Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Before we dive in today's episode, I want to take a moment to share something that's been on my heart, something I've been working on behind the scenes for a while now. I'm officially writing a book. This book is called let's Be A Practical Guide to Leading Through Change. And it's deeply personal to me. It's built from real experiences. The uncertainty, the challenges, the moments where I didn't have the answers but had to lead. This isn't just a leadership book filled with theory. It's about navigating uncertainty when there's no clear direction, building internal clarity when everything around us feels unclear, having courageous conversations, even when they're uncomfortable, and leading with value, especially when it's the hardest to do so. I'm also going into topics that don't get talked about enough, like what it feels like to be challenged, overlooked, and even bullied as an adult in a workplace. And how those moments shape the kind of leader you become. This book is for anyone who's ever thought, how do I lead when I don't feel ready? How do I show up when I don't have all the answers? And how do I stay true to myself in environments that challenge me? If this is you, this book is for you. I'll be sharing more about the journey behind the scenes moments and opportunities for you to be part of it as we go. So stay tuned because this is more than just a book. It's a movement around how we lead through change together. Alright, let's get to today's episode.
[00:01:25] Speaker B: Opinions expressed in this episode are personal.
[00:01:28] Speaker A: They do not necessarily reflect the views
[00:01:30] Speaker B: of this streaming platform.
[00:01:36] Speaker A: Good day, wonderful people, and welcome to another edition of let's Be Diverse. I am your host, Andrew Stout. This episode is dedicated to all my loved ones who have supported me through this journey. Those who have left us will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Today we're going to be talking about leaning when leading when you're uncertain and everyone is looking at you. Our guest today is one fantastic human. Her name is Taylor McPherson. Taylor, welcome to the show. Thanks so much for joining us today.
[00:02:05] Speaker B: Hi, Andrew. Thanks for having me.
[00:02:07] Speaker A: You're very welcome. How are things with you? Give us the tea, give us the deets. What's going on in Taylor's world? What's going on?
[00:02:14] Speaker B: Things have been fantastic in Taylor's world. I just got back from a lovely vacation in Europe, so it was much needed and you know, just back to the hustle and bustle of working, working with a nonprofit sport organization and doing lots of speaking engagements. So life has been blessed and it's all good over here.
[00:02:35] Speaker A: We're going to hear a little bit about you as this conversation goes on. But yes, I've been super impressed with all the good work that you're doing, so keep up the good work.
[00:02:42] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:02:43] Speaker A: You're very, very welcome. Before we begin, Taylor, I always have a fun, thought provoking question that I ask my guest to get things going or are you ready for yours today?
[00:02:53] Speaker B: Yes, let's do it.
[00:02:55] Speaker A: She says nervously.
Taylor, your question is, what is one life lesson you've learned the hard way?
[00:03:05] Speaker B: One life lesson that I've learned the hard way. I guess like my biggest life lesson that I've learned and continues to guide me to this day is, you know, like, trust the process. I think a lot of the time when we got get so caught up in like, things aren't going the right way, they're not going the right way. We don't really fully understand that. Like, we just need to trust the process and understand that everything happens for a reason. Right. And so for me, a lot of that, I guess, learning came from wrestling. Being a varsity wrestler for six years and doing some national team stuff. I think what really taught me was that like, hey, you're not going to be the best right out the gate, not even in your third year, your fourth year. It's going to take years for you to develop into the best wrestler that you can be. But not even just the best wrestler, the best person. So I think for me it was understanding that there's a process to everything and that you just have to trust it and go with the flow of things because everything isn't always going to be perfect.
[00:04:08] Speaker A: I love trusting the process. And it's something that I actually say a lot, quite a bit too. And you're going to have those days where things are just not going to go well or even those weeks that things are just not going to go well. But yeah, I try my best to kind of think of that after, like, okay, well, yes, think it's not going well, it's not going away. I would like I'm not liking the way that things are going, but if I just stick to what I'm doing, stick to the work that I'm doing and just trust that this work that I'm doing is going to resonate with everybody else, then that's all that matters and we're gonna see it's gonna be fruitful if we stick with it.
