Cycling Toward Career Happiness
Feb 8, 2012
How can a demonstrated interest lead to career happiness?
In this Feb. 8 edition of Career Buzz, we explore one demonstrated interest, in cycling, and how it has led to satisfying careers in the lives of our five guests…
Cycling has always been a part of Kristin Schwartz’s life. Her career story led to her current Cycling Outreach Coordinator position at CultureLink matching newcomers with Toronto cyclists, after years working jobs in media and communications. Hear Kristin’s cycle through paid and volunteer work toward a job she loves.
Darren Duke says he has the best job he’s ever had, as The Learning Enrichment Foundation’s Manager of Bixi Repair. Hear Darren’s spin through employment gigs in retail, family business, distribution, maintaining spin class bikes, and teaching.
As the Bike Educator with Evergreen, Shah Mohamed teaches safety cycling to kids. Tune in for Shah’s career path through a degree in neuroscience to volunteering in the bike community to teaching and health promotion.
Vivien Leong is the Welcome Cyclists Network Manager at Transportation Options, a non-profit dedicated to fostering sustainable travel and tourism. Join us to take a spin through Vivien’s career including stints in publishing, film festivals, editing, research, followed by graduate studies on bicycling as a sustainable transportation mode.
As Toronto Cyclists Union’s Director of Membership and Outreach, Jared Kolb leads membership growth, manages Bike Valet and Tune-Up Tuesdays, and coordinated the Bicycle Service Station. Gear up for Jared’s career story from co-chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition to the College of Sustainability at Dalhousie University and his own cross-Canada cycling expedition.
SPARKS from Jan. 18 Career Buzz with award-winning advertising and marketing expert, Terry O’Reilly, author of “The Age of Persuasion: How Marketing Ate Our Culture,” and host of “Under the Influence” on national CBC radio. Listen to the whole interview!
A key turning point happened when Terry O’Reilly had five years under his belt but was still considered green. “One day I put my hand up in [an important client] meeting and said, ‘I feel differently, and let me take you through my thinking.’ The creative director looked at me… and… said… ‘I agree.’ And the whole room switched around to my point of view. In that moment, my career changed. I was given incredible opportunities by the creative director. It was the first time I had the courage to listen to my inner voice.”
CareerCycles Tip: Notice that Terry didn’t just disagree, he was able to take people through his thinking. So, next time that moment arrives for you, at work or anywhere else, and you want to speak up and be heard, think about Terry’s story.
Terry O’Reilly is also a Hiring Manager as Co-Founder of Pirate Radio & Television, a creative audio production company. Pirate has a staff of 50, with 8 recording studios in Toronto and New York City. When I asked him what attracts his attention when it comes to hiring, he said, “I love a beautifully written letter that really states someone’s point of view in a fresh and compelling way. I want to hear, ‘Dear Terry, I want to tell you a story…’ and then take me somewhere. At the end of that letter my reaction is, ‘Get this kid in tomorrow.’ And that’s happened.” For the record, Terry reads the cover letter before looking at a resume.
CareerCycles Tip: Invest the time to write a “beautiful letter” next time you reach out to a prospective employer. Terry also likes a handwritten letter, delivered by snail mail. He “would rip it open immediately, you never get that anymore.”
Inspire your life, empower your career, enrich your week!
Join us WEDNESDAYS 11am-noon at 89.5 FM or www.ciut.fm Listen to our inspiring past shows!
Under the Influence of Terry O’Reilly
Jan 18, 2012
Terry O’Reilly says ‘embrace the obstacle!’
What can you do better to communicate your own story and harness “The Power Of Storytelling”?
What can the career field learn to shape up its image and market itself better?
Why do clients and customers have to feel, not just understand?
And as always on Career Buzz, you get the story behind the story and hear the key turning points in Terry’s own career.
