Bus Driver Appreciation Day – A Different Perspective bus driver appreciation day Today is Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and I wanted to share a few thoughts. A bus driver is more than someone who gets people from point A to point B. They are transportation professionals responsible for safety, reliability, and creating a sense of comfort for every passenger on board. Like many families, my children have relied on both school buses and public transit. And to be honest, not every experience felt as safe or supportive as it should have. That stayed with me. A couple of years ago, I made the decision to pursue my Class 4 license. While it may have seemed like a pivot, it wasn’t entirely out of left field. Driving has always been part of my foundation. My parent was a City of Calgary Professional Driver and Instructor for all vehicle classes, and I learned early. By 14, I already had my learner’s permit and a strong grounding in defensive driving habits. Around that same time, there was a real shortage of school bus drivers. Like many others, we relied on a “village” of parents to make sure kids got to school. I’m still incredibly grateful for that community effort. Fast forward to last year…I was looking for something more purposeful. A company that didn’t just focus on contracts, but truly cared about people. That’s when I found 4Seasons Transportation. What stood out immediately was the mission: supporting students with cognitive, social, and physical disabilities, and doing it with care, respect, and intention. Since joining, I’ve been supported by an incredible team—drivers, attendants, supervisors, and leadership. All working toward the same goal: making a meaningful difference for families. There’s a quote attributed to Dr. Seuss: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Dr. Seuss Author That’s what this role represents to me. It’s not just about earning a pay cheque. It’s about showing up, being present, and contributing to something bigger; helping someone feel safe, seen, and supported. On this Bus Driver Appreciation Day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear many hats, to always be open to continued learning, and be part of something that creates a positive ripple effect in our community. And this is just one part of a much bigger journey. More to come. If you’ve had a bus driver make a difference in your life, take a moment to thank them today!
Unlocking New Horizons
Unlocking New Horizons Unlocking New Horizons My Journey with the Palette Skills’ Automation and Digital Agriculture Specialist Program It’s no secret that technological advancements are reshaping industries at a rapid pace and the need for upskilling and staying ahead of the curve has never been more crucial. For me, this journey began with the decision to embark on the Automation and Digital Agriculture Specialist Program offered by Palette Skills. Little did I know that this decision would open doors to a world of opportunities, and a deep passion and appreciation of the entire ecosystem of agriculture. Gratitude and Acknowledgements First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Palette Skills for curating such an exceptional program. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Special thanks to Ednali Fertuck – Zehavi, Christine Stenton, Katherine Farthing, Dania Meyers, Theresa Cashore, Elvis Nwanguma, Fatima Zaredar, Fatema Muhammad, Bibi Haghdan, M.Eng, Michelle Kot, Afua Alagbe, Saman Sefidkar, Fatima K and others for your tireless efforts behind the scenes. I cannot properly express my immense gratitude to our lead instructors, David Yee and Josie Van Lent. Their expertise and insightful discussions have enriched my understanding of the history of agriculture, the advancements incorporated in this digital age, and the future opportunities. Also, a huge shout out to our other instructors Sheik M. Pitchai MSc, PMP®, Ruhid Mirzayev, MA, and Farzin Samaei, B.Sc, M.Sc (EMBA) for providing meaningful expert guidance in the realm of agribusiness life cycle strategy, leveraging data and AI for innovation and GIS and all of the possibilities of incorporating into the ecosystems of the ag industry. And finally, I owe a debt of gratitude to our talented coach, Chris Hubbard for his invaluable mentorship and guidance, which has been pivotal in honing not just my technical skills but also my professional profile and developing a deep understanding of my DISC skills and communication style – and in relation to other styles. This was pivotal and I had many “Ah ha!” moments! Boots on the Ground Learners My most transformative opportunity with this journey has been being able to have on-site workshops at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and learning about all of the opportunities and innovations occurring in our own backyard and having great insightful chats with many people like Atul Kumaar Nayyar. Being able to learn and fly RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System – aka Drones). This was a blast, and I felt my gaming days came into play. The instructors Robin Harrison and Jan Zalud with LandView Drones are so patient and knowledgeable. They