Meet Our Team

“In my experience, it is rare to come across a group of people so dedicated to finding potential in others, willing to grow and learn alongside the students they work with, and who model a way of being with others that communicates acceptance, safety, trust, and community.

The Discover Year team members that I’ve met provide the type of support that fosters discovery, insight, and growth, contributing to the hopeful outcome parents of teenagers hold…taking flight into adulthood with a knowledge of self and courage to share that knowledge with the world.”

-Kelly Tabor, parent of former Discover Year student and independent communication skills consultant

Interested in becoming a mentor?

Contact us to find out how you can get involved!

Administration

MA (incomplete), Educational Counselling (University of Ottawa); Honours BA, Economics and Political Science (Queen's University)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Make time in your life for the things that pique your curiosity, regardless of how "practical" they seem. Curiosities lead to passion, and passion, combined with your unique talent, will create purpose. Purposeful people make a living doing things they would do for free. As they say, "do something you love, and you'll never work a day in your life."

Honours BA, Specialization in Communication, Minor in Sociology (University of Ottawa)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Work hard and stay humble. Good things come to those who are patient and persistent.

LL.L. in Quebec Civil Law (University of Ottawa); LL.B. with Certificate in Environmental Law (Dalhousie University); BA, Political Studies (Mount Saint Vincent University)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Walking away from a "safe" career in law to start my own business was scary, risky, and much harder than I expected it to be. But I'm proud that I believed in myself enough to do it, and that I was resilient enough to stick with it and build a life where I can use my social skills and creativity every day.

BA, Sustainability and Biodiversity (Indiana University)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

You are at an incredible time in your life. You are young and have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You are ending a chapter that had rules telling you how to live and now you get to start a new chapter of your life where you get to decide where to go.

Baccalauréat ès arts spécialisé en études de l’environnement et mineure en géographie (University of Ottawa)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Being a canoe trip leader in Algonquin Park was definitely one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. From planning backcountry trips from beginning to end, to challenging myself physically and emotionally, I was able to support youth and allow them to experience the benefits of being fully immersed in remote wilderness. It opened my eyes to the resilience of youth and their capacity to overcome challenging life circumstances.

Honours BA, Specialization in Communication, Minor in Business Management (University of Ottawa)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

My gap year! My decision to take a year off after high school to travel and work overseas truly shaped me into the person I am today. My gap year taught me some of the most important lessons I may ever learn, altered the way I approach challenges and set-backs, and completely changed my outlook on life in general. It also gave me that pesky travel bug that never seems to go away! Taking a year off gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful and interesting people, make incredible memories, explore beautiful cities, and learn a lot about myself along the way.

Art Therapy Diploma (Kutenai Art Therapy Institute - class of 2023); BSc, Major in Biology and Minor in Communication (University of Ottawa)

What was your greatest failure/ set-back in life? How did you recover from it and how did it help you in the future:

Healing from depression more than once and living with post-traumatic stress has taught me a lot about myself, psychoeducation, compassion and resilience. My mental health journey has led me to train as an art therapist so that I may use creative expression as an adaptive tool to support myself, individuals and communities with connection, healing and transformation. I've learned the importance of work-life balance, rest, meditation, contentment, sobriety, simplicity and advocating for my needs.

What is the greatest lesson or skill you took away from your Discover Year?

Curiosity. I learned the true meaning of curiosity and its impact on my life. Now having learned its meaning, it has now changed how I approach every aspect of my life. It has given me peace and strength in a lot of areas where I used to feel fear.

What advice would you give a student considering taking a Discover Year?

The advice I would give to a student considering taking a Discover Year is to just go for it! Enjoy the year! To be able to get the most out of your year, jump at every opportunity and take some risks—it is a safe space to do so. You will get out of this experience what you put into it.

What is the greatest lesson or skill you took away from your Discover Year?

