Why listen:  Insights on when to pivot your career.

Britney Stewart, founder and CEO of Implemint Capital, shares her journey from doctor to diplomat to entrepreneur. She discusses starting her business with minimal industry knowledge to solve a problem she was passionate about.

Why Listen:  Elevating your game as a project manager. 

Do you question if you are helping or hindering the process at times?  That’s exactly how Brian felt as he was looking to standardize project management systems in the Canadian federal government. This being no small feat.  And when Brian asked this very question, his colleague responded, “You are helping us untangle Christmas lights.”  What a great complement for a generalist!

In this podcast episode, Julie and her guest Kathleen dive deep into the world of generalism, exploring Kathleen's extensive career spanning architecture, parks management, law enforcement, and more. They discuss the value of generalists in driving innovation and problem-solving, particularly in industries like construction and facility management. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they highlight the role of generalists in navigating change, promoting collaboration, and shaping the future of work.

Welcome to The Generalist Advantage podcast, hosted by Julie Lavergne.

Join me as we explore the world of Generalists—Often overlooked, but with immense potential. From disrupting norms to solving complex problems, we'll uncover the value of embracing diverse perspectives. Whether you're a seasoned generalist or simply curious, this podcast celebrates the untapped potential of thinking outside the box.

Host Julie Lavergne and guest Christine Pothier discuss their journey of embracing the "generalist" identity in their careers. Christine shares how a podcast in early 2022 validated this path for her after struggling to find a specialty. They connected on LinkedIn during the pandemic, bonding over similar career experiences. Their conversation inspired Julie's new podcast and community for generalists. Christine reflects on past projects, highlighting the strengths and challenges of her problem-solving skills and ability to rally diverse talents. Together, they delve into the communication challenges and recruitment barriers faced by generalists.

Why Listen:  Tips on what it takes to make a major career pivot.

Moving from marketing in the tech industry to HR in the healthcare sector is unheard of, yet it’s exactly what Juliana did.  We learn about the motivations for the change and the challenges she faced during the transition. 

Sneak peek: Being known as a complex problem solver does follow you across domains. 

Why Listen: Help finding the best problem solver and best practices for your context. 

Why Listen:  If you are a generalist hunting for a job.

Why Listen: To grow your “traditional” quality role into something more. 

Why listen: If you want to learn more about Gen Z, their views and how they navigate their career.

Why listen: If you have teens looking to make career choices - you will want to listen to Devon’s advice.  Heck, get career advice for yourself!

Julie interviews Beverley Carkner, a marketing professional with over 20 years of experience across various industries, including publishing, tourism, government, self-employement and now medical.

Julie and Karissa explore the often overlooked, yet crucial role of generalists in today's professional landscape.

Why Listen: Understanding the role of the Chief of Staff. 

Do you address the elephant in the room head-on? Do you sometimes let things burn to prioritize what's truly important? Layla, the Chief of Staff at a high-growth startup, shares what it takes to excel in this dynamic role. In this ideal generalist role, the COS balances analytical and humanistic approaches, translating strategic decisions into actionable insights for the entire organization. Layla, an OG in the Chief of Staff and Generalist circles, offers real-life examples of influencing leadership and strategies to avoid burnout. 

Key Highlights:  

• Types of Chief of Staff: How Chief of Staffs can be either more analytic or more humanistic, and how they connect the dots across the organization.  

• Data and people skills: Examples of how data analysts and Chief of Staffs can use their generalist skills to provide insights and communication across different departments and levels.  

• Cascading strategic information: Layla explained how she translates and frames the strategic decisions made by the executive team to the rest of the organization, and how she raises the feedback and voice of the operators.  

• Managing executive expectations: How to deal with the urgency and capacity issues of working with the C-suite, and how to use discernment, prioritization, and communication skills to manage the workload and expectations.  

• Generalist identity and career path: Layla and Julie reflected on how they came to accept and embrace their generalist identity, and how they see the value and potential of generalists in different roles and industries. 

