The Career Guy

This is part one of a three-part interview with Gino Arcaro. Gino is a former police officer, detective, educator, business owner, author, and strength and football coach. Gino has a Bachelor’s degree of Science from Empire State College New York; a Master’s degree in Education from Brock University Ontario; a Basic Recruit Diploma from Ontario Police College; a Criminal Investigation Diploma from Ontario Police College; a Homicide Investigation and Forensic Science Certificate from the Center of Forensic Science Toronto; a National Coaching Certification Program Level 3 and a College Teaching Certificate from the Ontario College Association.

In this segment, Gino illustrates his early years including his upbringing, working as a manual laborer, and how these and other events led him to apply and get accepted into the Niagara Regional Police Force. He provides a clear description of what it was like for him to work as a trainee in the force. He explains from his perspective how the combination of work experience and education helped him become more proficient in the force.

He describes the hiring process that he went through. In doing so he makes a very strong connection from working as a manual laborer to policing. He also exemplifies how coaching football and strength coaching relate to policing as well.

The listener will get a clear picture of how he developed and matured to work and excel in such an occupation. There are some real surprises in this interview as Gino provides a good explanation regarding the complex ideologies of what policing is about focusing on the human element. He describes the training and how to prepare someone for the daunting tasks of working on a fine line between serving and protecting the public.

https://ginoarcaro.com/

https://xfitness.ca/

This segment of “The Career Guy” is with Ron Salahub. Ron is 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 interview, Ron takes us through his exciting and rewarding career in the mechanical industry. He talks about how he got into being a mechanic by working in a local gas station, which evolved into an apprenticeship eventually acquiring his journeyman in automotives. In doing so Ron provides a wealth of information on how apprenticeships work in the trades. Also, there is a fruitful discussion on how the automotive industry has changed and the direction that it may be headed.

With the changes that were and are still happening in the automotive sector, Ron explains how he took his mechanical experience into the oil field industry. He provides a good illustration of how he went about making this transition, and how developed his expertise in this industry eventually leading him into a management role. In this section of the interview, the listener will learn what working in the petroleum sector as a mechanic is like, highlighting the pros and cons.

To further his career Ron explains how he obtained his journeyman designation as a heavy-duty mechanic. As with the automotive section, the process for the apprenticeship is discussed highlighting the similarities and differences between automotive and heavy-duty that Ron experienced, there is a real eye-opener in this section.

This interview will provide the listener with what it is like to have a career as a mechanic, in various industries with a focus on the automotive, oil field, and heavy-duty sectors. However, there are some real surprises as this discussion does also include the many other industries that need mechanics which is furnished by Ron’s vast experiences. Anyone interested in pursuing the trades will also benefit from this episode as to how apprenticeships work not to mention longevity and safety in the work area are talked about as well. There is some history regarding cars and some points that may make consumers more aware when getting their vehicles serviced. And above all this episode demonstrates how someone can move their career both laterally and horizontally which is truly motivational and inspiring.

Building a Personal Brand, Self Discovery

This episode is with Jessica Zou from “States of Matter” a marketing firm located in Seattle, Washington. Also, Jessica has her marketing branding agency “Jessica Zou Consulting”. She is also spearheading an initiative that will improve public schools. There is a full detailed explanation behind all of these endeavors in this segment and much more.

Jessica’s education ranges from 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.

In this interview, Jessica explains how she left China on a student visa and came to Seattle. She talks about all the elements that she encountered during such a huge endeavor. She does talk about her extensive education experiences as well in coming to the United States.

There is an in-depth look at the yachting industry as Jessica did spend quite a bit of time in this sector. There is an insightful discussion on how she and her husband decided to start and raise a family and how that affected her career which includes re-entering the workforce after establishing a family.

Working in a family business and then branching off to pursue her interests in branding and public education which are furnished by her podcast “Duct Tape Rocket Ship” and her book “Reimagine our Public School System” are talked about fully.

This interview will benefit anyone interested in pursuing a career in the tourism industry, doing an MBA, the high-tech sector, marketing (all aspects), and the balancing act of raising a family and the significance it has on career development. The listeners will get an appreciation for the fact that Jessica is a community leader and how she has developed her role as such through her podcast and book writing. This is an eye-opening interview in self-discovery.

https://www.jessicazou.com/

https://www.statesofmatter.com/

Chris Bakker C.E.O of Avanti Energy has an undergraduate degree in Economics from Queens University, a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Victoria, and an MBA from the University of Calgary.

In this interview, Chris talks about his educational experiences in undergrad school, grad school, and his MBA as well. He highlights some of the pros and cons of each institution and the programs he has attended. Upon graduating he discusses the contract work he had with the Ministry of Agriculture of British Columbia. The work included dealing with economic issues and developing GIS data, this does provide for some fruitful conversation.

The interview marches into the next chapter of his career in becoming a landman and what this entailed. He provides a clear and insightful description of the daily activities of a landman in petroleum and mining as he has worked in both areas but has concentrated on petroleum more so. In the interview, the listener will get an appreciation of how the petroleum industry works. And with that, he takes us through the different organizations he has worked for in this field including going overseas and working in Eastern Europe; there are some real surprises here.