Life is an experiment, not a test. You don't need to have everything figured out in order to move forward and be curious, so strive for growth and exploration instead of perfection! Overcoming these fears can lead to so many transformative experiences and opportunities you wouldn't see otherwise.

What is the greatest lesson you took away from your Discover Year?

Do in life what feels true to you. Take on new things that excite you, push you, and better you as a person. Explore your interests but be yourself - for genuine character and active curiosity will bring you far.

What advice would you give a student considering taking a Disover Year?

My advice for any student who is thinking of taking a Discover Year is do it! If you have a slight interest or curiosity in something, throw yourself into it, even if it is uncomfortable. You will build and have an amazing community to support you through every step of the way. I discovered that when I did that, I opened so many doors and opportunities I could have never imagined.

What is the greatest lesson or skill you took away from your Discover Year?

The greatest skill I took away from DY was how to enjoy the present. I stopped worrying about what job I am going to have in 20 years, or what kind of house I will have and I started to really appreciate the present, and everything it has to offer.

Mentors

Honours BComm, E-Business / Electronic Commerce (University of Ottawa); Certificate, Digital Data Strategist (Hyper Island)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Learning hard things independently

Honours BSc, Specialization in Human Kinetics (University of Ottawa); Professional Bike Mechanic (Winterborn Bicycle Institute); Professional Bike Mechanic (Shimano Technical Institute)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Working in London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

B.Soc.Sc, International Development and Globalisation (University of Ottawa); LL.L, Civil Law and LL.B, Common Law (University of Ottawa)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

Vis-en-Artois, France. Near Arras, which is a martyr city (over 75% was destroyed during WWI), this city is at the beginning of the last very bloody 100 days’ march of WWI. They have since named the highway “Canada’s Highway of Heroes”, and I was lucky enough to be part of Canada’s delegation for the inauguration on Sep 2nd, 2018 (100 year anniversary)

MSc, Innovation, Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Grenoble Ecole de Management in Grenoble, France); BA, Bachelor of Commerce (Dalhousie University)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Endeavour to understand WHY you are making the career and life choices that you are.

Adler Certified Professional Coach (Adler); B.Comm, Major in Marketing (Carleton University)

What motivates you the most in your work

Helping people be more selfish so they can live a fuller life.

BComm, Major in Hospitality Management (Ryerson University)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Helping people have the courage to be their true self so they can get more out of life, have a big impact, and have a ton of fun doing it.

Honours BComm, Major in Marketing, Minor in Economics (Queen's University); Pre-service Firefighting Diploma (Durham College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Choose a career path based on interest in the field, your potential to succeed in that industry and personal fulfillment you will receive in that line of work, not monetary reasons.

BA, Economics (Hobart College)

What motivates you the most in your work:

I believe when you have the opportunity to work in pursuing your greatest passion, the “work” you put in becomes viewed differently. It is not a chore, nor inconvenient to spend hours upon hours working on your craft. So, what motivates me is the realization that I have this opportunity in itself.

BA, Political Science and English Literature (McGill University)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Interpersonal skills, writing ability, being perceptive and thinking win-win. It's also so very important, in any line of work, to be able to get along with people and to try to understand where they may be coming from in order to move ahead with work projects, meetings, etc.

Diploma in Public Relations (La Cité collégiale); Honours B.A., Public Relations (University of Ottawa )

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why?

I tend to fall in love with most of the places I visit, so I'm not sure I can single out one that I loved more than others. Maybe I can say that my favourite travelling experience was going to Italy alone. It was the first time I'd gone oversees - I was meeting up with friends eventually, but that whole first week I was on my own. When things went wrong, I had to figure it out. That whole trip showed me that I'm tougher than I had given myself credit for, and certainly more self-sufficient and adaptable.

BComm, Administration (University of Ottawa); Social Media Marketing (Algonquin College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Live what you love, but realize that what you love will change throughout your life.

