042: Elevating Education Through Community and Change with Jelena Bajic

06/25/24 • 56 min

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I’m joined by Jelena Bajic, the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Environment, Technology, and Continuing Education at NorQuest College in Edmonton, Alberta. Jelena shares her journey from Yugoslavia to South Africa, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and ultimately Canada, highlighting her passion for high employee engagement, motivation, and professional development. Jelena discusses her belief in community-driven impact, her experience at various educational institutions, and her role at NorQuest College. She offers insights into organizational transformation, interdisciplinary learning, and the future of education. Jelena also touches on the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and embracing change. Jelena believes in community-driven impact that elevates individuals and the collective. She has a special interest in high employee engagement and motivation during organizational transformations. Her experiences have taught her that prioritizing staff learning and professional development always pays dividends through increased innovation, engagement and productivity, driving greater team and organizational impact. Over the past 20+ years Jelena has worked with highly skilled individuals in South Africa, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Canada in various capacities, from Energy Advisory as an Advisor at Tetra Consulting in the UK to Research Operations as the Managing Director at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Today, Jelena is the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Environment, Technology and Continuing Education at NorQuest College in Edmonton, Alberta. NorQuest’s purpose - At NorQuest, we transform lives. And when we do that, we transform communities, we transform the world, we transform the future. – is so strongly aligned to Jelena’s view of the role and impact of education. As an Energy Futures Lab Fellow, Jelena continues to explore the intricate interplay between business, technology and environmental disciplines which is undeniably shaping our communities and economy today and will continue to do so into the future. Some of this work is also shaping priorities in her portfolio at NorQuest College with regard to skill and competency development for learners, as well as workforce development. Jelena is passionate about empowering others to act and engages in many working groups, events and committees. Beyond her work-related commitments, Jelena is also the President of a childcare society, a SHE Leads Mentor and an avid supporter of the Edmonton culinary and arts scenes. Jelena earned a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She is trained in Business Management, Change Management and Strategic Communication. Listen in as we talk about: 04:09 Jelena's story 13:03 NorQuest College in Edmonton, Alberta #WeAreWhoWeInclude 17:49 Strategic direction and faculty development with educational change 22:35 Interdisciplinary opportunities and the future of education 24:30 Educational change and personal development 27:20 The multifaceted approach to the energy transition 31:04 Embracing diverse learning styles 33:57 Decolonizing curriculum and anti-racism efforts 35:34 The importance of curiosity and unlearning 38:09 Collaborative problem solving and diverse perspectives 40:16 Audiobooks: A new way to read 42:53 Hockey and community spirit 46:03 Jelena’s favourite teacher 48:09 Jelena’s pride in teamwork and engaging with mentors 51:35 Jelena’s words of wisdom Connect with Jelena: LinkedIn: Jelena Bajic Learn more about NorQuest College: Website: https://www.norquest.ca/ LinkedIn: NorQuest College Instagram: @norquestcollege Facebook: @NorQuestCollege YouTube: @NorQuestCollegeVideos Twitter: @NorQuest Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course

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041: Heart-Centred Music and Song Writing with Mariya Stokes

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I’m joined by Mariya Stokes, a talented and community-focused country music artist from Stavely, Alberta. Mariya shares her journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming Country Music Alberta's two-time Horizon Female Artist of the Year. She discusses her songwriting process, the importance of community support, and the mentors who have influenced her career. Mariya also talks about the challenges and joys of being an independent artist, her passion for vintage fashion, and the excitement surrounding the release of her debut full-length album. I am above and beyond thrilled to have Mariya Stokes joining me as my guest on my 100th PODCAST EPISODE! Mariya and I connected at a Mamas for Mamas Calgary event back in September of 2022 where I had the opportunity to see her perform and to sit beside her at dinner and have an amazing conversation. Mariya is not only incredibly talented but also heart-centred in her approach to music and in her connections and interactions with her community. If Kacey Musgraves and Lake Street Dive had a country-soul love child, the result would be Mariya Stokes. Known for her distinct retro style and quirky sense of humor, Country Music Alberta's two-time Horizon Female Artist of the Year is on the cusp of releasing her debut full-length album. Her single, "You Want Me," dropped in February 2024 and her single “One of Em'', was released in May 2024! Growing up in Stavely, Alberta, Mariya’s music reflects her roots: honest country lyrics seamlessly blended with pop-influenced melodies. Additionally, Mariya was a top-eight semifinalist in SiriusXMs Top of the Country in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association in 2024. And - she is looking forward to performing on the main stage this summer at Country Thunder Alberta! Listen in as we talk about: 03:00 Mariya’s story 05:16 Family and musical influences 07:03 Mariya’s songwriting process 09:19 The power of collaboration 12:09 Advice for aspiring musicians 14:14 Navigating the business of music 17:12 Mariya’s “pinch me” moments 20:48 Mariya’s upcoming projects and shows 23:07 Giving back to the community 24:54 Songwriting as personal expression 29:26 Mariya’s personal style and vintage fashion 32:33 The role of personal style in branding 37:28 Music and mentorship 42:30 What Mariya is most proud of 43:56 Mariya answers some rapid-fire questions 46:39 Mariya’s final thoughts and words of wisdom Connect with Mariya: Website: https://www.mariyastokes.com/ Instagram: @mariyastokes Facebook: @mariyastokes TikTok: @mariyastokes Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co. FAMILY AND MUSICAL INFLUENCES Mariya shares that music was a significant part of her upbringing, heavily influenced by her family's musical background. Her father was a drummer and singer in a family band, and her grandfather was a skilled keyboard player. On the other side of her family, her grandfather played bass in a rock band in the 60s and even opened for the Beach Boys. Growing up surrounded by music, Mariya found it accessible and was encouraged by her community in Stavely, where many local musicians supported her journey, including neighbors who taught her guitar and provided a welcoming space to practice and grow. MARIYA’S SONGWRITING PROCESS “There are no bad ideas. There just might be ideas that I don't necessarily chase. Or - it might not be the right idea for me but it could be right for somebody else.” Regarding her songwriting process,