Terry O’Reilly co-founded Pirate Radio & Television, a creative audio production company, in 1990. Pirate has a staff of 50, with 8 recording studios in Toronto and New York City. Terry has won a few hundred national and international awards for writing and directing. He hosts sold-out creative radio seminars, and was named Canadian judge for the inaugural year of Radio at the Cannes Advertising Festival in France.
Inspire your life, empower your career, enrich your week. Join us WEDNESDAY’s 11am-noon at 89.5FM or www.ciut.fm.
Listen to our inspiring past shows.
CareerCycles tip from the Jan 11 show… Look at professional services to help you develop your career for the future as an “investment,” rather than a “cost.” Hear Canadian Career Development Foundation co-executive directors, Lynne Bezanson and Sareena Hopkins talk about the need for clearer and more effective language when talking about careers and career development. This was a key topic of CCDF’s participation at a recent International Symposium on Career Development and Public Policy in Budapest. Hear the whole interview.
Looking for an active and meaningful way to spend a week in the sun? CareerCycles and Companeros present…Enriching lives and careers trip to Nicaragua, Feb. 23 – March 2. Build a transitional house alongside the family that will live there and local skilled tradespeople hired with your program fees.
Strengthen your career in 2012 and beyond with a revolutionary tool for career management, the Career Statement. Read more… Get started with our weekly free teleworkshop Or, contact us to schedule your initial exploratory consultation and the fee is credited toward your career program. Make the connection. Contact 416-465-9222 or service@careercycles.com.
Attending Cannexus national career conference in Ottawa? CareerCycles presents, “Methods in our madness! Benefits of a clear method-of-practice” Tues., Jan. 24, 1pm. Visit us in the exhibitor hall!
Remember, a referral is sending someone you care about to someone you respect. Please don’t keep us a secret.
Fragile or Strong? Career Management in Canada & Internationally
Jan 11, 2012
Increasingly, governments around the world are seeing the economic and social value of career services, but in Canada and internationally, these services remain fragile. The Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) is working in partnership with professional associations and research groups to advocate for strengthening these vital services.
Lynne Bezanson and Sareena Hopkins are Co-Executive Directors of the CCDF. They are career development leaders, authors, researchers and educators committed to strengthening career services for Canadians of all ages. CCDF directed the first two International Symposia on Career Development and Public Policy as well as the inaugural pan-Canadian Symposium on Career Development, Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development. CCDF was instrumental in the development of the Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Development Practitioners and the formation of the Canadian Research Working Group for Evidence-Based Practice in Career Development (CRWG).
Tune in to hear Lynne and Sareena in conversation with Career Buzz Host Mark Franklin on:
- CCDF’s participation in the 6th International Symposium on Career Development and Public Policy in Budapest, Hungary in December 2011
- Recent research projects demonstrating the positive impact of career services delivered in the workplace and community
- Training programs, including Lasting Gifts and Future in Focus to help youth and parents
And, as always on Career Buzz, get the story behind the story and hear the key turning points in Lynne and Sareena’s own careers! GET INVOLVED IN THE RADIO CONVERSATION… email your questions to mark@careercycles.com or by Twitter @careercycles.
Inspire your life, empower your career, enrich your week. Join us WEDNESDAYS 11am-noon at 89.5 FM or www.ciut.fm. Listen to our inspiring past shows.
Free Teleworkshop February 21
Free Teleworkshop with CareerCycles
Feel the relief of getting started on your important career and life questions. And what better way to get started than by connecting with your peers from the comfort of your office or home.
WHAT: Join our next free weekly 45-minute CareerCycles Call-in teleworkshop, led by CareerCycles practice leader and Career Buzz host, Mark Franklin
WHEN: Tuesday, February 21, 12.15 – 1.00 pm.
WHY: You go to a dentist for a toothache; connect with a career professional for a ‘career ache.’ Learn how a career professional can help you. Ask questions. Get answers. Understand how you can take the next step toward becoming empowered in your career and life with CareerCycles.
