CANADIAN CAREER GAL

Gals We Admire: Kim McMullen

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

As the Principal / Creative of her own design agency, Kim McMullen says her job is "99% of what I love and 1% of crummy days. It’s a pretty rad ratio all around."

Name: Kim McMullen

Profession: Principal / Creative

Websites: flip-side.ca;

unclephil.ca

Twitter handle: @flipsidecreate

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

The best part about my career is that there is no typical day. Ever! My fingers are in a lot of pies. I might be designing a car wrap, directing another designer on a logo design, writing killer headlines, strategizing for marketing pans, presenting concepts to clients, or high-fiving teammates for a job well done. It’s a big bag of mixed salad every day. It keeps me on my toes and pushes me to be creative beyond measure. The pressure can be nutty, but I secretly love it. Crave it, even.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

A novelist. I was convinced I'd write a bestseller. Then I realized that I don’t have the attention span for one project. My "Stories" folder on my desktop is proof: 32 novel ideas started – and abandoned – thus far.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

It is 99% of what I love and 1% of crummy days. It's a pretty rad ratio all around.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

Standing out from the crowd in a dime-a-dozen industry. There are lots of talented designers, writers, marketers out there. We have to cut through that clutter with a resonant "This is why we’re awesome and you should pay us to be awesome for you" sales pitch that comes from the heart.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

Definitely. I’ve wanted to write and design since the get go. It’s in my blood. When I’m not doing one or the other or both, I miss it. Like really yearn for it. It’s almost like therapy.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Stick to your guns, girl. An old boss once said to me "Kim, you can’t get to the top by being nice." I said “C'mon! We can do good work for good people and make a couple of bucks at it, I'm sure.” He paused and laughed in my face. I quit the next day and never looked back.

Being idealistic isn't naïve; it's gutsy. If you believe you can do it, like truly, deeply, inside your skin and at the core of your heart believe, then you can do it. Bypass the naysayers, thank them for their warnings, and just go achieve the ideal. It's totally possible.

Hire people to do the stuff you don’t like. No job is perfect, even when you’re working for yourself. Inevitably, there are tasks you are not great at that still need to be done. I love running a marketing studio; I loathe phone calls, timesheets, quotes, and invoicing. All are necessary for our success. So I found someone who loves those things and he kicks ass at them. And we are both fulfilled. And the business hums.

Movie Worth Watching: This Means War

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy—three very beautiful people in one very campy film. This film's got romance, action, and laughs, and the signature slick direction of McG written all over it.

Watch the official This Means War movie trailer here:

This Means War hits theatres everywhere February 17th. Don't miss it!

Take it to the Limit

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Whenever we take a flight somewhere, we are inevitably faced with the task of packing light and that's not always an easy thing to do. When at the airport check-in, we often find ourselves silently praying that we don't get dinged with overweight baggage charges. We recently discovered the Heys xScale® PRO, a tiny yet powerful device that weighs luggage on the go. The handheld auto-locking digital scale can weigh up to 110 lbs (50 kg). So now when we're away on a trip or just preparing to leave for one, we can confidently check our bags knowing that we haven't exceeded the limit. Sweet!

$24.95 at shop.heys.ca

Gals We Admire: Margaret Eaton

2012-02-09T00:00:00.001-08:00

With an MBA and well-honed skills in not-for-profit management, Maragret Eaton is putting her talents to great use by advocating for adult literacy. Plus, find out why being nice is on Eaton's list of must-have criteria for getting ahead in your career.

Name: Margaret Eaton

Job Position Title: President, ABC Life Literacy Canada

Website: abclifeliteracy.ca

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

I don’t think I ever have a "typical day" which is one of the things I really like about my job. I often refer to my job as a smorgasbord—I get to do lots of different things and interact with lots of different people which is very stimulating. I learned early on in my career that jobs that are deep in one narrow area make me a bit bored. I need variety. So my day might include a meeting with a corporate sponsor, an interview with someone from the media about literacy, planning meetings with our great staff team, or working on our organizational plans and budget for the year. I get to learn a lot of different things and use different skills.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I wanted to be a teacher for a while, and then as a teen I wanted to be a sketch and improvisation performer. My job combines elements of both of these occupations. I do a lot of presentations and interviews, so I get to explain things and teach. I also have to be quick on my feet and improvisation training really helps with that!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I’m very passionate about our cause—adult literacy. We think of Canada as being a nation of people with high literacy skills, but in fact many adults struggle with reading, writing and math. Our organization’s mission is to inspire Canadians to improve their skills. It’s a mission I really believe in personally and it infuses energy into all that we do. I also get to work with amazing people—our staff, board members and volunteers and others in the literacy field. I’m inspired by the dedication of those around me to bring more visibility and resources to ensure all Canadians have the skills they need to live a fully engaged life.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

In not-for-profit management, it is always a struggle to ensure you have all the resources (financial, human) to do all the things you want to do. It’s a challenge to balance the needs of all of the funders (government, corporate, individuals) who are helping your organization to meet its goals, but who have goals of their own that they need met. This is also what makes the job interesting!

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

I started my career in arts management and decided to get an MBA in arts and media management from Schulich in order to give me the skills I needed to make the difference I wanted to make in the arts. After many years in the arts, I decided to make a switch to a different kind of charity. I wanted to work in something that was more purely philanthropic and make a contribution to bettering the lives of Canadians, in whatever small way I could. I’ve worked hard on developing my management skills because I felt that was what I could give. Through good management, I hope to enable organizations to better achieve their missions. That makes for a very satisfying career.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Keep learning – it’s so important to keep on growing and acquiring new skills. This may or may not be through formal education. One of my favourite ways to learn is to take someone to lunch who knows something that I want to know more about. People are happy to share their knowledge and experience and you get to benefit from their learning. Ask questions and listen—it’s powerful.

Be nice – I think niceness is under-rated in our culture. I’ve made a point of hiring staff who are smart, engaged and engaging, and ambitious for themselves and for our work. But they’re also all nice. By that I mean, they are interested in other people, empathetic, polite to each other, enjoy working in a team and understand that two heads truly are better than one.

Think big picture – Regardless of what position I’m hiring, I’m always drawn to the person who can think strategically. By that I mean they understand, at the highest level, what we’re trying to achieve and how their work fits into those goals. The person who asks, "why do we do it that way? Does that help us meet our goals?" is the person I want to work with.

Lost in Motion - National Ballet of Canada

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like you're lost in motion at work? You're not the only one. Check out this online short film Lost in Motion starring Guillaume Côté, Principal Dancer at The National Ballet of Canada. The film's premise: "A young man loses himself in his environment so that his movements reveal the world that exists in his imagination, transcending reality through his muse of dance."

Choreographer/Dancer: Guillaume Côté

Director: Ben Shirinian

Producer: Leslie Aimée Gottlieb

Production Company: Krystal Levy Pictures Inc.

Director of Photography: Jeremy Benning

Executive Producers: Leslie Aimée Gottlieb, David Miller

Music: "Another Day," written by James LaValle

9 Ways to Create a Fun Workplace

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

A job doesn't have to be all work and no play. Check out the Canadian Living article How to make work fun by Julie Ovenell-Carter for nine suggestions on how to build employee camaraderie.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.canadianliving.com/life/work/how_to_make_work_fun.php

Sort Through It

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Doing the laundry can be the bane of our domestic existence, but we've managed to make the job a little easier by using the neatfreak everfresh Deluxe Triple Laundry Sorter. The heavy duty metal frame with easy roll casters comes with three lift-off polyester bags so that we can easily sort our whites, colours and darks. A total plus: no tools are required in assembling this product. We literally put this thing together in a snap. Oh, how we love being organized. Now If only sorting our inbox could be this easy!

$34.93 at Walmart

Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) - Kelly Clarkson

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Bop along to the original American Idol's latest chart-topper.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Teresa Pitman

2012-02-02T00:00:00.001-08:00

Though Teresa Pitman concedes it's challenging to make a decent living as a writer, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. To Pitman, those pros include the variety of work, meeting and interviewing passionate people, and having the flexibility to spend more time with her kids.

Name: Teresa Pitman
Profession: Freelance Writer
Website: Teresapitman.com
Twitter handle: @whattpwrites

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish
I like to start my day with a walk or weight-lifting. With that darn exercise thing out of the way, I can settle down in front of the computer. Every day is different and flexibility is important for me. I may have interviews or meetings scheduled, or I may spend most of my day writing, editing or revising. Some days there is more staring at a blank computer screen than I like to admit! It’s not unusual for work to leak into the evening hours as well.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
I always loved words and loved reading; I think I always wanted to be a writer. I had a high school English teacher who convinced me that I couldn’t write well, and that’s why I majored in Chemistry at University. But you can’t stop a writer from writing, and I did go on to get a Magazine Journalism diploma as well.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety. I get to write about so many different things. Just today, for example, I interviewed a Theatre Arts professor about a fascinating theatre installation he is building, talked to a counselor who helps people whose pets are ill or injured, did an email interview about teens who ‘borrow’ stuff from their parents, edited an article about the challenges of the growing retail industry in the Baltic states, and worked on revising policies and procedures for a Children’s Aid Society. I meet amazing people who are passionate about what they are doing and I never get bored!

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?
The biggest challenge is money. Twenty-five years ago, a good rate for a magazine article was $1 a word. Today, a good rate for a magazine article is still $1 a word. Editors often want more research and sources for shorter articles – which means more work for less money. I'm not blaming magazine publishers, who are facing their own challenges and pressures, but it is certainly not easy to make a good living as a writer.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?
I'm not sure I know what a calling is. I do know that I love writing and it feels right for me.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?
Find your tribe. By that I mean connect with others who can provide you with support and encouragement. Writing is a largely solitary work, and I wish I had joined groups like PWAC (Professional Writers Association of Canada) earlier in my career. That connection with other writers has proven to be so valuable.

If you have children, remember that they grow up very, very quickly. One reason I opted for freelancing (rather than working on staff somewhere as a writer) was to have the flexibility to spend more time with my children, attend their games and plays, and head to the beach on a sunny weekday afternoon. Remember that saying – nobody ever wishes she’d spent more time at the office.