Diploma in Business Administration (Algonquin College)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

Moving out west to Calgary had the biggest impact in my life. When I left Ottawa I was a college drop out with little direction, I came back with a career and a work ethic. What I didn’t know at the time was that I needed to be broken out of my comfort zone and separated from my routine. I would recommend to anyone moving away even if just for a bit to gain a new outlook on life.

MA, Sports Psychology (University of Ottawa); BSc, Psychology (University of Ottawa)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why?

Port au Prince, Haiti. This trip acts as a constant reminder of the things that really matter in my life.

Diploma in Business Administration (Algonquin College)

Most important skills in your line of work:

The genuine desire to help people.

PhD, Biochemistry (University of Ottawa); Honours BSc, Biochemistry, (University of Ottawa)

Most important skills in your line of work:

The ability to interpret and apply current scientific issues and methods, creativity, problem solving, collaboration, patience, writing and communication.

Social Service Worker Diploma (Sheridan College); Certification in North American & Australian Models of Iridology (Nutrition and Herbology from The Institute of Natural Health Technologies)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life?

Becoming a parent and realizing that all your actions are now being modelled to help your children grow in the best way possible. I now always operate with that in mind and make decisions with more intention. It gives me accountability and purpose for my decisions and behaviours.

Diploma in Photography (School of Media & Design at Algonquin College); BA, Psychology (Carleton University)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

If I can absolutely only list one place: Bali, Indonesia. I found my bliss here. It’s the first place that I finally felt like myself. It’s actually where I initially decided to change my direction and pursue my creative instincts, full-time.

TV Broadcasting Diploma (Algonquin College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Discover the world as far beyond your own backyard as possible to grow your life experience, knowledge and personal potential before making critical life choices.

MSc, Crop Physiology (University of Guelph); BSc, Plant Science, Minor in Pest Management (Nova Scotia Agriculture College)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Playing a role in the development of technologies which will support global food security.

PhD, Communication (Concordia University); MA, Communication (State University of New York); BA, Communication (University of Ottawa)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

I love Athens, Greece. I spent lots of time in Greece when I hitchhiked through Europe after undergrad, and then got to return to teach a graduate course there as an invited professor.

Over 20 digital certifications in areas like Google Ads, Google Analytics, Digital Sales, Facebook’s Blueprint, etc.

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

The only meaning something has, is the meaning we give it. "You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass”. Perspective is critical.

Public Relations Practitioner Diploma (Algonquin College); Correctional Worker Diploma (Algonquin College)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Completing a task to the best of my ability.

Honours BA, International Development Studies with Major in Sociology (McGill University)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Innovation, creativity and public speaking.

BID, Industrial Design, Co-op, Minor in Business (Carleton Univesity); MSc, Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability (Blekinge Sweden)

What motivates you the most in your work:

My vision to make Canada sustainable in my lifetime; Positive feedback from clients.

Discover Year Graduate Class of 2016; BA, Social Sciences with Minor in Psychology (University of Ottawa)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

Moving abroad. I’d add that doing so on my own made a tremendous impact as well.

BA, Major in Communications with Minor in Business Administration (University of Ottawa)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Understand that you need to keep on feeding your brain with information, don’t stop reading. Read about anything, it doesn’t have to be about a serious topic like the war in Afghanistan or the political inequality of society, just read about whatever you enjoy and feel like reading. Constant stimulation of the brain increases its potential.

MBA (University of Ottawa); BA, International Development Studies and Political Science (Dalhousie University)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

I have loved many places that I have visited, however, having lived in South Korea for over six years, it will always have a special place in my life. Korea is a very interesting and unique country in terms of geopolitics, business and culture. The food is to die for!

High School Diploma

Most important skills in your line of work:

Endless desire to learn new technologies.

MBA (John Molson School of Business); Mechanical Engineering (Queen's University); Certificate in Project Management (McGill University)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Our business leaders have backgrounds in film, biology and design. Choose a field that interests you and be willing to work your way up.