His career did eventually take him to work for the multinational firm Encana. He talks about his career extensively in Encana and the various roles he has had. He illustrates the corporate culture and what it is like to work for such a firm. The conversation does dig into the unpleasant years of the restructuring phase as well.

The interview progresses into the next phase of Chris’s career becoming C.E.O of Avanti Energy a producer of helium. There is a lesson here in science as to what helium is and what it is used for - this is educational for sure. How this resource is found, extracted, and all the expertise that is required to accomplish this is also talked about. More importantly, how a business venture like this materializes itself from concept to being a public traded company.

This interview will benefit anyone interested in a career in economics, being a landman, a career in the petroleum/energy industry, a career in mining, working for a multinational corporation, entrepreneurship, science of helium, and above all, career development as Chris is a good example of someone who has unconventionally done a lot. A real eye-opener and inspiring.

https://avantienergy.com/

This episode is with Bruce Voigt a graduate of the Columbia Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting. He is also a licensed and a practicing realtor in Calgary, Alberta working out of the brokerage Maxwell Canyon Creek. He has an array of designations which includes an accredited buyer's representative, a seller’s representative specialist, a real-estate negotiation expert, and a certified condominium specialist.

Bruce has had an extensive career in radio broadcasting, in which he has had various roles in an array of stations throughout Alberta and British Columbia. In this interview, Bruce talks about the various roles he has had in this industry. He illustrates the ins and outs of the industry and more importantly how technology has evolved the business and this is also accompanied by suggestions on how to do well in this sector.

With just over thirty years in this industry, Bruce explains how he came across the idea of getting into real estate. In doing so he walks us through the education process leading up to the exams he took to acquire his realtor license. He explains how he established himself in this line of work, the learning process, and in doing so how he built his business. More importantly, he paints a picture of what his average day looks like giving the listener an insightful idea of what it is like to be a realtor and to work independently, there are some surprises here as well.

Throughout this interview, Bruce talks about his learning experiences and the pros and cons of private post-secondary institutions as this is how he got into radio broadcasting. He describes the learning methods when he was completing the course work for becoming a realtor and some of the tribulations that he faced, and how he overcame them. He discusses how he hones his skills as a realtor and the way he looks to improve himself both professionally and as a person. And above all and most importantly how he made this career change and overcame fear, something we can all relate to.

This is a very informative and encouraging conversation that will benefit anybody interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting focusing on radio, becoming a realtor, or doing a career change especially late in life. In addition, it will also provide some insight on private vs. public institutions in post-secondary.

https://www.myrealtoronline.ca/

Leslie Hetherington has had an extensive career In Public Relations and Communications. In listening to this podcast, a person will develop an appreciation for what she does which is conveying stories to the public, media, and within a business, regarding anything newsworthy and even more.

Leslie currently is employed by the Ontario Chiropractic Association as Manager of Digital Communications and also Acting Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing. Her education includes a Graphic Illustration Diploma from Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario; a Certificate from Humber College specializing in Public Relations; an MBA from Royal Roads University located in Victoria, British Columbia and a Certificate in Interactive Media Management from Centennial College in Toronto.

In this interview, Leslie takes us through her journey from her interest in the arts and her desire to pursue an acting career and how that materialized into a career in P.R and Communications. This is an eye-opening interview about self-discovery and how pursuing a passion can lead to other opportunities that may not be readily apparent, but keeping an open mind and being honest with herself led her to have a career that was far more rewarding.

In listening to this interview, the listener will develop an understanding of how organizations connect with the public and also how they communicate internally as well. There is also history here as Leslie explains how technology has evolved changing how businesses communicate which has instilled into her a desire to be a lifelong learner.

This interview will benefit anyone interested in pursuing a career in theater, graphic arts, public relations, marketing, communications, working as a freelancer, pursuing an MBA, and above all how businesses communicate. And of course, there is some very sound advice at the end as her story is very inspirational.

Paul McNeil, Ph.D. from Steppe Consulting has an undergraduate degree in Geophysical Engineering from Queens University. He has a doctorate in Paleontology from the University of Calgary.

In this interview, Paul takes us through his journey of attending Queens University in the Engineering program. He explains what this was like and what he learned, there are some real surprises and good takeaways from this segment of his story.

Upon graduating he worked in the gold exploration industry and he explains his role and what that was like and provides insight into what this industry is like as well. He eventually came out West and ended up in Northern Alberta at Fort McMurray working in the oil sands. He describes what his situation was like both in his professional and personal life.

After several years faith played a role in his life as he explains which led him to explore a career as a paleontologist. In doing so he provides an explanation of his journey into this career change. This would include applying to grad school, course work, exploring research projects, developing his research, conducting his research, and then finally presenting and defending his thesis.

