The Career Guy

This interview is with Monique Daigneault, CEO and President of MD Consulting. She is an executive coach, radio host, and author of The Survive and Thrive Tool Kit for Leaders. Monique has an Associate degree in Business from Davenport University, a Bachelor's in Management from Western International University, and a Master's in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Capella University. Also, she has an array of licenses and certifications including a Masters Coach from the International Association of Professional Coaching and Mentoring. This is an inspiring story about how Monique has applied lessons from her trauma, to better herself and developed this into a resource to help others become their personal best. The interview starts with Monique illustrating growing up in Michigan and moving to Phoenix. Entering the corporate world she conveys her early experiences, including her first start-up. We cover her path, developing her skills including how she pursued her education. This is furnished by a conversation outlining her experiences doing distance education versus attending in-person schooling. In addition, the impact of higher learning on career development is illustrated. She reflects on the pros and cons of working in the corporate world and operating her first business. The appeal of entrepreneurship, and the desire to make a difference, motivated Monique to start her current enterprise MD Consulting. We cover the path that she took starting and building her firm. She describes how she works with clients, how coaching works, and the discrepancy between this and therapy. We cover strategies for dealing with a toxic work environment and bullying, leading to standing up and promoting oneself. The lessons come from her education, years of experience working in human resources, her coaching practice, and more importantly her personal experiences of how she overcame abusive behavior in the workplace. Her new book The Survive and Thrive Tool Kit for Leaders is discussed in detail. The listener will develop an understanding of Monique and how she approaches coaching. There is insight for the reader on how to get the most out of the book. Her upcoming workbook is reviewed as well. These subjects are supported by the many conversations from her professional and personal experiences. Monique conveys her knowledge from writing, publishing, and marketing her book. We cover self-publishing as opposed to working with a publisher. We talk about the mechanics of how she wrote her book. She illustrates the process used to market her book to a publisher, working with them, and working with an editor. This interview will interest anyone considering coaching, as we cover how it works and the elements to consider. Listeners exposed to the sensitive topic of bullying and working in a toxic environment may find this helpful, as insightful views are provided. People interested in writing and publishing books will benefit, as Monique shares her experience with this topic. Entrepreneurs, there are many good discussions on the ins and outs of building a business and a brand. Above all self-improvement, we all are capable of so much more, we are all leaders, but it takes self-reflection to get to where we want to be. Monique’s story is an example of this. She has taken adversity from her life and applied it to learn lessons and has used this skill to help others prosper. This is an act of sincere generosity a quality of a true leader and Monique is an example of this. https://mdconsultingglobal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquedaigneault/ https://www.amazon.com/Survive-Thrive-Toolkit-Leaders-Leadership/dp/1684816254

This is the first part of a two-part interview with James Elian, CEO of Air Sprint. James has a diploma in aviation technology from Selkirk College, an MBA from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Aeronautical Science, Space Studies and Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In this segment, James reveals how he developed his passion for aviation. How he selected and pursued his education in this field is talked about. He paints a picture of his experiences during this time of his life, including his first solo flight. We cover his employment history including his early years as a flight attendant for Air Canada. Upon graduating, and getting into the industry, he talks about his employment as a flight instructor at Morgan Air. This part of the interview is insightful for anyone considering flying school. The story continues, as James conveys the connection that linked him to Air Sprint. James shares his experience, knowledge and how he developed his skills in this profession progressing to captain at Air Sprint. There is insight into the regulations, safety and how pilots need to prepare for unconditional circumstances pertaining to flying. We end this segment as James starts embarking on the next chapter of his career. More administrative roles such as chief pilot, which includes hiring pilots. This furnishes a conversation on the pros and cons of the various educational avenues for a potential pilot. This interview will cater to anyone interested in pursuing a career in aviation, specifically a pilot. It will appeal to anyone interested in aviation in general. The discipline of self-improvement is discussed as James points out how he went about to advance his skills as a pilot. This lesson applies to all fields and is a fundamental attribute of leadership. Leadership is illustrated throughout this interview and more so as we continue James’s journey in the next episode where his career transcends into senior managerial roles.

