There is no “normal” day when you work in government. That is what Brenda Bailey has learned as British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. In fact, she sees her job as a real-life crash course on British Columbia.

The aviation industry isn’t for everyone. Danny Sitnam, on the other hand, dove head-first into it with a sense of invigoration and passion. In fact, it energizes him and the thought of being at the front line of the business is what gets him out of bed in the morning.

What’s the easiest way to start your own business? Learn a trade, says Chris Gardner, who is President of the Independent Contractors Association of British Columbia. It was not a straight line to where he is today.

Matt Harper’s job at Invinity Energy Systems is all about balance. As he says, “It is a job that does not let one get bored.”

Amani Saini took the experience of a family member’s adverse drug reaction to launch a nonprofit dedicated to furthering research and awareness of adverse drug reactions.

Before venturing on his own, Sam Cooper started as a print journalist and went into other media such as video and television. Along the way, he found the power of storytelling and “how” a story is told is just as important as what the story is – especially with the rise of social media and online media.

Christine Mallier’s passion for sustainability landed her a dream job, but she didn’t get there immediately. She worked in everything from events, customer service, public relations, and more – and that gave her a chance to know almost every department of her company and how to best work with each of them.

Jock Finlayson is only half-retired, but it doesn’t mean that he has slowed down. Working with multiple think tanks and organizations, he has to deliver accurate economic forecasts to the sectors that keep British Columbia’s economy alive.

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.”

Tony Pantages is a self-described “serial impact entrepreneur” who loves finding sustainable and renewable solutions. His solutions focus mainly on how to handle waste and energy in a way that protects the environment.

Jennifer Reynolds is chief executive officer of the Women Corporate Directors Foundation (WCD).

Helen is committed to building a strong community and active in several local organizations and boards. She also serves as a mentor and life coach to youth and new immigrants.

Cyber security matters – but how do you get into it? For Dominic Vogel and Christian Redshaw, they didn't start in cyber. But over time, they learned to love it enough to make it their full-time venture.

Heading up a real estate association is not a job you can go to school to learn. That’s because it's a rare position and schools can’t prepare you for this type of position. The job is part visionary, leader, guiding hand, advocate and so much more.

Volodya Gusak co-founded DENCITI Development Corporation in 2018. The Vancouver-based real estate development company creates urban, industrial, commercial, and residential developments.

There are specialties in the real estate sector that are vitally important that virtually no one hears about unless you are deep into the business. Industrial lands are one such area and they require talent with extremely specific needs. Eric Aderneck’s career opened up a world of possibilities in the development of properties that meet the needs of light industrial businesses.

Every day you see some poll, some insight into how people shop, relax, vacation, choose their job, pick a favourite beer – and how they say they will vote. Have you ever wondered who the people are who gather all of that information?

The author of “Claws of the Panda” has been reporting to Canadians since 1965. His career has taken him around the world, interviewing and telling stories that affect Canadians. He is widely respected as a thoughtful and insightful reporter.

How do you become the guy who runs an independent television station? Rob Germain is the perfect example of a person who starts his career in one place and then grows into another position – that you can’t go to school to learn it.

In this edition of Careers That Matter, we sit down with The Honourable Wally Oppal, Q.C., a man who has made an indelible mark on the law on in British Columbia. Not only was he a lawyer, judge, politician, Attorney General, Cabinet Minister and a Special Prosecutor, but his work has changed the law and the role of police officers.