About Layla Lyne-Walker

Layla is an experienced operator and expert generalist who helps people find clarity in complexity. With a diverse career across research, operations, strategy, and coaching, she brings a mix of sharp insight, emotional intelligence, and practical wisdom to her work and collaborations. Her gift for seeing the bigger picture, finding gaps, and connecting the dots, helps guide people and teams toward meaningful action. 

As Chief of Staff at a high-growth startup, Layla has played a pivotal role in building and scaling operations, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. A skilled and practical problem-solver, she specializes in bridging vision and execution, empowering people to make informed choices that drive progress. 

Layla’s expertise is grounded in both analytical and intuitive thinking, blending structured strategy with human-centered leadership. She holds degrees in Anthropology and Art from UC Santa Barbara, Visual Culture from California College of the Arts, and has pursued additional studies in coaching, organizational leadership, and business fundamentals. When not helping others, she can be found curled up with a book or joyfully experiencing movies, music, and art. 

Find Layla Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laylalynewinkler/

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode releasehttps://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Websitehttps://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: If you are a parent whose child seems to prematurely quit activities. 

Maya Meyouhas discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing generalist tendencies in children, advocating for environments where children can explore various skills without the pressure of specialization. She shares her personal journey of accepting her generalist identity and emphasizes the value of helping future generations embrace diverse learning experiences to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

Key Highlights:  

• Professional Generalist: Maya discusses how she thrived in her career by taking on diverse projects and learning new skills, supported by understanding leaders and mentors.  

• Personal Realization: Maya reflects on the challenges of not having a specific hobby or skill in her personal life and how therapy helped her recognize the value of being a generalist.  

• Supporting Future Generalists: Maya emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing the diverse learning styles and interests of children, sharing her approach to parenting her daughter, a future generalist. 

• Advocating for Generalists: Maya highlights the need for generalists to accept their strengths, position themselves effectively, and create work environments that support their unique abilities.  

• AI and Generalists: Maya discusses how AI can complement generalists by handling specialized tasks, allowing generalists to integrate and leverage various tools effectively. 

About Maya Meyouhas

Maya is a strategic marketing leader who believes great results don't require big budgets - just smart strategy and solid execution. After 18 years of developing winning campaigns for Canada's biggest media and retail brands, she launched MIM Marketing in 2023 to help startups and non-profits punch above their weight class. As a self-proclaimed "marketing generalist," Maya brings a unique blend of creative problem-solving and data analysis to every project. Passionate about championing and empowering other generalists, she started the Generalist Network Substack, where she helps multi-talented professionals embrace their versatility as a superpower.
 

Find Maya Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayameyouhas/ 

• Website: mimmarketing.ca 

• generalistnetwork.com 

• And get your generalist notebook here:https://amzn.to/3WkXBDd 

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode releasehttps://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Websitehttps://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: Tips on how to broaden your knowledge.

Learning is truly an Art & a Science.  Dr. Kinga Petrovai, Learning Consultant and Podcaster, explores the significance of adopting a Generalist Mindset when it comes to learning.  She offers practical tips on broadening your knowledge across various fields, crucial for boosting problem-solving skills and adaptability.  Additionally, Dr. Petrovai discusses the current advancements in Learning Sciences, who aims to better assist us in our forever increasing learning demands.

Why Listen: Finding your way when advised to Specialize AND Generalize.

We get conflicting advice all the time, we actually seek it out. Kristy Hissa, Operations Executive and General Manager of Kairos shares how she navigated seemingly conflicting advice from her mentors -  “Fewer Deeper, don’t try to do it all” and “Unleash your Operational skills”. Kristy realized that she is both, a specialized generalist, and used that perspective to find levers for operations success...repeatedly.

Why Listen: How to face it till you make it.

