A podcast about people and their careers and career paths.
Latest Episodes
This episode is with Shikhar Sachdev. Shikhar is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley where he completed a bachelor's degree in philosophy and environmental economics. He is also a graduate of the Launch School Software Engineering Program. He is passionate about career development which is supported by the many blogs he has written, particularly one called “Job Hunting Sucks; which went viral.
In this interview, we talk about Shikhar’s experiences attending the University of California and the benefits of doing a degree in Philosophy., there are good discussions on how one should approach a university education. It is revealed that it is a time of exploring and discovering abilities, interests, and passion. It is a unique time in life in building the foundations for life. Some really important life and career lessons are shared.
Living in the Bay Area Shikhar explains how he came about his first line of employment as an “Account Manager”. More importantly how he made the transition into a more technical role as a “Solutions Engineer”. There is insight on how a person can pursue a career in the technical world of IT. The conversation comes from both perspectives. Technical people graduating from computer sciences and engineering and non-technical such as Shikhar with his education in philosophy.
There is a good discussion on Shikhar’s creative endeavor which encompasses writing and blogging, particularly on careers and career development. We cover topics from what it is like to put our work out to the world and have it go viral as in his case.
This interview will cater to anyone interested in getting into the technical world of IT. It will appeal to anyone interested in pursuing an education in philosophy or one of the liberal arts as the many hidden benefits are revealed from such an undertaking. Creative people will benefit from this as well, as there is an inside look at how someone like Shikhar approaches his artistic endeavors. Above all and more importantly, career development, why it is so important, and how we all go about developing our path. This is an informative thought-provoking and inspiring episode with the conclusion that the only obstacle, we face is our own.
This interview is with Andy Read a man of many talents. This is an amazing story that deals with self-discovery leading to transformation which results in Andy living an amazing life.
The interview starts with Andy growing up in England and joining the military at the age of 19. He gives a very detailed description of his experiences within the force which lasted 9 years. In leaving the army, he describes how he and his family adjusted to civilian life, incorporating a good description of his first job at the welding institute at Cambridge.
We talked about the process that entailed for Andy and his family to immigrate to Canada. How he came about his first position as a technician in the Science Workshop, in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary and what this position entailed is discussed.
There is a fruitful dialog on how after three years Andy dealt with being laid off from this position. He shares his experiences working as a contract employee in the same area. More importantly how this personally affected him and his family.
Admitting how much turn-oil this caused him leading down a less desirable path how then he turned himself around is illustrated. In doing so we talk about how Andy discovered his faith and how that enabled him to connect with his family. Furthermore, how this helped him establish his new leadership role as the manager of the Science Workshop in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary.
How he made this entity into a well-functioning and viable asset within the University of Calgary community is further talked about. With this established success we talked about the next chapter in Andy’s life which was retiring and pursuing his missionary work. We converse on how he made this decision, the training involved in pursuing such an avenue, and what this type of work looks like.
This interview will cater to anyone interested in a career in the military. Listeners interested in an area that involves prototyping, fabricating, optics, welding, and machining for science and engineering research would benefit from this episode. A candid look at entrepreneurship is talked about as well. In addition, there are many examples of leadership as Andy is a leader in many facets of his life. More importantly, it is about leaving a legacy of how we can become better, and by doing so we can benefit others as well. This is all furnished by his missionary work and serving his community. This is an open and honest interview about self-exploration. Understanding that we are more than our careers or jobs and knowing how we can all develop to find and follow our purpose will enable us to shine.
This interview is with Richard “Ric” Lindberg, an IT specialist focusing on cyber security and analytics. He is a well-known leader for coaching and mentoring people to build healthier and better relationships which, is supported by his podcast “Results and Relationships”.
The listener will hear how someone like Ric took his passion and joy for gaming and became a computer nerd. Taking these technical skills and transferring them into the business world is all explained. As Ric’s career continues all the roles and various companies, he has worked for are exemplified. There is a lot of talk about how he came to recognize and develop his interpersonal and business skills. All of this led him to become a mentor and a leader.