Be strategic about your career. I mention this because it's something I haven't done very well, and I've seen the results achieved by other people who have. I tend to just take an assignment because it looks interesting or fun or I like the editor, but I'd have better success if I had a plan in mind. (On the other hand, I might have less fun, so my way might work, too!)

Sneak Peek of 'Marvel's The Avengers'

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI takes place Sunday, February 5th. Check out this 10-second sneak peek of the Game Day spot for upcoming film Marvel's The Avengers:

Marvel's The Avengers stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and Samuel L. Jackson, and is written and directed by Joss Whedon. The movie hits theatres on May 4th, 2012.

Tune in to You

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Probably the hardest part about being a career gal is balancing work, family, friends and time for yourself. Many of us actually put ourselves on the backburner as we tend to all the other demands in our lives. It’s easy to get lost and forget about who we are at the core, which is why Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein caught our attention. In the book, Bernstein openly shares her journey from being an NYC party-hard PR girl with a drug addiction to shedding the vices and learning to genuinely love herself—all while providing practical advice on how to create self-love in your life. She is now a widely sought motivational speaker and spiritual guide, and has been featured in ELLE, The New York Times, Huffington Post and more. Spirit Junkie is just the self-love-fest we so rightly need and deserve.

$25.95 at randomhouse.ca

Gals We Admire: Kaillie Humphries

2012-01-26T00:00:00.001-08:00

Professional athlete Kaillie Humphries believes bobsleigh was her destiny, but it's her determination, perseverance, stubborn headedness, and will to succeed that has allowed her to reach her full potential.

Name: Kaillie Humphries
Profession: Olympic Athlete - Women's Bobsleigh
Website: bobteamhumphries.com
Twitter handle: @Bobsledkaillie

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish
In the summer my typical day starts with a breakfast of green plus, vitamins and minerals, and green tea. Depending on where in the year will depend on my breakfast and what I do or do not eat. Diets and healthy eating are important as an athlete. I take my dog for a walk in the morning and then I head to the gym/track for 10am. I train for about 4-5 hours, again depending on the day will determine the length of the workout, and at around 1pm or 2pm I will eat my first major meal (possible protein shake around noon on big training days). At around 3pm I will then head to either chiro, physio, or massage (sometimes a combo) for an hour or two to get treatment, and then eat another meal around 4pm, after which I will head home. Once at home I take my dog for a run (which is me on a longboard because I did my running earlier in the day), and make dinner. I chill out after dinner and rest until about 10pm when I head for bed.

In between the training, treatment, and food, I fit in emails and time with family and friends. I also fit in appearances / speeches for my sponsors and I figure out equipment / teams stuff for the coming year.

In the winter (competition season) my days are very busy. I will get up and depending on when our sliding sessions (or races) are in the day and week, will depend on the schedule for the day. I will be at the bobsleigh track for about five or six hours, the gym for about two hours, treatment for one hour, video with my pilot coach for one hour, prepping equipment for the next day for one to two hours, and in between fit in three to four meals. My winter days are very busy and I don't get much time for anything else. Winter days are from October until March.

The month of March is completely off and I do nothing physical in hopes of allowing my body to recover. From April to September is the summer days, which accounts for my whole year. I have to look at days in week blocks, weeks in months and months in years, as my schedule is on a four year cycle (around the Olympics) and everything falls into place.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
An Olympic Gold Medalist. My dream started when I was 7-years-old watching a family friend Mark Tewksbury win his Olympic gold in the 1992 Summer Olympics (Barcelona). I was so moved by everything that surrounded the day that I knew when I grew up I wanted to be an Olympic Gold Medalist as well.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the fact that I get to do something I love. I am fortunate that what I love to do (sports) has been turned into my profession, and that I am able to work towards my goals and dreams every day. The healthy active lifestyle is a positive and getting to compete at the highest level of amateur sport is a privilege. The people in bobsleigh (from all over the world, as we are not a very big community) are amazing and allow me to be grow in so many ways. I think the people in my sport are my favorite thing about bobsleigh. Don't get me wrong, I love the sliding and competing, the thrill of racing is like nothing else, but the people are what make the experience whole. I am a big people person, I love meeting new people and forming relationships. Bobsleigh has allowed me to do that all around the world.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?
One of the biggest challenges I face in my profession is money. I think that every amateur athlete (regardless of the sport) faces this problem and it's not an easy subject. Being able to train and mentally prepare to face the top athletes in the wold takes time, energy and effort. Having to also worry about where the money is going to come from for food, rent, top equipment, coaching/team fees, it's all stuff that takes away from focusing on being the best we can be.

Equipment is very expensive in my sport and as a bobsleigh pilot I am responsible for supplying my team with whatever I can afford. Not only do I have to find money for the essentials, I now have to supply my team with whatever top equipment I can find and get. Having to say no to the best equipment in the world, because I need to pay my mortgage is a tough call. A tough situation that many Canadian athletes face everyday.

The challenge is remedied mostly through sponsorship, but also speaking opportunities or any job that an athlete can do, with training still being the number one focus of the day. Since winning in Vancouver I have been fortunate to have two major companies come on board and partner with me to help buy my equipment. This way I can focus on my job of being the top bobsleigh pilot in the world.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?
Yes. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that I was meant to be in my sport. I also believe that although I was meant to be in my sport, and that things happen for a reason, I still have to make the best of every opportunity that is given to me. I think that my dream / goal started me off at the age of 7, but it was my determination, perseverance, stubborn headedness, and will to succeed that allowed me to reach my full potential. I believe bobsleigh was my destiny, but i know it was all my hard work that allowed me to achieve my goal.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?
Believe in your abilities - never let anyone else tell you what is or is not possible.

Reach for the stars - set goals and aim high. You miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take.

Never give up - life throws curve balls, and nothing is ever easy, but it's how we rise up from the crap that determines what kind of person we are and how great we can really be.

7 Ways to Make Marriage and Debt Work

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001-08:00

In Would you marry someone who's in debt?, Melanie Epp shares her experience of being in a relationship with one person in the black and the other in the red. If you're in a similar situation, Epp provides seven tips on how a couple can make debt and marriage co-exist.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://yourmoney.ca/life_events/marriage/would_you_marry_someone_whos_in_debt/460aa545

Domino - Jessie J

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend goes by fast so be sure to make every second of it a highlight!

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Marni Wasserman

2012-01-19T00:00:00.001-08:00

As a culinary nutritionist, Marni Wasserman loves imparting her knowledge and values of health, nutrition and wellness on others on a daily basis.

Name: Marni Wasserman

Profession: Culinary Nutritionist

Website: marniwasserman.com

Twitter handle: @marniwasserman

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

My day always starts with a green juice. Then I work out, followed up with a green super smoothie and jump on the computer. I spend a couple of hours (if I don’t have an appointment or meeting) responding to emails, researching, blogging or writing an article for Chatelaine. I stumble into the kitchen somewhere between 12:30 and 1:30 to make something delicious for lunch. After lunch (if no appointments, consultations or meetings) I am usually at a grocery store or market in Toronto doing shopping for my evening Vegetarian Organic Cooking Class which begins at 6:30pm. So from about 4pm to 6pm I am setting up my kitchen. Then my day usually ends up with me back on the computer following up with more emails, drinking an herbal tea and if lucky, I am in bed by 11pm.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I don’t think I had a set plan of what I wanted to be when I was a kid. It changed yearly from a hairdresser, to a marine biologist, to a lawyer and then a dream psychologist. At some point, I realized that whatever I did needed to involve food. As I was passionate about eating and learning about the body. That is when nutrition and fitness came into the picture. Then I started to formulate my values as to where I actually saw myself. Now over the last 10 years, I have been working in the health field. I was a personal trainer for a few years, which bridged into me becoming a nutritional consultant and finally fell into my role in the culinary world as a chef. Now I proudly have my own title as a “culinary nutritionist” which embodies both the food and nutrition.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My favourite thing about my job is that I get to inspire people. With something as simple and basic as food, people really get thrilled when they learn about how easy it is to nourish themselves with healthy food. I get to work with people and educate them; to me this is the ultimate reward. I get to express my passion and my love for health, nutrition and wellness and impart that on others on a daily basis. Whether it is through a hands-on cooking class, a workshop, demonstration, an article that I have written or a private consultation. My goal is to see people get excited about eating delicious food. I also get to experiment and explore the world of food and "play" with new ingredients, come up with recipes and I love every second of it!

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

One of the biggest challenges in this profession is keeping up with the latest trends and conflicting or confusing information that is perpetrated through the media or other resources. There is so much information floating around with false nutritional claims, the latest "super" food or fad diet. This often leaves people very confused and misinformed. Therefore it is my duty to not only stay on top of this information and be in the forefront, but be able to guide people in a direction that they feel is approachable. It is usually very rewarding in the end, but it can take a lot of work!

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

I absolutely believe I had a "calling" for this profession. Members of my family, friends and clients have told me that I just exude my passion in everything that I do. I light up every time I speak about food, health and nutrition. I am never bothered by too many questions, I enjoy it and it excites me. Because my profession isn’t just my profession but my lifestyle—I get the chance to really live it. There is no other path that I ever wished I followed—everything just feels right and I know this is what I am meant to be doing!

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Be passionate about what you do everyday. If you are not, it will show.

Stay committed to your values and stay true to yourself in every decision that you make.

Always know what you are talking about in your profession, from the heart – no one likes to hear a sales pitch that isn’t sincere.

