Dee Durant: From Electrical Apprentice to Trade Advocate - A Journey Through Challenges and Triumphs

In this episode, Dee Durant, a 24-year-old electrical apprentice from southern Ontario, shares her inspiring journey from childhood aspirations of becoming a meteorologist to finding her calling in the electrical trade. Despite facing challenges like severe anxiety and ADHD, Dee sheds light on how she navigated her academic struggles, supported by her loving family and mentors. She discusses her experiences on the job, the realities of being a woman in the trades, and the importance of mental health. Dee also highlights her active role in promoting skilled trades through social media and public speaking, aiming to break stereotypes and encourage diversity. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of supportive mentors, and the importance of pursuing one's passion.

00:00 Meet De Durant: Background and Early Life

03:10 Discovering a Passion for Trades

08:41 Overcoming Educational Barriers

15:23 First Steps in the Electrical Trade

19:09 Current Role and Responsibilities

22:00 Social Media and Promoting Trades

26:15 Building Confidence Through Construction

30:52 Mental Health in the Construction Industry

42:21 The Importance of Mentorship

46:17 Future Goals and Advice for Women in Construction

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or contacting a support line (988). You are not alone.

Beyond the Nickname: Amy Marks' Journey of hard work, perseverance and kindness.

In this episode, Diane welcomes Amy Marks, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Compass Data Centers, often known as the 'Queen of Prefab.' Amy shares her journey from a turbulent upbringing in a construction family business to becoming a leading figure in the construction and prefabrication industries. She details her academic background, early career challenges, and eventual rise to prominence after taking bold steps in prefabrication. Amy also touches on her passion for women's rugby and its impact on her career, her work at Compass Data Centers, and the importance of kindness, hard work, and saying 'yes' to opportunities. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:18 Early Dreams and Upbringing

03:04 Path to the Construction Industry

09:06 Becoming the Queen of Prefab

15:55 Influence and Recognition

23:12 The Importance of Thought Leadership

24:15 Broadening Horizons Beyond Prefabrication

26:28 Current Role and Career Reflections

29:56 The Power of Saying Yes and Hard Work

32:34 Rugby and Its Impact on Career

39:16 Future Aspirations and Advice for Women in Construction

Ashley Kalizuk: From Crane Operator to Advocate for Women in Construction

In this episode, Ashley Kalizuk shares her journey from a crane operator to a photographer and an instructor in the construction industry. Reflecting on her career's challenges and triumphs, Ashley discusses her early days working in construction, the unexpected path to her Red Seal endorsement, and her transition into full-time photography and instructing at NAIT. She underscores the importance of representation and advocacy for women in the industry, offering advice for young women entering the field. Ashley's story is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the pursuit of passion, culminating in her recognition as a top professional under 40 in her field.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:08 Early Career Aspirations and First Job

04:35 Navigating the Construction Industry

06:13 Challenges and Lessons Learned

06:49 Writing and Advocacy for Women in Construction

13:17 Transition to Photography and Business

19:09 Becoming an Instructor and Teaching Experience

33:49 Future Goals and Advice for Women in Construction

37:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts