Get your goat: So you want to move to the country and raise goats – A podcast about change

Have you ever felt the gentle tug of your heart steering you in an unexpected direction? Karla Combres knows that feeling well, and she's here to share her story of leaping from a traditional career in the Canadian Federal Public Service to the deeply fulfilling calling as a legacy guide and life cycle celebrant. Her journey is a testament to the courage it takes to listen to life's whispers and follow your "heart crumbs," even when the path ahead is uncharted.Karla talks about the subtle yet persistent "niggle," that feeling of discontent that often lurks beneath the surface of a secure yet uninspiring job. Her encounters with individuals who challenged and expanded her perspective on life and death played a pivotal role in her career transformation. Volunteers at a hospice, participants at death cafes, and singers in the Threshold Choir all contributed to a profound realization of mortality that ultimately steered her towards a path of deep connection and meaning.Karla's journey illuminates the possibilities when we dare to listen to the heart and embrace our true aspirations.http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Gayathri Shukla, known for her empathy and commitment to diversity, joins us to share her journey from engineer to digital transformation leader in mining. Her story reflects the challenges she faced as an immigrant in male-dominated fields, shaping her into a champion for inclusive workplaces. Gayathri's insights show us how storytelling in leadership isn't just an art—it's a tool for connection and change. Her creation, Campfire Kinship, is a guide for leaders who want to use diverse stories and empathy in their work.With the precision of an engineer and the vision of an innovator, Gayathri shows us how to build trust—a crucial part of making big changes happen. As we learn about her experiences, we see how to blend big plans with the realities of everyday work. Gayathri's time in the mines, along with her push for more people-focused technical education, highlights the importance of soft skills alongside technical knowledge. By guiding leaders through honest storytelling, she helps create workplaces where trust and empathy drive meaningful change. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation—your leadership skills are about to get a boost. http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Have you ever met someone whose life radiates the possibility that comes from unwavering positivity and grit? Deb Wiegers, the co-founder of Wiegers Financial and Benefits, embodies just that. Her journey from a small-town girl to a successful entrepreneur is awe-inspiring. In this episode, Deb opens up about her fearless leap into the unknown with a can-do attitude that's contagious. From her early days of figure skating and retail work to co-founding her company, her story is a compelling illustration of how a positive mindset and resilience can revolutionize your life and career.Confronting skepticism head-on and turning doubts into fuel for ambitions, Deb recounts pivotal moments of her life, such as the shift from a misaligned career path to flourishing in the insurance industry. Her candour about navigating the complexities of working with a spouse and evolving within a family business offers a real-world perspective that's as enlightening as it is practical.Deb's insights remind us that change is a constant, but with a foundation of positive thinking and mutual respect, the path to success—with all its twists and turns—can be navigated with confidence and grace. Join us for a narrative that's rich with change, determination, and the indomitable power of positivity.http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Quotes about change: "Wisdom: May it come through me and not from me"Silvia Martini shares her journey through profound loss and change in her life. She suffered losses that affected her greatly but was able to find new beginnings by staying open and curious. Silvia believes that by staying true to our values, we can overcome difficult times and grow personally. Her way of becoming resilient involves being kind to oneself and embracing the liminal spaces where transformation and wisdom occur. Reflecting on the good and the bad, Silvia emphasizes that our experiences and the knowledge shared by others can bring light into our lives. She encourages us to live with purpose, nurture our growth, and make every day count by contributing positively to the world. All while being grateful for the experiences that shape us. http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Have you ever wondered what it's like to climb the ranks in the bustling world of hospitality and emerge a leader in business advocacy? Steve McLellan, the former CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, joins us to share the rich tapestry of his career, from its humble beginnings inspired by a book and a cooking show, to reaching the pinnacle of his profession. His narrative is peppered with the timeless tenets of customer service and the joy of serving others—lessons that resonate whether you're a veteran in the service industry or just starting to chart your course.Throughout our conversation, we touch on the nuances and shifts within the workplace that have shaped today's entrepreneurial landscape. Steve recounts the evolution from personal business ownership to becoming a voice for businesses at large, shedding light on the pressures and pleasures that come with the territory. His insights encapsulate the necessity of confidence and the power of a resilient spirit in facing the challenges and changes that come with any career.The episode rounds out with a contemplative look at the transition to retirement. Steve doesn't just offer a roadmap; he provides a compass for navigating this significant life change with intention and preparation. From crafting a robust transition plan to seeking fulfillment through community involvement and mentorship programs like "Mission Possible," Steve's approach to retirement is anything but dormant. His story doesn't end with a farewell to a successful career, but rather with the exciting prospect of leveraging his expertise in new, impactful ways. http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