[00:04:46] Speaker B: Yeah, I always Say like, like I said kind of earlier, like, I think everything happens for a reason. So if one thing doesn't go right and doesn your way, well, there may be a reason for that and your path may actually be guiding you elsewhere. And I think sometimes we forget that we do have a path or for things that, you know, are meant to happen in our lives. And I think that's something that's really cool. You know, we always, like, I don't know if you know, when you experience deja vu, you know, you're like, oh my gosh, like, I've been here before, I've seen this before. But what I've been taught by some elders and, and you know, other friends in the community is that it's like your spirit, you're catching up to your spirit. So if your spirit is already there, you're on your right path when you have deja vu. So I always try to remember that now when I'm like, things aren't going the way I want them to or this should have gone this way and this and that, it's like, no, everything happens for a reason and it will come when it's meant to come.
[00:05:43] Speaker A: I love that. I love that. So, Taylor, to get us started, who are you and what really drives you to do the work that you do?
[00:05:50] Speaker B: Yeah. So I'll formally introduce myself, I guess so. Taylor McPherson, Fearson Buzznawiji Edmonton, Alberta. So I said, hello, my name is Taylor McPherson. I am a proud Mi' Kmaq woman of the Miyapa gig First nations in Ca River, Newfoundland. I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, but now living in Edmonton, Alberta. So who am I? I'm a former varsity wrestler, also national team member for U23 World Championships in Spain and Serbia. I am an alumni of University of Alberta. So I. I graduated from there with my bachelor in kinesiology and my master's in kinesiology. I also a coach, so I've coached our provincial team here in Alberta, our club team with Edmonton Wrestling Club and the varsity wrestling team as well. And I also work with a nonprofit called Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta where we offer low cost and free sport programming across the province for indigenous youth and families and obviously, how many may know my name. Co winner of Amazing Race Canada Season 10 with my bestie, Katie. So that's Taylor in a nutshell.
[00:06:59] Speaker A: Yes, absolutely. Well, so much to tie in there. So first off, I love when you just your. When I first met you, what I've. What I noticed right away is you're just your grit and your. Your determination. And I just love the fact that you are so determined and you just don't give up like you want to get. You want to get what you want to want, accomplish, and nothing's going to stand in your way. And if you. If it's not working, we just talked about it before, we're going to find another way to figure it out. So I just love that. And that's the first thing I noticed in our first conversation that we had. And I. Like I said, I've been following you for. For a bit now and just impressed with all your work.
[00:07:39] Speaker B: Thank you. I appreciate that.
[00:07:40] Speaker A: You're very, very welcome. And thank you for sharing your story. And I'm sure that we're going to get into many, many aspects of what you've learned through your story and your experience, not just in school, but in what you do right now. So I'll ask you, when you hear the phrase leading through uncertainty, what does it personally mean to you?
[00:08:01] Speaker B: Yeah, so I think for me, leading through uncertainty means, you know, just leading with a purpose. I think for me, you know, or for many people, the path isn't always certain in which way we're choosing to go and what's really set out for us in life. And I think the thing is, is we need to step into those spaces and be uncomfortable with being in new environments and new situations and just learn to okay with it, because then when we can move forward through that, then it really helps develop that grit and perseverance and resilience that you're kind of talking about there. And so I think leading with uncertainty is just kind of leading by example, not being afraid to fail, not being afraid to speak up and use your voice and be proud of who you are.
And so I guess that's kind of what leading with uncertainty with is, is. To me, it's. It's not really. There's no definitive answer. It's really more like just understanding what my path has been through sport, through the Amazing Race, through school. It has never been one clear, straightforward, easy path. It was all about having to persevere and do my best in every aspect of it and really believe that I could do it. So I think that's what it is.
[00:09:19] Speaker A: I love that. I love your answer. When we're thinking about leading by example or being uncomfortable, we're trying to be creative and innovative, and if we can't do that in whatever we're doing, then no ideas are going to flourish, no ideas are going to be made, and there's Nothing that's going to be different. Everything is going to be always the same. And we're going to be just going in this round circle, just going round and round and round and round, but not advancing. So I just, I love everything that you said there. Stepping into spaces, which is super cool. That again, that will make us be innovative and creative in whatever we want to do.
[00:09:59] Speaker B: Yeah. One thing, and Katie maybe mentioned it in her episode as well, but something that we really like to talk about and live by is like being comfortable with being uncomfortable. I think for both of us, that the second you start to feel comfortable or complacent in life, it's like you stop growing. So I think when you really get comfortable with putting yourself in uncomfortable and new situations, that's where you really flourish and begin to grow and understand there's so much more to than just that. Kind of like you were saying, that circle of just going over and over and over again and not really developing any further from where you are right now.
