Career Can Do

What happens when someone dares to speak up—not just clearly, but confidently—in the moments that matter most? Aletta Rochat, International President-Elect of Toastmasters International, joins Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do to explore how powerful communication and leadership skills can shape careers, strengthen confidence, and create lasting personal impact. Aletta shares insights from her global leadership journey, emphasising the unifying nature of Toastmasters: “We come from different countries who might speak different languages and have different cultures. But as Toastmasters, we unite and connect. And we're there for a common purpose. And that's why it works so well.” In times of crisis, communication can be your greatest tool. Aletta recalls a moment shared by a longtime Toastmaster she mentored: “Suddenly, with the confidence she built up through Toastmasters, she was able to take charge in a very stressful moment… and to keep calm in the midst of something that could have been exceptionally stressful.” Experiences like these, she says, highlight how communication skills, built over time, become instinctive when you need them most. She also tells the inspiring story of Emil, a new member who gave his first speech—despite a profound stutter: “It took him 16 agonizingly long minutes to get those words out.” With ongoing support, Emil went on to become a confident leader. “He learned, and he improved because of the support of the members around him. He couldn't have done that by himself.” Looking ahead to her conference session, Building Clubs That Are Member Magnets, Aletta promises to keep things practical and impactful: “I'm not going to give you the theory. I'm going to give you the stuff that works.” Reflecting on her 16-year Toastmasters journey, Aletta sums it up in one word: “Enriching.” She explains, “Toastmasters is not a spectator sport. The more you get involved, the better the return on investment.” This episode is a powerful reminder that communication isn’t just a skill—it’s a life-changing asset, and one that’s more essential now than ever. Resources Toastmasters on the Web [https://www.toastmasters.org/] | District 65 Annual Conference 2025 [https://tmdistrict65.org/] Aletta Rochat on the Web [https://www.alettarochat.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alettarochat/?originalSubdomain=za] Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web [https://faremouth.com/] | X (Twitter) [https://x.com/faremouth?lang=en]

Is work-life balance real, or just an elusive myth? In this episode of Career Can Do, guest host Chris Sandland speaks with Kathy Oneto—founder of the Sustainable Ambition Movement and host of the Sustainable Ambition podcast—about how we can align our ambitions and energy to create a fulfilling and sustainable career. Kathy shares practical insights from her upcoming book, Sustainable Ambition, and offers a fresh, realistic alternative to the outdated notion of work-life balance. Kathy challenges traditional thinking: “The challenge that I have with work-life balance is... it sets the wrong expectations.” Instead of striving for perfect equilibrium, she introduces a method focused on aligning the right ambitions at the right time with the right effort. This approach leads to goals that are “self-defined, meaningful, and motivating,” helping individuals sustain energy and purpose over time. Through their conversation, Chris and Kathy explore the concept of “right ambition”—tapping into what truly motivates you based on your personal values, purpose, vision, and passions. Kathy explains, “What we all are really striving for is how do we navigate the conflicts across all we want to do in our life and with our work.” Avoiding burnout and managing ambition are key themes throughout the episode. Kathy provides tools for protecting your time and energy, such as prioritizing your work based on what truly requires your best effort, leveraging your strengths for efficiency, and even reminding you of the power of the 80/20 rule. “You can get 80% of the way there with 20% of the effort,” she reminds listeners. Whether you're highly driven or feeling like your ambition has shifted, Kathy’s message is clear: it’s never too late to redefine success. “My hope with my work is to really bring more joy, peace, and ease to people navigating their lives and work.” Learn more about Kathy’s work and upcoming book at sustainableambition.com [https://sustainableambition.com/], or follow her on LinkedIn. Her powerful insights will help you redefine your ambition on your own terms—and do so sustainably. Resources Kathy Oneto on Web [https://sustainableambition.com/] | Sustainable Ambition Podcast [https://sustainableambition.com/podcast] | Sustainable Ambition Book [https://sustainableambition.com/books] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-oneto/] Chris Sandland on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sandland-cpa-17673933/] Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web [https://faremouth.com/] | X (Twitter) [https://x.com/faremouth?lang=en]