Karl is the king of analogies and funny anecdotes, and he has plenty to describe how he has navigated his career as a generalist. As an Independent Security Consultant and Virtual CISO, Karl describes how, in the end, the generalist is the maze master, but they need to be willing to pay the price and "look" the part of the specialist, i.e., be the wolf in sheep's clothing. I hope you have as much fun as I did following "tiger's bounce".

Why Listen: Learn about the latest AI-generated scams. 

We discuss with Jason Oliver, a senior compliance analyst and data scientist, the importance of fraud detection in the modern age. We aim to identify if and what unique edge that generalists have in identifying and preventing scams, discussing various real-world examples and strategies. Jason emphasizes the significance of critical thinking, the necessity of verification, and the value of sharing anti-fraud knowledge across diverse demographics.   

Jason’s book, Diamond Min(e)d How Unearthing the Signal in the Noise Takes You From Treasure to Triumph highlights the key elements of critical thinking and decision-making to realize a better you, and better life outcomes 

Key Highlights:  

•  Scams and Trickery: Insights on AI-generated voices, door-to-door scams, and phone scams. Tips on verification and having code words with loved ones. 

• Generalists vs Specialists: Debate on whether generalists or specialists are better at detecting fraud.  

• Fraud Detection Tips: Subscribe to fraud-related publications, know common scams, and share knowledge with others to prevent scams. 

• Writing "Diamond Mind": Jason's motivation and process for writing his book on decision-making, team-building, and avoiding scams. 

• Parting Advice: Share anti-fraud knowledge with vulnerable groups and volunteer to educate others about scams.

About Them 

Jason Oliver is a senior compliance analyst and data scientist for a large organization. He is extremely well-read as reading is his passion: he has read over 100 books in the past decade. He loves to travel to exciting new places and have new experiences, keeping an open mind. He holds an MBA from the Univ. of Ottawa, plus several professional certifications. He currently lives in Ottawa with his wife and two wonderful daughters. He is more of a cat person than a dog person.  
 

Find Jason Here 

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-oliver-mba-caap-sas-cbap-cap-cissp-cfe-28296515/ 

• Website: https://jaoliverauthor.com/   

• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557412487715

Bookseller platform pages:  
 ⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Diamond-Min-Unearthing-Treasure-Triumph/dp/1779418485

https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/diamond-mined-how-unearthing-the-signal-in-the-noise-takes-you-from-treasure-to-triumph/9781779418487.html

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diamond-min-j-a-oliver/1145229775

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode releasehttps://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Websitehttps://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen:  Get tips on integrating AI live into large group complex facilitated sessions.

Join Jennifer Davis as she describes her “Year of AI” integrating AI into her work as a management consultant, leveraging AI for facilitation, exploring the ethical use and the intersection of sustainability and AI. Discover how she navigated the complexities of AI tools to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic thinking in her projects, and hear her insights on the challenges and opportunities of AI in various contexts. 

Key Highlights:  

•  Year of AI: Julie and Jennifer discussed Jennifer's decision to make 2024 her "Year of AI" to overcome her avoidance of the topic and learn how to ethically use AI in her work as a management consultant.  

• Learning Structure: Jennifer explained how she structured her learning about AI, including taking courses, attending conferences, and writing articles. She emphasized the importance of creating outputs and having accountability partners to stay focused.  

• Practical Applications of AI: Jennifer shared practical applications of AI in her work, such as using AI-based knowledge tools for prereads and brainstorming sessions. She highlighted the benefits of integrating AI into facilitation processes to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.  

• Generalists and AI: Jennifer and Julie discussed how generalists are well-positioned to use AI due to their ability to think strategically and ask the right questions. They emphasized the importance of human judgment and critical thinking in effectively leveraging AI.  

• Ethical Considerations: Jennifer expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI, including the environmental cost, the risk of deep fakes, and the potential for over-reliance on AI. She stressed the need for vigilance and human oversight in using AI responsibly.  

• Future Plans:Jennifer shared her plans for 2025, which include learning to play the ukulele and continuing to use AI in her work. She emphasized the importance of integrating AI into organizational strategies and promoting its use among friends and family. 

