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.
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