How to Keep Employees from Quitting

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

In a managerial position? Check out this video for employee retention tips:

How to Pay Less Tax on Your Income

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

In Pay less tax, contribute to your RRSP, Gail Vaz-Oxlade makes a convincing argument for why "an RRSP is still the single best way for Canadians to minimize the amount of tax they are paying on their incomes." Be sure to check out the MoneySense.ca article before February 29th—the RRSP contribution deadline date for the 2011 tax year.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.moneysense.ca/2012/01/17/pay-less-tax-contribute-to-your-rrsp/

Germs Be Gone

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001-08:00

We admit it—we can be real germaphobes when it comes to taking our kids to public places, and having them sit in a grocery cart while we do our shopping is no exception. For trips to the supermarket, we take along the handy Bright Starts Comfort & Harmony Cozy Cart Cover. Made of plush, padded fabrics to keep baby comfy, the cover protects from shopping cart germs and is designed with three storage pockets and sewn-in loops for attaching toys. Also great for using at restaurants on a high chair, we can now be a little less wary of junior picking up unwanted germs.

$26.50 USD at Amazon.com

Merry Go Round - Suzie McNeil

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Doesn't work sometimes feel like a merry go round? Thankfully, it's Friday and you can stop spinning around for a little while.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Angie Continisio

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

When Angie Continisio was let go from her corporate job, she saw it as an opportunity to do something she had dreamed about for a while—opening a yoga studio dedicated to children.

Name: Angie Continisio

Profession: Children & Adult Yoga Instructor

Website: kidsbutterflyyoga.com

Twitter handle: @KidsButterfly

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

My typical day begins at 7:00 am and ends at 9:30 pm. Mornings begin with breakfast with my boys. I then walk the younger one to the school bus stop and drive my older son to school. Once the boys are settled in school, my workday begins at 9:00 am either teaching yoga at a daycare, an elementary school, a high school, a senior’s centre, or my personal studio. My afternoons are spent networking, meeting with potential clients, setting up trainings, workshops, classes, etc. I pick up me kids from school at 3:30 pm and head home to make dinner. At 6:30 pm it is back to the studio for more classes.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I wanted to be a school teacher. I had a huge chalkboard at home and when my friends or cousins came over, I would give them each a paper and a pencil. I would pretend I was the teacher and they were the students. I would recite spelling words and then write them on the board. I would correct their quizzes with my "treasured" red ballpoint pen!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Meeting like-minded people and spending time with the children. My students keep me in the present moment. I can let go of my own expectations and give them the space to be who they are now – children. I love knowing they’re having fun doing something that is so not only good for them but that they will carry the yoga skills they learn beyond class and into their normal everyday routines.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

I believe my biggest challenge teaching yoga to children and owning a yoga studio dedicated to the physical and mental well-being of children is to convince parents, educators, and therapists that children are born "natural" yogis and that through yoga, they will be given the gift of being able to nurture their bodies, minds and spirits.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

Yes! One morning after 18 years in the corporate world I was told by the HR Director that I was being "let go". I gathered up my belongings and walked out of the building on a sunny February day feeling like I had literally "let go". I felt like 20 pounds had been lifted off my shoulder. I felt as free as a bird. I drove home with a smile because I knew that the closing of this door would allow me to open a new door doing something I had been dreaming of for a few years. I dreamt of a place of community where children and their families would come to connect and share in wellness and spirit and where they would immerse themselves in the healing energies we each bring into this world. Six months later, Kids Butterfly Yoga opened its doors!

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Keep learning.

Follow your passion.

Believe in yourself.

Sh*t Girls Say

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Seeing that this video is nearing 10 million views on YouTube, we're a little late to the party, but we just had to post it anyway:

9 Ways to Foster Female Leadership

2012-01-10T00:00:00.001-08:00

In Bringing more women to the head table, Harvey Schachter draws our attention to the long-standing issue of the lack of women in top corporate positions. Schachter recommends tips from Dan McCarthy, leadership development expert and author of Great Leadership blog, on how to effectively address this imbalance. If McCarthy's suggestions—allocating places for women, providing mentors, making diversity a guiding rule—can be successfully implemented, we could well be on our way to seeing more female business leaders.

Click here to read the article or copy and paste this link into your web browser:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/management/morning-manager/bringing-more-women-to-the-head-table/article2294415/

Grate Expectations

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

We cannot survive in the kitchen without the Microplane Classic Series Premium Zester/Grater. This handy tool helps us to elegantly top off a Caesar salad with wispy laces of Parmesan Reggiano, and it's never been so easy to zest a lemon into recipes that call for some citrus-y zing. The grater is also excellent for grating chocolate, coconut, ginger, garlic, and other hard cheeses and citrus fruits. Plus, with a soft-touch handle that's available in six different colours, there's sure to be one that matches any kitchen colour scheme. A must-have for every avid home chef!

$22.50 at ca.microplane.com

Countdown - Beyoncé

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Have fun counting down to the weekend with this fun number by soon-to-be new mama Beyoncé.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Jessica Denomme

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

The PR-savvy Jessica Denomme uses her skills to research and report on trends in the modelling industry. Find out more about Denomme and get great advice from her on how to kick your own career into high gear.

Name: Jessica Denomme

Job Position Title: Associate Editor

Website: ModelResource.ca

Twitter handle: @jessdenomme

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

A typical day as the Associate Editor of ModelResource.ca revolves around investigating the lives of Canada’s most beautiful and writing... A LOT!

I spend the majority of my time researching upcoming models or checking in on faces that we have featured in the past. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of Canada’s most in demand models and developing relationships with them is very important in this position. My role requires a lot of schmoozing and building a large network of industry professionals—it’s public relations, baby! On ModelResource.ca, we ensure that we are staying on top of who is doing what in the industry. If Jessica Stam is on the cover of VOGUE Italia, I can promise you that you will see if on ModelResource.ca!

In addition to staying on top of the who, what and where of fashion, I contribute to a bi-weekly blog titled "Yours in Fashion!" The purpose of my blog is to provide potential and current models with the information that they need to be successful in this industry. From "How to Dress for a Casting" to "How to Spot a Modelling Scam", I cover everything they need to ensure they are prepared for any situation. This is definitely one of my favourite things about my job.

ModelResource.ca also has a very active subscriber community and we are consistently receiving and answering our readers’ questions. The most popular questions we receive are regarding the legitimacy of agencies, which once again sends me back to researching. I’m like a fashion sleuth! It’s SO important that we are providing our readers with accurate and encouraging information and we want to ensure that we are only providing them with the best!

I usually finish off my day by contributing to ModelResource’s Twitter, Facebook or Wordpress accounts and generating publicity for the website and the models it features. I’m a social media junkie, so it’s not uncommon to find me tweeting up until the very last minute before I fall asleep!

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

When I was a kid I wanted to be a ballerina! My parents signed me up for my first dance class when I was 5 years old and I danced competitively for my entire childhood. At the age of 12, I was training for over 30 hours a week—it was intense! My dream did come true however, as I danced professionally for three years before attending Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is that I have the opportunity to meet and work with some of the coolest people in the industry! Whether I’m working on a photography project with Toronto-based hair and make-up artist Tami El Sombati or I am spending the day at a modelling convention with Canada’s Next Top Model: Cycle 1 winner Rebecca Hardy, some of my strongest friendships have been developed through this role.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

The biggest challenge in my profession is keeping the information we provide "fresh". While the industry is always changing, it can be difficult to come up with exclusive subject matter on our own. My solution? I read... A LOT! I have a subscription to virtually every Canadian and American fashion magazine and I spend hours every day scouring the Internet for information. I also love taking requests, so if you have any questions or recommendations please reach out to me at Jessica@modelresource.ca

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

Definitely! Prior to attending Conestoga College for Public Relations, I knew what I wanted to do—I just didn’t realize that it had a name. In theory, I’ve been a publicist since the age of 10 when my cousin and I publicized our homemade jewelry in the community newsletter—as if they actually let us put that in there? In terms of the journalistic side of the job, writing has always been an important part of my life. The difference now is that people actually want to read what I have to say.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Fake it ‘til you make it. I remember walking into my first "big girl job" interview post-graduation. I was literally shaking in my Marc Jacobs pumps! I would have given up my first born and extensive headband collection to get that job. I was sitting in the waiting room of one of Canada’s largest communications companies and thinking "I am SO out of my league". Fortunately, I was able to pull it together before the companies VP of Publicity escorted me to her office and what do you know... I rocked the interview! Don’t let your nerves or fear of failure stop you from following your dreams. As much as I wanted to run scared to my dad who was waiting in the car, I stuck it out and it truly jump-started my career.

Network, network, network. You know what they say: It’s all about who you know! Regardless of your career path or the industry you work in, it is important to develop a strong network of business professionals that you can rely on. Always carry around your business card in case you run into a potential employer or client. Additionally, I store a PDF copy of my resume on my Blackberry in case it is requested on the spot—this is great for acquiring freelance work! Linkedin is also a great way to connect with others on a business level.

Pay your dues. You've got your degree; you’ve done your internships... so why don’t you have your dream job yet? Calm down, honey! We’re the generation of NOW and that is not always a good thing. It is important to remember that you cannot expect to become the Head of Purchasing for Holt Renfrew overnight. Benefit from those around you and learn from your colleagues. Patience is a virtue!

Tips for Saving and Investing in Your 20s

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Kick off the new year by making it your personal goal to get your personal finances in shape. Check out this video where Rob Carrick, Personal Finance Columnist for The Globe and Mail, interviews Lesley Scorgie, author of Rich by Thirty: A Young Adults Guide to Financial Success, for tips on how to get your money working for you.

10 Tips for Writing a Novel

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Is 2012 the year you'll be writing your first novel? In Want to write that book? Read on (originally published in The Globe and Mail), Russell Smith eschews 10 pieces of wisdom for aspiring fiction writers. We especially like Smith's first rule, which is "Don’t get distracted by 'process.' It doesn't matter when you write, morning or evening. It doesn't matter if you have a regular schedule or write once a month. It doesn't matter if you use a pen or certain software. The only thing that matters is what comes out."

Click here to read the article or copy and paste this link into your web browser:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/russell-smith/want-to-write-that-book-read-on/article2285343/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Home&utm_content=2285343

Lusciously Au Naturel

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

We're keeping our lips hydrated this winter with The Body Shop 100% Natural Lip Roll-On. Made from all-nautural ingredients, this lip treatment is one of our beauty staples and can always be found in our purse for our on-the-go moisturizing needs. Available in five flavours—berry, coconut, orange, mint, and our personal fave, rose.