• Advice for Generalists: Jennifer advised generalists to develop a network, find mentors, and engage with AI regularly. She highlighted the potential of AI to amplify human potential and the importance of global collaboration in establishing guidelines for its use. 

About Them 

Jennifer is a highly experienced management consultant with a passion for deepening collaboration and innovation to drive the equitable transition to a low carbon economy. With over 20 years’ experience, Jennifer advises and supports public sector clients on innovation policy and program design and implementation. She helps structure and implement private sector innovation consortia and sustainability programs and facilitates complex dialogues with Indigenous rightsholders and stakeholders. Jennifer's focus areas include collaborative problem-solving for systems change, with a particular emphasis on climate change, biodiversity and equity. She specializes in strategy, facilitation, research, and clean tech/R&D, with a special focus on climate change projects in the Arctic. Her work reflects her commitment to moving Canada towards its net zero targets in a way that diversifies and strengthens the country's economy and global competitive advantage in clean technology. Jennifer also sits on the Board of Directors for CAIN, Canada’s Accelerator and Incubator Network." 

  Find Them Here 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdavisssc/ 

• Website: N/A 

• Other links?:  

  Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode releasehttps://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Websitehttps://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: Discover a personality test that identifies what energizes you. 

Episode Summary: Just because something is your strength it doesn’t mean it brings you joy.  Brandon Lee, Founder of Genius of You, has developed a personality test that helps you discover what is a fully body yes, in your career and life.   

Key Highlights:  

Personality Test Creation: Brandon Lee developed a unique personality test inspired by "15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership" after conducting 800 user interviews. 

Success Stories: Hear about individuals who transformed their career paths and personal lives using the test, including changes in business decisions and quitting misaligned jobs. 

Support for Generalists: Learn how the test validates the diverse interests of generalists and aids in decision-making with the "full body yes" concept. 

Gender Differences in Genius Scores: Discover surprising insights, such as women excelling in presence and somatic aspects, while men score higher in superhuman and deconstructor categories. 

Advice for Generalists: Brandon advises taking both the genius and work assessments, reading the results, and seeking personalized feedback for better alignment with strengths. 

About Brandon:   
Brandon is a serial founder and reinventionist. 

His journey spans from doing leadership development for non-profits, flipping houses, building a soft-skills education company for teens, running operations at a YC startup. 

Brandon is currently running a personality test company, helping people architect their lives and careers around what they enjoy. 

Brandon has a deep passion for teaching, coaching, and empowering others to become their fullest selves. His writing and video content have garnered over 20 million views and has been featured on media outlets like Inc.com, TIME, BBC, and HuffingtonPost. 

 On the side he is a personal growth junkie, invests in real estate, and rotates between 11 languages on Duolingo... because... life is too short to just speak Engrish. 

Find Brandon Here 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbrandonlee/

Website:  https://geniusofyou.com/ 

Substack: https://brandonlee.substack.com/ 

Find Us 

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: Practical job seeking tips from a career coach.

Discover how career coach Steph Gillies turned 32 jobs in 15 years into a superpower. Learn practical job-seeking tips, market trends, and personal branding strategies for multi-passionate professionals. 

Key Highlights: 

• Career Pivoting: Stephanie's journey from numerous jobs to career coaching for generalists. 

• Job Market Trends: Insights into the shift towards networking and personal branding. 

• Personal Branding: The significance of authenticity and tailoring resumes while staying true to oneself. 

• Career Advice: Breaking conventional job search rules and aligning career decisions with personal values. 

Guest Information: 
 
Steph Gillies is a Career Story Coach, focused on helping multi-passionate professionals embrace their authenticity and design their career story. Having had 32 jobs in 15 years, Steph mastered the job search process and gained valuable insights into how to align passions with career paths. 

After being laid off from what she thought was her dream job in 2020, she started resume writing and career coaching. Since then, she has helped over 1000 people discover their purpose and create a career story that truly reflects who they are. 