HOW: Email Jennifer at service@careercycles.com for call-in details or fill out a contact form
COST: Free
CareerCycles Call-in conversation topics include:
- What is a career and how will yours happen?
- Desires: What’s important and what matters to you are the clues that lead to your career happiness island
- Strengths: Fixing the hole in your boat (weaknesses) stops you from sinking, but focusing on your sails (strengths!) moves you
- Other people: They want you to be happy but sometimes have a funny way of showing it!
Call-in instructions will be sent to you upon registration. Note, please whitelist careercycles.com to ensure the information that is sent to you is not flagged as spam.
Good News Toronto
Dec. 14, 2011
When a string of bad things happened in Toronto, people began saying, ‘Toronto’s so dangerous!’ That message compelled Eva Karpati to show the doomsayers her city was still Toronto the Good. But how? With no background in publishing, Eva launched a newspaper, Good News Toronto, featuring stories of Toronto’s everyday heroes and positive events. Tune in to hear Eva’s career and life journey from personal trainer and yoga teacher, to editor and publisher.
Plus, a career conversation with Career Activist Mark Swartz on the topic of career exploration over the holidays. What’s good to do, and not do, over these weeks in December? Tune in, and join the conversation! Call in, or email your questions and comments to mark@careercycles.com or by Twitter @careercycles.
CareerCycles tip from Nov. 30 interview with Andrew Fitzgerald: One “field trip” results in multi-year international career, then Banker turns Gallery Owner!
Always wanting to live and work abroad, Andrew Fitzgerald took himself on a career “field trip” from his native Toronto to Vietnam, to see what was possible. He scheduled meetings with professionals in his field and because he was there and had done his research, he soon found a winning strategy. “They could bring in an ex-pat who would be very expensive, or they could hire me.” So he moved to Hanoi, armed with insights and confidence, but without a job yet. Once there, he soon landed a great job.
CareerCycles Tip: Take yourself on a career field trip to your desired location — or even a local organization — do some research about the local scene and set up meetings beforehand, as part of your intentional exploration.
While in Asia, he fell in love with Asian art, which ultimately led him back to Toronto where he recently changed careers again, and is now happily leading the East Gallery. Hear the whole interview. Inspire your life, empower your career, enrich your week. Join us WEDNESDAYS 11am-noon at 89.5 FM or www.ciut.fm Listen to our inspiring past shows
Banker becomes gallery owner. Teenagers’ career choices
Nov. 30, 2011
After completing a degree in English Literature and an MBA, Andrew Fitzgerald worked in banking in Toronto for five years. Itching to travel, he quit his job and set off for Vietnam to live and work where he found a banking job that led to other ones in Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong, and along the way, he and his wife fell in love with Asian art. Ready for change, they returned to Toronto and began researching the idea of an Asian art gallery in Toronto. Tune in to hear how Andrew fulfilled his dream by founding The East Gallery.
Plus, a career conversation with Career Buzz hosts Leigh Anne Saxe and Mark Franklin, discussing a recent talk on the theme of teenagers’ educational and career choices. “I know my daughter better than she knows herself, so she should listen to me,” said a parent of a teenager in Grade 11. “Parents are always wrong when it comes to advising their teenage kids about educational choices,” said a guidance counsellor.
CareerCycles tip from Nov. 16 interview with JP Hatala and Linda Manning:
“I never lost sight of what I wanted to do,” said John-Paul Hatala. He wanted to become a professor but “that goal was overwhelming.” So how did he get through this 13 year journey? “I made sure each [phase toward the] goal was attainable, and I could experience some success right away. That motivated me to move on to the next phase.”
Listen to the whole interview including insights on using your social capital with Professors JP Hatala, and Linda Manning!
Importance of workplace social networks, social capital in your career.
