The Career Guy

This interview is with Debra Eckerling. Debra has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin -Madison and is the author of 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting. She is a speaker and consultant who assists people in achieving their goals. Her specialty is coaching authors with book proposals. She is a podcast host of GoalChatLive and the Taste Buds, a food writer for non-cooks, and the founder of DebMethod.com. In this interview Deb explains how her ambitions were to pursue a more creative direction but, as an alternative, she developed her career as a freelancer. She reflects on her early years employed at Barnes and Noble and how an opportunity to build a support group for writers came to be. Her story continues as she talks about moving from Chicago to Los Angeles, where she constructs a support group similar to the one she did in Chicago. However, this time, it expanded to attract entrepreneurs, freelancers, and other independent professionals. She talks about how this endeavor was only part-time and highlights that her day jobs in finance and project management helped her develop skills in the above undertakings. She conveys her experiences working for publishing firms and how this industry has changed. There is insight into how these firms work and what they look for in potential authors. From this, Debra conveys how she developed her passion for assisting authors in developing and presenting their book proposals. Deb takes the listener through her journey as she developed her workshops on setting and achieving goals, eventually leading to her methodology, The D*E*B Method. We talked about her practice, how she established this business, and how she works with clients. She shares her experiences as an author. We discuss her first book, which was self-published, Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages. As her practice evolved, she discussed her second book, published by Mango Publishing, called A Goal Guide a RoadMap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals, and her recent book titled 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. There is a detailed description of her current work, covering what it is about, how it came to be, why she wrote it, and the follow-up. This interview will serve anybody interested in becoming a published author, there is insight into how the book industry has evolved and works. There are narratives to networking and how to build a contact list. It will appeal to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anybody who wants to learn how to set and achieve goals. This is a motivational, thought-provoking, and informative interview. It is about learning to carve out our path and becoming the best person we can be. This is an attribute that leaders have, and Deb is a perfect example of this quality. Find Deb on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/coastbunny https://TheDEBMethod.com https://52SecretsBook.com https://facebook.com/thedebmethod https://instagram.com/thedebmethod https://youtube.com/@thedebmethod https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506

This interview is with Anne Roche, a life and leadership coach. Anne is a certified Professional coach from iPEC. She has a doctor of law from Golden Gate University School of Law and a bachelor of arts from Beloit College. The premise of this episode is that change is possible. This interview starts with Anne describing growing up in Connecticut in an artsy family. She explains that she stood out as the one always interested in reading, writing, and the topic of justice. Despite her differences, she maintained the common thread of strong family values from a great upbringing. With her interest listed above, there is a discussion on how she developed this from high school to college, completing a degree in literature. Moving to California with ambitious aspirations of becoming a corporate lawyer and the process involved in attaining this goal is discussed. She explains the obstacles she faced with these goals consequently changing her career trajectory by becoming a gardener. The fresh perspective this gave her on life and career and how this carried through the rest of her life is illustrated. With this new outlook on her life and career, Anne relates her experiences attending Golden Gate University School of Law. There is a fruitful conversation on how she takes a sabbatical from her profession to become a homemaker. There is an insightful and new look at how she developed this segment of her life. We touch on how Anne entered back into the workforce and the adjustments she and her family made to accommodate this new time in Anne’s life. She shares her experiences as a realtor and a defense attorney, specifically in appellate law. We go into a detailed discussion on why she pursued such an arduous career. She explains the notion that finding justice for clients can be a challenging task and emotionally draining. She provides insight into how she set boundaries and dealt with some trying situations. She addresses how other life pressures that surfaced initiated her to examine her career. This eventually led to a career change to coaching. With this new venture, we explore what coaching and life coaching entail. Anne conveys her experiences from the iPEC program, how it ran, its duration, and the turning point in her life from this endeavor. She discusses how she started and built her coaching practice and what perspective clients can expect. What coaching is and the differences between that and therapy are topics covered. This interview will interest anyone interested in literature, or pursuing law as a career as we cover Anne's years as a lawyer. More importantly, listeners interested in coaching and life coaching from both the client and career perspective will benefit. As a career, the listener will develop an understanding of the course of becoming a coach and how it can be transformative. For perspective clients, the listener who may want to live better and because of this is considering coaching will be enlightened. This episode is furnished with conversations relating to change, specifically that change is possible and we can all do it without blowing up our lives. Anne’s story is an example of how we have many facets to our lives and to give ourselves the space to examine all our desires is growing and evolving. Above all, there is no mystery to living better just small obstacles holding us from moving forward. It is dealing with those small issues that can teach us to live better. It is learning to live with our hearts above our heads as Anne is a prime example of this idea. https://annerochecoaching.com/