There is a discussion on how computing has re-invented data analytics and how that has changed us and the world of business. What is in store for the future is further discussed which includes some talk on AI. With the ever-changing world we are now in we explore learning and some interesting strategies that may help others in this area. Ric also shares his experiences in learning from the courses that he has taken (and there are some unique ones including the Akimbo workshops).
This interview is full of insight and information regarding our technical world and people and their relationships. It will appeal to anyone interested in a career in the technology sector. There is a history of how the computing world has changed both our personal lives and business. There is some eye-opening conversation as to how some Fortune 500 companies use technology. Above all and more importantly, it is how a person can learn to be a better person or become a leader as vulnerability, humility, and communication are talked about.
This is the second installment of a two-part interview with Henry Yiu. Henry is the principal and creative director at “States of Matter” a marketing firm in Seattle, Washington.
This episode continues where Henry is attending Cornish College where he talks about working on an associate degree in engineering. There is a good discussion on his transition from Purdue University to Cornish College with some good insights and surprises. More importantly, he talks about taking art classes as his electives and how this sparked his passion.
As art is the focal point, there are detailed discussions of the various career paths a person can take using this discipline. The interview goes through how he tried and researched various disciplines such as industrial design, graphic arts, and finally marketing, which he pursued. This episode then goes into a detailed discussion of marketing as a field, covering topics from education to getting a job, working in the industry, and starting a marketing firm.
This is an uplifting and encouraging episode illustrating how someone like Henry discovers his passion which is art and explores various avenues where this discipline can be used. In doing so this episode will appeal to anyone interested in the arts in general, industrial design, graphic arts, and marketing. Entrepreneurship is talked about as Henry’s story includes striking out on his own and building a business “States of Matter”. More importantly, it is how someone like Henry tested various career paths to find his calling. Some life lessons on finding one's true colors.
This is the first segment of a two-part interview with Henry Yiu principal and creative director at “States of Matter” a marketing firm in Seattle, Washington.
In this episode, Henry relays his personal story. He starts with what it was like as a youngster immigrating from China and landing in the Midwest of the United States. He talks about how he adapted and then excelled in school. His passion for math, sciences, and the arts is discussed. In doing so he lets the listener in on his dilemma of picking a career path with his interests.
Picking the more predictable route of engineering there is a good discussion on evaluating and selecting a university to attend. Choosing Purdue University Henry shares his experiences attending this institute. He conveys the culture shock that he faced more importantly, how he struggled to keep up with the demands placed on him. He explores the turmoil he faced as a perfect student coming out of high school to not being at the top of the class but rather at the bottom. This interview has many good conversations that address the pressures on the social and psychological front that some students face when they are on the wrong career path.
This interview will cater to anyone who has experienced or is experiencing the implications of being an immigrant and how someone like Henry adapted settled down and excelled. There is some insight into engineering programs at respective universities. More importantly, this illustrates how someone like Henry dealt with the turmoil of being on a questionable career path. It is an eye-opening and candid look at how some will deal with the vulnerabilities and confusion that are the result of being on the lesser desired career path.
This is the final segment of a three-part interview with Chris Wilson, snowboard instructor, hardware associate, helicopter pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, author, business owner, and entrepreneur.
This interview continues from the previous segment where Chris is pondering the idea of what’s next. It is clear that he has established himself and is living the dream. However, he talks about how he starts to entertain the voice in his head that may want more or something else.
He talks about how he explored and played with different ideas to figure out what his passion is and what he may want to pursue. There is a lot of talk about self-reflection. He talks about hiring a coach and what this was like. There is a good discussion on the array of projects that Chris undertook in his experimenting phase which include writing a book, developing his presence in the online world leading to developing a business.
