Page 54 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE_January2025

MEMBERS SPEAK OUT

What is one of “My Grandmother had a way with sayings and had
many wise tidbits, but her best life/ career advice
is: ‘Don’t let your wishbone get in the way of your
the best pieces of backbone’.”

- Joan Fisk, CEO – United Way Waterloo Region
career advice you Communities

“The best piece of career advice I have received is
have received? that I need to take full responsibility for my training
and development. No one will care about my skills
and capabilities more than I will, and if I want to be
considered for raises, interesting assignments, or
be ready for the next step in my career I can’t wait
for someone else to provide me with training and
development. I need to actively seek out input from
my manager, peers, direct reports, and people in the
positions I want to attain, research and determine how
best to develop the necessary skills, and put in the
time and effort to develop those skills.”
“I’ve received some good advice, but my favourite is: ‘Always show up
as your authentic self, and you’ll attract the best people to work with’.” - Sonya Sommerville, The Sommerville Group
- Bridget Jensen, Better Bedtime “The best career advice I have ever been given and now
continue to give is ‘Do whatever you can to make your
“Pay attention to what makes you feel strong. If you choose to notice, boss’ job easier’.”
life gives you clues about your superhero powers. You'll know what
they are when you feel the most alive or strongest. Regardless of what - Christie Johnson, Little Mushroom Catering
the activity is, the important thing is that you pay attention to the clues: “If you fail, pick up yourself and just move on. There
time flies by; you smile more; you do really good work; you look forward will always be obstacles, but do not quit. If you know
to doing more of the same. By paying attention to when you feel strong, you are doing the right thing, then don’t quit.”
you'll quickly zero in on your path to success. In other words, as the - Narima Whitman, RBC Royal Bank
clichè goes...do something you love and you will never work a day in
your life.’ Trust that little voice in your head that says ‘wouldn't it be “I received my best piece of career advice from my
great if’...and then do it with great integrity.” father when I was 14 years old. He said to find a path
- Kiki McDonald, Kiki McDonald Bridal that you are passionate about and seek a job that
follows that passion. Not only would you do something
“Resilience and perseverance. Setbacks and challenges are part of that you love, but it would be meaningful work, and
business, and you need to persevere during the tough times and just would provide the most benefit to the people you come
keep going. Always remember your goals then no matter how large of into contact within your career. He was right. I was
a setback your purpose will propel you forward and give you reason to passionate about people and have spent my entire
keep going. Business is peaks and valleys, do not dwell on the lows and career working with youth. I have a job that doesn't
be sure to celebrate successes. Surround yourself with good people in feel like work, and I feel I have made a difference.”
your company that share your values and goals. A great team makes - Kim Fowler, Executive Director of Fiddlesticks
for a great company. Keep calm and carry on.”
- Jennifer Knapp, Knapp Fasteners Inc. "The best career advice I’ve ever received is, ‘You’re only
as good as the team you surround yourself with.’ It’s a
“I was always in sales. Simply get up and do "something". Don't stay reminder that success isn’t a solo journey. Surrounding
at home waiting for the phone to ring. Be out, look professional and yourself with a team that shares your vision, challenges
be engaged in your business and community. Create your opportunity, you to grow, and supports one another is essential for
don't simply respond to opportunities that arise. Work an eight-hour achieving great things. This advice has shaped the
day doing "something". You can make a fair living being responsive way I lead and collaborate, ensuring that I prioritize
and good at your job, you will have exponential success if you create building strong, motivated teams who inspire everyone
opportunities for yourself.” to do their best."
- Angela Asadoorian, Royal LePage Crown Realty - Brittany Silveira, Grosche International

54 Winter 2025 www.cambridgechamber.com