$5 (10 ml) at thebodyshop.ca

9 Cost-Saving Ways to Host the Holiday Feast

2011-12-20T00:00:00.001-08:00

The holidays are a time when we tend to lose track of our budget. And hosting the holiday feast is no exception. Check out the post 9 tips to save money on Christmas dinner from the Chatelaine Your Money blog in which Caroline Cakebread offers suggestions on how to prepare a feast that won't eat into your savings.

Click here to read the article or copy and paste this link into your web browser:

http://www.chatelaine.com/en/blog/post/34686--nine-tips-to-save-money-on-christmas-dinner

Bundle of Joy and Safety

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

We moms are vigilant when it comes to the safety of our babies, particularly at night when we can't be watching over their every move. To protect our precious ones from SIDS, we're using the HALO Innovations Micro-Fleece SleepSack Swaddle. The adjustable swaddle wrap is specifically designed to help babies sleep safer. There's space at the bottom for kicking, but can’t be kicked off so baby stays warm and cozy. And diaper changes? No problem as the SleepSack unzips from the bottom allowing baby to stay bundled while you change her. We can now sleep a little sounder knowing our baby is safely swaddled.

$29.99 at babiesrus.ca

A portion of every sale goes to First Candle/SIDS Alliance and the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths

Do They Know It's Christmas? - Glee Cast

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

It was a hit in 1984 for Band Aid and raised millions for relief of the Ethiopian famine. Today, it remains a classic holiday tune and even gets covered on Glee.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Like this song? Purchase the Glee version from iTunes - all net proceeds go to the Band Aid Charitable Trust

Gals We Admire: Melody Rhind

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Vintage clothing for kids? That's the brainchild of Melody Rhind. Get the scoop on Rhind who has built a successful business out of developing a unique children's clothing line.

Name: Melody Rhind
Profession: Owner of Escargot (children's clothing line)
Website: escargotkids.com
Twitter handle: @escargotkids

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish
I am a mom first and foremost so my day usually begins between 5:30 and 6am when my kids get up. We have two boys so it's busy. I usually spend my mornings trying to wear them out and then bring them home for naps. This is when my work day begins. I usually try to return emails, return phone calls and pack orders while they nap. I end my work day after the kids are in bed when, if I'm not too tired, I try to put a few more hours in. I try to have friends take the kids for a few hours during the day if I need to attend meetings, go to the factory or meet up with our sales rep. There have been times where my husband Jared and I have designed an entire collection over a weekend or into the wee hours of the morning simply because that is the only time we can find.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
Initially, I wanted to be an actress, then there was a season where I thought I would be a rock star... the typical childhood dreams right? A fashion designer was in there to from an early age. I remember going on a trip with my family when I was in junior high and we talked about how I wanted to start a line of crazy patterned pants:) My dad still talks about that being the start of Escargot.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love owning our own business because I can do it in my pyjamas if I want to. I can be at home with my kids and I can work it around their schedule. I also love that I get to be creative and see my ideas become a reality.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?
Finding time. There are just not enough hours in a day. It's also hard to know when to "turn it off" and have some downtime.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?
Yes.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?
Figure out what you love and find a way to make it a career. So many people work jobs they hate and feel stuck in that. Sometimes it's worth the risk and investment to ensure you like going to work every day!

Let people know the direction you are heading. I'm always amazed at the opportunities that arise simply from telling people what you need. If you don't let people know, they aren't able to help.

Have fun!

Holiday Entertaining: Buffet Table Set-Up

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday party season! If you're serving a large crown, a buffet is the way to go. Check out this video of Clinton Kelly of TLC's What Not to Wear as he shares his tips on the best way to arrange the buffet table.

6 Tips for Sticking to Your Holiday Budget

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Want to avoid going into debt over the holiday season? Be sure to check out 6 ways to avoid holiday overspending by Sheryl Smolkin on Moneyville.ca where she provides tips from RBC on how to keep your shopping budget in check.

Click here to read the article or copy and paste this link into your web browser:
http://www.moneyville.ca/blog/post/1097721--6-ways-to-avoid-holiday-overspending

Story Time

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

We know the holidays can be a hectic time for working moms. Unwind from a busy day by curling up on the couch (or into bed!) with the kids and reading them Christmas Eve At The Mellops' by Tomi Ungerer. The four Mellops brothers all want to surprise their family with a Christmas tree. It's a sweet story that is beautifully illustrated, and reading it as a family is a delightful way to get some quality time with the ones you love the most.

$14.95 (Hardcover) at ca.phaidon.com

Christmas Time - Bryan Adams

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Released over a quarter of a century ago, it's clear this Bryan Adams hit is an enduring one for the holidays. Yes, there truly is "something about Christmas time"!

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Jo-Ann James

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

This career gal has a real sense of purpose—and she's up every day at 5:30 am in order to fulfill that purpose. Find out what gets Jo-Ann James going every morning and what she enjoys most about her life's calling.

Name: Jo-Ann James

Profession: CEO of Vital Steps Fitness & Lifestyle Studio

Website(s): vitalsteps.com; vitalsteps.com/blog/

Twitter handle: @Vital_Steps

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

There’s no typical day. Each day is different, however, what is constant is the fact I am up at 5:30 am each weekday, at that moment, I begin to plan my day which includes a variety of tasks, from scheduled meetings with staff, including existing and potential clients, also service providers, reviewing my theme for that day's scheduled speaking engagement, working on the company’s TV show proposal or writing articles, meeting with business partners, etc. When I'm able, I attend various professional women networking events to meet new business women/men to get the word out about Vital Steps. I have just returned from two grueling 12-day U.K. and 8-day Costa Rica Fit Camps, so all-in-all, each day tends to be work focused.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

A speech language pathologist.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love meeting and talking to such a wide variety of people, and having a positive impact on their health and well being.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

I find from time to time that clients really do not understand how to value their health until something goes horribly wrong or their medical doctor informs them they better get moving or else! Most clients assume they can do nothing or invest less in their health and expect to maintain good health and that is just not the case.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

Absolutely!

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Never give up. Continue to nurture your talent, drive and education.

Know your strengths. Stay focused, improve your people skills.

Have a sense of purpose. I’ve assembled a team of professionals to help me stay focused with a resolve in addressing tough challenges. I am only a slice of what makes up my team. Each of my team members come to the table with the skills required to succeed, but most importantly, they are honest, loyal and reliable team members.

Downsizing Worries

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Even dinosaurs worry about downsizing!

Doodle While You Work

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Find it hard to sit still during a long meeting? In If your audience is fidgeting, it may be a good thing (originally published in The Globe and Mail on Thursday, December 1st), Mark Fenske writes about how "a growing body of research suggests that engaging in what seems like needless movement may act to boost physiological arousal and alertness". In simpler terms, this means that fidgeting and doodling may actually help to increase your attention span.

Click here to read the article or copy and paste this link into your web browser: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/conditions/brain-health/if-your-audience-is-fidgeting-it-may-be-a-good-thing/article2255140/

Galactic Christmas

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Your child will have fun counting down to Christmas with the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar. Open a window every day to collect 24 galactic gifts in all, including iconic mini figures, vehicles and accessories such as a mini Millennium Falcon and X-wing Starfighter. On Christmas Eve, your little one will be surprised with an exclusive Santa Yoda mini figure. An awesome gift for a Star Wars fan who's demonstrated they've been extra nice throughout the year!

$49.99 at http://shop.lego.com/en-CA
(For ages 6 to 14)

All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us! Pop diva Mariah Carey secured a place in holiday music history with this infectiously festive song, which is admittedly one of our favourite modern day Christmas tunes.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Dr. Joti Samra

2011-12-01T00:00:00.001-08:00

Dr. Joti Samra always knew she wanted to be a doctor, but she gets squeamish at the sight of blood. So, Samra found a way to make her dream come true—by becoming a psychologist.

Name: Dr. Joti Samra
Profession: Organizational and Media Consultant
Website: thepsychdoctor.com / drjotisamra.com
Twitter handle: @drjotisamra

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish
I have no typical day. Every day is different as I do so many different things! Most days I wake up early and start my day in my home office (responding to emails, doing writing of reports, preparing presentations, etc.). I typically spend a part of two to four days a week at a medical clinic where I see patients for treatment. I travel across Canada and through the US for work (speaking at conferences, presenting workshops). I also do media consulting and will do interviews for TV, radio, or print on a weekly/biweekly basis. This past weekend I was in the US spending the weekend doing a film shoot for Confessions: Animal Hoarding, developed by the producers of the critically acclaimed Intervention show (I am one of the clinical experts featured on the show). I am spending the bulk of today writing six weeks of “Ask a Health Expert” columns for The Globe and Mail.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
I would always say I wanted to be a doctor, but I hated blood so I wanted to be a doctor that didn’t have to work with blood. My dream came true.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that I have the opportunity to do so many different things. I have the tremendous honour of being able to help people through some of the most difficult parts of their lives, and love that I am able to get to intimately learn about the personal life stories of so many great people.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?
The biggest challenge for me is keeping a healthy work/life balance. I want to do it all, so say yes to it all!

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?
Yes, 100%! I always knew I wanted to be a doctor and help people. I love what I do, I am so passionate about my work and it is the only thing I can ever imagine doing!

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?
Gals – you can do anything you set your mind to, and you can do anything guys can!

Set your dreams HIGH... no dream is too big!

Do what you LOVE and are GREAT at!

How to Renegotiate Your Mortgage

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wondering if there's any benefit to renegotiating your mortgage? Rob Carrick, Personal Finance Columnist for The Globe and Mail, interviews Robert McLister, Mortgage Planner and Editor of The Canadian Mortgage Trends blog, for tips on how to renegotiate a variable rate mortgage as well as the trickier fixed rate mortgage.

