools to manage investments. The result has been efficiency for institutions, but not necessarily better outcomes for advisers or clients.
Opinion: Toronto’s decline in safety threatens its status as an economic hub
Open this photo in gallery: Police secure a crime scene near Northview Heights Secondary School in Toronto on Jan. 22.Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press Please log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free Account Wes Hall is founder and executive chairman of WeShall Investments and Kingsdale Advisors. In 2020, he launched the BlackNorth Initiative. Recently, I was struck by the fact that I continue to have the same conversation with Toronto-based friends and colleagues alike.
Wizards host Style Showcase ahead of 2023-24 season
The Washington Wizards hosted a Style Showcase on Oct. 4 at the District Wharf Pier to hype fans up ahead of the 2023-24 season and raise money for the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. The show started with hosts Britt Waters and Wes Hall introducing Rachel Nichols and her new Monumental Sports Network show called “Hometown with Rachel Nichols,” an interview-style show that features players and coaches from the Washington Capitals, Mystics and Wizards.
The Voice of Retail: Wes Hall, the "King of Bay Street" and CBC Dragon, on his book "No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot" (E) on Apple Podcasts
In a special summer encore episode, the one and only Wes Hall is on the podcast from a popular episode in 2022 to talk about his book "No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot: My rise from a Jamaican plantation shack to the boardrooms of Bay Street." Wes shares his story and advice for retailers on how they can genuinely help black entrepreneurs and adds hints for anyone who winds up in front of him on CBC's Dragon's Den
23 Canadian books for the memoir lover this holiday season
Books make great gifts for everyone! Here are 23 Canadian titles for those who love reading about other people's lives. Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley In this collection of essays, actor, screenwriter and director Sarah Polley reflects on the pieces of her life and the fallibility of memory. From stage fright to high risk childbirth, Polley contemplates these events and how she remembers them.
If You Love Black Panther, Then You’ll Love These Books
Magic, imaginary lands, outer space, historical fantasy, shapeshifters, horror, and other realms. Black Canadian authors are writing books that stretch our imagination to new limits. If there’s anything we learned from the billion-dollar blockbuster Black Panther and its much-anticipated sequel Wakanda Forever, it’s that we love to see the futuristic reimagining of Africa and our favourite melanated stars serve Black Excellence on-screen.
40 Canadian books we can't wait to read in October
A new month means new books! Here are the Canadian novels, poetry, comics and works of nonfiction we can't wait to read in October. The Punishment by Joseph Dandurand B.C. writerJoseph Dandurand returns with The Punishment, a poetry collection rooted in story, with scenes of residential school, the psych ward, the streets and the river. Through his poems, he shares what he sees: the great eagles and small birds; his culture and teachings; Vancouver's East Side; and his Kwantlen community.
60 works of Canadian nonfiction to watch for in fall 2022
If you love memoirs, biographies and narrative nonfiction, check out these Canadian books coming out in the second half of 2022. Modern Fables by Mikka Jacobsen Mikka Jacobsen's debut book is a comedic look at coming-of-age and finding love in the modern age of social media and the internet. A mix of memoir, feminist theory and literary criticism, Modern Fables exposes narratives about what it means to be a single woman in your 30s. When you can read it: Sept.
Opinion: Opening the door to homeownership for more Black Canadians
The BlackNorth Initiative Homeownership Bridge Program will address systemic barriers in the housing crisis facing Black communities across this nation The BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) Homeownership Bridge Program, which has been launched in partnership with Habitat for Humanity GTA and which is being empowered by the Dream Legacy Foundation, seeks to address inequities in homeownership.
Conference 2021 | PEO Leadership
GARY VAYNERCHUK Considered one of the leading global minds on ‘what’s next’ in culture, relevance and trends; a serial entrepreneur, serves as Chairman of VaynerX and CEO of VaynerMedia. WES HALL Named as one of the nation’s “most influential powerbrokers” by The Globe & Mail; among the “50 most influential Torontonians in 2020,” by Toronto Life magazine; ranked him number 16 on their 2021 Power List of the “50 most powerful people in Canada” by Maclean’s magazine.