Nov. 16, 2011
John-Paul Hatala,Ph.D. joins Career Buzz to share his own career story, and his academic research on social networking behaviors, social capital, human resource development, career development and the transition to the labour market. Dr. Hatala is currently an Assistant Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, a Senior Fellow at the University of Ottawa and an Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University. He is founder of the Social Capital Development firm Flowork International. John-Paul is presently a regular blogger on www.contactpoint.ca and has been featured in the Globe and Mail, CBC Radio and Global TV. His latest book is entitled “The Strategic Networker: A Learner’s Guide to Effective Networking.”
Intercultural economist, Linda Manning,Ph.D. experienced being an immigrant herself, coming to Canada from the US. Her work now focuses on the success of immigrants in workplace. Dr. Manning is a Senior Fellow at the University of Ottawa and the founder of Leadership Mosaic Inc. Her academic research focuses on inclusive talent management for maximum organizational capacity. Results of recent research revealed recognition and valuing of competencies, and workplace social networks are the two major barriers facing employers trying to capitalize on immigrant talent. Listen in on Wednesday to hear Linda and John-Paul share their passion and insights for career and workplace success. GET INVOLVED IN THE RADIO CONVERSATION… email your questions mark@careercycles.com or by Twitter @careercycles.
CareerCycles tip from Nov. 2 interview with Bob Sauve & Doris Smith:
“Together we could do much more than we could do one on one,” said Doris Smith, 86, who’s been volunteering for over 40 years, and earned her college fundraising diploma at 60. Together with teams of volunteers she’s raised millions of dollars in her volunteer work, including funding for a project in the 1980s to reconstruct the Rideau Chapel inside the National Gallery. “Pay attention to the success stories around you!” said Bob Sauve. A volunteer docent at the National Gallery in Ottawa, Bob moved forward in his career in education administration because of a successful mentor he met earlier on. Listen to the whole interview!
Inspire your life, empower your career, enrich your week. Join us WEDNESDAYS 11am-noon at 89.5 FM or www.ciut.fm Listen to our inspiring past shows
Strengths
Strengths and Assets Shopping List
Use this list to help you identify strengths and assets as you reflect on your story. This list is referenced in the Your Story CareerCycles Handout.
Strengths are skills and knowledge you want to use. As Assets, these may be learned behaviors and additional skills you possess, though you don’t want to use as much.
Strengths and Assets Shopping List
Use this list to help you identify strengths and assets as you reflect on your story. This list is referenced in the Your Story CareerCycles Handout.
Strengths are skills and knowledge you want to use. As Assets, these may be learned behaviors and additional skills you possess, though you don’t want to use as much.
1. Advise
2. Analyse
3. Athletic ability
4. Budget
5. Calculate
6. Classify
7. Counsel / coach
8. Compose
9. Computer applications
10. Computer networking
11. Computer programming
12. Coordinate
13. Cultivate or grow
14. Delegate
15. Design
16. Develop programs
17. Draft
18. Draw or paint
19. Edit
20. Enforce
21. Estimate / appraise
22. Evaluate
23. Examine
24. Exhibit
25. Financial ability
26. Generate ideas
27. Influence or persuade
28. Inspect
29. Interpersonal
30. Interpret
31. Interview
32. Investigate
33. Lab techniques
34. Lead and manage
35. Listen
36. Make decisions
37. Market / business development
38. Measure
39. Monitor
40. Motivate
41. Multitask
42. Multilingual / language skills
43. Negotiate
44. Network
45. Observe
46. Operate machinery
47. Organize and plan
48. Perform
1. Advise
2. Analyse
3. Athletic ability
4. Budget
5. Calculate
6. Classify
7. Counsel / coach
8. Compose
9. Computer applications
10. Computer networking
11. Computer programming
12. Coordinate
13. Cultivate or grow
14. Delegate
15. Design
16. Develop programs
17. Draft
18. Draw or paint
19. Edit
20. Enforce
21. Estimate / appraise
22. Evaluate
23. Examine
24. Exhibit
25. Financial ability
26. Generate ideas
27. Influence or persuade
28. Inspect
29. Interpersonal
30. Interpret
31. Interview
32. Investigate
33. Lab techniques
34. Lead and manage
35. Listen
36. Make decisions
37. Market / business development
38. Measure
39. Monitor
40. Motivate
41. Multitask
42. Multilingual / language skills
43. Negotiate
44. Network
45. Observe
46. Operate machinery
47. Organize and plan
48. Perform
49. Prepare food
50. Present / public speaking
51. Project management
52. Promote or sell
53. Record
54. Research
55. Schedule
56. Serve / customer service
57. Solve problems
58. Strategic thinking
59. Supervise
60. Survey
61. Teach / train
62. Teamwork / work with others
63. Test
64. Translate
65. Treat / nurse
66. Work with hands
67. Write
68.