Doctoral Studies in Psychology (L’Université du Québec en Outaouais); MA, Counselling and Spirituality (St-Paul’s University); BA, Major in French, Minor in Psychology (The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA) with Junior Year Abroad in Montpellier, France (Université Paul Valéry)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Knowing and experiencing that I can help people grow in compassion for themselves, whatever they are going through and that through the collaborative relationship of trust, which we build together, authentic selves and subsequent actions emerge, which in turn has a ripple effect on the creation of a more human world.

MEd, Specialization in Leadership; BEd, Integrating technology in the classroom

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Try before you buy.

BComm (University of Ottawa); Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

Losing my vision as a young child has presented me with my greatest challenges, and provided me with my greatest opportunities. Being blind has forced me to develop my problem-solving skills and memory, and has allowed me to experience things, and meet people, that would never have otherwise been possible.

High school, working toward BA from Carleton

What motivates you the most in your work:

Looking at things clearly and dispassionately to get to the heart of what's really happening and making a difference in other people's lives.

Pursuing a BComm (Carleton University); Discover Year Class of 2017

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

Taking time off from studying. Figuring what I was learning, why it was impactful, where I was the most motivated. Discover Year was the best choice for this. It would take more than the passing of time to gain the skills similar to the ones introduced in the program. Learning is a life-long experience, and I will need to continuously engage these skills to progress.

Bachelor, Administrative and Commercial Studies (University of Western Ontario)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

You don’t have to do what all your friends are doing. Also don’t expect to find your passion right away. For most this has to be discovered and you have to actively search to hopefully discover it.

Masters in Human Capital Management (Columbia University); BA, Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Specialization (University of Ottawa)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Giving myself a chance by moving to New York City in 2021 to explore a new industry, make a career transition, and get outside of my comfort zone. Now that I am on the other side of this, I love that I bet on myself and this decision, because it has completely changed my life.

MSc, Sports Management (Bournemouth University); B Sc, Exercise Science, Major in Athletic Therapy (Concordia University); DEC Natural Science (John Abbott College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

When one door closes, another one opens. It may not be immediate but it will be right for you. Be patient, don’t give up, and be open to alternatives.

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) (Ottawa, Ontario); MSc Economics; BSc Economics and Accounting (University of the West Indies)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

I have been privileged to visit many beautiful places. The place that captured my admiration the most was Disneyland in Orlando, Florida. My admiration was simply that all that I witnessed – the people from all over the world, the sights, and the seemingly endless experiences – started in the mind of one person. It showed me the power of a vision, and how impactful its realization can be.

JD Law (University of Ottawa); BComm, Major in Hospitality Management (Ryerson University); College Diploma, Hotel Management (Algonquin College)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

I spent 6 months living in Auckland, NZ while on exchange during undergrad. Beyond the sheer beauty of the country and the folks that live there, who were welcoming and generous in all respects, my visit to New Zealand was impactful because of the introspection that naturally resulted from being so far from home. You learn a lot about yourself and your values when in a faraway place; where currency, accents, rules and customs are markedly different from those you’ve come to know. By taking a step back, I learned a lot and gained perspective on my life in Canada. I also learned to play cricket, terribly!

MSc, Environmental Management and Policy from the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (Lund University, Sweden); BES Environment & Resource Studies; BA Spanish & Latin American Studies (University of Waterloo)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

Journeying deep into the Amazon, high into the Himalaya, far into the Canadian wilderness and in sitting quietly with myself. By this I mean, disconnecting from all distractions, stepping into the unknown, facing fear, being uncomfortable. Seek and be curious.

BSc, Business Administration, Double Major in Marketing and Personnel / Labour Relations (La Salle University); Web Technologies Certificate Program (International Webmasters Association)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

It’s OK to NOT know what you want to do or be for the rest of your life! Chunk it out in 5-7 year increments. Play to your strengths. Try something, if it clicks, great! If it doesn’t, approach it differently and give it a second try. Then try something new. Don’t be discouraged. It’s about learning and growing as a person and making a worthy contribution.