3 Ways to Save and Still Enjoy Life

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

How would you like to cut down on your spending while still enjoying the good things in life? Though it may sound like an oxymoron, it is possible. How to Save Money Without Giving Up Too Much, as published on RealSimple.com, offers three helpful tips on how to live happily on less.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/save-money-without-giving-up-too-much-00000000020243/index.html

Dishing Out the Holiday Spirit

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to be clean! We're spreading Christmas cheer in just about every aspect of our lives, and this includes sink side with the method holiday dish soap and hand wash collection. Our favourtie, the candy cane pump dish soap, leaves our dishes with a sparkling shine thanks to the naturally derived. And with its festive fragrance, we can't help but get into a holiday mood while doing what is usually a dreary chore.

$3.99 at major grocery stores and pharmacies

Make You Feel My Love - Adele

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a ballad that's sweet and pretty. Originally written and recorded by the legendary Bob Dylan, we are loving the cover version by Brit songstress Adele.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Catherine Graham

2011-11-24T00:00:00.001-08:00

Catherine Graham sounds like she's got a career that's poetry in motion. As a creative writing instructor, a writing mentor/coach and a poet (amongst other things), Graham says her work energizes her spirit.

Name: Catherine Graham

Profession: Writer, Poet, University of Toronto Creative Writing Instructor, Creative Writing Mentor/Coach, Creativity Workshop Leader, Editor

Website: catherinegraham.com

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

After coffee and toast and a quick read through The Globe and Mail, I get into writing mode. Poetry or fiction, whatever I happen to be working on at the time. My mind is freshest in the morning so I try to take advantage of that by dealing with emails/clients/teaching/etc in the afternoon. I go to the gym as often as I can. When I’m not able to take a spinning class, I read on the stationary bike – novels, essays, short stories. Evenings I’m not at a literary event as either reader or audience member, I’m at home with my partner.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I wanted to be a singer but I’m afraid I don’t have the voice. The best I can do with the musical line is to write poetry.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

When it comes to writing, I love being immersed in the world of the imagination – free from daily worries and concerns and into the flow of words and where words take you. When it comes to teaching, mentoring and leading workshops, I enjoy being the catalyst to the creative life in others. It energizes my spirit.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

The biggest challenge when it comes to creative writing is to believe in yourself. The life of the writer is a life full of unknowns, unknowns you must make peace with to get to the core of the imagination and “bring” the work out.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

My calling to the writing life came after the deaths of my parents. I was an undergrad at the time, studying psychology, with no thoughts of becoming a writer. To make a long story short, through journaling about grief I found my way to the writing life.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Pay attention to what energizes and excites you.

Learn your craft by taking the time to learn your craft. There are no shortcuts.

Learn from setbacks and keep moving forward.

Worst passwords of 2011

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do you use "michael" or "abc123" as your password for online accounts? Better think about coming up with a new one!

Check out this video reporting on the worst passwords of 2011, as revealed by tech company SplashData, Inc.:

Click here to see the complete list of this year's 25 worst passwords.

A Guide to Finding a Financial Planner

2011-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you've put off getting yourself a financial planner simply because you don't know where to start, check out How to find a perfect financial planner. This step-by-step guide by MoneySense.ca staff offers great advice and includes links to useful websites to help you find the ideal planner for your financial needs.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.moneysense.ca/2010/10/04/how-to-find-a-perfect-financial-planner/

Face the Cold

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Brrrr... baby, it's cold outside! We're using Weleda Cold Cream on our face and neck to protect our skin from the harsh elements of winter. The luscious, nutrient-rich balm is excellent on dry skin, leaving our face feeling smooth and moisturized even on the most blustery and windy of days. Awesome!

$16 USD (1.0 fluid oz / 30 mL) at usa.weleda.com

(Formerly called EVERON® Face Balm)

Love You Like A Love Song - Selena Gomez & The Scene

2011-11-18T00:00:00.001-08:00

Okay, we admit it, we actually like the latest song from Justin Bieber's girlfriend. We even find ourselves hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat on our iPod just so we can hear Gomez sing it again.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Nancy Vonk

2011-11-17T00:00:00.002-08:00

Nancy Vonk oversaw a large part of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, which has become a shining example of how advertising can shift the way society thinks. Get the scoop on what this advertising guru's day entails, and find out what she considers to be the biggest challenge in her industry.

Name: Nancy Vonk

Job Title: Co-Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy Toronto

Website: ihaveanidea.org (Ask Jancy)

Twitter handle: @nancyvonk

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

There is no real "typical" day, and it's ne of the reasons this job is never boring. So I'll just say yesterday, I got to work at 9 after a morning walk (made possible by my typical insomnia routine of getting up at 5.) I checked out a piece about women in advertising in the ROB magazine called Mad Women, which included a bit about me and Janet Kestin, my partner. Our co-worker Coby was in a shot with us (set up to look like he was upset at being left out of the girls' club). He was mortified.

Off to a meeting with Kraft clients, where we heard great results for one of our brands and debated the merits/dangers of "optimizing" a spot that's already driving record sales. Also discussed strategy for a new, expensive line extension for a brand known for its modest cost. A really tricky one to figure out. Left feeling grateful for a trusting, enjoyable relationship with these clients, and excited about tackling some big challenges (a favourite part of the job—solving the puzzle).

Next up, a call with another client to discuss their feedback after sitting with creative solutions a couple of days before. It had been a long slog to that meeting, but we had a "home run" presentation at last. The senior client confirmed we would focus on delivering one baby, not try for multiple "big ideas". I loved that he saw things my way—a truly big idea is hard to come by and we're really happy to see one right in front of us. So let's not diffuse energies on pursuing more of them. I shared the conversation with the creative team afterwards. There's nothing like that moment of knowing you have a green light on a blockbuster.

Next, a drop-in on an art director who needed some coaching on presentation skills. We talked about what works for her already, and how to take some simple steps to go into the room with a story that does justice to the ideas. A sensitive discussion that went well. A good feeling to help her up her game. Went on to hang out with Janet for a few minutes, just back from an ad school in San Fransisco where she did portfolio reviews. We talked about some unusual teaching strategies she saw there. Gossiped. Then talked about how we'd approach entering a couple of upcoming awards shows. Organized the Monday creative department meeting agenda. A writer came in to show me his latest scripts for a campaign with a particularly eccentric client, who had literally cried tears of joy the day before when she saw the newest creative. We wondered how disturbing that sight might have been for her new underling. Agreed that tears of joy beats tears of rage (which I have experienced with another client).

Next up, discussed summer intern choices with Janet. We've always had great experiences with interns and spotting the right people is key. Agreed to offer a woman I saw at Portfolio Night the previous evening the writer's slot. Some great ideas, not as much digital thinking as we'd hope but the potential seems to be there. The day before I found the art director, an excitable guy who showed up in a suit on top and shorts and sandals below. Could have been a trying-too-hard misfire but he was compelling. So we're set.

I then looked at a couple of portfolios online. Did a bunch of email exchanges with an account director who even going through dental surgery was checking in on stuff. Saw an email that a prospective client won't be announcing their decision on agency today as planned. Oh well, at least if it's bad news, a weekend spared of wringing of hands. I have a good feeling about this one. Great brands, smart clients that seem to share my perspective on what good looks like. Headed out by 6:45 in search of a good movie. Thrilled it was Friday. Okay, enough detail for you?

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I had no idea. I didn't choose my major until my junior year at the University of Delaware, but when I did, it was the right path and I've stayed the course lo these many years. I owe the choice to a dynamic young teacher named Ray Nichols who gave a presentation to people who didn't know what to focus on. He made the advertising program look like a party. It was actually incredibly hard work, and I was well prepared to transition to a real job.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Helping others succeed, and especially hearing I played a role in someone's happy career later (sometimes thanks to the book I wrote with Janet, Pick Me).

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

There are so many, but to be obvious, being a woman and all, I'll say the fact our industry hasn't figured out how to retain women as they hit their mid-30s and help them take the top leadership roles means we're limiting progress with only one gender's point of view. Studies have shown corporations run by women often have exceptional results. The female management style is different and has some significant advantages. We're losing out. And it's embarrassing to appear to be the most Neanderthal of all the industries, frankly.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

It's funny to think one would have a "calling" to do ads, but yeah, I suppose I did. Before I could talk, my parents tell me I was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, holding a bottle of dish liquid and pretending to be in a commercial selling it. I remember at around age seven or eight drawing storyboards for a soap commercial (Ivory). The benefit? It made little sparkly bubbles when you held it under the bathtub tap. I also used to obsess about cosmetics ads in my mom's Ladies Home Journal. I'd make my own. Special focus on lipstick. I was partial to a sort of coral shade.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to Canadian Career Gals?

Be assertive—a big issue for women who have trouble demanding what they want and need for success.

Be authentic—don't try to act like a man would, or for that matter assume you should be someone 'better' than you.

Get a mentor, then mentor.

Sensitivity Training

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Need a sensitivity training session in the workplace? Check out this scene from an episode of the ever-hilarious The Office for an example on how one should not be conducted.

5 Tips for Finding a New Job

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Have you found yourself daydreaming lately about getting a new job? You might not be ready to leave your current post just yet, but should the right opportunity come along, you've told yourself you're open to the possibility. Check out How to Look for a Job When You Already Have One by Caroline Levchuck for five suggestions on how to put out the feelers.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://career-advice.monster.ca/job-hunt-strategy/getting-started/how-to-look-for-a-job-when-you-already-have-one-ca/article.aspx

Patriot Games

2011-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Winter is on its way, and during our chilly commuting days, we'll be keeping our hands nice and toasty with the 2011/2012 version of the Official Canadian Olympic Team Red Mittens. The 2010 version of these mittens were a hit for the 2010 Winter Olympics and have since become an iconic symbol of rooting for our athletes. And with three dollars from every pair sold going towards supporting Canadian Olympic Team athletes for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, we get a warm and fuzzy feeling all over inside.

$10 at thebay.com

Angel - Sarah McLachlan

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Take a moment to remember those who fought for this country in the past to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Alka Graham

2011-11-10T00:00:00.002-08:00

Alka Graham loves coming up with new brunch ideas that have an Indian twist to them. And this certainly bodes well for customers of Frankly Eatery, the brunch spot in Toronto's trendy Leslieville that Graham is chef and co-owner of.

Name: Alka Graham

Profession: Chef

Website: franklyeatery.com

Twitter handle: @franklyeatery

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

Get my son ready to be dropped off at his grandparents. Go into work to prep for the day. Open up Frankly Eatery for lunch. Close down Frankly after lunch and prep for evening service. Re-open Frankly for dinner service. Close Frankly. Go home and hope my husband fell asleep on the couch so that I can see him for 10 minutes before he has to be in bed.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

When I was a kid I remember really wanting to be a neurologist. I was really into medicine and science as a kid but unfortunately grew to realize I had no aptitude for the sciences. But I still have a love for medicine and in fact my good friend gave me a set of medical encyclopedias for my birthday which I reference more often than is probably normal for a layperson.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The part I enjoy most about my job is coming up with new brunch ideas. We are a small bistro in downtown Toronto that offers an Indian twist to brunch. And this fusion can be tough at times because you really want to be able to marry the flavours of east and west so they complement each other without the bold Indian spices dominating the entire dish. It’s a creative challenge that I really love!

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

The biggest challenge I find is keeping a work-life balance. I was really starting to burn out and missed my son terribly so we decided to close two days instead of just one during the week. It can also be tough to keep in touch with friends since I work all weekend long. I now make a point of organizing a dinner or even just a quick coffee with friends at least once a week to catch up.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

I don’t know that I had a calling for my profession. In fact I really didn’t start to cook until I was in my twenties. But once I started cooking I couldn’t stop. I love the fact that there is always something new to learn whether it be technique, plating design or just a new gadget. I could probably read cook books all day. It’s this constant learning that I love about being a chef.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Never give up. I worked for many years in the corporate world before I finally made the leap into starting my own restaurant. And there were times it felt like a dream but one day the stars aligned and here I am. Anything is possible you just have to really want it.

No regrets. Before my brother and I opened the restaurant we both discussed that should this new venture not work out we would not look back with any regrets. Regardless of whether the restaurant worked we agreed that by just opening it we had fulfilled our dream of owning our own business. With that in mind we were already a success.

Maintain work-life balance. As I mentioned above finding work-life balance is important to your well-being. When you are over stressed or burnt out you ultimately become ineffectual at your job. To me it’s important to get away from your work – I find that when I have a chance to step away I’m far more creative and flowing with new ideas.

Conference Call Blunder

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a funny webisode made by staffing firm Robert Half International.

As their tagline says, "don't let this happen to you" in real life!

10 Unflattering Stereotypes About Powerful Women

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Women of power. From top left: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama and the Queen. (Photo credit: The Daily Telegraph)

In From Ice Queen to Cheerleader: Ten terrible stereotypes about powerful women, Elizabeth Bromstein reports on a recent round-up done by Forbes magazine staff writer Jenna Gourdreau. Gourdreau polled some powerful women, including IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Jill Abramson of the New York Times to share their least favourite stereotypes about powerful women.

The top three stereotypes on the list were that a powerful woman is tough, she's single and lonely, and above all, she's an Ice Queen.

To find out what other stereotypes made the list, click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.workopolis.com/advice/article/1396-from-ice-queen-to-cheerleader-ten-terrible-stereotypes-about-powerful-women

Sheer Decadence

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

After a long work day, this is one treat that will satisfy and make you forget your troubles. The President's Choice The Decadent Molten Chocolate Chip Cookie is just like their popular signature cookie except you heat this version so that the centre flows with chocolatey goodness. Pop it in the microwave or in the oven and you'll have a to-die-for dessert in mere moments. Yum!

We Found Love - Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's another hit for Rihanna. Enjoy the mellow beat of her newest track on this lovely Friday.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Deborah Moskovitch

2011-11-03T00:00:00.001-07:00

Deborah Moskovitch certainly has an interesting career. As a divorce consultant, Moskovitch has the task of supporting and advising people through a difficult time in their lives. And she believes her trademarked "SMART" method to dealing with divorce can also be applied to career gals looking to achieve their professional goals.

Name: Deborah Moskovitch

Profession: Divorce Consultant and Educator Author, Radio Host

Website: thesmartdivorce.com

Blog: blog.thesmartdivorce.com

Twitter handle: @thesmartdivorce

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

I don’t really have a typical work day because I do so many different things—divorce consulting, writing for more.ca as the divorce expert, blogging for the Huffington Post, researching two new book projects and hosting an online radio. I’m also my own publicist and marketing department! So, when I’m not promoting The Smart Divorce Resource Tool Kit, my latest divorce support initiative, interviewing one of the foremost experts in the divorce arena, consulting with clients, and more, I try to fit in a workout, and I'm always there for my three wonderful children.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

My goals and aspirations seemed to change as I learned more about opportunities and options. At one point I wanted to be a social worker, then a criminal lawyer, moved onto fantasizing about a career in fashion (as I designed and made some of my clothes in high school). I loved the business world as I studied Economics in university, and pursued a successful career in marketing for several years. I’m still growing and learning, and love what I’m doing today—accomplishment more than I ever dreamed of.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I don’t consider what I do as a job, but more of a calling. When I wrote The Smart Divorce, my career just unfolded and opportunities presented themselves that I couldn’t resist. I truly believe that if you dream and have passion, with hard work and motivation, so much in a career can be rewarding. I love helping people through the divorce process, learning through the many professionals I speak with and taking that wisdom to the general public. I am fortunate to be able to use my creativity to build on ideas and help people move forward with focus, hope and confidence.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

I’ve created a very unique niche as a divorce consultant and educator. My biggest challenge has become my greatest strength. The early stages of building my career as a divorce expert were challenging as I am not a lawyer or therapist. Gradually, as many divorce professionals began to see the importance of The Smart Divorce, they have come to respect my work and want to collaborate. I am so well connected with the leading divorce experts across North America that I have become an opinion leader in the media, and sit on the Board of Directors of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)—an interdisciplinary, international association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

Yes, absolutely I believe I had a calling. Every goal I set for myself once I decided to write a book, I have been able to make happen. I’ve met the most incredible people and my life has changed dramatically. I remember being interviewed for a magazine article and was asked what my dream next steps would be; I said to have my own radio show. Sure enough, right before the article went to print, I was offered my own online radio show—The Smart Divorce. If this isn’t a calling, I don’t know what is! I’m very proud of my accomplishments, but what makes me feel the best is being a good role model for my kids—and seeing that divorce is rich in opportunity to learn and grow from.

What are the most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

I’d like to provide five pieces of advice based on the acronym I have developed for SMART, when I talk about being Smart about Divorce. The principles can also translate into career advice:

State your goals and objectives upfront. Be focused, realistic and know what you want to achieve.

Maximize your knowledge base. Be a sponge. Learn as much as you can about whatever it is you are pursuing.

Avoid reacting to your emotions. Stay single-minded and business-like.

Retain the best team of professionals your budget allows. Don’t hire resources your business can’t afford. As you grow, gradually you will be able to delegate more.

Treat your job as a business transaction. Do your due diligence and research... and the happiness, success and accomplishments will unfold before you know it.

I heard a very wise saying once: if you can envision it, describe it, and name it, then you can clam it.

Investment Tips from The Wealthy Barber

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a great video co-produced by The Globe and Mail and the Investor Education Fund where personal finance columnist Rob Carrick talks to David Chilton, author of the best-selling The Wealthy Barber. Chilton's book is arguably one of the most authoritative books on personal finances for Canadians.

Get practical tips from Chilton for maximizing your investments:

Writing Your Will 101

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's not something we want to dwell on, but it's an issue that requires priority. Check out Five tips on creating your will by Caroline Cakebread to learn what to do in order to ensure your loved ones are protected.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.chatelaine.com/en/article/31049--five-tips-on-creating-your-will

Seriously Funny

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt that Ellen DeGeneres is one funny gal. In her third and newest book, Seriously...I'm Kidding (Grand Central Publishing), the daytime talk show host muses on her recent career successes including becoming a CoverGirl model and hosting a season of American Idol, as well as shares personal stories and life advice. Ellen's book was a quick read for us and we found ourselves chuckling throughout a lot of it and even laughing out loud. This is a must-read for fans of DeGeneres' hilarious monologues and comic wit. Keep this one on the bedside table—Ellen's humour is good clean fun that'll put a smile on your face before going to sleep.

$29.99 (Hardcover) at Amazon.ca

CCG Giveaway Alert!*
Hey CCG Fans, we're giving five lucky readers each a copy of Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres!

For your chance to win, all you have to do is head over to the Canadian Career Gal Facebook page, "Like" our page and Share the "Seriously Funny" (review of Ellen's book) post on our Wall with your friends. You'll then be automatically entered into a random draw for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of Ellen DeGeneres' Seriously...I'm Kidding. To be eligible for the draw, be sure to post your answer on the Canadian Career Gal Facebook page by Friday, November 4th at 8 PM (EST).

Winners will be announced on our Facebook page, as well as right here on the official CCG site so check back with us after the contest closing time to see if you won. Good luck!
*Rules & Regulations: CONTEST IS OPEN TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. No purchase necessary. One entry per person per household. We reserve the right to cancel this contest at any time.

Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Get pumped for the weekend with this great track from Foster The People.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Jamie Delaine

2011-10-27T00:00:00.001-07:00

Wedding photographer Jamie Delaine considers it a privilege to be with the newlywed couple on their big day, which is probably one of the reasons she's so good at what she does. Find out how Delaine spends her days, plus get some solid career advice from this hardworking gal.