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043: Building Community Through Storytelling and Podcasting with Jeff Humphreys

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Humphreys, owner and founder of Shortline Creative and host of The Calgary Sessions podcast. Jeff and I met in person for the first time at The GRAND theatre in downtown Calgary in early 2024. Jeff’s company was doing some interviewing and filming for promotional material for PodSummit YYC, an upcoming podcast conference that I am so excited about taking place on September 20 and 21, 2024. More recently, Jeff has been a role model, sounding board, and mentor for me in the world of podcasting. I admire his laid-back yet professional approach, his curiosity, thoughtful questions, commitment to storytelling, and strong sense of community. Jeff Humphreys, a born and raised Calgarian, is the owner, founder, and creative storyteller with Shortline Creative, a digital marketing agency based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 20 years of experience in the digital space, Jeff has held various roles including digital and social media manager, web coordinator, web designer, and production artist. Beyond his work at Shortline Creative, Jeff hosts The Calgary Sessions, a weekly podcast about the people that shape Calgary. The podcast highlights the stories of local athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs, sharing their inspiring journeys, triumphs, and challenges, and contributions to the vibrant heart of the city. Listen in as we talk about: 03:00 Jeff’s story 04:02 Starting Shortline Creative and podcasting 10:48 Reflections on education and personal growth 16:29 The role of athletics and fitness in Jeff's life 21:03 An “unagency” approach to digital marketing 27:20 Creating space for sharing stories 30:58 Starting a podcast - advice and insights 37:18 Challenges and realities of monetizing a podcast 38:40 The value of community in podcasting 40:39 PodSummit - connecting podcasters and building community 48:00 Lifelong lessons from family foundations 51:39 What Jeff is most proud of 52:40 Jeff answers some rapid-fire questions 55:58 Curiosity creates experiences Connect with Jeff: Websites: Jeff Humphreys: https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Shortline Creative: https://www.shortlinecreative.com/ Instagram: @jeffhumphreys LinkedIn: Jeff Humphreys Shortline Creative Facebook: @TheJeffHumphreys Podcast: The Calgary Sessions Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course REFLECTIONS ON EDUCATION AND PERSONAL GROWTH Jeff's journey through school was a tough one, marked by repeated struggles and a series of dropouts. Despite trying various programs at Mount Royal and facing a constant battle with disinterest and poor grades, he found solace and confidence in hockey. He did experience school success in a visual communications class, which foreshadowed his eventual career in creative work. Jeff reflects that the traditional school environment, with its rigid structure and lack of engaging subjects, never suited him. However, he's found that exploring non-traditional learning paths and pursuing interests outside the classroom can be just as valuable. This perspective highlights the importance of finding personal learning styles and alternative routes to success. Education isn't one-size-fits-all and curiosity and diverse experiences can lead to fulfilling careers. AN “UNAGENCY” APPROACH TO DIGITAL MARKETING Jeff describes Shortline Creative as the "unagency" because it deliberately deviates from traditional agency norms. While conventional agencies often follow a set structure to maintain their margins and efficiency, Shortline Creative focuses on a more personalized and creative approach. They emphasize human connection and storytelling, aiming to genuinely understand and represent their clients’ unique narratives. Rather than just pushing sales or ads,