Cancer is a complicated topic involving different scopes – Dr. Linda Carlson knows that well. As a researcher, she focuses on all aspects of cancer care. This goes beyond traditional approaches, but also psychological aspects and using mind wellness as cancer care. Her findings are vital for a more holistic understanding of patient care.

Aubrey Kelly knows there are so many things that you can’t control – but you can set the direction that you’re heading. That is the philosophy he has used for his role as CEO of UBC Properties Trust, which handles real estate portfolios of the University of British Columbia. You don’t have to be an expert – you simply have to figure out where you’re headed and have others around you buy into your plan.

If you ask Angela Brooks-Wilson whether she is an administrator or scientist, she will say, “Both.” As the dean of a science department of Simon Fraser University, it is always a challenge to keep up with what is going on at the time and what the goals of the faculty are. She doesn’t do it alone, thanks to a solid team that handles staff, students, and infrastructure to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

Diana Chapman Walsh was the president of Wellesley College until 2007, but what does that mean? In a way, it is a role with big responsibilities but without getting “into the weeds” – bringing donors, alumni, and campus personnel together. The trick, according to Walsh, is to be selective with the power and presence of the college president, to get initiatives going when things get stuck. And, of course, fundraising – a crucial part of any post-secondary institution.

Eli Joseph wears many hats – he is a university instructor at three institutions (Columbia, NYU, and UCLA), public speaker, and author. Even though teaching takes up the bulk of his time, he sees each speech as a unique challenge and each book as his “down time.”

In the world of postgraduate education, someone has to develop the classes and programs that lead to degrees. The challenge, however, is who? Who has the experience and insight into the topic and at the same time can design a structured education?

Dialogue is a tricky thing. It’s not just the exchanging of words: it is the sharing of ideas. On the surface, that sounds straightforward – until you realize it is a complex interplay of thoughts, agendas, emotions and competing interests, to name but a few.

In this edition of Careers That Matter, we meet volcanologist Glyn Williams-Jones, whose enthusiasm for his job makes you want to say, "Where do I sign up?" He says volcanoes are just like people: they each have their own personality. Each one is unique, each one shifts, expands and, at times, explodes.