Belonging — what does this mean to you? Mothers Day in Canmore, AB For me, this has evolved into being seen and heard. It means accepting myself as human, someone with a mixture of strengths, flaws, emotions, experiences, and personality traits, and allowing myself to simply BE me. Vulnerable, authentic, growing, and imperfect. It also means creating space for others to do the same. This past weekend, Mother’s Day, gave me a special appreciation for what belonging truly means. Not only as a Mom to two fabulous young ladies, but also as someone who has had the privilege of walking beside them as they have grown from babies, to toddlers, to teenagers, and now into young women. Supporting them in becoming their authentic selves and ensuring they always know they are loved, supported, and safe to express who they are. One of the gifts of time is the ability to reflect on the choices my husband David and I have made, and how our understanding of belonging changes throughout life, from childhood, to young adulthood, to motherhood and beyond. Along the way there have been lessons, cycles, successes, and moments that were far more difficult than expected. What continues to stand out to me is the importance of connection. Building connection at home, with friends and family, within community, and professionally. Professionally, my journey has often felt like a rollercoaster and has not always unfolded the way I once imagined. My priority has always been my family and making sure the little heads and big heads under our roof were cared for in the everyday moments of life. Sometimes I succeeded beautifully, and other times life felt much harder to navigate. Looking back now, I can see purpose in those experiences. I could not simply put my head down, work harder, and force everything into place. Life had other lessons waiting for me. Over the last few years, I have come to realize that many of those challenges were guiding me toward a different direction and a deeper understanding of myself. This week, I had the opportunity to say “yes” to another space of belonging by attending a lunch and building new connections within an evolving community called She Belongs. Prior to this, in 2024 and continuing into 2025, Nicole Cameron introduced me to the Ishtara Method, a different approach to healing inner wounds and reconnecting my body, thoughts, and experiences. Through practicing the series over time, I was able to better connect my lived experiences with how they were being held within myself. That work helped me finally breathe again and begin moving forward in a healthier way. I now look forward to seeing what the She Belongs community will continue to unfold and bring through both inner and external connection. Fast forward to today, and I carry many learnings from the Ishtara practice, along with experiences from other communities and connections that have helped me better understand both myself and what it means to truly belong. I am a woman, mother, wife to David, daughter, sister, cousin, goofy aunt and also a professional business leader wearing many hats: Transportation Specialist, Entrepreneur, Business Systems Analyst, Data Guru, Marketer, Project Manager… and likely many more to come. For me, belonging starts with acceptance, surrender, and living for today. It means stepping forward in my own being, knowing that I am worthy, that I have value, and that my voice and experiences can help create connection and community for others too.
Bus Driver Appreciation Day
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!
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