[00:10:38] Speaker A: I love that. So, Taylor, would you say it's better to appear certain or to be transparent about uncertainty?
[00:10:46] Speaker B: Yeah, that's a good question. I mean, appearing certain could almost mean like that fake it till you make it mindset, which I used to believe in the fake it till you make it mindset. But I don't really agree with faking it. It's okay to be unsure of what you're doing in your life or in a moment, especially as a leader. And I think people fear leadership or fear leaders sometimes because they think that they're all knowing and have all the right answers all the time and can solve any problem without.
Without question. And so I think that transparency is really important, especially when you're leading people in different environments, because I am not all knowing. I do know the answers to everything, and I believe in a more collaborative approach to work and. And problem solving. Right. So I think honestly, it's that transparency piece that makes you more human and more relatable when it comes to being a leader. Right. So when I go out and I do my talks with all the kids, I don't talk about all my accomplishments. I have amazing things that I've achieved, but the things that I like to talk about is all of the failures, like all of the times I have failed in my wrestling career and how that made me a better person and how that helped me advance and continue to grow as an individual and as a team member. So I think being transparent about things and showing that it's you're not certain about everything is really important.
[00:12:19] Speaker A: I agree 100%. And I love the fact that you said good leaders don't have all the answers and all like, conversations that I've been having for the last few years.
This is something I've been trying to relay to leaders that are listening to this podcast. You don't have to have all the answers and we actually respect you if you do not have all the answers. We'd rather you tell us that you don't know the answer, but you're going to find it out, rather than you telling us something that's completely wrong, made up, and then we find out later on that it was not correct.
So let's be honest and transparent and say, hey, I don't know the answer. However, I'm gonna find it out and I'm gonna get back to you once I find out.
[00:13:02] Speaker B: Exactly. And exactly.
[00:13:04] Speaker A: People will look at you so much differently than if you do the ladder.
[00:13:07] Speaker B: Yeah, exactly. And we don't want know it alls anyway.
[00:13:12] Speaker A: Exactly. Who wants to know it all? Exactly. Exactly. So, Taylor, how has leading through uncertainty changed you as a leader?
[00:13:20] Speaker B: I mean, I think it's really helped me just understand the grit and drive that it takes to achieve something. Right. So stepping into new spaces and not understanding what it's going to look like or what it's going to feel like, I think has really helped me in a leadership perspective. Being young, moving to Edmonton the day after my 18th birthday and stepping into the wrestling room and stepping into this life of living on my own and having to cook for myself, clean for myself, that was all scary. But then on top of that, stepping into a brand new wrestling room where I don't really know the faces, I don't know how they practice. And my first two weeks of wrestling, I was like, crap, what did I do? Like, this is very scary. I don't know if I'm gonna make it and like, what am I gonna do if I have to drop out? You know?
But at that point, I didn't really give myself that room to even think that way. Like, I thought that way for a second, but then I like reeled it back in and I was like, okay, Taylor, you've moved to Edmonton, you've paid tuition, you've signed a scholarship contract. You have no option but to do it now, you know, So I had to just throw myself into that uncertainty, if that makes sense. You know, it was like I was thrown into the shark tank, ready to go for it. I think being like, able to do that from a young age Having that push from my teammates, from my family, from my friends really helped me grow into that leader that I am now. Again, like when I'm talking with you or sharing my experiences with you, I really like to emphasize that it's okay not to know what your path is or what your goals are right off the hop or even stepping into those new environments or situations. It's okay not like, to think, like, maybe this won't be for me, but finding out along the way what is for you is all a part of that journey and what makes it all the much better. I guess. So that's kind of what I think about, is what really helped start this journey and understanding what it means to lead when you're not sure and where that growth really happens.
[00:15:38] Speaker A: Do you find, when you're doing your speeches or when your talks with the youth specifically, do they ask you questions as far as, like, what was scary? Or what made you, what made it so scary and what did you do when it was scary? Do you find that they ask that
[00:15:55] Speaker B: that a lot times they do. And I think, you know, when they, they ask about taking those big leaps, I think what I try to tell them is we give ourselves so many excuses as to why we shouldn't do something. It's like, oh, I can't do this because of that, or I can't do this because of that. And so for me, I think I like to tell the K, even if you're uncomfortable or you feel uncertain, you just need to do it. You just need to jump into it. And it sounds. It's easier said than done, but you're never really gonna get out of that comfortable box that you're in if you don't just take that leap. There's sometimes there's nobody there to push you. Sometimes there's nobody there to tell you everything's gonna be okay and you just need to do it. And so I think getting used to and telling them that they just need to do it, it's such a simple response.