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Specialization in Theatre Performance (Concordia University)

Most important skills in my line of work:

Mind set, staying positive, networking/lead generation, listening, communicating, acting, absorbing and applying new information, kindness, organization, resolve, determination, endurance, consistency, discipline, self-control and will power.

PhD, Psychology; MA; Honours BA (Carleton University)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

I volunteered for the Peace and Environment Resource Centre for several years. I developed many important work skills there that I hadn’t developed through school or other work experiences. It was life-changing.

MEd, Administration, Planning & Social Policy, (Harvard University); MEd, Human Development & Psychology with a concentration in Adolescent Risk & Prevention (Harvard University); BA, Speech Communication (University of Georgia)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Listening with full attention given to the person or people with whom I am meeting.

MSc (University of Calgary); Honours BSc (Queen's University); BPHE (Queen's University)

Career achievement you are most proud of

2012 & 2014 Stanley Cup Champions with the Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club.

MSc Neuroscience; Honours BSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Do what makes you happy and don’t be afraid to change directions or try new things! Some of the greatest opportunities I’ve had in my career came about by following my passions and interests, even if it seems to have nothing to with my field.

Honours BComm, International Management with CO-OP (University of Ottawa)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

My biggest career achievement to date and that I am most proud of is having the opportunity to work abroad as Logistics Coordinator for Mobile World Congress, the world’s biggest telecommunications show, with the Embassy of Canada to Spain, in Madrid. I provided tailored services to clients to ensure their successful presence at MWC 2018 in Barcelona.

BComm (University of Ottawa)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Designing and providing all non-sponsored branded merchandise for the FIFA Women's World Cup, and winning Ottawa’s top 40 under 40.

Member of the Indigenous Bar Association, Law Society of Upper Canada, and the Advocates Society. Year of Call in Ontario; LLB (University of Ottawa); BEd (Queen’s University); BA (Carleton University)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Listening, compassion, respect and a thirst for knowledge.

BSc, Biology (University of British Columbia)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

Traveling helps me remember that the world is a huge place with millions of different people and cultures. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives that we lose sight of this. 

International Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship, BOPDHB, Tauranga NZ; FRCSC, Orthopaedic Surgery (University of Alberta); MD (University of British Columbia); Honours BSc, Human Kinetics (St. Francis Xavier University)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Communication and collaboration. 

MEd, Counselling Psychology (University of New Brunswick); BA, Sociology and Psychology (St. Thomas University); College Diploma in Social Sciences (John Abbott College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Try to find more than one part time job instead of one full time job. The more experiences you have the quicker you will realize what aspects of different jobs you enjoy and want to pursue. 

MEd with Specialization in Technology, Education and Innovation (Harvard University); BA, Communications and Human Rights (Carleton University)

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

In 2007, I visited the Elmina Castle in Ghana. During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the Elmina Castle was used as a fort to inhabit African slaves before shipping them to different colonies. It was an incredibly moving and humbling experience to witness the suffering they endured. I also remember that specific moment in time, where I fully understood and appreciated the strength and courage of my own ancestry. 

Masters in Management, Concentration in Sports Management (University of Technology, Sydney); Honours BSocSc, Leisure Studies (University of Ottawa)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Creative projects and brands, satisfying and delivering results, closing business, building relationships, personal development.

Honours in Hospitality Management (Algonquin College); Graduate of International Hospitality / Cultural Representative Program, Disney Institute

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Make a concerted effort to discover your true passions so that they may form the underpinnings of an amazing roadmap to your eventual success. You won't find your Mecca immediately (and this is good), as you need to explore and make mistakes along your journey, as this is what will eventually guide you to true happiness and success.