encouraged real-world discussions and applied practical teachings that set me up for success to take my Transport Canada – Transports Canada exam. Look out folks, I now have my basic pilot license and can operate these aircraft. Being able to learn about Sprayers with Tom Wolf, and see them in person to understand how they function, the adaptations, and benefits in conjunction with precision farming, and how this technology assists with improved crop growth health. Sprayer Workshop at Olds College with Tom Wolf A Community of Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the opportunity to connect and collaborate with my fellow cohort of participants. Together, we formed a diverse and dynamic unit, each bringing unique perspectives and skill sets to the table. To my peers, I extend my admiration and gratitude for the enriching learning experience we shared. Let us continue to inspire and learn from each other as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital agriculture. RPAS Workshop at Olds College with Landview Drones This incredible journey would not have been possible without the generous industry speakers and employer partnerships. Their generous gift of their time and experience through sharing their expertise, joining the networking events, attending employer talent matching day, coaching, and mentoring was paramount to all of our successes in completing this program. Thank you. Milestones and Achievements As I reflect on the past weeks, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Through the program, I had the privilege of delving into various facets of agribusiness in Western Canada and within Alberta, broadening my horizons with each session. I have been stretched and kneaded in many different areas from understanding nutrient levels within soils, fertilizer bio-molecular composition with various types of crops with moisture, livestock management, farm management, going to market commodities, governance policies, and the various effects from a provincial, national, international, and global stage and how it impacts our agriculture industry. Participating in the Agri-forward pitch night startup competition allowed me to put my newfound knowledge into practice, culminating in our team, “Fertile Minds,” presenting a beachhead application solution to help address the temporary labour gap for greenhouses. We celebrate our fellow teams in their presentations and innovative ideas. So many learnings were on the menu that night. This success stands as a testament to the transformative power of learning and collaborative innovation. Sheik M. Pitchai MSc, PMP® I appreciate all your guidance and support with mentoring in preparation for the event and being my stream one instructor. Thank you to our judges Christopher Johnson, Angela Lum, and Jack Weeks. Along with Decisive Farming by TELUS Agriculture for hosting this event. Insights Post-graduation, as I stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I am filled with anticipation for the journey ahead. The Automation and Digital Agriculture Specialist Program has equipped me with not just technical skills but also a robust network of industry professionals and a renewed sense of purpose. I am deeply grateful to Palette Skills for empowering me to unlock new horizons in the realms of farm-to-table and beyond. Hope, to all my past and current colleagues, wishing them every success and a wish for continued lifelong learning, growth, and innovation. I’m eager about the next steps into this exciting field of digital agriculture. I look forward to transitioning into a Palette Skills Cohort 5 Alumni
Unleash Your Leadership Potential
Unleash Your Leadership Potential Unleash Your Leadership Potential Insights from Coaching Runners to Business (I would love to hear your insights on coaching and leadership after reading.) As I have grown personally and professionally, running became my safe space. It was where I could clear my head, be there for myself, believe in what I could do, and connect with the world around me. It all started with a simple goal: running 5K. To achieve this, I joined a local Calgary run club (The Running Room). I gained so much from their clinics and the advice of their coaches. When I received my first race medal reaching my goal, I was hooked. I kept learning from different coaches and fellow runners eventually setting my sights on longer distances like 10K and then half-marathons (21.5K). In the latter part of 2022 and throughout 2023, my focus shifted to coaching and sharing my love for running with my niece, Kayla Daigle. For Kayla, a young woman professional as well, we began with a goal of running 5K, then progressed through 10K straight to 15K, and finally, a half marathon in 2023. 