This is the final segment of a two-part interview with Anique Sara Taylor. Anique is an established author of the following books Civil Twilight, Where Space Bends, and Poems. She is regarded with a high profile in the writer community with her numerous awards and nominations including the winner of the 2022 Blue Light Poetry Prize for Civil Twilight. Anique has an MFA in Poetry from Drew University, a Diploma from The Sorbonne located in Paris, an MFA with Highest Honors in Drawing and Painting from Pratt Institute, and a Master of Divinity Degree. She studied literature at Antioch College, poetry at St. Mark’s Poetry Project with Alice Notley, and then Bernadette Mayer. She is also a regular at Wallson Glass Poem-Making Sessions with Geoffrey Nutter. As the title suggests this episode explores Anique's long-life devotion to writing. The episode starts with sharing how other adventures of her life such as art have led her into who she is now. In essence, developing her writing has created a life of lessons. It is not a linear process, it is a conglomeration of experiences. We talk about her daily practice and the habits she infuses into her writing. There may be some real surprises, such as the fact that discipline and focus are the nuances of producing good writing. We explore the myth of “writer's block” and how she overcomes it and remains productive. We explore creativity, and how someone like her unleashes her imagination. Above all, and most importantly, her frame of mind is the product of her good physical health. Her dedication to her self-care ensures that she is in a good place for good creative writing. She explains how she works on herself and her craft trying to improve consistently. To be a better version of ourselves is the lesson. The business side of being a writer is talked about. This includes complex and sensitive topics of being creative while making deadlines. When she knows it is time to call an editor and to work with one. Book publishing and resources that are available are discussed. In addition, how she has developed herself as a leader in her communities by being a resource and an inspiration to other writers is shown. This interview does cater to anyone interested in writing or being a published author. It will appeal to anyone interested in any avenue of creative endeavors and how to approach them. It addresses how to live as an artist, encompassing in particular the business side. Overall, it is about life, as Anique is an example we all could live up to. We should all strive as she does, to the devotion of her work by constantly improving it without the need for outside validation. It is about our work and how it fulfills us, and remaining true to ourselves which is the best measurement. In her case, it is about writing and working with the words. She is a real example to live by. https://aniquesarataylor.com/

This interview is with Murray Emery, owner and head recording engineer of “Crooks Hollow Studio” in Calgary Alberta, Canada. Also, he is an accomplished musician and the founding member of the rock band “Prisoner”. Murray is a graduate of the Broadcast System Technologies program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology known as SAIT. He is also a graduate of the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology program referred to as OIART. This interview starts with Murray describing growing up and his experiences working for his dad’s construction company. He emphasizes that this experience from working at a young age enabled him to develop his discipline, work ethic, and interpersonal skills that have led him to prosper. He talks about how he grew his interest in music and in doing so, established his skills as a musician. Knowing this, we talked about how he wanted to pursue music as a career. Understanding that this is not a stable career choice, Murray explains how he researched all possible avenues that would enable him to build a more stable career in this industry. This leads to a discussion regarding his educational endeavors listed above. Upon graduating we delve into his journey as a musician including starting his band “Prisoner”. This led to a conversation on his travels to Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville where he furthered his understanding of the ins and outs of the music industry. Coming back to his roots in Calgary, we discuss how he built his recording studio “Crooks Hollow Studio”. This conversation encompasses the physical build-out and equipment that furnishes his studio. How he works with musicians and how he is establishing himself in the local music scene are all illustrated. In addition, this is all supported by his knowledge of the music industry as a whole and as an artist. This interview will cater to anyone interested in having a career in the music industry, the arts, or in music in general. It will intrigue anyone interested in broadcasting and or film. Entrepreneurship and leadership are fully disclosed by Murray’s many examples of how he is building his business by further establishing and enhancing the local music scene. Above all, this is an insightful, motivational, and inspiring interview as Murray’s story is an example of how we should all live our lives. If we are willing to take the time and effort to figure ourselves out, to become clear with our intentions, and then be willing to work towards our goals or desires, we will live a fulfilled life as Murray does. https://crookshollow.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/prisonerbandofficial/?igsh=MWx3d2QxeHVidGg1Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