Upon graduating, Paul gives examples of how he developed his passion for dinosaurs into a freelancing career. By doing so he explains how he is open-minded with many examples of all that he has done in his life and is willing to take on new challenges and looks upon them as something new to learn.

This interview does provide a discussion about dinosaurs and how scientific research is done. Furthermore, it will benefit anyone interested in pursuing a career in engineering, geology, geophysics, the mining industry (especially gold), and the oil sands. It also benefits anyone interested in pursuing grad school with a focus on sciences, entrepreneurship, and of course paleontology.

Paul Rogalski is the co-owner and culinary director of the Rouge restaurant located in Calgary, Alberta in the district of Inglewood. He is also the co-creator and culinary director of a television series “Survivor Man Wild Harvest”.

This is an extensive and informative interview. Paul describes how his passion for food led him to be a chef. He describes his schooling, apprenticeship, and lifestyle of becoming and being a chef. Upon his desire to have an extensive resume, he worked abroad and he provides his experience in this endeavor. He is very open about how his relationship with his business partner Olivier developed and more importantly how they came across an opportunity which is now the Rouge Restaurant.

Paul provides insight on how they developed a vision for this business (The Rouge) and how they executed this vision and by doing so re-branded this restaurant. He provides an in-depth and candid view of the trials and tribulations during this phase. This part of the interview also highlights what others in the hospitality industry may face, especially small businesses.

The interview does cover other areas such as public speaking as Paul does give many talks on a variety of topics. Paul also describes the history of the Rouge as the property is a historical site in Calgary. The conversation covers culinary competitions and describes how some of the television shows that host such competitions may have evolved.

The combination of nature, food, and adventure are highlighted with his latest undertaking which is a television series “Survivor Man Wild Harvest”. He provides insight on how he and his partners Les Stroud and Kevin Kossowan put this idea forward and made it what it is today which is a popular television series, book, and DVD.

The combination of food and nature is thoughtfully brought up throughout this interview where Paul does talk about all the aspects of the food industry focusing on sustainability. He does put out some very insightful ideas about this.

Above all, this interview will benefit anyone who is considering a career in the hospitality industry especially the culinary arts. It will also provide knowledge to people that are interested in entrepreneurship, owning small businesses, public speaking, media production, sustainability, and above all leadership as Paul is a very good example of this.

https://rougecalgary.com/

https://wildharvestfilms.com/

https://chefpaulrogalski.com/

Teresa is a graduate in theater from UC Davis College, she is a graduate from the California Culinary Academy, the CCA and she is a Certified Financial Planner.

In this interview, Teresa will take the listener through her life working as a chef and in doing so she paints a candid view of what it is like to work in a commercial kitchen. She reflects on her experience of being owner and operator of a seafood restaurant called the “Half Shell’ that was located in San Francisco. She also discusses some other avenues she pursued in this hospitality industry where she incorporated her theater skills.

Life-changing events led her to re-evaluate her life which initiated a career change. She explains how she made the transition from the hospitality industry to the finance industry, becoming a Certified Financial Planner. She does highlight the process that is involved in taking on such an endeavor and she also explains the skills that are needed to do well in this field. Surprisingly, there is more to it than one would think, which is why she does suggest that it can be a good career for a woman or a family-oriented person.

She also talks about her retirement and how she decided after so many years that she wanted to pursue other possibilities and interests in life. In doing so she started a coaching service accompanied by her podcast called “Lady Money”. She wants to help women by enabling them to better control their finances.

This interview will benefit many as it does cover a range of topics including having a career in the hospitality industry working as a chef, working as a financial planner, doing a career change, and retiring which can be a career change for some. Above all with her finance background, she does talk about certain things that we should all consider regarding our finances and life. She has lots of good advice and tips.

This is truly a candid eye-opening conversation; looking at our own lives we can learn to realize that people and circumstances are there for us to grow from if we choose to which is what Teresa has demonstrated. This interview is encouraging, thought-provoking, and motivating.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3GZDJNaJ9LUkXLxyNgqPHb

Scott has an undergraduate degree in Finance from Gonzaga University that is situated in Spokane Washington, an MBA from the University of Calgary, and a Technical Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, known as S.A.I.T, a technical institution located in Calgary.

In this interview, Scott describes how he used his finance degree for the various roles he has had in the oil and gas industry. He talks about the MBA and what motivated him to complete it. He discusses his various experiences and from that makes some suggestions that people may need to consider in pursuing such an endeavor.

The climax of this interview is where Scott discusses how he changed the direction of his career by going back to school to take civil engineering. He highlights how he discovered this passion and more importantly, how he overcame his anxiety about going back to school at his mature age. He talks extensively about the program and also about the opportunities that exist for a civil engineer.

This interview will interest anybody that is considering the following: a career in finance especially in the oil and gas sector, obtaining an MBA, civil engineering, and above all, pondering a career change as an adult learner. Also, as Scott has changed his career and in doing so, he has spent a fair amount of time in post-secondary institutions, he does share his thoughts on higher education and attending colleges. This is a very genuine, thought-provoking, inspirational, insightful, and motivational interview.