But at the end of the day, it's like not everybody has the support system that's going to drive them and push them to do that scary thing that they need to do to better their life. If that makes sense.
[00:16:59] Speaker A: It makes, it makes total sense. And reason why I was asking that is because I've had a lot of conversations with leaders who are looking at, like, youth and looking at in the education system or in their home and just being prepared as far as the afterlife. So you yourself, yourself, you experience that as Far as, okay, I'm done high school now I'm going on to university, and there's a big change and what the preparation that it took for you to get there and then experiencing all the different parts of things. So for me, leadership is a, is a. There's so many aspects to it. And you just talked about it before, like you moved to a different city, you had to figure out how to cook, how to clean, how to prepare for your day, your time management, figuring out what you need to do and when so that you're not bogged down with all kinds of stuff and, and then going through burnout. So it's important for them to understand that there's going to be some good times and there's going to be some times where they're going to have to look at their grit and their drive to pursue what they want to do. So that's kind of why I was kind of going with that, to ask that because we as leaders need to prepare them for the stuff that they're going to have to go through.
[00:18:25] Speaker B: Yeah, I think as leaders, we can do our best to help prepare and to support where needed, but at the same time, I think the youth have to feel ready and be able to do that themselves as well. Right. Because like, you could lead a horse to water, but you can't force it to drink. Right. So I think we can provide them with the tools and the things necessary to help them be, quote, unquote, successful or be best prepared to take on these life changes. But the thing is, the truth is, is that nobody's ready for change. And change comes sometimes when it's least expected. And you just need to learn how to grow with it and develop through it. Right. So sport for me was a huge outlet in my life. It was a way for me to kind of take care of myself when things at home weren't always the best. And, you know, so sport was really my gateway to moving away from home and getting a higher level education on scholarship as a wrestler and being able to continue the thing that I love the most. Right. And so for me, a lot of that, even next step, prepping, moving forward, was my coaches kind of chirping in my ear saying, hey, you could get a scholarship to wrestle for university. Once they said that, that was like, boom. It was like, goal, I'm gonna do that. Like, nobody can tell me otherwise. And I did that. And so I think it's too just like planting those seeds of hope over or planting those inspirational things that are going to be the drivers for those kids to move forward and, and want to do better for their own lives as well. Right. No matter what it is. Like, I think that's really important as well, because I truly do, like, in everything that I do in my life, it sounds like kind of egotistical or like cocky. I don't know if it does, but like, for me, I'm like, I don't think there's nothing that I can.
Because I think that if I put my mind to something and I fully believe in myself and manifest it or put it down on paper, whatever it may be, I can achieve it. And I think that people need to understand the power of their mind and the power of thinking and believing. Right. And I think even just embedding that in our youth as well is so important. Like saying, hey, there's nothing you can't do. You just need to honestly believe it. And it sounds so cliche, but I just. It. It's some. It's such a powerful tool.
[00:20:51] Speaker A: Yeah. You have that drive. And you're absolutely right. People that you can give everything or give someone all the tools that they need, but if they just don't have the drive or to get up and go to do it, then. Then it's just. It's probably not going to happen. So they. They need to have that drive in themselves to push forward and, and be successful. And if they're going to do that, then things are going to happen for them. So they just have to have that motivation. For sure.
[00:21:18] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:21:18] Speaker A: So, Taylor, how does embracing diversity within your team strengthen your ability to lead effectively when you're navigating uncertainty?
[00:21:27] Speaker B: Yeah. So I think for me, I mean, I work with an indigenous sport organization.
We're all first nations and Metis as workers here in our organization.