2023 Servus Calgary Half Marathon It’s been extremely rewarding to support each other on our fitness journeys, especially as I found myself recovering from injury; my running goals impacted immensely. While the full marathon distance is still a goal for me, it’s on hold for now. Mastering the Marathon of Leadership: Strategies for Success in Business and Beyond Business leadership, much like coaching runners, having a well-defined plan and strategy is paramount. Just as a coach maps out a training regimen tailored to each runner’s abilities and aspirations; a leader crafts a strategic vision that guides their team towards success. Breaking down ambitious business objectives into manageable tasks not only keeps motivation high but also fosters a sense of progress and accomplishment along the way. It’s about setting achievable milestones and consistently moving forward, just as runners aim for incremental improvements in their speed and endurance. “If you have more than three priorities, you have no priorities” ― Brené Brown Moreover, akin to the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills in running, effective leadership demands continuous learning and development. Just as a coach educates their runners on proper techniques and injury prevention, a leader must stay abreast of industry trends, management methodologies, and interpersonal dynamics. Understanding the nuances of effective communication, decision-making, and team dynamics equips leaders with the tools needed to navigate challenges and propel their teams toward success. Listening to one’s intuition and being attuned to the needs of the body in running is analogous to the concept of emotional intelligence in leadership. A great leader not only relies on data and analytics but also trusts their instincts and cultivates empathy towards their team members. Recognizing when to push forward and when to recalibrate strategies based on evolving circumstances is essential for sustained success, just as runners adjust their pace and approach in response to varying terrain and weather conditions. Furthermore, coaching in both realms transcends mere instruction; it’s about fostering confidence, resilience, and a culture of celebration. Witnessing team members surpass their own expectations, persevere through challenges, and achieve remarkable milestones is immensely rewarding for a leader. Just as a coach takes pride in their runner crossing the finish line or conquering a personal best, a leader finds fulfillment in their team’s triumphs, whether it’s launching a new product, exceeding revenue targets, or overcoming adversity. Ultimately, the essence of spectacular leadership lies in empowering individuals to unleash their full potential, fostering a collaborative spirit, and celebrating collective achievements. Just as a skilled coach propels runners towards their goals with unwavering support and guidance, an exceptional leader inspires their team to reach new heights, navigate obstacles with resilience, and revel in the journey towards success. On the Horizon So, what’s next for Kayla? Taking my guidance, paired with her own pursuit of learning from all resources available, she’s taking things to the next level! The student has become the master and is currently training to run the full 42.2 kilometers at the Vancouver marathon on May 5th. (But let’s be real, one race is never enough to satisfy the running bug!) And what’s next for me? My journey as a coach, both on the paths and in professional settings, has been a testament to the transformative power of guidance, perseverance, and celebration. Whether guiding runners towards their personal bests or leading teams towards business objectives, the principles remain the same: setting clear goals, devising strategic plans, fostering resilience, and celebrating every milestone along the way. As I continue to pursue excellence in coaching, I remain committed to empowering others, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration, and celebrating the collective journey towards success. Together, let’s lace up our shoes, chart our course, and stride confidently towards new horizons, one milestone at a time. Being a coach, leader, and/or mentor is a special relationship that’s all about supporting each other and sharing experiences. It’s an honor and a joy to see someone achieve what they once thought was impossible – one step at a time! And, once my injury is healed, I’ll also be on the paths again for my own reward. In the meantime, I will be living vicariously through the successes and advancements of Kayla and others. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou #TransformationalLeadership #Coaching #GoalSetting #StrategyExecution #Resilience #Empowerment #ContinuousLearning
On Your Mark
On Your Mark When I was younger, I was a sprinter in track and field and could never imagine running longer distances of even 1000m. Do you remember the Canada Fitness Award Program in school? Every year I would tank at the Endurance run – 1600m and 2400m. This part of the testing was heavily weighted in the overall badge you would earn (Excellence, Gold, Silver and Bronze). Of course, I would run as hard and as fast as I could because that is what I knew, thinking, “fastest time to finish was all that mattered.” But my sprinter mentality trying to use that same tactic for longer distances proved futile again and again. This asthmatic sprinter struggled going beyond the 400m mark and had no stamina left. Because of this, I would usually end up earning a bronze standard on this event (or less even). The conclusion I drew from my