Getting to Know Our Planner Member - Katherine Craig

About Katherine

Born and raised in the rural west-end of Ottawa, I am the middle of three children; with an older sister and younger brother.

I am an avid adventure seeker, lover of the outdoors, aspiring world explorer, and new yogi. I like to think of myself as multi-passionate creative, with a love for all sorts of mediums like calligraphy/lettering, photography, sewing & quilting (I’ve finished two quilts so far!), music and design in general.

Career Path

I entered Carleton University as a Law Undergraduate; the fact-based, research-oriented workload felt like a potential good fit long-term. What I quickly realized was that the work-life balance of a lawyer was not appealing to me at all. I changed my major to Psychology, but I still had feelings that I wasn’t on the exact right path as I struggled with the lens in which we currently study Psychology (it’s so negative!).

Reflecting on my future and my options as graduation approached, I found the Event Management program on the Algonquin College website. It felt right. I applied and the rest is history.

What is the best industry blog or Ted Talk you’d recommend to fellow members?

She is not industry specific, but if you haven’t consumed any of Brené Brown’s content, I would highly recommended starting with her first Ted Talk, The Power of Vulnerability. She is a professor doing amazing research about creativity and innovation, as it relates to vulnerability and shame.

What do you want to accomplish before your next birthday?

My next birthday is a big one. Before I turn 25 in November, I would love to launch a creative project that has been incubating for several months now. I have been taking baby steps towards creating content, flowing towards what feels best and I hope that my podcast will be ready to share soon!

What is the best advice you have ever received?

I think the best advice helps you see something you may not have noticed yourself. I received advice shortly after I graduated school from a male boss who noted that I tend to inflect my tone up at the end of my sentences. He said it makes everything seem like a question, rather than a statement; and gives the impression that I am not sure of what I am saying.

His advice? “Be certain of yourself and your ideas. You are a talented young woman, so make sure you are presenting confidence. You and I both know you are more than capable…make sure everyone else knows too.” I still think of this often.

What’s your favourite ‘icebreaker question’ at a networking event/best conversation starter?

I’ve found research that has shown that the simplest introduction is actually the best way to make a good first impression. Starting with a simple “Hello, how are you?” sets a great tone for the conversation and allows you to follow up with more intuitive questions, like what passion projects are you working on right now?

Favourite Quote:

I don’t have a favourite and couldn’t choose just one!

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi

“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right” – Henry Ford