TECH TAKES

Protecting Your Career: The Essentials of Professional Liability Insurance

In this episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement at OACETT, explores the often-overlooked but critically important topic of professional liability insurance for technicians and technologists—an essential safeguard in today’s complex professional landscape. Joined by Michael Loeters, Senior Vice President of Commercial Insurance and Risk Management at ProLink Insurance, the conversation uncovers the hidden risks many professionals face, from casual design suggestions to informal advice shared over email. Together, they discuss how liability can arise even without formal contracts or payment, and why understanding your coverage—whether you’re an employee or an independent contractor—is key to protecting your career. Discover how professional liability and general liability insurance work, why defense costs alone can be significant, and when it’s the right time to ensure you’re properly covered—because managing risk isn’t just smart, it’s a fundamental part of responsible professional practice. Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org [techtakes@oacett.org].

The Quiet Achiever: Leading Without the Spotlight

In this special episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement, Services, and Government Relations at OACETT, explores the often-overlooked but deeply impactful concept of quiet achievers. Challenging the idea that great leaders must always be loud, bold, or extroverted. Joined by Linda Raynier, author of The Quiet Achiever, and Dr. Tatijana Busic, from Busic Psychology and Consulting, the conversation uncovers how introverted, reflective leaders bring unique strengths to teams and organizations. Together, they discuss emotional intelligence, resilience, and the power of thoughtful decision-making, reframing quiet leadership as a strategic, highly effective style. Discover how quiet achievers can overcome self-doubt, leverage their observational skills, and lead with confidence. Proving that influence doesn’t require volume, only intention. Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org [techtakes@oacett.org].

Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities in Ontario

In this special edition of Tech Takes, recorded live at OACETT’s 2025 Conference in Windsor, Ontario, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, moderates a discussion on Ontario’s infrastructure challenges and opportunities—and the critical role technicians and technologists play in shaping the province’s future. Panelists Nadia Todorova (RCCAO), Doug Jones, CET (Ministry of Transportation), Stacey McGuire (City of Windsor), and Matt Ashe, CET (GEI Consultants) explore topics ranging from tariff pressures and climate change resilience to skills development and Ontario’s record $200 billion infrastructure investment. Their conversation highlights how major projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Windsor’s Coastal Flood Protection Master Plan are paving the way for stronger, more sustainable communities, and why innovation, investment, and collaboration are essential to building a resilient province. Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org [techtakes@oacett.org].

Cybersecurity in Engineering: Building a Secure Future from the Ground Up

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, explores the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity—a discipline that has rapidly transformed from an IT concern into a core strategic priority for engineers and professionals across every industry. Joined by Tim McCreight, CEO and Founder of TaleCraft Security, their conversation uncovers the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the vital need to embed security into the engineering process from the very beginning. Together, they discuss how securing intellectual property, anticipating emerging threats, and designing with security in mind can protect both innovation and infrastructure. Discover how cybersecurity is no longer optional—but a fundamental pillar of responsible engineering, ensuring systems are resilient, trustworthy, and future-ready. Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org [techtakes@oacett.org].

Inside the Minds of the Next Generation: Flexibility, Purpose, and Mental Well-being

In this episode of Tech Takes, guest host Mladen Ivankovic explores how the next generation is reshaping ideas around work, education, and success. Psychologist Dr. Andrew Wong and David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement at OACETT, join the conversation to discuss why flexibility, purpose, and mental well-being are taking priority over traditional career paths. From the influence of social media to the rise of hybrid work and passion-driven careers, learn how young professionals are redefining success—and what organizations can do to better support their evolving values. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the future of work and the mindset shaping it. Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org [techtakes@oacett.org].