This interview will cater to anyone who is pondering the idea of a career change or starting their career as there are many dialogs on self-reflection and how someone can go about figuring themselves out. This interview will inspire potential authors as there is a good road map on how to go about writing, editing, and publishing a book. There is a good discussion on entrepreneurship and how someone like Chris has gone about leaving a good-paying day job to pursue a calling and starting his venture. This is an insightful, inspiring, thought-provoking, and informative interview that will leave the listener with sound information on career development.
This is the second segment of a three-part interview with Chris Wilson, snowboard instructor, hardware associate, helicopter pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, author, business owner, and entrepreneur.
This interview starts with Chris confessing that his ambition of being a helicopter pilot was limiting. With narrow job prospects, living in an unfamiliar environment, and accumulating debt, he had to take a time out and regroup himself.
In this segment, he explores what he did during this time-out, how he faced some turmoil and anxiety, and how he overcame these setbacks. He describes how aviation was still a passion of his and in doing so he looked at other opportunities in this field., one of which was a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer. Chris describes how he developed and implemented a new map to pursue this new career.
This interview will cater to anyone interested in aviation or more specifically becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer as there is a detailed conversation pertaining to education, training, and how the industry works with all the logistics. More importantly, it is how someone like Chris has turned their career and life around to live prosperously. There are extensive suggestions and tips regarding career change or career turn-around. Above all, this is a motivational and inspiring story with a strong message that anyone can achieve their ideal life if they are clear, committed, and willing to do the work. Surprisingly, this episode ends with Chris entertaining the idea of exploring his calling, which is continued in the next episode.
The title for this interview with Chris Wilson is very fitting in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Chris is a snowboard instructor, hardware associate, helicopter pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, author, business owner, and entrepreneur.
In this segment, Chris talks about getting out of high school and pondering the question that most of us face what do with our lives? And in doing so he discovers aviation more precisely helicopters.
This interview encompasses a detailed discussion of how Chris moves across the country to be trained as a helicopter pilot. There is fruitful dialog regarding the process of getting licensed and an in-depth look at this industry.
The episode will cater to anyone interested in career development as there are suggestions on how someone can go about figuring themselves out which is also supported by Chris’s story. Also, anyone interested in aviation, specifically helicopters, will benefit from listening to this interview as there is an in-depth dialog on all aspects of this industry. More importantly, how this interview ends with some of the obstacles he has encountered in his pursuit are talked about and will surprise the listener, leading to other episodes. This is a fun, informative, motivational, and eye-opening interview.
Tom Huntington refers to himself as an “Adult in Training” and, in listening to this podcast the audience will appreciate where he is coming from. In addition to being a retired attorney, Tom considers himself to be a human nature science geek. He is very interested in how the brain and mind work and what motivates us. This is evident throughout this interview as there is a lot of self-reflection which is vital to all of us.
Tom takes the listener through his life coming from a privileged family setting, attending boarding school, and receiving a scholarship to some very prestigious universities. With a so-called “perfect life” set up for him, he attends Standford and describes what that was like and what transpired.
This entails leaving Standford and joining the Peace Crops which sends him off to India to work as a farm aid. Coming back to the United States to face the political and social turmoil as all this took place during the late ‘60s. Moving and living in Hawaii, and coming back to the mainland to attend law school are all talked about.
This fun, entertaining, and enlightening interview may leave the listener thinking about their life choices. In addition, this episode does cover some history as there is talk about the '60s and the climate that materialized from these times and how it affected people. There is insight into how The Peace Crops developed and what it was like to work in a third-world country. Above all this is an important interview as it deals with self-discovery and how one person went about the process.
Being on stage for Tyler Foley is natural and it comes from him being an accomplished performer in film and theater as he is a graduate of the Alberta High School of Fine Arts. He is also a graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology known as S.A.I.T with a diploma in Geomatics Engineering Technology. He also has several certifications and licenses (15 in total) in Occupational Health and Safety. He is a keynote speaker and published author of the best-selling book “The Power to Speak Naked”. He is a business owner of Total Buy-In which is a conglomeration of all his entrepreneurial ventures.
