A big thank you for spending your time with us on the

playground! And a huge thank you to Priyak for sharing his story with us.

Here are my top takeways from our chat:

At the end of Grade 10 you have to take an exam that will let you go on to Junior College where you could choose from Commerce, Art or Science background.

In a society with a heavy focus on STEM and commerce careers, more Arts-inclined people can get a BA in psychology/sociology.

When teachers have a passion for the subject they teach, this can have a huge positive impact on the lives of their students. Priyak loved taking German because of the passion of his German teacher.

Unlike many people, Priyak knew what he wanted to study after junior college. He was interested in joining the Indian armed forces, but he also had a love of food and cooking that he developed while helping his mother with her business. Inspiration comes from many places!

Priyak is someone with a strong growth mindset. His pivots have been many – from choosing catering arts instead of a career in the military (even though he had always been fascinated by the military life).

A big pivot was visiting Canada and falling in love with Thompson, Manitoba, followed by another pivot when he decided to focus on a career in the public service as a police officer (after a stint as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Manitoba Sheriff’s Office).

He took a very strategic approach to his career development, spending a lot of time thinking and reflecting on his next move.

While applying to join police forces throughout Ontario, Priyak also considered the role of air traffic controller. Big takeaway here – really spend time getting to know and understand your own strengths and interests in life. They are the clues you need to listen to!

Strategic and resilient are two words to describe Priyak’s attitude towards his career development. Even when things did not go the way he thought they were going to go with the Ottawa police services, he was able to reflect again and choose another path.

Even he was working at two part-time jobs that did pay the bills but did not align with his professional career goals, he was taking the time to think about ways he could grow. He also took the time to network with other people and learn more about other opportunities, like the Rideau Carleton Casino.

Priyak knew he was always interested in the military or para-military world, so applied for the position of security officer and was promoted. When he became a Canadian citizen in 2018, he started applying to the Canadian armed forces.

He was going through the application process when the pandemic hit. And although it really drew out the timeline, it also gave him the opportunity to learn that he was interested in emergency management.

He went to school, took the training while working and in 2021 started working as an artillery officer with the reserve’s unit of the Canadian armed forces.

Advice to younger self – and what I am taking away from the conversation – be strong. Gain strength. And the quotes – words that he lives by – evolve, and like the Marines say, observe everything, admire nothing.

Please do remember to visit the St. John’s Ambulance website for more information about organization and to learn more about emergency management. And remember to share the podcast with a friend!

Thanks again to Priyak for sharing his journey -and his strategies of career development! Please do join me and another fabulous mystery guest on the next episode of the Playground Project. Until next time, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. See you on the playground for the next chat, when we will jump into the future – together.

Links:

Saving Lives at Work, Home and Play | St. John...

Thanks so much for joining us today!

Hajar was top of her class in Morocco, and although she had started the process to get her visa to immigrate to Canada, it ended up taking her six years.

A big takeaway for me was how global events like COVID, or the Canadian response to the Afghan refugee crisis can have a profound impact on people’s lives so far away.

But, Hajar definitely found wisdom in those six years – she finished her Ph.D., advanced in her career and had a son.

Like so many other newcomers, Hajar is adaptable, flexible, and resilient. And I love that she had the self-awareness to know what is the most important thing for her in making career decisions - freedom, honesty, courage and having the autonomy and ability to choose and make her own decisions in her life.

Hajar’s career journey since she has been in Canada has been so inspiring, and she is helping others reach their goals too. Seriously, she is such a wonderful person and I am so very grateful that Fathy introduced us back in 2023.

Please do check out WUSC to learn more about the important and life-changing work they do for so many people around the world. A link to the website is in the show notes.

And please do share the podcast and share the inspiration!

Links:

WUSC (World University Service of Canada) - Education Changes the World

(4) Hajar Lamhamedi, PhD | LinkedIn

Morocco | Culture, Facts & Travel | - CountryReports

Biography of Oscar Wilde

Link to episode 83 interview with Ledianis

Link to episode 73 interview with Amal Jerbi

Thank you so much for spending your time with us on the playground. Hanging out together is one of my favourite things!

A massive thank you to Holly for sharing your story and your journey with us. In a very inspiring episode, here is my key takeaway:

Authenticity is the key to living a happy and joyful life. That’s really it. When you live your authentic life, sharing your natural gifts with the world in a way that feels right, that is when you will feel joy. When you are not living your authentic life, being who you truly are, that is when you feel a sense of inner conflict between what you think you should be and who you truly are. Who you you KNOW you truly are.

Being secure in who you are, knowing and living by your values is essential to living an authentic life and I can’t thank you enough Holly for living your authentic life and sharing your gifts with the world. This chat really inspired me to make sure I continue to support people to live their authentic lives – because that is how I can live my own life with authenticity and security.

Remember to share the podcast with a friend so more people can join us on the playground!

Also, you can find more information on Pflag in the show notes it is an important organization making a huge difference to many people. Especially at this time.

Links:

Holly Jacobs | LinkedIn

Understanding Transgender People: The Basics | A4TE

Gender dysphoria - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Laverne Cox Biography

Pride Season - Canada.ca

50 Personal Values Examples & How To Live By Yours

For all Families - pflag Canada