This episode is with Corbett Frasz, owner of Corbett’s Rock & Roll Barbershop. It is known as the coolest barbershop in Calgary. Corbett is also recognized as a well-renowned drummer in the Canadian music industry. He has collaborated with other artists such as Aaron Pritchett, Clayton Bellamy and The Clayton Bellamy Band, Gord Bamford, Jason McCoy, and the Road Hammers. This interview starts with Corbett describing his teen years living in Regina, Saskatchewan. He illustrates his interests in sports and particularly music. He talks about how he developed, pursued, and became proficient in playing the drums. There is nostalgia in this episode as Corbett explains his musical influences, and how he grew musically. He takes the listener through his journey from rehearsing or jamming in his mom's basement, to playing bars or clubs and becoming an established musician. His experiences working with the artists listed above give the listener an inside look at the music industry during the '90s and early 2000s. Corbett illustrates the life of a musician, which comes with many surprises. One such surprise is having a day job to provide a steady income to override the uncertainties and turmoil of a musical career. The business segment of the music industry is discussed. This includes networking, interacting with other musicians, and moving around in the industry. Money, traveling with other artists, living in hotels, and dealing with an array of personalities that this type of life brings are all discussed. Corbett highlights his life-changing experience as he and his bandmates were offered the opportunity to go to Nashville to sign a record deal. He reveals how he stopped and took a break to assess his values as an artist and a person and shifted his career to the hair industry. He talks about what it was like leaving such a lifestyle, the doubts he faced, and how he overcame them. The conversation then moves into what the hair industry is like. Corbett talks about his schooling and then apprenticing in this industry. More importantly, he talks about how he developed his unique barbershop, Corbett’s Rock & Roll Barbershop. This episode will appeal to anyone interested in the music industry and anyone wanting to pursue a career in the hair business. Listeners interested in business or entrepreneurship will also benefit as Corbett explains how his barbershop came to be and grew. In addition, there are many lessons on business and life in general as we cover topics such as networking (before social media), reading, and dealing with people. Above all this episode illustrates how to move on and start the next phase of life as Corbett is a prime example of this. Be it in music or now his barbershop, Corbett followed his intuition. He made decisions that best suited his needs without destroying past relationships. He is true to himself and is not afraid to show his true colors, accepts his wins, and takes his losses while having fun. His story has valuable life lessons and leadership. https://rockandrollbarber.com/

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 second 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. This segment starts with James explaining how he became more involved in managerial roles. The experience from the Executive MBA program at the University of Calgary to support his new roles is discussed. The perks of working in parallel while attending school, and how some of the class projects applied to his executive roles are some of the topics the listener will hear. Upon graduating, how James's position in the company changed and how he utilized the lessons learned from his MBA. There is a conversation about how someone like him developed an understanding and analyzed various segments of Air Sprint. There is a discussion that provides an overview of Air Sprint's business model, including its history. We cover the company’s growth and related issues, particularly for an aviation business. We go over the unsettling times of COVID. There is an insight into what James as a leader witnesses with a growing enterprise in conjunction with his changing career. There is an added bonus as James talks about his many other endeavors such as Master of Aeronautical Science, Space Studies, and Aviation Management; YPO an organization for young executives; and the CBAA Canadian Business Aviation Association. This interview will interest anyone in, or who wants to pursue business, especially aviation. It will benefit anyone considering pursuing an MBA or who already has one. Leadership; an inside look at what it is like for someone like James to climb the corporate ladder and how their perspective can change. Growth; is how a company like Air Sprint adapts and changes to meet the demands of new opportunities. Furthermore, how James has balanced his professional and personal life while giving back to the community. This is an insightful and encouraging interview as James sets the standard for someone with integrity, kindness, passion, and the desire to give back - all the qualities of a genuine leader that James is.

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 interview is with Danny Arnold, CEO, founder, and head trainer of You Fit Life, a personal health and fitness facility in S.W. Calgary, Alberta. Danny is a graduate of the Exercise Science Program at Lethbridge College. He also has his designation as a personal trainer from the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology known as C.S.E.P. We start this interview with Danny explaining growing up in Claresholm. We covered his high school years where he admitted that he was not excelling academically leaving him a little uncertain. With some guidance, he discovered the Exercise Science Program at Lethbridge College. As he explains the program was more hands-on which for him was a good fit. We do go over the similarities and differences between this program and a kinesiology program at a university. We go over his experience acquiring the designation to be a personal trainer. The accreditation is from the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology known as C.S.E.P. Starting a career is hard and Danny explains how he developed his experience upon graduating. There is some good insight for anybody starting or doing a career change. Also, in explaining how he gained his experience he reveals more about how the fitness industry works. This can be very insightful for anyone wanting to hire a personal trainer or may want to get into this industry. We talked about his motivation for starting his own business You Fit Life. This comes with 9 years of working for someone else which he discusses as well. There is a detailed discussion on how he started and grew this business. We cover all the steps from leasing space, to the legalities, and recruiting people which is an eye-opener. Above all leadership, and team building are discussed. We cover topics related to COVID-19 and how he survived this time. More importantly, we cover how he has established his brand, giving his enterprise a unique feel. Furthermore, how he is building a business with his beliefs in place. This is an insightful, and educational interview. It will interest anyone wanting to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry. Also, it is beneficial to anyone on the client side wanting to hire a trainer as there is insight into this industry. Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners will benefit from this interview as we go over all the ins and outs of starting and growing a business. Above all, and, most importantly, how Danny has built his brand. He stays true to himself which is reflected in how he works with clients, hires staff, and has developed his business and his life. He is a real inspiration and he is a good example to follow. https://www.youfitlife.com/

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 is part one 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. Anique’s story is revolutionary, as we talk about growing up in the 50s, and exploring the idea of being able to express oneself fully. Her influences from family, friends, and teachers are shared. All of this led to her interest in the art, and, more so writing. We talk about some of her setbacks including depression. Her take on this health issue is brought forward, leading to a fruitful discussion on how to overcome this and prosper. Anique’s adventure in Paris while attending The Sorbonne and how the culture furthered her development toward the arts. Returning to the United States and completing high school, the story opens up on her academic journey. Studying literature, her desire to pursue writing, and how art was presented to her are fully discussed. The development of her hidden talent in drawing, painting, and sculpting is illustrated. This interview will appeal to anyone interested in creativity and how we develop that, particularly in the arts and writing. History is included as Anique’s life is extensive. Life lessons are discussed as Anique demonstrates how she approaches setbacks and adversity, with a sense of curiosity that inspires her to grow as a person. Her story is an inspiration for how devotion and commitment to unpredictable opportunities (in her case art) will allow a person to flourish in multiple dimensions. We further explore this in the next episode, focusing on her development as a writer. 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