Name: Jamie Delaine

Profession: Wedding Photographer

Website: jamiedelaine.com; jamiedelaineblog.com

Twitter handle: @jamiedelaine

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

As a wedding photographer, I wear so many different hats. A "typical" day though is in the office, at my computer. I start the morning with my email inbox, answering the most urgent emails, or anything that's a quick response. Bigger projects such as album design changes, emailing photos to wedding vendors, organizing a wedding timeline, those tasks go on the to-do list for later. I try to spend some time almost every day blogging about my life or my business. A few times a week I'm actually out of my office photographing couples or, of course, at a wedding! When I’m back at the office that means backing up all the images, sorting through which ones I want to keep, backing those up, editing images for my blog and then passing on the rest of the images to my image editor for processing.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

As a kid, I wanted to be so many different things! I went all the way through elementary school believing I wanted to be a teacher. I think that dream died when I got to high school and I took a Graphic Arts 9 class. I thrived in that class, loved my teacher, loved the new world of graphic art that didn’t require me to be an amazing drawer, painter, sculptor—I could simply design! A few years later, this love of graphic art grew into a love of photography.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people and the freedom. It is always such a privilege to be with two people on their wedding day, not to mention all their closest friends and family. I love the relationships I build with my clients throughout the course of their engagement and on the wedding day. And also, I love the freedom. As I type this, I'm sitting in my warm house, in my own office, playing whatever music I want, drinking green tea. It doesn’t get much better.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

Biggest challenge I find, similar to other entrepreneurs or small business owners, is a work/life balance. It's something that I feel after four years, I am just beginning to figure out. Having a separate space to work has helped me so much. When I'm done work at the end of the day, I turn off the office lights, shut the door and that’s that!

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

I have a very strong faith in God, so I definitely believe He orders my steps through every season of my life. In that way, yes, I guess you could say I did feel a "calling" to this job and I feel very much where I’m supposed to be!

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

You gotta want it. I get emails all the time from photographers asking for advice and the only thing I can say is work hard. Do what you gotta do to get where you wanna go. I worked hard and I continue to work hard—putting everything I have into this business.

Surround yourself with awesome people. Connect with (in my case) other wedding photographers that are running their businesses with excellence. Buy them coffee, buy them lunch, chat their ear off, then send them a thank you card and a gift for their time. Be prepared for doors to slam, but just keep knocking.

Never lose sight of the "why." Why are you a photographer, why are you wanting to run a successful business, why are you determined to make it? What happens when you "make it" (whatever that means to you), how will you use your finances, influence, talent to help others?

5 Ways to Listen Better

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

According to sound expert Julian Treasure "we are losing our listening." Treasure believes this is a serious problem "because listening is our access to understanding, and conscious listening always creates understanding."

Watch Treasure's TED Talk, where he offers five simple exercises to improve your own conscious listening:

Breast Cancer Prevention Guide

2011-10-25T00:00:00.001-07:00

There's a great guide from Chatelaine.com on How to reduce your breast cancer risk at every age. The guide outlines some general things you should be doing in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond in order to protect your health and stay breast aware.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.chatelaine.com/en/article/31404--how-to-reduce-your-breast-cancer-risk-at-every-age

Looking to shop for the cure? Check out a few "pink" products that support the breast cancer cause.

Think Pink
Rubbermaid has gone pink with a special collection of items for Breast Cancer Awareness, and the company has committed to a minimum donation of $50,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Bring the Pink Plastic Chug Bottle (BPA-free) with you to workouts at the gym, and pack your work lunches in the Food Storage TakeAlong Containers with bright pink lids. These containers are durable, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Get these items today and show your support for an important cause.

Pink Chug 20oz Refill Reuse Bottle - $4.49*
Food Storage TakeAlong containers (set of 4) - $3.99*
Available at Loblaws, WalMart, and other major retailers
*$0.50 for each bottle and $0.40 for each pack of containers sold will be donated to CBCF

CCG Giveaway Alert!*

Hey CCG Fans, we're giving away two (2) Rubbermaid "Pink" Prize Packs consisting of:

- Two (2) Pink Chug 20oz Refill Reuse Bottles

- One (1) four-piece set of Food Storage TakeAlong containers

For your chance to win, all you have to do is head over to our Facebook page, "Like" our page and Share the "Breast Cancer Prevention" post on our Wall with your friends. You'll then be automatically entered into a random draw for a chance to win 1 of 2 Rubbermaid "Pink" Prize Packs. To be eligible for the draw, be sure to Share the post by Monday, October 31st at 8 PM (EST).

Winners will be announced on our Facebook page, as well as right here on the official CCG site so check back with us after the contest closing time to see if you won. Good luck!

*Rules & Regulations: CONTEST IS OPEN TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. No purchase necessary. One entry per person per household. We reserve the right to cancel this contest at any time.

Buzz Appeal

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner! For fun, flirty costume ideas, check out the collection from La Vie en Rose. Our favourite is the Bumble Bee Costume with wings and an antenna headband included to complete the look. This playful ensemble is sure to cause a sting, er, we mean stir at this year's soireé.

$49.95 at lavieenrose.com

Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

After their hot summer hit Party Rock Anthem, here's yet another fun track to bop to from LMFAO.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Anita Li

2011-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Currently a reporter at The Toronto Star, Anita Li says she always wanted to be a journalist. Find out what Li's work days entail, and what this young and talented career gal enjoys most about her profession.

Name: Anita Li

Profession: Journalist (currently a Reporter at The Toronto Star)

Website: wix.com/anitali/anita-li

Twitter handle: @neeeda

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

A journalist’s workday varies on a day-to-day basis. For example, when I am assigned to write an article that has a same-day deadline, I scramble to conduct research and interviews, and write in time to file by late afternoon/early evening. When I’m not given an assignment, I’m often working on feature stories, which are longer, more in-depth pieces. Finally, when I’m scheduled to copy edit, I edit the newspaper for style and accuracy.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I’ve wanted to be a journalist since I was a kid. There’s never been any other profession for me!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love that everyday is different; the work I do is never monotonous, as I may be assigned a hard news story about drownings one day, and then interview a filmmaker the next. Also, it’s extremely interactive. I get to talk to very interesting people from all walks of life, listening to and writing about their stories.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

Although I wouldn’t necessarily call them challenges, there are skills one needs as a journalist in order to succeed, including: meeting deadlines and pitching story ideas with fresh or unique angles.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

I’ve always had a passion for journalism, so I don’t think I ever had a "calling." But reading Red China Blues by Jan Wong in high school definitely inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a foreign correspondent.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Hard work and passion really do pay off. Employers will notice.

Be persistent in pursuing career opportunities. Open doors for yourself.

Stay positive.

Rethink Breast Cancer presents: Your Man Reminder

2011-10-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Marketing themselves as "the young women's breast cancer movement", Rethink Breast Cancer is a Canadian charity that looks to "bring bold, relevant awareness to the under-40 crowd". Their 2009 PSA "Save the Boobs" campaign video certainly caused quite a stir and even got media south of the border talking including CNN, Good Morning America, The View, and the Huffington Post.

This year, they've done a hot (and we do mean HOT) video to promote their new app to help us gals remember to "Touch, Look and Check" our breasts. Check it out:

Get the Your Man Reminder app for FREE here!

9 Tips for a Top-Notch Résumé

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Looking to brush up that outdated résumé of yours? In Unbeatable résumé tips from a top recruiter, Kerry Hannon interviews Tony Beshara, recruitment expert and author of Unbeatable Résumés (Amacom, 2011), to find out what's the key to writing an outstanding CV.

Beshara offers nine essential tips for résumé writing, emphasizing that an unbeatable résumé "has to be simple. No more than two pages. The average résumé gets read in 10 seconds. Be sure the content is on a level any high school senior could understand. In other words, the person looking at your résumé should be able to easily understand exactly who you have worked for and what that company does."

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/career-tips/unbeatable-rsum-tips-from-a-top-recruiter/article2183397/

Sketch-y Times

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

We're huge fans of board games and we've come across our newest favourite. Hilarity ensued when we brought Telestrations (USAopoly) to a recent family function. It's the "telephone game sketched out" and was a big hit! For four to eight players, all players simultaneously draw, pass and guess to reveal unpredictable and often ridiculous outcomes.

Check out this short video for a demo on how to play:

It's said to be "even more fun if you can’t draw", and we can certainly vouch for that. Get this game for guaranteed laugh-out-loud fun at your next gathering!

$31.99 at chapters.indigo.ca

CCG Giveaway Alert!*

Hey CCG Fans, we're giving five lucky readers each their own Telestrations game! All you have to do is head over to our Facebook page, "Like" our page and tell us what your favourite board game is (besides Telestrations, of course!). You'll then be automatically entered into a random draw for a chance to win 1 of 5 Telestrations games. To be eligible for the draw, be sure to post your answer on our Facebook page by Friday, October 28th at 8 PM (EST).

Winners will be announced on our Facebook page, as well as right here on the official CCG site so check back with us after the contest closing time to see if you won. Good luck!

*Rules & Regulations: CONTEST IS OPEN TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. No purchase necessary. One entry per person per household. We reserve the right to cancel this contest at any time.

You Make Me Feel... - Cobra Starship feat. Sabi

2011-10-14T00:00:00.001-07:00

This song makes us want to get up and dance every time we hear it—and what's better than dancing your way into the weekend?

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Ali Zentner

2011-10-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

She's a specialist in internal medicine, obesity and cardiac risk management. In spite of her demanding role, Ali Zentner makes it a point to bike every day and swim twice a week. Find out more about the physically active physician.

Name: Ali Zentner

Profession: Physician, Specialist in Internal Medicine, Obesity and Cardiac Risk Management

Website: girlfriendguidetohealth.com

Twitter handle: @AliZentner

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish

My day is anything but typical! I get up every morning at 6:30 am and get a coffee and walk my dogs. This is followed by a 15 km bike ride to work and then a full day of clinic at my office. In a typical day, I see about 25 patients with a variety of medical problems. At about 6 pm, I ride home through Stanley Park and usually do an extra loop around. Twice a week I stop at Second Beach Pool for a swim and get home by 8 pm at the latest. I spend the rest of the evening reading, watching television or having a good meal out with friends.

