Career Buzz

What to Do if You Don't Know What to Do

My guest today is Evan Jones, a high school English teacher at Petitcodiac Regional School in New Brunswick, and winner of a 2026 New Brunswick Book Award for his book, What to Do if You Don’t Know What to Do. 
 
For the first part of our conversation, we’re joined by Angelica Welner, a Grade 9 student at Petitcodiac Regional School and one of the test readers of Evan’s book. Angelica brings a wonderfully clear and thoughtful student voice to the conversation, including some wise advice for moms and dads: ease up on the pressure to make young people name a career too soon. 
 
Then Evan and I explore his own career, and we landed an effective way to talk about his story – it’s a kind of “error correction.” Too much teaching only English led him to want more subjects. Too much teaching younger children led him toward high school. Too much travel eventually helped him realize he wanted to return to Canada. Along the way, we talk about uncertainty, purpose, education, and how young people can begin to find their way without needing to have the whole map in hand. 
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

The Entrepreneurial Journey of Robert Ketchin and Georgian Hills Vineyards

 In 2004, Robert Ketchin and his partners launched Georgian Hills Vineyards to pioneer a sustainable cool-climate wine industry along Georgian Bay.  Following extensive soil testing beginning in 1998, the team established vineyards in Beaver Valley, utilizing the Niagara Escarpment's unique microclimate to grow experimental grape varieties.  By 2010, they had successfully converted a historic barn into a fully operational winery and tasting room, showcasing distinct Riesling and Pinot Noir blends.  This entrepreneurial journey demonstrates how vision and trial-and-error transformed a five-acre plot into a defining leader of the emerging Georgian Bay wine region
 
Guest Bio
Robert Ketchin was raised in Scotland, and England and has over fifty years of experience in the beverage alcohol and food service industries. Robert has held senior sales and marketing positions both regionally and nationally with Andres Wines and Heineken / Amstel Brewers. In his youth he was a keen rugby player which he credits much of his success to.
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

How Engaged Are You in What You're Doing Everyday?

Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. Guests share thought provoking statements. Sonny Wong said, “if we have a strong and healthy career identity during career transitions, we’re able to maintain our wellbeing”. My question to you, how clear are you on your career identity? Dr. Emily Bullock Yowell asked, “In our work, whatever it may be, I encourage us all to consider — is what we’re trying to do actually accomplishing the goal?” Such a powerful question. It makes us pause and think: how engaged are we in what we’re doing every day?
 
Guest 1 Bio
Sonny is a Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto – who practices Career-Focused Positive Counselling. 
With over 25 years of progressive experience as a CPD, he started his career as a community researcher identifying the needs of marginalized-displaced workers, served as program developer for matured workers/newcomers, as a resource builder for individuals in the idle trade and eventually a career/employment consultant for clients on provincial financial assistance. 
Sonny’s grassroots lived experience has fostered his keen awareness of professional/ethical service delivery practises. During the last 16 years, Sonny has been a psychotherapist working in post-secondary institutions, assisting clients to reconcile their intersectionality identities with their career identity. 
The passion in his work spans beyond his psychotherapist role, he is a lecturer, writer, trainer and clinical supervisor for Career Development Practitioners. 
Sonny’s commitment is to help individuals identify their strengths as flourishing fuel. His professional contributions have been constantly recognized by numerous national and provincial service awards within the post-secondary education and not-for-profit sectors. 
 
Guest 2 Bio
Emily Bullock-Yowell, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi in the School of Psychology. She is the Training Director of the university’s APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD program and a licensed psychologist in the state of Mississippi. She teaches and supervises students at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. 
Dr Emily’s program of research and training focus is in vocational psychology and career development from a perspective that addresses the integration of practice, theory, and research. Her work particularly focuses on two career development theories; Holland’s RIASEC theory and Cognitive Information Processing Theory. 
Her latest book, Holland’s RIASEC Hexagon: A Paradigm for Life and Work Decisions, with co-author Bob Reardon can be accessed for free. 
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

What happens when the tools you once needed to survive become the work you offer the world?