Black & Jewish Leadership Speak Out In Solidarity Against Antisemism
Antisemitism is being normalized, and it’s coming from all sides. We cannot let it stand. The Anti-Defamation League found that Antisemitic incidents, ranging from harassment to vandalism to assault, increased 75 per cent over the past month. A CNN contributor recently proclaimed that the world needs another Hitler. Thankfully, CNN dropped him. In one week alone in May, though, variations of the phrase “Hitler was right” were tweeted more than 17,000 times.
Opinion | The conversation about race belongs in the boardroom
By Wes HallContributor Sat., May 15, 2021timer4 min. read When the BlackNorth Initiative launched in June 2020, it was amidst a worldwide cry for justice for Black people and police reform. Like it or not, it was time to start the long overdue conversation about diversity and racial inequality. The initiative set out to improve the lives of millions of Black Canadians and BIPOC individuals.
Opinion | The conversation about race belongs in the boardroom
By Wes HallContributor Sat., May 15, 2021timer4 min. read When the BlackNorth Initiative launched in June 2020, it was amidst a worldwide cry for justice for Black people and police reform. Like it or not, it was time to start the long overdue conversation about diversity and racial inequality. The initiative set out to improve the lives of millions of Black Canadians and BIPOC individuals.
Without Sense of Taste, Ravens Linebacker Matthew Judon Eats Macaroni & Cheese
Matthew Judon hates macaroni & cheese, tries some anyway originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon hates macaroni and cheese. Oh, and cantaloupe, too! Wait. Who hates macaroni and cheese? Judon, that’s who! I can understand if cantaloupe isn’t your thing, but macaroni and cheese? Is this the world we want to live in? A world where macaroni and cheese is not every American’s favorite side dish?
Will Maryland football be able to improve over deflating season opener? Original
NCAAF Will Maryland football be able to improve over deflating season opener? NCAAF As excited as we all are that Big Ten football is back for 2020, we cannot maintain that enthusiasm for the 49-3 trouncing the Terps took last weekend against the Northwestern Wildcats in their season opener. True, Maryland did score first. However, that was the only time the scoreboard lit up for Coach Mike Locksley’s squad. And then it just got bad.
Wes Hall: ‘Racism is our pandemic’
Wes Hall, executive chairman and founder of Kingsdale Advisors, is on a mission to get more Black executives in Canadian boardrooms (Photograph by Wade Hudson) Over the past 30 years on Bay Street, I’ve always been the only Black person in the room. I saw my status as something special, like going somewhere where everybody’s wearing white and you’re the only person in scarlet. Where everybody’s looking at me and wondering, What’s his deal? How’d he get into this room?
Adam Silver: NBA players 'unlikely' participants in Tokyo Summer Olympics Original
Washington Adam Silver: NBA players 'unlikely' participantes in Olympics Washington NBA players might not make it to Tokyo for the rescheduled 2021 Summer Olympics. Basketball is global and the NBA is international. It’s been that way for as long as many NBA fans can remember. However in 2021, it may not be the case. For the first time since the Dream Team took the gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Games, there may not be any players from the NBA participating in Olympic competition.
Miami Heat have one tool to beat the Lakers in the Finals Original
Wizards Miami Heat have one tool to beat the Lakers in the Finals Wizards "There is absolutely no chance on earth the Miami Heat beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 NBA Finals!" That is the conventional thought permeating the sports world right now, and it seems quite appropriate. Seriously, who is bidding against a laser-focused LeBron James hellbent on bringing LA its first championship in 10 years?
Champ Bailey says he was ‘blessed’ to play with Deion Sanders, Darrell Green Original
Football Team Champ Bailey says he was ‘blessed’ to play with Deion Sanders, Darrell Green Football Team Champ Bailey got his PhD in cornerback when Washington signed Deion Sanders in 2000. Story time, kids! What’s better than learning from one Hall of Fame cornerback?
