Food Careers Podcast

This week, Jill talks to her friend and colleague, Marty Seymour, the Director of Industry Relations at Farm Credit Canada and the host of their new podcast "The FCC Knowledge Podcast".  Their new podcast focuses on talking to farmers about things that matter to farmers.

Jill and Marty talk podcasting and how to provide valuable content as well as how to ask insightful questions.  They also discuss how to use social media effectively and how to remain authentic and positive on these platforms.

Finally, Marty gives some ideas on how to replace the office water cooler in this age of Covid by picking up the phone and chatting through tough issues with the right person in your support network.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

Today, Jill talks to David Hoar, from Syngenta. He is a leader at this thriving global agri chem company and has built many teams to support local customers in the global market.

Jill and David talk about his career path at Syngenta and how it's empowering work culture allows its workers to make decisions for themselves and form long-lasting relationships with its customers.

They also discuss the importance of nurturing his team and making everyone feel included no matter how new they are to the company.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

Today's episode is slightly different.

Jill talks to Marcel Blais,  the President of Chop Steakhouse and Bar.  

Instead of learning about Marcel's career, Jill and Marcel have an authentic and vulnerable discussion about how the hospitality industry is being disproportionately affected by lockdown measures and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for this industry awaiting a reopening of the economy.

Marcel believes that in spite of us not knowing how this will end or what comes tomorrow, there is a way through this very difficult time in a healthy and positive way.  When faced with the kind of adversity that we are currently seeing, the combination of unwavering faith and open and honest communication, while simultaneously acknowledging the brutal facts will yield a positive outcome.

Ultimately, he is optimistic and is sure that the best and most resilient version of Canada will emerge from this crisis.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers

In this episode, Jill talks to Scott Dickson, a partner at the accounting firm of MNP. Jill and Scott talk about how MNP has built their brand into a recognizable and trusted name that is centred around serving their customer.

They talk about how creating relationships with people is paramount and spending time with them outside the office is when these relationships can grow. He maintains that people are going to do business with people they know, like and trust and in that order.

They also discuss MNPs expansion throughout the country and how they have been supporting youth initiatives and helping to build future farmers.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

Today, Jill talks to Deborah Michaelson, from Michaelson Meadows. She is a farmer and entrepreneur who has built her family's agricultural chemical business from the ground up.

Jill and Deborah talk about her career path starting from her youth growing up in Montreal to her unlikely career as an agri chem expert and a very successful and respected entrepreneur. She takes pride in always being there for her customers in their time of need no matter what she is doing.

They also discuss the challenges of finding qualified people to join her company and how small towns offer a great sense of community and a family feel.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

Today, Jill talks to Kevin Serfas, a farmer and entrepreneur from Alberta who is currently building a feed yard for 40,000 head of cattle.

Jill and Kevin talk about the opportunities in innovation and collaboration in the face of adversity during these challenging times. They also discuss the challenges of public perception fueled by social media and how farmers and food producers can overcome these by working together with large companies and being open about their industry.

Ultimately, he is optimistic about the ability of Canadian farmers to provide a secure food supply for Canadians as well as for markets abroad.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

Food holds a great power to fuel athletes.

Today,  Jill talks to Sage Watson, a pro runner, Olympic athlete in 400m hurdles and team Canada relay, who was also raised on a ranch and how she developed a passion for running from a very young age.

Sage talks about the importance of eating fresh whole nutritious food which includes quality beef and that knowing how to fuel her body for optimum performance is part of her job as an athlete.

She describes what it's like to be a pro athlete, including the highs and lows, from the injury that could have ended her career to breaking the Canadian record.  Most importantly, Sage describes how knowing what is her purpose and knowing her "why" has been critical to her longevity and ongoing success in the sport of track and field.

She is truly an inspiration and make sure to go cheer her on in Tokyo in 2021.  You will recognize her on the track by her signature red lipstick!!

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

Today, Jill talks to her mentee and friend Eugenie Officer, the Social Media Marketing Consultant at Farm Credit Canada.

She talks about growing up on an apple farm in rural Quebec,  relocating to the prairies and becoming a leader in her field. She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and having your own personal board of directors for your career and your life.

Most importantly, this conversation is about taking control of your destiny and your career by taking risks while always nurturing the relationships you make along the way.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

In this episode,  Jill meets with Michael Young to talk about his work with Canada Beef in marketing Canadian beef products around the world.  He talks about where he started, working as a butcher and in an abattoir, to eventually working in the top job at Canada Beef.

He has travelled the world marketing Canadian beef and other Canadian products. He describes the most memorable meals from his many travels.  He also describes his proudest moments that, ironically, came during times of crisis and how his team pulled together and worked tirelessly to support Canadian farmers.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.

Today Jill, Erin and Dara talk about how to relax when it comes to your food choices. There are lots of differing opinions about what is healthy, but Erin and Dara want you to get back in the kitchen, cook and eat with your family without stressing about what you are eating.

If you enjoy the food, it makes you happy and nourishes your body and your soul, then eat it and don't worry about anything else. That is the way to intuitively build a healthy relationship with food.

They are both dieticians, food bloggers, home cooks and home economists and their website, howtoeat.ca, and Instagram @how_to_eat, are both full of easy, accessible recipes to boost your confidence in the kitchen and help you provide nourishing food for your family. Check out their #mycanadianbeef profile at canadabeef.ca/dara-erin/.

For more information and show notes please visit brightpasture.com. #foodcareers.