Find Steph Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/ 

• Website: https://www.destinationdreamjob.com/ 

• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/destination-dream-job/id1690369609 

Why Listen: Grabbing a hold of your own career narrative.

David Kang, a Brand Strategist, shares his journey from a specialist to a generalist, using the metaphor of an octopus to illustrate the benefits of having diverse interests and skills. He discusses his new venture, the criteria for his "tentacles," and the importance of balancing work with personal passions. David also explores the potential advantages of generalists in an AI-driven world and offers practical advice for those looking to embrace a more holistic and fulfilling career path.   

Why Listen: Grabbing a hold of your own career narrative. 

Chase Pettet, a product security professional, didn’t identify as a generalist until a recruiter labeled him as such, and not in a flattering way. This prompted a period of deep reflection on how he has navigated his career and the choices he's made intuitively. Concerned about the implications of the term "generalist," he decided to redefine his non-traditional career narrative to the positive light. 

Why Listen:  To amplify the voice of THIS Modern Renaissance Women.

Melanie Smith recognizes the immense value in sharing the stories of women navigating multiple identities and professions. Through her podcast, "Modern Renaissance Women or MRW” she amplifies these voices, offering listeners a profound insight into their journeys. I was eager to learn about the insights she has gained and the trends she has observed so far.

Why Listen:  If you’ve felt like a misfit inside the corporate world.

How do generalists find their place in the corporate world, or do they? Erin Patchell, Owner of Positivist Group and Co-Founder of Clüdee,  and I share our journeys of corporate life to entrepreneurship. We dive into the unique value generalists bring and how both they and their leaders can navigate the corporate landscape successfully. Erin offers insightful tips for generalists to flourish and for organizations to harness their diverse skills effectively.

Why Listen: 

If you’ve ever questioned how to balance independence and collaboration in your work, this episode’s for you. 

Description:  

Charlie Myszkowski joins us to explore the delicate balance between independence and delegation, drawing on his background in cognitive science and his experience navigating diverse roles. As generalists, we often grapple with knowing when to lean into our broad skill set and when to partner with specialists. Charlie shares how understanding your cognitive load—and the limits of going at it alone—can transform not only your work but also how you build collaborative, trusting relationships.  

Key Takeaways: 

• Delegation: How generalists can leverage specialists to turn ideas into action. 

• Cognitive Load: Recognizing the limits of working solo and the value of shared effort. 

Why Listen: 

A practical conversation on balancing vulnerability and action 

Description:  

Bradley Rausch, host of the “Redefining Growth” podcast, shares his personal journey of embracing authenticity and focusing on concrete action. As a multifaceted thinker who values vulnerability and practical impact, Bradley’s perspective speaks to the generalist spirit—balancing broad thinking with the courage to act. This conversation highlights the power of getting real, grounding big ideas in small steps, and supporting others on their growth journey. 

Key Highlights:  

• Authenticity: Showing up with honesty and vulnerability in your work and life. 

• Concrete Action: Moving from big ideas to specific, real-world steps. 

• Impact: Recognizing your ability to help others become better versions of themselves. 

• Bridging Theory and Practice: Turning strategic thinking into tangible outcomes. 

About Them: 

Bradley Rausch is a content creator, strategic marketer, and the go-to CMO for founder-led companies scaling with thought leadership. With six years of experience, he’s helped several dozen founders get out of their own way and scale without sacrificing their values. From podcasting to social media ecosystems to referral and testimonial systems, Bradley and his team help founders attract more of their best clients, and generate only the highest quality revenue for their companies. 

Find Them Here 

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-rausch/ 

• Other links: www.instagram.com/bradleyyrausch/ 

  Redefining Growth Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gYrLgsW0xoXNeKzqzae1J?si=950efde4f7f548f 

 Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: You want to improve your communication across different personalities and work styles.