BA, Psychology (Simon Fraser University/Saint Mary’s University); Registered Investment Advisor (Canadian Securities Institute); Certified Reality-Based Leader, Reality-Based Leadership

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Something my Dad told me when I was very young, and it has lasted the test of time “be the hardest working person in the room”. My only addition to this is “be the hardest working, compassionate and empathetic person in the room”

BA, double majeure ès lettres françaises et théâtre (Université d’Ottawa)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

My proudest moments are found in the little drops of change I can see around me. Being a mentor is extremely fulfilling because I can see the personal growth in my colleagues, my students, and myself. I would say my proudest moment this summer was standing beside a teary-eyed mother who was extremely relieved their child would have access to my help during their university transition. In moments like this, I know that what I do matters.

Life Path Coaches

BA, Major in Sociology and Minor in Law and Society (Dalhousie University); Graduate Certificate in International Business Management (Algonquin College)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

I organized a world record-breaking event (The World's Largest Scavenger Hunt) as part of the Canada 150 celebrations in 2017. It was fun, challenging, and rewarding.

MA, Child and Youth Care (University of Victoria); RCC (BCACC); BA, Child and Youth Care (University of Victoria)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Learning is a life long journey and life is about the journey- not the destination. Stay open and curious, be flexible and follow what gives you joy/ purpose. Put relationships first (well- healthy, nourishing ones!!)

Honours BA in Political Science

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Hearing dozens of stories from students I interacted with during my recruitment days at the University of Guelph. Not just their experiences, but how I played a role (even a small one) helping them with a major chapter of their life. It made all the hours of frustration and difficulty worth it.

PhD, Existential and Humanistic Psychotherapies (University of Ottawa); MA (University of Ottawa); BA (University of Ottawa)

Most important skills in your line of work

Compassion, having an open-mind, the ability to listen and hear, empathy, a love of people, a sense of humour, curiosity, humility, respect for others, discretion, resilience.

The Art & Science of Coaching ACTP Program, The Erickson Solution Focused Coach Diploma, Health & Wellness Coaching, Reiki 1, High Performance Team Coaching, Hotel & Restaurant Management Diploma (Algonquin College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Don't be afraid of making mistakes because they truly help you to learn and grow! I will quote buddha, "Every morning we are born again. What we do with today is what matters most.”

MA, Public Administration (Carleton University); Bachelor of Public Administration (Carleton University)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

I am most proud of having the courage to pursue my passion for coaching by starting my own Consulting & Coaching business. Quitting a steady job and venturing into the unknown was not easy and is not within my comfort zone and has tested me in ways I never would have imagined. It has been an incredible journey of self-discovery and whatever the outcome, has already been one of my most valuable experiences.

Honours BA, Business Studies (Hull College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Your first “job” may not even be close to your dream job. Don’t be disheartened…you will learn from it and gain valuable experience. Don’t give up on your dreams.

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology, Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology Coaching, and Certificate in Group and Team Coaching (The Flourishing Center); Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Photogrphy (ochester Institute of Technology); Associate's Degree in Portrait Photography (Lansing Community College)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Be genuinely curious. Talk less, ask more questions. Other than that, you don't need advice. Just go fail.

BA, Communications Studies (Concordia University)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

Working in a summer camp where my personality was able to develop and bloom. I was able to carry a lot of the skills (judgement, decision-making, perseverance, leadership, planning, interpersonal relationship among others) into the workplace.

Bachelor Degree in Geography (University of Ottawa); Social Science Degree (Heritage College)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

I wrote a book.

Bachelor in Social Sciences (University of Ottawa)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Life is not a race. Take your time and enjoy the journey. We often feel so much pressure to graduate by a certain time, start a career by a certain time, get married, start a family by a certain time. Set your own standards and follow your own path and avoid the urgency trap. Life is both short and long depending on how you look at it. Make it your own. To quote Pearl Jam: "I know I was born, I know that I'll die, the in between is mine, I am mine."