Have you ever considered that something as innocent-looking as a golf cart could change lives—and take one, too? That’s the sobering truth at the heart of this heartfelt episode of Career Can Do. Host Mary Ann Faremouth sits down with longtime friend and guest Mark Contreras, co-founder of the Bo Cipra Foundation, to talk about a life lived generously, a tragic accident that sparked a movement, and the surprising importance of safety awareness—on and off the golf course. Mark shares the story of Bo Cipra, a beloved father, friend, and oil and gas industry professional who left an enormous mark on everyone who knew him. After Bo’s untimely passing in a golf cart accident, those closest to him turned their grief into purpose, founding a 501(c)(3) organization in his name. What began as a tribute has grown into a meaningful platform—one that financially supports petroleum industry families in crisis and also educates the public about the very real dangers of golf cart misuse. But this episode isn’t just about tragedy—it’s about community, action, and honoring someone’s legacy in a way that makes the world a little better. Mary Ann and Mark talk about the upcoming golf tournament on April 28th, 2025, at Wildcat Golf Club in Houston—a day that brings together industry professionals, friends, and supporters for more than just a round of golf. It’s about connection, awareness, and giving back. And yes, it’s also about remembering Bo, whose larger-than-life personality made everyone around him feel like family. From safety reminders to the emotional power of volunteerism, this conversation hits home. Mark gets real about how easy it is to forget that golf carts are vehicles—and how normalizing careless behavior can have devastating consequences. More than that, he talks about the ripple effect of generosity, how giving back heals both the giver and the receiver, and how Bo’s daughters, Reese and Isla, are still being supported by the community their father built. Resources Mark Contreras on The Bo Cipra Foundation [https://www.thebociprafoundation.org/] Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web [https://faremouth.com/] | X (Twitter) [https://x.com/faremouth?lang=en]

What if the secret to a thriving company wasn’t just about hiring the right skills, but the right character? That’s the core idea Craig Sullivan, President of Heat Transfer Tubular Products (HTT Products), shares in this episode of Career Can Do. Craig sat down with Mary Ann Faremouth to dive into the real key to building a successful company—hiring for character and creating a culture that keeps people around for the long haul. Craig believes that hiring isn’t just about finding people with the right technical skills. It’s about character—integrity, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt. For him, the best employees are those who can think critically and align with the company’s values. It’s not just about a resume; it’s about the person behind it. But character isn’t the only thing that sets HTT apart. Craig also stresses the importance of culture. He’s a big fan of Simon Sinek’s Start With Why and uses the book’s principles to create an environment where employees feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. It’s not just about the work—they’re invested in the mission and their own personal growth. And that’s how you keep people around. Speaking of keeping people around, HTT has a pretty impressive track record when it comes to employee retention. Craig says that many employees stick around for over 10 years, and that longevity is a direct result of mentorship, career growth opportunities, and a culture that encourages engagement. But it’s not just about the work; Craig also understands that each generation has different expectations, and he’s all about making sure his workplace adapts to meet those needs. So, if you’re a leader looking to build a strong company culture or find ways to keep your team happy and engaged, this episode is for you. Craig’s insights on hiring, leadership, and employee satisfaction offer a fresh perspective on what it takes to create a company that people don’t just work for, but want to work for. Resources Craig Sullivan on HTT Products [https://www.httproducts.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigsullivan14] Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web [https://faremouth.com/] | X (Twitter) [https://x.com/faremouth?lang=en]

What if writing could open doors you never imagined? What if your words had the power to shape your career and influence others? Alan Bourgeois joins Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do to explore how writing transforms lives, careers, and even mental well-being. Alan is a multi-award-winning author and founder of the Texas Authors Institute of History. He has spent decades advocating for independent writers, helping them navigate publishing, marketing, and career sustainability. In this episode, he shares insights on the growing influence of indie authors and how writing can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Writing isn’t just for authors—it sharpens communication skills, fuels creativity, and builds confidence. Alan explains, “Stories have the power to connect us, challenge us, and open doors we never imagined.” He discusses the rise of self-publishing and why many writers are choosing independence over traditional routes. By embracing their unique voices, indie authors are shaping the future of literature in ways that were once unimaginable. Your words have value. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a professional looking to expand your influence, sharing your knowledge through writing can set you apart. Alan highlights initiatives like the Texas Authors Museum and the Lone Star Festival, which support and celebrate independent voices. “When you tell your story,” he says, “you’re not just writing for yourself—you’re creating something that can inspire and impact others.” Mastering the art of storytelling isn’t just about publishing books; it’s about seizing new opportunities. Alan shares practical strategies for getting started, staying consistent, and making an impact with your writing. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of words to take your career to the next level! Resources Alan Bourgeois on Email if you're outside of Texas [bourgeoismedia@outlook.com] I Email if you're in Texas [texasauthors@outlook.com] I LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-alan-bourgeois-35425a18/] Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web [https://faremouth.com/] I X (Twitter) [https://x.com/faremouth?lang=en]