But I think the coolest thing about, you know, the job that I do and the work that we get to do here is that we get to really embrace our indigeneity. I think putting that in the programs and the work that we get to do and getting to be proud of who we are as people is just so important to me. You know, again, showing the youth that it's okay to be proud of who you are and where you come from. And I think that diversity right there alone and that leaning in on our elders and our community members and our ceremonies really helps us as leaders move forward and continue to provide amazing opportunities to our youth through sport, education and just wellness as a whole. And you know, for me, when I step into new spaces, so especially as a speaker you know, I'm speaking in a wide range of conferences and gatherings. It can be corporate, it can be indigenous community, it could be schools. It doesn't matter. But every time I'm stepping in there, I'm representing females in sport, indigenous females in sport, my community. And that's something that I need to remember every time I'm stepping into these spaces. So I need to lead in a strong and good way and use my voice to talk about all of these different things that are going on within our community, whether good or bad. And so I hold a lot of, I guess, responsibility with. With the role that I hold as not only a speaker, but also, like, kind of, I guess, a public figure in this province. It comes with a lot of responsibility, stepping into these spaces. Especially, like, as an indigenous woman, I love that.
[00:23:24] Speaker A: And when you said I get to do. I get to do what I like to do, and I get to do that and embrace who you are, that just puts a smile on my face. Because there's a lot of people who are either owning their own business or working with an organization or a leader, and they don't use those words often that they get to do. And when you. When you think about it or when you say that, that I get to do something, then there's. It creates so much more excitement, and you want to go and do that, rather to be like, I have to do makes a huge difference.
[00:24:02] Speaker B: Taylor. Yeah, there's. When. This is something that I have conversations with people all the time about. It's our wording, the way we phrase things. I even just had a conversation this past week with a friend, and I was like, how's life been? And he's like, oh, it's been good. I've been blessed. And I was like, oh, I like that. And he's like, yeah, I've been saying blessed instead of busy. And I said, why is that? And he was like, well, because when you say busy, it almost invites that chaos that. That busy is almost associated with a negative connotation. And he says, when I say blessed, it invites more bl blessings and great opportunities that I want to be a part of, and I'm excited to be a part of. I was like, you know what? That makes a lot of sense. Like, I'm gonna start using that now because we truly are blessed when we get to step into these new spaces and share our story and sharing conversation with new people. And yes, life gets busy, and. But we need to remember that there are so many blessings and good things that come of those Connections and those environments. So I thought that was a really good teaching for me, too, because I constantly am one of those people. People. I'm just so busy. I'm so busy. But it's just by me saying that I'm inviting it into my life instead of embracing the I get to do this kind of attitude, if that makes sense.
[00:25:22] Speaker A: It totally makes sense.
When you get to do something, people see how excited you are that you get to do it, rather than, oh, I have to do that.
There's a big difference and a big mindset. And the focal point of this conversation as far as uncertainty is seeing who. Who we. Who we are, but also seeing. Making sure that we're being seen in a certain lens with others. And if we're seen in a certain light and if we are embracing who we are and we get to do what we are and people see that, then it's a totally different way of life for not just you, but for them.
[00:25:58] Speaker B: A hundred percent. One hundred percent.
Yeah, I agree.
[00:26:02] Speaker A: So before we wrap up today, Tyler Taylor, what is one key takeaway that you'd like to our listeners to remember from this episode?
[00:26:11] Speaker B: One key takeaway, I think.
I think the big one is just to remember that everything happens for a reason and that, you know, as leaders, it is so important to obviously, you know, take on those challenges with our health heads held high and lead by example. I think a lot of the time as a leader, you know, you're. You're in a tough position where you have this shared responsibility to represent whoever it is you're representing. Right. But I think just remembering at the end of the day, like, everything happens for a reason and what's meant to come is meant to come and what isn't, you know, it will come maybe later or maybe that's just not the path or what's meant to happen right now. I think just giving yourself grace as a leader and understanding like, like it's okay when things don't always go the right way is. But I leave it off with.
[00:27:09] Speaker A: I love that. No, I love that. I love that my call to action today would be for you to, like, share and follow this episode. I want to take the time to thank you for coming on today, Taylor. I just admire your values, your commitment, your empowerment, your passion and your vulnerability. And I think that people see that in you and I know that you're going to continue to do that. I'm just so impressed with who you are as a person and as an individual. And I'm so thankful to have been connected with you and so thankful. Thankful to have you on here today as a guest. So. So thank you for coming on.
[00:27:45] Speaker B: Thanks so much for having me. I appreciate it.
[00:27:48] Speaker A: You're very, very welcome. On behalf of myself and my guest, Taylor, I'd like to thank you all for listening today. And until next time, be safe. And remember, everyone, that if we all work together, we can accomplish anything.
[00:28:02] Speaker B: Opinions expressed in this episode are personal. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this streaming platform.