The Wizards should never consider Bradley Beal in a Paul George-esque trade Original
Wizards The Wizards should never consider Bradley Beal in a Paul George-esque trade Wizards Do NOT think about it. Do NOT form your mouth to consider a ‘Paul George-esque’ trade for Bradley Beal. I can’t believe this has to be said but you can rest assured that every time someone mentions trading Beal I am going to be here to reject that foolishness like Bam Adebayo blocked Jayson Tatum in Game 1 of the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals.
Wale is starting Dwayne Haskins Jr. over Kyler Murray in Fantasy Football Original
Football Team Wale is starting Dwayne Haskins Jr. over Kyler Murray in Fantasy Football Football Team Dwayne Haskins Jr. keeps racking up high profile endorsements; the latest coming from Grammy-Nominated Rapper and DC native Wale! One week after Coach Ron Rivera named Dwayne Haskins Jr. the starting quarterback leading into the 2020 NFL season, the second year QB is now getting another glaring endorsement; this time in Fantasy Football.
Ex-Capitals coach Todd Reirden's house listed for sale Original
Capitals Ex-Capitals coach Todd Reirden's house listed for sale Capitals Todd Reirden spent the past two seasons trying to guide the Washington Capitals back to another title. Although the Caps won the Metro Division both years under his leadership, early playoff exits in back-to-back season made retaining Reirden untenable. His tenure as head coach ended August 23, 2020.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't rule out signing Earl Thomas Original
The next stop on the wild journey of perennial All-Pro safety Earl Thomas may be a place he is most familiar; the great state of Texas and the Dallas Cowboys. After a rather tumultuous one-year tenure in Baltimore, Thomas now finds himself available to potentially land back in the Lone Star state -- the same soil that produced the seven-time Pro Bowler.
Bubble Talk: NBA bubble's biggest surprises after week one
Each week, Nick Ashooh and Wes Hall look at the biggest storylines going on in the NBA bubble in Orlando. Since they can't do it in person, we bring you their actual chat: NICK: Well, we're about a week into the NBA bubble, Wes. At least real games that is. I gotta say, I thought we'd have one or two surprises, but man there's been a ton of guys out there really upping their 2K ratings WES: This thing has me thrown in so many directions.
Bubble Watch: Bradley Beal deserves All-NBA consideration Original
With NBA Award season heating up, NBC Sports Washington's Nich Ashooh and Wes Hall gave their picks for All-NBA and examine why Washington Wizards superstar Bradley Beal isn't garnering more consideration following a historic season. WES: Nick, the day has finally come where we must give our All-NBA team designations for this season. We get to select three rosters and that is it. Best of luck to everyone and much respect to those who don't make it this season. First up is the All-NBA 1st Team.
Redrafting the 2003 NBA Draft: Heatles all go early
22. New Jersey Nets: Mike Sweetney Original Pick: Zoran Planinić The Nets need a big body to bang around in the paint and Sweetney is that guy. 23. Portland Trailblazers: Steve Blake Original Pick: Travis Outlaw Terps fans know all-to-well that Steve Blake is a gamer. Often overlooked for his lack of scoring, he makes up for it with grit and aggressive point guard play. 24.
Debating NBA Awards as voting on the league's best concludes
NBA writers and media members around the country have been mulling over their picks for the NBA's postseason awards for about a week now. The ballots are due today, on Tuesday, July 28, which means it is judgement time for Wizards forward Rui Hachimura, who should have a very good chance of making All-Rookie. Here are some things to keep in mind as the votes are cast...
James Harden says he faces the same 'criticism, negative energy' as Allen Iverson
When discussions about the greatest NBA players of all time occur, fewer names provoke a more unified reaction of awe and appreciation than Allen Iverson. A talent seen once in a generation, A.I. overcame a multitude of obstacles to become the player he was and the man he is. One current NBA player sees a lot of similarities between himself and "The Answer" and his name is James Harden.