This interview will serve anyone interested in a career in stage or film performing, basically acting. Also, it will appeal to anyone interested in geomatics, technology, and safety as a career. Public speaking, coaching, entrepreneurship, writing, and publishing a book are talked about extensively as well. Above all this interview shows how someone like Tyler was able to move his career in various directions and be successful while all along having fun. This is truly a motivational, educational, and inspirational story and a real eye-opener as to what life can be like if we let it happen to us.
This interview is with Patricia Boulogne Certified Functional Medical Practitioner. In this interview she discusses her background as a chiropractor and an acupuncturist and why she chooses this route as opposed to the more traditional Western medicine. She shares her experiences in acquiring and building a chiropractic practice and then selling it. Her story continues to her writing and publishing her book Why Are You Sick Fat and Tired” and developing her online venture “Ask Dr. Pat”.
Over all this is a fun and entertaining interview full of advice or tips on health, life, and business. It will appeal to anyone interested in being a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and or just a health practitioner. Entrepreneurship is discussed and some surprising lessons in networking. Writing and publishing a book and developing an online business are also talked about. In addition, this interview is an educational, and inspiring story about following one’s passion and how that can develop a person into a leader.
This is the final segment of a two-part interview with Shanil Ebrahim. In this episode, he continues his story by defining epidemiology, a description of his doctoral thesis, and how he has developed his career as a researcher in life sciences.
He describes the many avenues that he has pursued from his post-doctoral work as a visiting researcher, and AI leader at Deloitte to now his current role at Deloitte as a Partner and the Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting Leader. His role as an Assistant Professor at McMaster University in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) is discussed as well. His leadership skills are further illustrated by the boards that he serves on for non-profit organizations.
This interview will serve anyone interested in life sciences, health care, consulting, epidemiology, data science, research, and entrepreneurship. Contrast and similarities between Canada, the U.S., and other parts of the world are discussed from Shanil’s experience working aboard.
This is part 1 of a two-part interview with Shanil Ebrahim. This episode will benefit anyone interested in pursuing a career in health sciences or health care as the many avenues a person can pursue are discussed. There is an inside look at some of the segments of this industry and how research is conducted, supporting the advancements made. Very informative and thought-provoking.
Shanil has Post-Doctoral Fellowships from Stanford University and McMaster University. He has a Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Epidemiology from McMaster University, a dual Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Science and Bioethics both from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology from York University.
This is part 2 of a 2-part interview with Peter Axtell. In this segment, Peter continues his story as he came back to the United States and his experience as a realtor. He talks about the struggles he had in this profession, which includes dealing with the mortgage crisis all leading up to a heart attack. He opens up on how this changed his outlook on life and how rebuilt his life. There is a lot of talk on self-exploration in this episode.
Peter talks about how he met the love of his life and how the two of them with their entrepreneurial skills and passion have developed a series of tools that will help people create an authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling life that they love while having a successful and rewarding career.
This interview will benefit anyone interested in being a relator or sales. It is also an eye-opening and honest look at how the decisions we make can affect our physical and mental health. This is an inspiring story of how someone has put their life back together, and how and how it was done. In addition, there is a detailed discussion of why career development is important and some suggestions to think about in crafting a career.
This is part 1 of a two-part interview with Peter Axtell. In this segment, Peter talks about how he discovered music and how that evolved into his life. He talks about growing up in the late 60s exploring life in San Francisco during this magical and revolutionary time. Discovering his beliefs and how he followed them are discussed leading him on a journey to Europe finally landing in the United Kingdom. And this is where his musical career takes off where as he explains.
This interview can benefit anyone that might be interested in a career in music or the arts. It can also appeal to anyone that may not be sure of what they may want to do as this is a story of someone following their path and letting life unfold naturally. In doing so discovering endless possibilities. This is an entertaining and thought-provoking interview with lessons in history, music, money, and life choices.
