The Cap (for February 2024)
A monthly recap of the CWB Association Welding Podcast
Welcome to The Cap, a review of the guests and highlights from the past month on the CWB Association Welding Podcast.
Throughout February, we celebrated Black History Month and learned about the incredible contributions of African, Caribbean, and Black Canadians to the welding industry and our communities.
If you missed any of February’s episodes, you can revisit them anytime to hear from passionate and inspiring people from all corners of the world of welding.
Episode 159 with Philippe Vincent and Max Ceron (February 9)
Our first guest of the year has a unique story. Phillipe (Phil) Vincent left his hometown of Trois-Rivières in Quebec for an assignment with the army in Whitehorse. He fell in love with the northern expanse of the Yukon and decided to stay. He had already done welding training in Quebec at age 17, and decided to put his trade to use again. After spending time adjusting to the new environment and apprenticeship model – and brushing up on his skills – he really hit his stride.
During our conversation, Phil talked about the complexities of working within the unique fabric of the Yukon's society, which includes a significant Indigenous population. Phil had to adapt to new terminologies and conditions, not to mention the high cost of living and the challenges faced by businesses in remote areas.
Phil recounted his own progression from welder to general manager, and the strategies employed to maintain a stable workforce amidst the cyclical nature of northern projects. Something I found interesting was Phil’s idea about hosting industry conferences in Whitehorse, suggesting that such events could shine a light on the region's unique capabilities and draw professionals to this remote gem.
Phil’s story is fascinating. Check out the episode here.
Episode 160 with Leon Hudson and Max Ceron (February 14)
In our next episode, I chatted with Leon Hudson, Welding Technical Support National Manager at Fronius Canada. We had an engaging discussion about his remarkable career trajectory, from his formative years to leading a trailblazing team in the industry.
Leon's journey began in Jamaica, where he attended a technical high school, fostering an early interest in engineering. This foundation allowed him to transition to Canada, where he faced the challenge of navigating a new educational system. Despite these hurdles, a teacher's recognition of his aptitude for math and science became a pivotal moment in his life, steering him towards a career in engineering.
Leon talked about the challenges he faced in carving out his career path, as well as his determination that led him to a co-op program at Humber College and a career-launching role at ESAB. Here, a chance encounter with a knowledgeable colleague provided the guidance he needed to grow in his field, which highlights the invaluable role that mentorship can play in professional development.
Throughout the episode, Leon spoke of his career progression within the welding industry, and the importance of the mentorship he received and the relationships he built. I loved hearing about Leon’s focus on giving back, advancing the welding industry, and supporting the next generation of welders.
Catch the rest of Leon’s inspiring story here.
Episode 161 with Mohamed Sookwa and Max Ceron (February 21)
Mohamed Sookwa – or “Mo” as he’s known at CWB – was our next podcast guest. From his childhood in Guyana to becoming an indispensable part of the CWB, Mo's story is a testament to his spirit and determination.
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Mo didn’t shy away from talking about the challenges he faced growing up in Guyana and what led his family to emigrate to Canada in search of a better life. There were struggles during the transition to his new home, such as language barriers and adapting to a new culture. He shared the raw emotions and trials of those first few years, but also demonstrated amazing resilience in forging a new path forward.
Mo's determination to carve a niche for himself in the welding industry was relentless. His decision to pursue welding was spurred by a friend's encouragement and his own will to succeed. He encountered unexpected twists in his professional journey. Walking into the wrong interview, for example, turned out to be a fortunate turn of events!
In his current role at CWB, Mo leads internal training and development programs. His focus on education and continuous improvement reflects his commitment to fostering excellence within the industry. Throughout our conversation, Mo emphasized the importance of hard work and a positive attitude, and contributing in a positive way to the industry.
I loved how Mo shared so openly about his cultural identity and his path to success in Canada. Check out his story here.
Episode 162 with Ruth Falokun and Max Ceron (February 28)
Wrapping up the month, we welcomed Ruth Falokun to the podcast. Ruth is a QA/QC inspector based in Calgary. Her move from Nigeria to Canada is a tale full of tenacity and ambition. Pursuing a career in the male-dominated world of welding engineering isn’t an easy path, and Ruth’s story might resonate with other women in STEM fields.
Whether she’s delving into the technicalities of her job or talking about the complexities of balancing a career and family life, Ruth seems to thrive on unpredictability and challenge. On top of her already busy schedule, Ruth is committed to furthering her technical knowledge and is taking a proactive approach to learning and growth.
Mentorship emerges as a central theme in Ruth's story. The impact of having a supportive mentor, as Ruth did, is evident in her confidence and success. Paying that positive impact forward, she is personally working to support other women in the trades. Her ambition to see a world where gender is no barrier to a rewarding career in the trades is clear.
Ruth’s story offers listeners a glimpse into the struggles of adapting to a new country. Her experiences in confronting discrimination, coupled with the feelings of longing for her Nigerian roots, provide an authentic and inspiring perspective on what it takes to achieve your dreams.
Listen to Ruth’s episode here.
The CWB Association brings you a weekly podcast that covers what’s new and what’s happening in the world of welding. In February, we will continue to share inspiring and informative stories from the people who are building the future of the industry.
Thank you to Canada Welding Supply , our sponsor this month who helped make the podcast possible.
You can download our weekly episodes wherever you get your podcasts, or catch them on YouTube or the CWB Association website.
Thanks for listening!
Executive Director, CWB Association