Bubble Talk: will the next NBA superteam be formed inside? Original
Each week, Nick Ashooh and Wes Hall look at the biggest storylines going on in the NBA bubble in Orlando. Since they can't do it in person, we bring you their actual unedited chat. NICK: I gotta be honest with you, this talk about the bubble helping create superteams is overrated. These guys already talk plenty. It's not like we live in a society where we don't ave ways to communicate with people. Plus, they're still keeping tabs on how many people are together.
Wizards unveil social justice t-shirts promoting voter activation
There may be no more basic question for a basketball team than who will score the most points, but it is not easy to answer when it comes to the Wizards as they prepare for games in Orlando, FL. They traveled to Disney World without their two top scorers this season - Bradley Beal and Davis Bertans - and what's left on their roster is a host of young players and veterans who have not traditionally been top scorers previously in their careers.
Wizards unveil social justice t-shirts promoting voter activation
As the focus of the basketball world continues to shift towards the NBA restarting competition in Orlando, the Washington Wizards are making sure fans don't lose focus on one of the major issues valued by both the players and Wizards organization: voting. On Tuesday the Wizards unveiled a new voting-themed fan t-shirt available for sale with proceeds benefiting When We All Vote, a non-profit focused on voter awareness and activation.
Brookfield, CPPIB pledge to add more Black execs by 2025
Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board joined more than 200 Canadian organizations in promising to fill at least 3.5 per cent of their top executive and board roles with Black leaders by 2025. The BlackNorth Initiative pledge that the companies agreed to also requires them to commit to other measures, such as giving employees anti-racism training and hiring at least five per cent of their student workforce from the Black community.
Bubble Talk: Odd circumstances make this the hardest NBA championship to win
Nine Wizards will use their platform to promote change by wearing social justice messages on their jerseys when the NBA resumes on July 30. As a part of the league’s efforts to address racism and issues of social justice in America, the NBA permitted players to replace the names on the back of their jerseys with a social justice statement during the league’s return to play at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla.
Will Ivy League's fall sports decision affect college football?
As the days of summer continue to be checked off the calendar, college football finds itself facing a diminishing amount of days left to finalize its plans for seeing football on college campuses this fall, if at all. One conference might be ready to make the call, at least according to some of their coaches. The Ivy League has announced its final decision regarding fall sports, college football most notably, will come sometime this week.
Will Ivy League's fall sports decision effect college football?
As the days of summer continue to be checked off the calendar, college football finds itself facing a diminishing amount of days left to finalize its plans for seeing football on college campuses this fall, if at all. One conference might be ready to make the call, at least according to some of their coaches. The Ivy League has announced its final decision regarding fall sports, college football most notably, will come sometime this week.
D.C. Mayor grants exception to allow Wizards to hold team practices
With the nation's capital entering Phase 2 of reopening on Monday, Mayor Muriel Bowser has given both the Washington Wizards and D.C. United waivers to hold team practices at their respective facilities. As the sports world continues to move closer to live-game play, these considerations allow each team the maximum amount of time to prepare for a return to play while simultaneously acting in accordance with the DC government's COVID-19 health standards delineated in the Mayor's June 19th Order.
D.C. Mayor grants exception to allow Wizards to hold team practices Original
With the nation’s capital entering Phase 2 of reopening on Monday, Mayor Muriel Bowser has given both the Washington Wizards and D.C. United waivers to hold team practices at their respective facilities. As the sports world continues to move closer to live-game play, these considerations allow each team the maximum amount of time to prepare for a return to play while simultaneously acting in accordance with the DC government’s COVID-19 health standards delineated in the Mayor’s June 19th Order.
Why one Wizards player is making the smart decision to skip NBA restart
With Davis Bertans on the doorstep of a potentially lucrative off-season and free agency period, the Wizards' forward's decision to opt out of the season restart in Orlando makes sense for both the team, which hopes to resign him, and Bertans, who hopes to make a lot of money and not be injured. From a Wizards fans' perspective, this is obviously disappointing. At least for what it means this season.