What happens when you leave the safety of a steady job to follow your passion? Monica Kreuger, the tenacious entrepreneur behind Praxis Global Info Brokers and the Praxis School of Entrepreneurship, navigated through this challenging path and has a wealth of stories to share with us. From her transformative journey to flourishing in a community-oriented approach, Monica's tale serves as a testament to the mantra, "Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow."Monica brings to the table her exemplary knack for building strong networks that have become her pillars of support in achieving her goals. She tells us about her unique approach to community building and the anticipation of constant change - something that seems to be a constant in her life. Her insightful experiences in caring for aging family members while balancing her own family and work responsibilities will leave you pondering about your ways of handling change and how you can cultivate a support system within your community.From finding joy in the simplest things in life to recognizing the importance of self-care, Monica's insights shed light on the importance of balancing personal and professional life for success. Join us as we delve into Monica's inspiring journey and how her belief in the power of community has shaped her life and business. Thank you for tuning in!http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Quote about change: "Just go in, figure things out, and get things done."Ever wondered what it takes to transition from corporate finance to entrepreneurship? Our insightful chat with Karri Howlett is a must-listen for anyone facing career changes or contemplating a leap into entrepreneurship.  Karri Howlett is the owner of Karri Howlett Consulting. She takes us through her remarkable journey of career changes,  the challenges she encountered,  and shares how her upbringing on a farm shaped her decisions and cultivated an optimistic outlook.We dive into the real deal of entrepreneurship, discussing the decision Karri and her husband made to become entrepreneurs, even against initial apprehensions from their family. Karri shares insights on the risks and rewards of leaving a steady paycheck.  She sheds light on the resilience required to forge ahead and how nourishing optimism can lead to achieving goals. Karri shares her experience of buying a business with partners and how crucial alignment is in finding the right partner. Finally, we delve into the importance of trusting that inner voice when making decisions. http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Quote about change: "Learn to pace. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you."Have you ever wondered what it takes to pivot from a successful career in a for-profit sector to lead a non-profit organization? Cara Bahr, the current CEO of YWCA in Saskatoon, did just that and she reveals her motivations, challenges, and accomplishments in this journey. As a certified professional accountant, Cara was deeply entrenched in the financial industry.  It wasn't just the job posting that drew her to the YWCA, but a deep-seated value of giving back, instilled in her by her parents. She discusses her leap of faith into the non-profit sector and the unique experiences that came with it.Transitioning to a CEO role is challenging enough, but Cara faced the added pressures of the global COVID-19 pandemic. She shares how she tackled this new role while battling imposter syndrome and juggling her home life. Hear how she learned to refocus on the internal workings of her organization while maintaining her mental wellbeing. Cara's approach of showing up with mindfulness and positivity, even in trying times, is truly inspiring. She discusses the conscious planning that went into her transition and the power of being a steady anchor during periods of change.Cara  speaks candidly about the discomfort and frustration that comes with leading from the front, and the importance of understanding and fostering relationships. Contrary to common misconceptions, ambition and driven leadership are integral to the success of non-profit organizations. This podcast is a must for anyone contemplating a career transition or seeking an in-depth understanding of the non-profit sector.http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Quotes about change: "Never lose hope."When we consider the resilience and courage it takes to survive in the face of adversity, few stories are as powerful as that of Maryam Masoomi. This extraordinary woman, an Afghan refugee, offers an intimate glimpse into her life before the Taliban's control forced her and her family to flee Afghanistan in 2021. Maryam's compelling narrative takes us through her pursuit of education and her passion for arts and journalism, even while leading an influential all-female music group, Sound of Afghanistan. Maryam walks us through every detail of the high-stakes journey, the terror of the unknown, and the emotional impact of leaving her homeland. Her account of life post-escape presents a vivid picture of the emotional upheaval when finding safety, especially in a foreign land like Canada.Transitioning from Afghanistan to Canada wasn't easy. Yet, through hardship, she found joy, particularly in her ability to share her Afghan music and experiences. Maryam's journey, told through her lens, is not just a testament to the strength of the human spirit but also a reminder to us all about the profound resilience and courage of refugees. Join us as we shed light on her inspiring story.http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three

Ever reevaluated your life at a milestone age and realized something had to change? Shelley Marenka did just that, and her story is one you don't want to miss. After ending a two-decade-long marriage at the age of 50, Shelley faced a period of grieving before she discovered a newfound passion for physical activities. This was more than just a hobby. It was a form of self-expression that led her on a path of self-discovery and personal growth.Join us as we unpack Shelley's transformative journey, from living a life driven by external self-care to embracing a path of spiritual connection and self-love. As a result of her  coaching work, Shelley sheds light on how to navigate the tumultuous waves of change and cultivate a deep sense of self-love. Her insights on internal self-care, self-worth and mindfulness will leave you pondering long after the episode ends.In the final part of our conversation, Shelley explores the power of seeking support amidst life's challenges. She candidly shares her experience in finding mentors to bridge the gap between her true self and her limiting beliefs. Her deeply personal experience with grief and loss brings an enlightening perspective on mourning. Tune in for this inspiring and empowering episode with Shelley Marenka and prepare to be transformed. http://getyourgoat.ca/season-three