This interview is with Ron Salahub, a certified journeyman automotive and heavy-duty mechanic. Also, he has an array of other credentials including a natural gas engine certification and an Alison Transmission designation. In this episode, Ron discusses how started his career in the automotive sector working from local garages to dealerships. Taking those skills he then moved them into the oil field industry which then led him to get his designation as a heavy-duty mechanic is talked about. This is an informative discussion that will cater to anybody interested in a career as a mechanic in a variety of fields as Ron is very well-versed in many industries. The conversation goes into an overview of the trades including safety and longevity in the workforce and the variety of avenues someone could take in this type of vocation.
This episode is with Jessica Zou a brand marketer, author, podcaster, and community leader. In this interview, Jessica explains her experiences immigrating from China to the United States. She explains her extensive education endeavors, working in the yacht industry (there are some lessons in how boats work), brand marketing as she still works in this sector, and a topic that is overlooked is taking time out to raise a family and how that affected her career. There is a discussion on how she is spearheading an endeavor to better public education as well. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature from Beijing Union University, an MBA and a Master in Science in Computer Systems both from City University located In Seattle Washington, and a Certificate in Product Management from the University of Washington.
This is part three of a three-part interview with Gino Arcaro. In this section, Gino talks about his teaching experience working in the Police Foundation Program at Niagara College. Listeners will better understand what such a program entails, what perspective students can expect from such a program, and what teaching is like at the college level. The conversation then goes into yet another career change for Gino which entailed being a business owner of “X Fitness” a local gym. This part of the conversation is a blunt view of owning and operating a business. In addition, Gino is a published author (74 books) how he evolved his writing and became a published author is talked about as well.
This and the other two prior episodes with Gino are a candid look at policing, teaching, entrepreneurship, coaching, being a published author, and above all self-discovery. The interviews are very thought-provoking, inspirational, and motivational representing what true leadership is about.
This is part 2 of a three-part interview with Gino Arcaro. In this segment, Gino outlines what recruiters are looking for in applicants for policing. There are some surprises as he outlines the type of education and work experience and how to correlate the two for a strong applicant. There is a motivational section in which he discusses careers and career changes. This is all delivered by his many examples of working in policing, teaching, business ownership, published author, and coaching. A thought-provoking encouraging, and very inspirational interview.
This is part 1 of a three-part interview with Gino Arcaro regarding policing, teaching, and being a business owner. In this segment, Gino describes how he went about getting into policing and what the early years as a trainee looked like for him. He talks about the hiring process, training, and education for this occupation. He relates some of his early experiences working on the force and in doing that he paints a picture of the difficulties and ambiguities that policing can present. This is an informative, candid, and eye-opening interview with some surprises regarding policing.
This is a very informative interview with Chris Baker C.E.O of Avanti Energy. Chris talks about his experience growing up on a farm and how he applied this and his education in economics to work for the Ministry of Agriculture in British Columbia eventually leading him to become a landman in both the mining and petroleum sectors. Eventually, the focus evolved to the petroleum area where Chris highlights his experiences leading to his long employment for Encana Corporation and the other roles he had within this organization. He talks about his departure from Encana and then how Avanti came to birth a company that produces helium another natural resource. In doing so he educates the listener on what helium is, what it is used for, and how this business established itself. Chris has an undergraduate degree in Economics from Queens University, A master’s degree in Economics from the University of Victoria, and an M.B.A from the University of Calgary.
This episode is with Bruce Voight. It is an informative, enlightening, and motivational interview. Bruce takes us through his tenure in radio broadcasting in doing so he provides history on how this industry has changed and how it works currently. He then describes how he made a career change to becoming a realtor. In doing so he illustrates the steps he took to enter this profession and how he developed his life and career in this industry. Bruce is a licensed practicing realtor in Calgary, he has an array of designations including an accredited buyer's representative, a seller’s representative specialist, a real-estate negotiation expert, and a certified condominium specialist. In addition, he is a graduate of the Columbia Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting.
