Ivor Pinder: A Journey of Saying Yes and Embracing Life

Written by Valiski Bernard

What holds you back from saying yes to new experiences and opportunities? Is it fear of the unknown, the comfort of familiarity, or perhaps the daunting prospect of failure? In a world brimming with endless possibilities, it's easy to find ourselves tethered to the safety of what we know, hesitating to take that leap into the unknown. But what if, just beyond the horizon of our comfort zone, lies a world of untapped potential, growth, and fulfillment? What if saying yes opens doors we never knew existed, leading us on a journey of discovery, resilience, and boundless opportunity? It's time to challenge the barriers that hold us back and embrace the magic of saying yes to life's adventures. We are thrilled to present Ivor Pinder as this week's featured personality in our blog series. Ivor's journey is nothing short of remarkable, and we're confident that his experiences will inspire you to take on your own challenges with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. Get ready to be inspired!

Ivor's career took him across continents, from the United Kingdom to China, where he worked as a retail consultant, gaining invaluable insights into diverse cultures and business practices. His return to Canada in 2018 marked a new chapter, as he joined Nordstrom and later Hugo Boss, before assuming his current role at Versace.

The Power of Saying Yes

One of the defining aspects of Ivor's journey is his philosophy of saying yes to new experiences. He believes that life's journey is unpredictable and that embracing new opportunities can lead to unexpected rewards. This mantra has guided him through various career transitions and personal milestones, allowing him to grow and evolve continuously.

‘I’ve been so lucky and fortunate to experience so many different things on three major continents and am humbled by that experience. I am a big believer in saying yes and love new experiences, whatever they may be. I am a big believer in an Arabic term I read in one of my favorite books, the Alchemist. It is a term MAKTUB which loosely translates to "It is written," so this was all going to happen anyway.’

A Commitment to Charity and Culture

Ivor's role extends beyond the world of fashion, as he actively supports charitable causes, especially in the Canadian African community. As the Co-Publisher of Spencer Magazine, he amplifies stories that are impactful to Black culture and Canadian society as a whole, showcasing them to a global audience.

‘My role is the amplification of charity and worthwhile causes, especially in the Canadian African community.

Spencer Magazine is going through a massive transition, which I’m incredibly excited about. While I don’t want to give too much away, I have had the pleasure of putting together a podcast with an extremely special guest, so please look out for that. In terms of my vision for the future, it's to bring more stories that are impactful to not only Black culture but Canadian culture as a whole and hold them up for the entire planet to see.’

Overcoming Setbacks with Resilience

Despite his successes, Ivor has faced setbacks, such as the impact of Brexit on his career in the United Kingdom. However, he viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, leading him to new entrepreneurial ventures and ultimately shaping his path to success.

‘My biggest setback was probably in early 2020 when Brexit happened in the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, it led to the removal of my role as the Customer Service Manager for the United Kingdom. This left me without a clear next step or goal, which then turned into an entrepreneurial opportunity, leading me to China. Though it might sound cheesy, my darkest moment turned into my greatest because I saw it as an opportunity to learn rather than a terminal failure of my existence. I define success not just by what I've achieved but, more importantly, by what I leave for others as an example.’

Inspiring Others to Follow Their Dreams

I hope Ivor's journey is inspiring you if you’re looking to carve your own path. His advice is simple yet profound: do the research, be open to new experiences, and prioritize passion over pay. He believes that success comes from finding what you love and sharing it with others, leaving a positive impact on the world.

‘I don’t think there’s any one clear path. In essence, I think that everybody approaches whatever they want to do in life at a very different juncture, but the realities are pretty consistent all the same. Do the research, and if there is an educational aspect to it, do it. Be open to new experiences, and remember that pay should be the last thing getting you out of bed. If you love something, the money will come. I can’t remember exactly where the quote came from, but it was something along the lines of spending your entire life figuring out what you love in this world, and once you find that, spend the rest of your life sharing that with other people. Coincidentally enough, I seem to love people.’

Prioritizing Self-Care and Mental Health

Despite his busy schedule, Ivor prioritizes self-care and mental health. He listens to his body, pays attention to his diet and exercise, and embraces practices like using crystals and tarot cards. His approach emphasizes the importance of balance and self-awareness in achieving personal well-being. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ivor enjoys archery, a hobby that provides him with relaxation and focus.

‘For me, prioritizing self-care and mental health is very simple: listen to your body. This includes paying attention to the food I eat, how much water I drink, and how I feel in certain environments. I believe your body is the number one moderator for what's going on. Obviously, like everyone else, a good diet and exercise are important. I'm also a big believer in the esoteric world, so crystals and tarot cards have a special place in my heart. But mostly, I listen to my body—if I feel tired, I sleep; if I feel energized, I work.’

‘When I'm not at an event or at home with my two rescue dogs, I'm usually at an archery range. Archery is one of my great relaxation techniques.’

Defining Success

‘I define success not by what I’ve actually achieved, that’s part of it but more importantly, what do I leave for others as an example. One quote I heard from the original owners of Nordstrom was, “Leave it better than you find it,” and that’s something that really ran through with me as I feel bad for the short period of time on this planet we have each of us an opportunity to leave it better than we found it.’

The Impact of Ivor’s Journey

Ivor’s journey is not just about personal success; it's about making a difference in the lives of others and leaving a positive legacy. Through his work with Spencer Magazine and his involvement in charitable causes, he is a shining example of how one person's actions can inspire change and uplift communities. His commitment to amplifying voices and stories that are often overlooked is a testament to his belief in the power of storytelling to unite and empower. Some of Ivor’s personal career highlights include ‘being promoted from Supervisor to Manager at Harrods, which was a 12-month process involving a lot of learning and personal growth. Working as a TV presenter in the United Kingdom for a show called "Game Over," which appeared for one season on Sky, was amazing and almost feels like a dream at this point. Meeting people like the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, and Richard Branson at an event called Peace Jam in Denver, Colorado. Most recently, I had the honour of interviewing Winnie Harlow as she accepted the Global Citizen Award on behalf of the United Nations.’

Looking Ahead

‘For anyone who hasn't had a chance, please visit the official Spencer Magazine website. It creates amazing stories in the Greater Toronto Area and supports the next generation of artists, singers, designers, and more. Also, my best friend and partner in crime on the social scene Hillary Le Blanc, has the honour of creating an event at Crybaby Galleries called "Anthem." It's a curated collection of black designers, along with fireside chats, spoken word, and interviews. Please look out for it during Black History Month. Finally, Kuumba, organized by Kevin Pennant and Pennant Media, is an event happening during Black History Month at Harborfront. It will feature amazing artists and spoken word artists.’

Ivor's story showcases the power of embracing life's opportunities, saying yes to new experiences, and prioritizing passion and purpose. He loves to learn about people, their stories, and what challenges they face and overcome. He believes that even in the darkest moments, a small bit of encouragement can make people reevaluate their situation or who they are in that situation. I hope that this blog post has ignited a spark within you, encouraging you to say yes and pursue your passions with unwavering determination. Life is a journey filled with countless opportunities waiting to be seized, and by embracing new experiences, you open yourself up to a world of endless possibilities. Remember, it's never too late to follow your dreams, chase after what sets your soul on fire, and carve out your own path to success. So, take that leap of faith, trust in yourself, and let the magic of saying yes propel you toward a future filled with purpose, fulfillment, and boundless joy.