Volunteering keeps you engaged and vibrant. Know when to say yes.
Nov. 2, 2011
Bob Sauvé led such a compelling ‘tour’ of a painting during my recent visit to the National Gallery in Ottawa — he knew everything about St Jerome in Penitence — that I had to ask about his story. A school principal, educator and faculty member at U of Ottawa, Sauvé always loved galleries and art. When retirement approached he eagerly dove into his demonstrated interest and became a volunteer docent. Dial us in to find out how to nurture your interests so you stay engaged throughout your life.
Doris Smith, 86, has been an active volunteer for over 40 years, in parallel with her career in fundraising. From the Volunteers’ Circle of the National Gallery to the Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums, and from Friends of English Theatre to First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, Doris has been a board member, editor, organizer and fundraiser extraordinaire. What can you learn about keeping your story strong well into your ninth decade? Join us for stories and wisdom from the front lines of aging gracefully.
CareerCycles tip from Oct. 26 interview with Gregg Brown:
Gregg Brown urged listeners to tune into their own clues. “What revs you up? What gets you excited? When you’re going about your day-to-day work and you read an article in a newspaper [about a career area], does it make you feel excited? Or not? Where’s that drive for you?” And then, when you notice those positive clues, Brown advised, “Know when to say ‘yes.’”
Inspire your life, empower your career, enrich your week. Join us WEDNESDAYS 11am-noon at 89.5 FM or www.ciut.fm Listen to our inspiring past shows
Notice what awakens career excitement.
Oct. 26, 2011
When Gregg Brown worked in the restaurant business, he was asked to do training: “they plunked me in front of a flipchart and it felt very good.” He’s always been in training, from sitting his sister down in front of a chalkboard when they were kids, to his present role as Director of Training and Learning Solutions at SPM Learning. Tune in to hear key turning points in Gregg’s career, including how reading an article led to a great job.
In Kirk Fox’s earlier career with an airline, an opportunity to lead training opened up and he jumped on, and hasn’t looked back. He stayed in airlines for 14 years…until 9/11. At that point he embarked on career changes in industry but staying within training, moving first to online dating company, LavaLife, then onto banks, and finally into educational publishing, where he’s now Director of Talent Development & Learning at Nelson Education.
Gregg and Kirk are both certified members of Canadian Society for Training & Development, and CareerCycles is pleased to welcome CSTD listeners and members.
CareerCycles tip:
Listen carefully to Gregg Brown’s interview and you’ll hear his successful career change strategy: “In my career, it’s been about being open and saying yes. It’s noticing what awakens that excitement or energy in you and you say, ‘I want to do that.’ And when you follow that excitement in your core it leads you down that [career success] path.”
As you listen, compare Gregg Brown’s career change strategy of intentional openness, to commonly held beliefs — perhaps your own — of the need to have very specific career goals. What do you notice?
Inspire your life, empower your career, enrich your week. Join us WEDNESDAYS 11am-noon at 89.5 FM or www.ciut.fm Listen to our inspiring past shows