youthful experiences at the time was that I could never be a distance runner. That would be impossible! This stayed with me for almost 3 decades. Fast forward to recent years and I still like to go fast but I have learned to be like the “tortoise” in the children’s story, going slow and steady. This is where I truly see my best results. More than the eye can see However, there is more to my results than simply speed and pace. That does not give the full story. Incorporating results with Heart Rate (HR) zones, consistency, nutrition, hydration, sleep, cross training and variated runs all add to speed and pace for a more rounded view impacting results. I also keep the 80/20 rule in my running whereby 80% of my run distances or time should be in the low intensity/easy zone and 20% in the challenging high/hard effort zone. I started my marathon training journeyjust over a month ago and have observed a few learnings from the experience. Comparing my last two most recent long runs from January 15th and 23rd below. On initial inspection of the data, you would think that the faster distance times would mean that the results were good and that I had earned my 13-year old “Excellence” Participaction badge. In reality, the run caused me to be physically ill. The last 2 km I began getting an intense headache and my vision was seeing halos. I was shaking and was nauseated. When I reviewed my run results a couple of days later, I realized, that I was going too fast, and my heart rate was in too high of a zone. A week later, I went out again determined to slow myself down. The overall results of the second run were much better. My time was slower, but I wasn’t physically ill like the previous week. I had earned my “Bronze.” Insights How does the above “tortoise” story relate to my profession as business systems analyst? It’s important to check assumptions about your data driven metrics to have a full perspective of the story. Understanding the whole story and not just relying on the data is key to actionable insights. Although circumstances may initially feel like failure, that doesn’t mean that is always the case. How you decide to look at the outcome and gain insights and perspectives from the experience, is how we truly grow. Remember to slow down and keep your HR in the optimum zone. And, take that recovery walk break as it will help you go the distance in the end.
New Year New Journey
New Year New Journey Discipline Goals I make new year’s resolutions each year. Over the years, I have had varying levels of success in keeping them. With the start of 2022 are you planning to incorporate changes into your professional and personal life? Recently, I have been reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, providing me with great insights and education on how to build effective habits to reach my ultimate goals. To stick to any resolution, you need a plan. This book has provided an easy to understand and implementable insights which I will leverage in 2022 and beyond in both my professional and personal life. First Full Marathon For fun and as a healthy habit, I like to distance run. I have established a goal for 2022 committing to completing my first full marathon. I have targeted the Calgary Marathonin May 2022. Yes, a full marathon – 42km (26 miles). This is a whole new challenge goal for me. I have run 5 km races, 10 km races and have completed 4 half marathons. But, since I started running as a hobby roughly 4 years ago, I never ever even considered a full marathon. It is clear for me to make completing my first full marathon in May a reality, I will need to have a plan. Three-part Plan Over the next 5 months, I will implement and put into action the following: 1. Implement a 20-week marathon training plan There are various marathon plans available, but an informative book to check out when planning a race of any distance is “Running, The Complete Guide to Building Your Running Program” by John Stanton, Founder of the Running Room. This book provides a base to help you in your running goals. I started with the Running Room with my 5km race goal and have stepped up all the way to this year’s goal of a full marathon. 2. Incorporate strategies from the book Atomic Habits One golden nugget I will implement will be habit tracking tools. These tools assist in breaking down large objectives into more bite-sized strategies and tactics. 3. Leverage apps and wearable devices to track my progress. For me, this is my Garmin Forerunner235 wearable device which measures my raw activity data such as Distance, Time, Heart Rate, Cadence, Steps. In addition, I will use MyFitnessPal to track my nutrition. This is going to be a fun and challenging journey. I’m looking forward to regularly sharing my insights along the way to help anyone else who might be considering running or walking in their first race. Please feel free to reply and share. What are your 2022 goals? Are there any other insights you have? How are you planning to turn your resolution into a reality? Do you have any insights from your running goals that could help me in my journey or others? Happy New Year in 2022 and all the best in making your resolutions come to life!