One weekend a month I fly to a small town in British Columbia or Alberta and am a locum doctor on call for Internal Medicine and Intensive Care. There is a lot of variety in my everyday and it can sometimes be a challenge. It keeps things fresh and new. I like having different roles in work and in life. Life is about balance and I'm still trying to find the right one.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

Sounds crazy but I wanted to be on Broadway in a musical. When I was nine, my parents bought me the Broadway recording to Woman of the Year with Lauren Bacall. I performed the entire thing in my living room until the tape warped. It was all I ever imagined I would do. My father had different plans for me—he definitely wanted me to be a doctor. I loved school and loved my father even more. Broadway was just not meant to be.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love interacting with patients and their families. People fascinate me—their behaviours both good and bad. I love taking a bad situation whatever it may be and at least trying to make it better. I’ve always said that I get to walk around in people’s lives for a while. My only hope is that I make sure I tread softly and don’t mess things up too dramatically.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?

People want a real human being as a doctor. Human beings make mistakes. I am challenged by the same constraints as everyone—I can only do so much and there is never enough time. I think the biggest challenge in medicine is the balance between being a human being with regular limitations and between being a compassionate, empathetic and knowledgeable doctor. The human brain is only so big and the field of medicine is expanding exponentially. Despite that, sometimes diseases do not have treatments and bad things happen to wonderful people. Make no mistake, my job is amazing and I’m lucky to do what I do. My good days are incredible. My bad days can really suck.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?

Ten years in practice and I'd like to think I was meant to do this. I love it and I hope I’m good at it. I don’t believe we are born to do any one thing in particular. We’re born to make a difference in the world and make our mark—how we do that is just geography.

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?

Find a balance in your life—you can’t be everything to everyone else and expect to be fulfilled in life in every way. Take time for yourself and you will be more effective in whatever you do.

Be forgiving of yourself. Mistakes are a part of learning and we are often better for them. Try and learn something new everyday about yourself, the world and others in it. It can be as frivolous as a new fashion or as serious as a chemistry equation. I think it’s really important not to shy away from things out of fear that we may not be perfect at them.

Never settle for status quo. The world has enough mediocrity in it that we should always strive to be a part of solutions and not a part of problems. Most of us act in our own self interests. Sometimes it's not a bad idea to give back a little and see where it takes you.

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

2011-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs passed away at the age of 56 on October 5, 2011. The visionary behind Macs, iPods, iPads, and iPhones has left an indelible mark on technology in the 21st century.

Check out Jobs' commencement address to the Stanford Graduating Class of 2005 where he offers some solid advice that we all could benefit from:

RiP Steve Jobs.

Bran is Best for the Breast

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey CCGs, it's time to get your bran on and protect yourself from breast cancer.

It’s estimated that the average Canadian consumes between 11 and 17 grams of fibre each day – half the amount that’s recommended to reap health benefits.

Ladies, those of us between the ages of 19 to 50 are advised to get 25 grams of fibre each day, and after 50, we should aim for 21 grams.

Check out Can bran flakes protect you from breast cancer? by Toronto-based dietician Leslie Beck for seven tips on how to incorporate more fibre into your diet.

As Beck states, "Research has already shown that boosting your daily fibre intake can help guard against constipation, high cholesterol, weight gain, irritable bowel syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, and possibly colon cancer, and now, new study findings show that getting more roughage can also lower a woman’s risk of breast cancer. And the more fibre consumed, the lower the risk."

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-nutrition/leslie-beck/can-bran-flakes-protect-you-from-breast-cancer/article2117068/

Cozy Up for the Cure

2011-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Snuggle into bed during Breast Cancer Awareness Month wearing the La Vie en Rose Limited Edition PJ Set. Part of the proceeds of this 100% cotton two-piece ensemble will go towards the Roses of Hope Foundation, the lingerie maker's organization which has donated over $650,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and several other charities since its establishment in 2002. Available only until October 31st, be sure to get this comfy pink-and-grey PJ set to show your support for breast cancer research and finding a cure.

$39.95 at lavieenrose.com
($15 of every purchase will be donated to the Roses of Hope Foundation)

Give it a Go - Timbaland feat. Veronica Gardner

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

To kick off your long weekend, have a listen to this hot new track from Timbaland, featured on the Real Steel movie soundtrack, and then check out the film which opens in theatres everywhere today!

Happy Thanksgiving, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Giorgina Bigioni

2011-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

She's president and publisher of digital magazine The Kit so it's no wonder Giorgina Bigioni spends most of her day online with clients and her team. Find out more about Bigioni, including what she thinks is simultaneously the biggest challenge and the biggest strength in her profession.

Name: Giorgina Bigioni

Job Position Title: President & Publisher of The Kit
Website: TheKit.ca

Describe your typical work day, from start to finish
I get up very early on most mornings, as my son is a rower and I am his driver. I drive him to the rowing club or to school to train for 5:15am. While I wait for his coaches to see that weather conditions are suitable for rowing, I start to check my emails and my workday begins. I spend a lot of time online with clients and The Kit team, and usually have at least one in-person meeting per day. Some days, I am working "in the trenches" and at other times on long-term strategy; no two days are ever the same. I try to get a workout or a run in almost every day. Later, I make dinner for my family, clean up and then often head back to the computer to finish the workday. I’m in bed by 9pm on most nights.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
I wanted to be a doctor until I had a nosebleed. After that I wanted to be an engineer and then a fashion designer!

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the variety. I adore the people I get to work with. And I value the flexibility.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your profession?
Not knowing what the "next big thing" is going to be. It’s also the biggest strength.

Do you believe you had a "calling" for your profession?
Yes. I often feel like I instinctively just "get it."

What are the three most important pieces of career advice you would give to other Canadian Career Gals?
Focus.

Know where you are going.

Take risks.

Movie Worth Watching: Real Steel

2011-10-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

He's played a superhero, an English duke, a neuroscientist, a cattle drover, and now he can add "robot boxing trainer" to his extensive list of film credits. Get ready for Real Steel, an action-packed film with the multi-talented Hugh Jackman.

Watch the official Real Steel movie trailer here:

Real Steel hits theatres everywhere October 7th. Don't miss it!

6 Tips for Overqualified Job Seekers

2011-10-04T00:00:00.001-07:00

Yes, it does happen. Some job hunters find themselves to be too qualified for the position. This is often the case for those who are looking to switch careers, but potential employers may be wary of giving them a chance. In How to get a job if you're overqualified, career coaches Robert Hellmann of The Five O'Clock Club, David Couper of Los Angeles, and Eileen Wolkstein of New York offer some key advice if you find yourself to be in this predicament.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.forbes.com/2011/05/03/how-to-get-a-job-if-overqualified_slide.html

5 Ways to Dress Like Kate

2011-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

She captured the heart of Prince William and the eyes of the fashion-conscious. "Chic", "elegant" and "trendsetting" are just a few words associated with Kate Middleton's choice of wardrobe. It's no wonder the Duchess of Cambridge was named to this year's Vanity Fair International Best Dressed List.

Here's a fun way to emulate the great Kate's style—by dressing up your nails in CND colours that mimic five of the stylish dresses she wore during the Royals' Tour to Canada in July 2011.

Check out these fabulous looks from Kate and the fetching nail colours to use to make your manicure a royal sensation.

1. Casual Duchess. At a barbecue and reception in Ottawa for Canadian youth, Kate wears a black and white bird print dress from Issa, one of her favourite designers.

Wear the look on your nails with: CND Blackjack (#538)

2. O Canada! Kate wears her gorgeous white Reiss Nanette dress (the same one she wore for her official engagement photo) but this time, she adds dramatic pops of colour by accompanying her look with a red maple leaf fascinator and red pumps.

Wear the look on your nails with: CND Relay Red (#524)

3. Fashionable fireworks. Kate steals the spotlight in a purple V-neck Jersey dress, another Issa London creation, while at the Canada Day evening celebrations in Ottawa.

Wear the look on your nails with: CND Eclectic Purple (#536)

4. Ooh la la. Kate visited Quebec City wearing a royal blue dress with lace overlay and an elegant slit in the skirt by Canadian designer Erdem.

Wear the look on your nails with: CND Anchor Blue (#544)

5. Catherine the Grey. Kate wore the grey Kensington dress by late British designer Catherine Walker to a tree planting ceremony at Government House in Ottawa.

Wear the look on your nails with: CND Silver Chrome (#547)

All nail colours are $11.30 each (.33 fl oz); To find a retailer near you, go to cnd.com/Locate/Find-A-Store.aspx

CCG Giveaway Alert!*

Want to dress your nails like Kate? We're giving one lucky reader a CND Prize Pack that includes all five of the CND colours featured in this article!

For your chance to win, all you have to do is:

1) "Like" the Canadian Career Gal Facebook page and tell us on our Wall which one of Kate's five outfits featured in this article is your favourite.

and

2) "Like" the comment we posted in the Profile Pictures photo album on the official CND Facebook Page.

You'll then be automatically entered into a random draw for a chance to win a CND Prize Pack that includes one (1) each of the following CND colours: Blackjack (#538), Relay Red (#524), Eclectic Purple (#536), Anchor Blue (#544) and Silver Chrome (#547). (Approximate retail value: $56.50)

To be eligible for the draw, be sure to post your answer on our Facebook page and "Like" our comment in the CND Profile Pictures photo album by Friday, October 14th at 8 PM (EST).

Winner will be announced on our Facebook page, as well as right here on the official CCG site so check back with us after the contest closing time to see if you won. Good luck!

*CONTEST IS OPEN TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY

Handiwork Reward

2011-10-03T00:00:00.001-07:00

After a hard day's work of tapping away at the keyboard, the sweet-smelling CND Almond Moisture Scrub is just the kind of therapy our hands have been longing for. This luxurious scrub is made of fine mineral salts, refined sugar, jojoba soft beads and sweet almond oil, leaving our hands feeling soft and deeply conditioned. Nothing like a little TLC for our phalanges!

$10.95 USD (3.4 oz); To find a retailer near you, go to cnd.com/Locate/Find-A-Store.aspx

Hey beauty lovers! Check out 5 Ways to Dress Like Kate for five fabulous nail colours that give your manicured hands the royal treatment.

Stereo Hearts - Gym Class Heroes feat. Adam Levine

2011-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a catchy tune to singalong to and help kick off the weekend.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!