On this episode of Career Buzz, we hear from Dena Jackson, comedian, speaker, creator of Self Help Me. Dena’s career story moves from theatre and stand-up comedy to corporate public relations, from personal upheaval and divorce to yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and wellness practice. 
 Along the way, she discovered that self-help doesn’t have to be precious or perfect. It can be practical, funny, embodied, and deeply human. We’ll talk about comedy as a doorway into healing, yoga as a turning point, what breathwork can reach that words sometimes can’t, and how Dena turned her own search for support into a career helping others. 
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

Environmental & Social Risk in Global Project Development

Environmental and Social (E&S) risks refer to the potential negative impacts of a project on ecosystems—such as air, water, and biodiversity—and on communities, including effects on livelihoods, health, labor rights, and cultural heritage.  These risks are central to global project risk management, as unaddressed E&S issues can lead to financial losses, legal liabilities, reputational damage, and project delays. Frameworks like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards help financiers and developers identify, assess, and mitigate these risks, ensuring that development is not only economically viable but also sustainable and socially responsible. 
 
Guest Bio
Santiago Ribadeneira Falconi was born in Ecuador and came to Canada in 2018. He is an environmental and social advisor with almost 20 years of experience conducting environmental and social due diligence for large scale nuclear, mining, renewable, oil & gas, pulp & paper, sustainable forestry, and infrastructure across more than 20 countries.  He is currently the Principal of the Environmental and Social Risk Management division at Export Development Canada where he leads complex international project development transactions. He holds two undergrad degrees in biology and an environmental engineering. He also completed a master in environmental sciences and an MBA, and is correctly finalizing his third graduate program; a master of engineering in civil and mineral engineering at the University of Toronto.
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

Careers, branding, risk, and reinvention, with Banditos founder, Anthony CK Thomas

On this episode of Career Buzz, Mark Franklin is joined by Anthony CK Thomas, entrepreneur, business builder, and founder of Banditos, a Canadian-made “Mexi-CAN” lager. It was created to challenge both the beer market and some of the cultural assumptions around branding, identity, and who gets to build something bold. 
Anthony is a “fixer, breaker, closer.” Without traditional educational pathways, he built his career through hustle, instinct, relationships, and a willingness to move before certainty arrived. 
We talk about the 4am moment that sparked Banditos, what entrepreneurship really feels like behind the scenes, the tension between authenticity and marketing, why too many people end up living careers they never actually chose, and what it means to build something that people genuinely want to gather around. 
 
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

The world is yours. You own it.

Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. Dr Seth Hayden reminded us that “Each person has their journey and sometimes we gotta be with the journey and see where it takes us and reach out for help when needed”. Guest Uli Schild adds to this and tells us, “The world is yours. You own it. You’re the boss of your own destiny and you should go for it”. Do you agree with Uli? Do you feel that you are in control of the choices you make? And my question to you, are you with your journey? Comment and share your thoughts and experiences.  
 
Guest 1 Bio
Dr. Seth C.W. Hayden is the associate professor of counseling and coordinator of the clinical mental health program at Wake Forest University. Hayden. Dr. Hayden’s research focuses on the connection between career development and mental health. In addition, he examines the career and personal development needs of military service members, veterans, and their families. 
Dr. Hayden is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina, a national certified counselor, a certified clinical mental health counselor, and an approved clinical supervisor. In addition, he is a past-president of the Military and Government Counseling Association and National Career Development Association, both divisions of the American Counseling Association. 
He is co-author of Group Career Counseling: Practices and Principles (2nd. ed.) and Career Development for Transitioning Veterans and co-editor of Cognitive Information Processing: Career Theory, Research, and Practice. He is also the author of Integrating Career Development and Mental Health Counseling. 
 
Guest 2 Bio
Uli Schild, better known as Mr. Career Tick. I’ve made it my mission for over 15 years to help people get the job they deserve—not just the one they can get. 
It all started after being laid off (twice!). In 2008 and again in 2011, I faced career setbacks that sparked something greater: the drive to build a successful people-focused career coaching practice. Within a year, that passion has helped over 1,800 individuals in Australia and New Zealand land meaningful jobs. 
Through Mr. Career Tick, I’ve publicly shared my experience and knowledge through blogs, online coaching sessions, podcasts, and YouTube videos. 
Over the years, I’ve also learned along the way, as I celebrate my wins and failures and continue to reflect on the rapidly evolving recruiting and HR industry. My paid and free content has helped over 15,000 individuals across Australia, New Zealand and the world land the jobs they deserve. I provide career coaching, mentoring and the 21st century tools to set you up for success. I advise and coach individuals from diverse professional backgrounds and experiences on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and selection criteria cover letters. Most importantly, I help them navigate the job market to help them find their dream job.
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

Where is Your Point B?

Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. Guest John Suarez shares his interesting career path and reminds us that “It’s ok if you don’t know, but you can’t do nothing. What are you going to do? Where is your point B? It doesn’t matter if it’s not the last step. You don’t have to have everything figured out but just figure out that next step”. Can you clearly describe your next step? Comment and share your thoughts and experiences.
 
Guest Bio
John Suarez is a career services leader, educator, and a global voice in résumé writing & coaching. As the Director of the Fundamentals program for the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC), his "Bulletproof" methodology has reached students in 46 states and 31 countries. 
John currently serves as the Career Services Coordinator at Southwestern Illinois College, where he leads a team dedicated to empowering students, alumni, and professionals through career transitions, job placement, and strategic career planning. 
In 2024, John was honored by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the résumé writing profession spanning more than 30 years. Passionate about career development, personal branding, and the future of job search strategy, John continues to shape the industry through online training, mentorship, and a monthly newsletter column for writing and coaching professionals.
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

How do you rebuild your career when life, and the people who depend on you, start asking something different of you?

On this episode of Career Buzz, Mark Franklin is joined by Teri Hart—television and radio host, producer, content creator, and now the creator and host of The Hart of It All podcast. 
Teri spent years on air with Bell Media, Corus, and Rogers, building a career in broadcasting—until a sudden job loss in her late 40s disrupted what had been a steady path forward. In our conversation, Teri shares her career story, how she navigated that turning point, and what it meant to rebuild with intention. 
Then the interview moves into a powerful conversation about caregiving—the focus of her podcast—and the realities so many people are navigating, often quietly and alone. There’s a lot here about resilience, voice, and what it takes to move forward when the path changes. 
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!

Do you have a real sense of Purpose? When does Growth happen?

Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. Guest Emer O’Donnell shares, “When you have a real sense of purpose and this is why you’re here, then you can’t help but follow your heart”. Do you have a real sense of purpose? Sharon Vandermeer follows with a statement about why she values stepping out of her comfort zone, “If I’m ever in a position where I’m uncomfortable that means that growth is happening”. How often do you get uncomfortable in your work? Comment and share your thoughts and experiences.
Guest 1 Bio
Emer O Donnell, Founder of TeenReconnect, is a behavioural change coach with a background in psychology and 20+ years working in global organisations. 
In 2016, she recognised a gap in young people's educational skills that prevented them from navigating the complex world we now live in leaving so many feeling overwhelmed, lost and anxious. She was then inspired to become the Founder of a coaching and training company called TeenReconnect to address this gap. 
She focuses her work on supporting parents to help their children to thrive, empowering youth professionals to increase their skills, and supporting organisations that wish to become more effective in this space. She emphasises the importance of developing well-being first for sustained performance. 
Emer is also the author of “Understanding Teen Stress & Anxiety; A Parent’s Guide to Building Love and Connection” and has created the digital Q Pathfinder coaching app. It is a personalised tool used as part of her 7Q TeenReconnect coaching programme for young people so they understand who they uniquely are and can learn how that plays out in their career choices, confidence, learning, stress, and relationships. 
Emer is passionate about making a difference, believing young people are the future. She also knows that if you don’t know who you are it is way harder to create a life you love.
Guest 2 -Sharon Vandermeer Self Bio
Raised in the country, I learned early on the value of hard work, community, and resourcefulness. When I made the move to Melbourne, I quickly found my calling in recruitment—a space where I could connect people with opportunities that change lives. After a few years in the industry, I took the leap and founded On the Ball Personnel Australasia, allowing me to fully embrace my passion for service. Every day, I get to bridge the gap between talented job seekers and businesses looking for the right talent, ensuring both thrive. With a commitment to providing real value, my approach is built on authenticity, fun, and a deep understanding of what makes great workplaces tick. 
Recruitment isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building careers, strengthening businesses, and making sure people are set up for long-term success. It’s been one of the most rewarding spaces to play and make a difference in! 
 
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.comFor gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!