P.Eng, CHRL

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Stepping out of my comfort zone of corporate HR into consulting, learning how to manage and develop a business.

MA, Interdisciplinary Studies (Royal Roads University); Graduate Certificate, Corporate Communications (Seneca College); Graduate Certificate, Environmental Management and Assessment (Niagara College); BA, Geography (University of Guelph)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Sticking to my values – I left environmental consulting because I found it boring and morally questionable. I’ve left workplaces that didn’t feel like me. And I was unashamedly myself in each role – I don’t have a “work face” and a “home face.” It’s just my face.

BA, Political Science (Western University); CCF, Certified Coach Practitioner

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Keep learning about yourself and keep growing. We are never done.

MA, Women’s Studies (San Diego State University); BA, History and Communications, Minor in Social and Ethnic Relations (University of California, Davis)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

My first year as an advisor, I worked really closely with one student. When he got into Harvard, it felt almost like I got into Harvard too! It was also confirmation early on that I had the ability to support students in this capacity.

PhD, Organisational Psychology (Université de Montréal); BA, Psychology (Concordia University)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Asking good questions, digging deeper, caring for people and wanting to always keep learning.

BA, Major in History & Political Science (Saint Francis Xavier University); BEd (Saint Francis Xavier University)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Helping others to discover, pursue and achieve their purposes in life.

PhD in Education; MA in Education; Honours BComm; ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Build your toolbox with both technical and soft skills. Never stop learning…you are never cooked.

Change Management Practitioner Certification (Prosci); Self-Development Coach with CTI; Naturopathic Energy Practitioner (Chakaura); The Leadership Circle Certification.

What motivates you the most in your work:

To know that people gain a lot of self-awareness which empowers them to take responsibility of their lives. The more people become responsible for their thoughts, behaviours and actions, the more cohesive our workplaces and community can be.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, with Honours (Humber College); Honours BA, Sociology (University of Toronto, St. Michael's College University)

What motivates you the most in your work:

The variety of work I get to do, generally within a field I am familiar with or have the capacity to learn quickly because of my experiences with the type of work that I do. I design or do research to offer custom solutions for my clients that work for them.

Bachelor of Commerce in Hotel & Food Administration (University of Guelph)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Listening, staying curious a little longer, being self aware and taking initiative.

Honors BA, Kinesiology (Western University); MSci, Physiotherapy (McMaster University); MA, Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy (Wilfrid Laurier University)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Recognizing my passion wasn’t aligning with my career, and going back to school to transition from Physiotherapy to Counselling.

MBA, Accounting (Brock University); BBA, Human Resources (Brock University); Certificate, Professional Coach Training, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Making the jump from accounting to coaching.

Master of Arts in Educational Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, College diploma in Environmental Technology

What motivated you most in your work:

The impact I have on students' futures, seeing students faces light up when we find a path/solution/program that is exciting to them.

Masters of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Queens University); BSc, Geological Engineering (Queen’s University); PEng – Professional Engineer

What is your favourite foreign city/country that you have visited and why:

My favourite country I’ve visited is the Netherlands; my grandparents immigrated to Canada in the 1950’s. During visits I’ve connected with distant cousins, learned a different way of life, and connected with my family history visiting the villages my grandparents grew up in.

Bachelor’s Degree, Sociology (University of Geneva); Bachelor’s Degree, Marketing (Swiss Marketing Academy); ACC, International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

You don't need to see the full path in front of you, just take the first step, and the next step will become clear. Trust in your ability to cope with what life will bring to you.

Career Development Practitioner Certificate (University of Winnipeg); Bachelor of Arts in Geography (University of Manitoba)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Helping people find jobs. Whether I am helping someone get their foot in the door, or helping them land their dream job, employment opens up so many doors for people and their families. The thank-you emails and messages always put a smile on my face and I am proud to have played a part in those achievements.

