Nick Robbins is navigating new challenges by protecting his time
"Simplification... is getting easier with practice."
Cinnamon & Oak is a legendary Movember team made up of friends having fun while doing good. Our annual member profiles showcase our merry collection of Mo Bros & Mo Sistas. Today we’re featuring C&O team member Nick Robbins from Calgary, AB (aka Cold Garden aka Kaldgart aka YYC aka not the big smoke aka not the 6ix).
Looking back on this year, what achievement or experience are you most proud of?
My SO and I recently welcomed our baby daughter into the world in September. It’s been a crazy, sleepless, exhausting and incredibly profound couple of months as we see Sophie grow each day. I was grateful (and had the privilege) to enjoy a cheeky little parental leave in the early days.
How would you describe your day-to-day work?
Varied, rewarding, humbling. Occasionally overwhelming.
I’ve spent the past ~year advising on Canadian cleantech innovation for Darcy Partners, a technology scouting company based in the US. We work across a network of ~120 of the world’s largest energy and utilities companies to help them vet and deploy decarbonization and sustainability technologies, so the days can be long and the work keeps me on my toes.
I’m riding the hype train with some energy advisory work at AltaML (Canada’s largest AI venture studio) as well, which has been a fascinating stint.
Is there a ritual or habit that sets a positive tone for your day?
With a toddler and a newborn in the coop, I’m ashamed to admit that our days are embarrassingly programmatic! A quick brekkie with the gang, rush out the door for daycare dropoff and hop back to the home office.
Our 3-year-old (Adeline) sets the tone - she’s our hypegal. She is frequently the best wake-up call and pseudo-butler. She likes to hop into bed with us, and occasionally pick out our clothes for the day. We acquiesce and wear mismatched socks (which are often smelly workout socks located in a nearby laundry bin), and anything purple or animal-themed, at her insistence. It’s become an adorable ritual and brings a smile to my face every time.
What makes Movember meaningful to you?
I’ve been a part of this wild moustache-fueled journey for about half of my life now. That’s pretty nuts.
Beyond the tangible impacts that Movember has made within my community (and industry), I feel better equipped to navigate a broader spectrum of physical and mental health challenges with the mindset, tools and support network that Movember has provided.
Developing the strength to become an advocate for my Dad’s health in his later years was directly impacted by how I’ve grown through Movember (...so a massive thank you for what you do.).
When you want to unwind, what do you turn to?
I used to turn to long-distance running as a meditative practice - and actually ran the NYC Marathon with Movember once upon a time! We’ve been short on time these days with the little ones at home, so I’ll generally rely on activities that keep me within earshot to unwind (like HIIT, yoga, or playing some guitar).
Non Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) has been effective from time to time, but I haven’t committed to making it a habit (and frequently fall asleep if I’m being honest). Looking forward to some runs and rides with the kiddos in tow next year.
If you could host three people (historical or contemporary, anyone!), who would be at your table?
Oh boy. Probably gonna get a giant “wtf” from the C&O gang for my #2 and #3 choices, but here goes:
Kílian Jornet - because he’s an absolute madman superhuman (physiologically)
Musk - because he’s the cognitive equivalent of Kilian Jornet (...plus I need to know if I have a shot at colonizing Mars)
Bourdain - because we need a damn good cook to navigate this table (and we all want to know his “why”)
What’s a book, show, or podcast that’s captured your interest lately?
My podcast queue is incredibly work-centric and probably boring for most, if not all… BUT… if you want to get a phenomenal and uniquely Canadian perspective on energy and all things innovation, the ARC Energy Ideas podcast will change the way you think about energy, policy, and our insatiable appetite for consumption. Rich Roll and 10% Happier are also on heavy rotation.
For a quick 20 min laugh for those 1am baby feeds, my go-to’s are typically Tim Robinson’s “I Think You Should Leave” and Nick Kroll’s “Big Mouth”. Pure. Gold. Plus, my SO doesn’t enjoy either of them so the late-night feeding sessions are a perfect indulgence.
Is there a quote or idea that’s been resonating with you?
More of an idea than a quote – but I’ve been focusing more on some of the practical guidance outlined in Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” this year.
It’s taken me a while to figure out how to protect my time in a more effective manner that balances our collective household’s needs (including my own), and 2024 was a bit of a turning point in that regard.
Simplification has been more rewarding than I thought, and it’s getting easier with practice.
What steps have you taken this year to support your mental wellness?
I jump at the opportunity to catch up on sleep now, which is the first time I’ve leaned into that instinct.
I had the same bullshit mentality (which I feel many individuals hold) that we “succumb to sleep” somehow, like rest is a luxury, which was a silly fallacy that I’ve been fortunate to break out of.
Simply bringing some level of awareness to what constitutes good-quality rest has been a game changer for me.
What’s the best way for others in the group to connect with you?
Whatever floats your boat. Call. Text. Email. Carrier Pigeon. Smoke Signals. +1 587 582 7930 – nrobbins89@gmail.com
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