A viral social media challenge has internet users reflecting on the past.
The #10yearchallenge has users post a picture of themselves from 2009 and compare it to a picture of their current self. Most are meant for amusement, with old pictures featuring old fashion trends and regretted haircuts.
A lot can happen in ten years, and that’s clearly exhibited in the photos.
Who were you ten years ago?
For one man, he was a newly elected member of parliament for the federal government, representing the riding of London-West. Today, that man is London’s mayor, Ed Holder.
Ed Holder in 2009. Credit @EdHolderMP YouTube.
XFM News caught up with Holder to find out what he’s learned in the past ten years, and where he wants to be in the next decade.
Ten years ago, Holder was trying to get a handle on his new role.
“I was bouncing back and forth between here and Ottawa, learning how to be a member of Parliament.”
Coming off 30 years of a business career, he describes the past decade as an evolution. After two terms as a member of Parliament, he became the Federal Minister of Science and Technology. In 2015, Holder lost his re-election, and the seat for London-West to Kate Young.
At the time, Holder considered it the end to his political career.
Ed Holder in 2018. Credit: Facebook.
“I entered back into the private sector in business consulting… and life was pretty good. I was thinking that was how I going to close my business and political life… but then the situation for mayor came up.”
He was reluctant to run at first. In fact, Holder announced his campaign on the very last day to submit a nomination, making him the last candidate to run for the position.
What followed was a busy and exciting summer, which resulted in him being sworn in as London’s 64thmayor, last month.
Looking back at the beginning of his political career, given the chance to go back in time, Holder said he would offer some advice to his younger self.
“I’d say what my Cape Breton mom always used to say, ‘You have two things in your life: your name and your integrity, and you don’t mess up one without messing up the other.’”
He adds that his mom offered many good pieces of advice growing up, including to stay humble.
“She used to say, never let your head get so big it can’t get through the door.”
For Holder, humility has been a principle throughout the business and leadership roles he’s had the opportunity to have.
He’s excited about his new role as the mayor of London, and although a mayoral term only lasts four years (not including potential re-election), Holder looks forward to where the city will be ten years from now.
“London is a phenomenal city; it is a city of possibilities. London is a place where young people and older people can live out their lives in an exciting way. I am so bullish about this city and proud to be part of it.”
As for himself, Holder said that in ten years’ time, he’ll be wherever his wife is.
“She’s my wisest counsel, and I don’t do things without permission. So, this might be a question for her… let’s take it a year at a time.”
