Tune In - Greg

Who Is Greg Gerber ...

Foreword
Reflecting on, and getting “in tune” with all the factors, experiences, and culturally dictated elements that have contributed to positioning me in the workplace, society, and the world, is no easy task. Yet, I believe it is a noteworthy undertaking as this outlining and isolation of various details of my life serve to better facilitate the pin-pointing of many taken-for-granted perspectives or assumptions that I often fall prey to making with regard to situation(s) or decision(s). It is my hope that through the reflection for my "Tune In" section of this portfolio and the writings contained within, that I may be able to articulate clearly the lens through which I observe and often interpret the world, question and highlight some foundational values and beliefs, and critically reflect on how my foundational ‘identity’ can continue to grow as I strive to be a transformational leader.

Unpacking

Let’s begin with a little history to help build some perspective on where I come from and how it has shaped my understanding of the world.

I was born, second youngest in a family containing a Mom and a Dad and a total of five children – four brothers, one sister holding the third child rank. My sister, Yvonne, yearned for a sister. My parents responded and began to look for a daughter to adopt. Before long, we welcomed TWO sisters of Philippine descent who took over the roles of eldest and fourth in line given our new sibling count of seven. We weren’t rich by material standards, yet we had everything we ever needed.

I grew up in a very happy home (more on that in beliefs). I enjoyed Christian schooling from kindergarten through

grade 12 and usually went to church twice on Sundays (unless I could convince my mother that I was sick). My brothers and sisters were and still are very close despite some being strewn across north America. Each of us were applauded for our unique talents and abilities and learned to applaud one another in that process.

Following grade school, I attended Douglas college then SFU. I began my studies in business, completed two years of that degree then switched to Psychology, completed three years then switched to Biology, in which I finally completed an undergrad. From there to PDP, and a Masters in Education five years later.

Aside from the academics gained during these years, my boundaries

were stretched as I began to understand how sheltered I had been in Christian schooling. I was exposed to diversity in the greatest senses … ways that ultimately broadened horizons and brought me to question much of which I had previously held as ultimate truth.

I married the girl I dreamed of marrying ever since grade nine, and now have four sons Ryan, Austin, Reece, and Luke. My life is filled with the joys of parenting and the re-learning and perspective gaining that comes along with watching and recalling how amazing the world is and was through the eyes of a child. I love being a Dad, and this new role in life may be the largest contributing factor to how I view and understand the world in which I work and live.