BA, Psychology (University of Ottawa; partial at Laurentian University)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Knowing that I’m helping to bring an important new concept to leadership development into the federal government - Character Based Leadership. It seems like a no-brainer to think about it now, but we’re talking about leading “from who you are,” and that’s a completely new concept for a lot of leaders out there. And I get to help them understand what that means and how they can strengthen their character, so they can become better people and better leaders.

BA, Major in Psychology, Minor in Business (Carleton University)

What activity or experience outside of your career has had the greatest impact on your life:

The loss of my father. The saddest most difficult period of my life, was also the place from where I began rebuilding myself. Only this time, without preconceived notions of what I “should” be doing… because nothing was as it “should” be anymore.

BSc, Kinesiology, Minor Concentration in Economics (McGill University)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Deep listening and curiosity; strong written and oral communication, ability to critique the play, but not the player, foresight and the ability to “pave the way” for others.

Diploma in Athletic Therapy (Sheridan College)

What motivates you most in your work:

Helping athletes stay healthy and playing the game they love!

Honours BA (Carleton University); Certified Executive Coach (Royal Roads University)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Feeling that I make a difference. Since we don’t always know the impact we have on others, I strive to make every interaction meaningful. A life mantra of mine is “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care”.

BASc, Management Engineering (University of Waterloo)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Problem solving, curiosity for how things work, drawing connections between concepts, and synthesizing them in writing.

Bachelor of Nursing (Memorial University of Newfoundland); Adult Education Certificate (St. Francis Xavier University); Associate Coach Certification™, International Coaching Federation

Single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school:

Value higher learning and education and remember that it comes in many forms not only from the classroom and textbooks.

Career achivement you're most proud of:

Working in diving (helping people overcome fears and gain confidence) and with the coral restoration foundation (helping give back to nature/community).

MA, Theory and Practice of Human Rights (University of Essex); Honours BA, Political Studies (Queen’s University)

What motivates you the most in your work:

Engaging staff and witnessing their growth and success through team collaboration. Participating in efforts to improve the workplace culture and environment.

MBA, Marketing (McGill University); BComm, Finance (Concordia University)

What motivates you the most in your work:

To have a real impact on others’ lives by guiding them to make great career choices or just as importantly, saving them from bad career choices.

Social Sciences and Mathematics (Collège de l’Outaouais); Certified coaching program by the International Coaching Federation (ICF); Project Management principles & practices, Priority Management Group, CRA Advance Leadership Program by ACERRA (Algonquin College); Coaching for High Performance, Powerful Executive Communication and The Art of Persuasion (University of Ottawa); Analytical thinking and problem resolution workshop - The Science of Learning for the Public Sector, Centre for Continuing Education

Single most important piece of advice for students leaving high school:

If you are not having fun, you are doing it wrong! Get support, talk about your experiences with someone you cares about you and learn to understand your thoughts and feelings.

Political Sciences (Carleton University)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

I have built a high-functioning, cohesive team that has designed, developed and delivered Banknotes to over 45 different countries including Canada over the last 15 years.

BSc, Electrical Engineering (University of Ottawa)

Most important skills in your line of work:

Effective communication (verbal, written) and other skills that support relationship building are foundational skills that are critical to success not only in various work environments, but all life situations. Effective listening, cultural awareness, and developing trust via genuine communication are skills I consider to be the most important in every job I’ve had and require continual development through life….you’re never done!

Bachelors of Arts, Specialization in Psychology (Western University); Rabbinical Studies Yeshiva (Jewish Seminary, Jerusalem, Tsfat, New York and Toronto); Career Development Professional Certificate (George Brown College)

Single most important piece of advice for students leaving high school:

Having a growth mindset is about working hard no matter the setback. It's easy to think of ourselves as smart and capable, but hard work and resilience are where success is found. You don't have to know where you're going to be present and set goals for yourself.

Bachelor of Business Administration (Trent University); Certificate in Bookkeeping (Algonquin College)

Career achievement you are most proud of:

Having the courage to start my own business.

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