This is an eye-opening interview with Leslie Hetherington. She explains her journey from pursuing acting school to realizing that she wanted something more concrete and in doing so through some turns developed a career in public relations. In this interview, she explains the many firms that she has worked at and her roles in these places. The listener will develop an appreciation for how technology has changed this sector of business as well. Leslie’s career is furnished by her extensive education which includes a Graphic Illustration Diploma from Seneca College in Toronto, A Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College, an MBA from Royal Roads University, and a Certificate in Interactive Media Management.
This is an inspirational and very informative episode with Paul McNeil Ph.D. from Steppe Consulting. Paul explains how he got into Geophysical Engineering and worked in the mining industry and the oil sands eventually discovering his passion in paleontology. He explains how he made this career change by attending grad school, doing his research for his graduate degree, and then working as a paleontologist. Paul has an undergraduate degree in Geophysical Engineering from Queens University and a Doctorate in Paleontology from the University of Calgary.
This episode is with Paul Rogalski co-owner of the Rouge Restaurant and co-host of the television series Survivor Man Wild Harvest. In this interview Paul takes us through his journey from taking culinary arts to becoming a chef, competing in culinary competitions, working internationally, acquiring and re-branding a restaurant, public speaking and of course developing a television series.
In this interview Teresa takes us through her journey from graduating in theater, becoming and working as a chef, owning and operating a restaurant, developing a career as a financial planner ( she has financial tips), retiring which then led her to start a coaching service and a podcast on financial wellbeing.
This is a true career change story. Scott Muchowski explains how he went from a career in finance specializing in the oil and gas sector to becoming a civil engineering technologist. Scott has an undergraduate degree in Finance from Gonzaga University, an MBA from the University of Calgary, and a technical diploma in Civil Engineering from S.A.I.T
This episode is with Megan Burn who works as a social worker in rural Alberta dealing with mental illness and drug addiction. Her degree is in social work from the University of Calgary. In this interview, Megan explains why she got into social work and what she has experienced from her positions in this field. She also provides insight into the social work program at the U of C giving the listener a better understanding of what is entailed if someone is interested in pursuing such a career.
This episode is with Leo king owner of Kings Fitness. Leo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, he is a certified strength coach and president of the International Natural Bodybuilding Fitness Federation (INBF). This is an inspirational interview that will benefit anyone interested in pursuing a career in the health/fitness/ wellness sector, entrepreneurship, bodybuilding, and above all leadership as the title describes Leo.
This interview is with Murray Emery, owner and head recording engineer of “Crooks Hollow Studio” in Calgary Alberta, Canada. Also, he is an accomplished musician and the founding member of the rock band “Prisoner”. Murray is a graduate of the Broadcast System Technologies program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology known as SAIT. He is also a graduate of the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology program referred to as OIART.
This interview encompasses Murry’s early years growing up and working for his dad’s construction company and how that developed him. We talk about the discovery he made which is his passion for music and how he matured himself as a musician.
With the desire to make music his career, we talk about the research he did on the various avenues he could pursue regarding music. This then leads to the full description of his educational endeavors listed above. Upon graduating we delve into his career as a musician starting his band “Prisoner”
This then leads to a conversation where Murry travels to Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville where he further develops his knowledge of the music industry. Coming back to Calgary we discussed how he built and established his recording studio “Crooks Hollow Studio”
This conversation encompasses the physical build-out and equipment that furnishes his studio. How he works with musicians and how he is establishing himself in the local music scene are all illustrated. In addition, this is all supported by his knowledge of the music industry as a whole and as an artist.
This interview will cater to anyone interested in having a career in the music industry, the arts, or in music in general. It will intrigue anyone interested in broadcasting and or film. Entrepreneurship and leadership are fully disclosed by Murray’s many examples of how he is building his business by further establishing and enhancing the local music scene. Above all, this is an insightful, motivational, and inspiring interview as Murray’s story is an example of how we should all live our lives. If we are willing to take the time and effort to figure ourselves out, to become clear with our intentions, and then be willing to work towards our goals or desires, we will live a fulfilled life as Murray does.