Detours and Destinations Podcast

What happens when the career path you thought you were building takes a few unexpected turns?

In the newest episode of WTS Toronto Area Chapter’s Detours and Destinations podcast, we’re joined by transportation and infrastructure professional Li-Lian Lui, Owner Operator of PARTUM Consulting Inc., who shares an honest look at the twists, challenges and choices that shaped her career. The discussion takes us from working in the railway industry to becoming an entrepreneur.

We talk about what it means to take a risk, learn from experiences that don’t go as planned, and build a career that reflects your own values. We also hear stories from the railway industry, lessons learned under pressure, and the importance of having the right people supporting you both at work and at home.

In this episode, Li-Lian and our hosts explore:

• Making the leap from employee to entrepreneur, and learning from a failed partnership
• Navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry and the importance of strong leaders and mentors
• Rethinking the idea that women have to choose between motherhood and a successful career
• Knowing when to walk away from a workplace that isn’t the right fit
• Building a business around your values, finding your niche and never burning bridges

A strategic commercial leader, known for shaping the delivery of complex, high-impact initiatives, Samantha (Sam) Reynolds shares her story with honesty, resilience and authenticity. From earning her MBA while raising a young family, to balancing professional ambition with motherhood, Sam reflects on the challenges, risks and opportunities that have contributed to her growth and leadership journey.

Sam speaks candidly on the realities many women facein the workplace, including pregnancy discrimination, parenting demands, imposter syndrome, and navigating the physical and internal changes that come with different stages of life. Her journey provides inspiration for moving beyond any judgement and taking control of your own path.

Full of energy, optimism, and a genuine passion for people, Mei Cheong draws from her global experience, bringing a refreshing perspective to the conversation on navigating your career path. Whether you're considering a future as a technical expert or exploring the path to project management, Mei highlights the value and impact of both journeys. Her vibrant outlook serves as a reminder that there is no single path to success. She also addresses burnout with honesty and compassion, reminding us that career growth is not always a straight line. Mei's message is simple but powerful: success comes from doing work you love, staying curious, and having the confidence to chart your own path.

We sit down with Eve Wiggins as she reflects on the candid feedback, unexpected turns, and pivotal decisions that have shaped her leadership journey. An accomplished C-suite leader, Eve shares how she has navigated the challenges of building a career across different industries — carrying forward the lessons, tools, and perspectives from each experience to create new opportunities.

Through honest reflections on feedback, resilience, and self-awareness, Eve reminds us that meaningful growth often starts with the willingness to look inward — and use every experience as a building block for what comes next.

Hilda Esedebe, a proud engineer with experience across both the public and private sectors, shares her story with honesty, energy, and insight. She speaks about defying expectations, embracing authenticity, and refusing to fit into narrow definitions of what an engineer “should” look like. With boldness and grace, Hilda reflects on navigating tokenism, challenging the stigma of being a single woman, and proving her worth—while reminding us of the importance of learning and growing from our mistakes. She also shares how her Nigerian upbringing and strong support network have shaped her journey, along with a few fun and unexpected game show adventures along the way.