Why I Wish I Had a Certified Career Strategist (and Why You Should Become One)

August 6, 2025 |
conscious career choice

-By Christine Ball In my twenties, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I wasn’t driven by a clear purpose or a strategic career plan. I fell into a temp job at an IT firm, just looking to make ends meet, and somehow I stayed. Over time, I found my way into the marketing department, and eventually, I was running marketing and communications for North America. But if I’m honest, it wasn’t a conscious career choice. It was happenstance. I let the current take me…

Truth Matters: Helping Clients Navigate Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation

August 1, 2025 |
Helping Clients Navigate Misinformation

–By Sharon Graham, Founder and Chair of Career Professionals of Canada – Career professionals serve as sounding boards for individuals navigating complex decisions in uncertain times. Clients rely on us not only for practical support, but also for credible insight into the ever-changing labour market and to help them navigate misinformation. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand how misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation can affect career decisions. Understanding the Landscape: What We’re Up Against What is Misinformation? Misinformation is false or misleading information that is shared without intent…

Nurturing the Nurturers: Why Self-Care is a Professional Imperative for Career Professionals and Leaders

August 1, 2025 |
Self-care

– By Lama Shaath, CCS, CWS –  As career development practitioners, coaches, leaders, and service providers, we accompany others through some of the most tender and transformative moments of their lives—navigating change, identity, uncertainty, loss, and renewal. But in the act of giving so much, we often forget to turn inward. Self-care has become a cultural buzzword, often associated with spa days and time off. But in our field, it’s far more than that—it’s a professional, ethical, and spiritual necessity. It is the very foundation that allows us to serve…

Lifelong Learning: The Career Advantage of Continuing Education

July 28, 2025 |
Continuing education

– By Christine Ball – In a world where change is constant and innovation is the norm, the key to staying relevant and fulfilled, both personally and professionally, is lifelong learning. I’ve built my entire career on this truth. My professional journey began in information technology, where I was fortunate to have access to a wealth of free training. I took full advantage of every opportunity, soaking up everything from software certifications to leadership development. One of the most impactful experiences during that time was completing the Harvard Managed Mentor…

Neurodivergence: An Untapped Competitive Advantage in the Evolving Workforce

July 21, 2025 |
Untapped Competitive Advantage

-By Maggie Jiang, Founder & Neurodiversity Consultant, Cogent Inclusive – One in Five Canadians Thinks Differently. That’s a Strength Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians is neurodivergent? This includes individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. These are not outliers; they’re your clients, your colleagues, and your next top performers. Neurodivergence can be an untapped competitive advantage. Neurodivergent individuals often possess exceptional capabilities, including pattern recognition, creativity, attention to detail, and deep problem-solving skills. However, despite these strengths, many individuals face barriers that traditional coaching practices…

How to Support Clients Disclosing Trauma: A Guide for Career Professionals

July 18, 2025 |
Trauma-Informed Care

-By Sharon Graham, Founder and Chair of Career Professionals of Canada.- As a career professional, you play a pivotal role in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma can stem from various life events—such as job loss, workplace harassment, educational challenges, abuse, or personal setbacks—and has a profound impact on living, learning, and working. Integrating Trauma-Informed Care into your practice enables you to provide a safe, validating environment for clients as they navigate their career and life journeys. Many of the principles of Trauma-Informed Care may already be reflected in…