Davis Bertans is making the smart choice for his future by skipping NBA restart
With Davis Bertans' decision to sit out the rest of the 2019-20 regular season to preserve his health for free agency, it is now officially time to talk about his future. He is set to be an unrestricted free agent when the market opens in October and the Wizards want to keep him. What keeping him could entail, though, is a bit murky with the uncertainty of how free agency will be affected by the league's months-long shutdown due to coronavirus.
Remembering when Len Bias, Terps shocked No. 1 North Carolina at the Dean Dome in 1986
Let's take a quick trip back in time. We all know that University of Maryland standout Len Bias was a special and talented player, but I don't think he can be fully appreciated until we take another look at one legendary Thursday night back in 1986. On Feb. 20, 1986, Bias and his Lefty Driesell-coached Terps cruised down to Chapel Hill and walked into hostile territory to face Dean Smith's No. 1 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in the Dean E.
Remembering when Len Bias, Terps shocked No. 1 North Carolina at the Dean Dome in 1986
Let’s take a quick trip back in time. We all know that University of Maryland standout Len Bias was a special and talented player, but I don’t think he can be fully appreciated until we take another look at one legendary Thursday night back in 1986. On Feb. 20, 1986, Bias and his Lefty Driesell-coached Terps cruised down to Chapel Hill and walked into hostile territory to face Dean Smith’s No. 1 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in the Dean E.
I saw no examples of Black corporate leaders talking about systemic racism. So I’m speaking up
Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen business, political, and community leaders across Canada take to social media and the airwaves to condemn anti-Black systemic racism and say they were prepared to do something about it. The problem is, little has happened. If anti-Black systemic racism deniers are not held accountable now, they never will be. They are in executive suites, boardrooms and governments across Canada.
With NBA's 22-team format, a reality show only makes sense Original
Now that the NBA has chosen the Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida as the location to restart the 2019-20 NBA season many ideas have been bounced around to create the best experience for fans. With that in mind, DC Sports Live's Nick Ashooh and Wes Hall came up with some cool and unique ideas that could capitalize on the current circumstances we are living in while simultaneously giving the NBA fans a never-before-seen experience. It's time, they say, for a reality show. Or a documentary.
Ravens will be right there with the Chiefs in 2020, according to Peter King Original
Everybody wants to be number one, but sometimes being number two is still a compliment; especially for the Baltimore Ravens. With the release of NBC Sports Peter King’s 2020 NFL Power Rankings, the Ravens find themselves sitting behind only one team in the league, the Kansas City Chiefs. It makes sense, right? The Chiefs are the defending NFL Super Bowl champs.
The next 'The Last Dance'? Five sports stories we want to see
It's been just under a fortnight since sports fans joined together to relive the Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls era of the 90s through ESPN's 'The Last Dance' documentary. Through unprecedented access viewers were treated to an exclusive look at the Chicago Bulls' final NBA championship during the 1997-98 season. So many memories were brought to the surface while many other unknown revelations left us all in awe.
The next 'The Last Dance'? Five sports stories we want to see
It’s been just under a fortnight since sports fans joined together to relive the Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls era of the 90s through ESPN's 'The Last Dance' documentary. Through unprecedented access viewers were treated to an exclusive look at the Chicago Bulls' final NBA championship during the 1997-98 season. So many memories were brought to the surface while many other unknown revelations left us all in awe.
The List: What is the best '90s sitcom?
It’s time for another victory lap around the couch as yours truly was the winner for Best Ballpark Food! I’d like to give a big thank you to my friend ‘Hotdog with ketchup’ for coming through in the clutch! It’s the little things… Now it’s time for another installment of “The List” and this one is all about nostalgia. Sorry Gen-Z. We’re going back to the times of oversized-pants, Birkenstocks, and the last decade the Redskins won a Super Bowl.
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