This interview is with Andy Read a man of many talents. This is an amazing story that deals with self-discovery leading to transformation which results in Andy living an amazing life. The interview starts with Andy growing up in England and joining the military at the age of 19. He gives a very detailed description of his experiences within the force which lasted 9 years. In leaving the army, he describes how he and his family adjusted to civilian life. This is an eye-opener as the transformation was not easy. With the skills he acquired from the military, we talk about his first employment opportunity outside the military which was at the Welding Institute in Cambridge, England. Also, at this time he describes the process it took to establish immigrant status that would enable him and his family to move to Canada. There is a good account regarding the process of moving to Canada, and more importantly, how he came about an employment opportunity as a technician in the Science Workshop in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary. We then go into a dialogue regarding this role and what it entailed. The listener will develop an appreciation for the type of work that involves doing research in the sciences and engineering. Andy spent three years in this position as he describes to the one day where he was being laid off. In doing so he became self-employed doing contract work within the same area. He reveals the turmoil that this caused for him and his family by painting a realistic perspective of being an entrepreneur. Furthermore, he exposes the emotional trauma that this caused him leading to an undesirable path. Being at a low point he then describes his turning point in life and how he discovered and developed his faith. The process of how he unites himself with his faith which leads to building his relationship with his family and establishing his new leadership role in the science workshop is talked about in detail. There is a fruitful discussion on leadership and how someone like Andy made the Science Workshop a viable and vital entity within the U of C. In establishing this success, determining the next phase in life is further discussed. Andy conveys the next chapter in his life which is deciding to retire from the U of C. Exploring options and making the decision to pursue missionary work and what that entailed are talked about. There are examples of the work he does now and how he serves his community. This interview will cater to anyone interested in a career in the military. Listeners interested in an area that involves prototyping, fabricating, optics, welding, and machining for science and engineering research would benefit from this episode. A candid look at entrepreneurship is talked about as well. In addition, there are many examples of leadership as Andy is a leader in many facets of his life. More importantly, it is about leaving a legacy of how we can become better, and by doing so we can benefit others as well. This is all furnished by his missionary work and serving his community. This is an open and honest interview about self-exploration. Understanding that we are more than our careers or jobs and knowing how we can all develop to find and follow our purpose will enable us to shine.

This is the second installment of a two-part interview with Henry Yiu. Henry is the principal and creative director at “States of Matter” a marketing firm in Seattle, Washington. This episode continues where Henry is attending Cornish College where he talks about working on an associate degree in engineering. There is a good discussion on his transition from Purdue University to Cornish College and some good insights and surprises. More importantly, he talks about taking art classes as his electives and how this sparked his passion. He explains that in these classes, he realized that art was important and required just as much discipline as engineering. Also, how and where art is used and the type of career a person can have encompassing these interests is discussed in detail. Henry is using art as the focal point. The interview goes through how he tried and researched various disciplines such as industrial design, graphic arts, and finally marketing, which he pursued. This episode then goes into a detailed discussion of marketing as a field, covering topics from education to getting a job, working in the industry, and starting a marketing firm. This is an uplifting and encouraging episode illustrating how someone like Henry discovers his passion which is art and explores various avenues where this discipline can be used. In doing so this episode will appeal to anyone interested in the arts in general, industrial design, graphic arts, and marketing. Entrepreneurship is talked about as Henrey’s story includes striking out on his own and building a business “States of Matter”. More importantly, it is how someone like Henry tested various career paths to find his calling. Some life lessons on finding one's true colors. https://www.statesofmatter.com/