What makes work relationships truly productive—and what gets in the way? In this episode, executive coach Simona Radencich shares how a generalist mindset can strengthen communication, deepen trust, and adapt to complex team dynamics. From recognizing unspoken cues to reframing conflict and customizing leadership approaches, she offers actionable insights grounded in emotional intelligence and years of experience.  

Key Highlights:  

• Communication flexibility: How adapting your style to others creates more productive relationships. 

• Emotional intelligence: Why reading unspoken cues is key to understanding what’s really going on. 

• Toolkits vs. intuition: The tension between using structured methods and staying context-aware. 

• Generalist strength: Why the ability to zoom in and out is essential for leadership and team dynamics. 

• Reverse bucket list: A reframing technique to build confidence by recognizing what you’ve already accomplished.

About Simona: 

Simona Radencich helps leaders build resilience, emotional intelligence, and stronger relationships—starting with themselves—without sacrificing performance, results, or their humanity. She believes leadership is a way of being, and that while people are complex, productive relationships don’t have to be. 

As a certified executive coach, consultant, and founder of Henlise Consulting, she partners with leaders navigating complex team dynamics, growth, and change. Her work focuses on building clarity, confidence, and relational effectiveness in high-stakes areas like hiring, onboarding, talent development, and performance management. 

With over 30 years of experience in leadership, human resources, consulting, and entrepreneurship, she supports leaders across start-ups, scale-ups, and established organizations in creating resilient, higher-performing teams and sustainable, people-centered business success. 

 Find Simona Here 

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/simonamradencich 

• Website: www.henliseconsulting.com 

• Other links: https://calendly.com/simonar 

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: You want to sharpen your thinking in complex, fast-moving environments.

What does critical thinking really look like in action—and why do so many people assume they’re already good at it? In this conversation, I interview Ingrid Dueck and Steven Verboom of Kepner-Tregoe to explore what makes clear thinking so difficult in complex, fast-paced organizations. They unpack how biases, assumptions, and poor question habits derail decision-making—and how a structured, data-driven approach can shift how teams think, work, and solve problems. With examples from factories, boardrooms, and workshops, this episode is a practical look at the invisible mechanics of thinking. It also highlights the often-overlooked advantage generalists may bring to critical thinking. 

Key Highlights:  

• Critical thinking defined: Why it’s not a single skill, but a set of approaches for tackling different types of concerns. 

• Question quality: How the right questions—not fast answers—reveal depth of thought. 

• Visible thinking: Why making thinking processes explicit is essential for better decisions. 

• Bias and assumptions: How even “good” decision-makers can go astray without realizing it. 

Ingrid Dueck is a seasoned expert in critical thinking and organizational development and is the Director of Organizational Talent and Leadership Development at Kepner-Tregoe. For over 25 years, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and teams through the facilitation, teaching, and coaching of essential skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management. Her passion lies in helping people think more clearly and act more decisively—whether in the boardroom, on the front lines, or in leadership development programs around the world. Ingrid brings a unique blend of insight, structure, and empathy to her work, making her a trusted guide for those navigating complex challenges. 

Find Ingrid Here 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-dueck 

Website: www.kepner-tregoe.com

Steven Verboom is a self-identified Generalist who over the course of the last few years has transitioned from a Chemical Engineer into a Critical Thinking Consultant. On a day-to-day basis he helps individuals, teams & organizations sharpen their critical thinking skills as well as further clarify high-stakes discussions. In short; someone who thrives for asking the difficult questions but listens from genuine curiosity. 

Find Steven Here 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sjverboom 

Website: www.kepner-tregoe.com

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: You’ve worked across sales, marketing, or customer roles—and know the real value lies in connecting the dots.

What happens when a generalist takes on the customer acquisition journey? In this episode, we sit down with JP Hébert—part technologist, part marketer, part sales strategist—who brings a systems-level view to how organizations attract and convert customers. Drawing from experience across startups and global firms, JP shares how generalists operate across the full lifecycle, when to bring in specialists, and how to navigate the power dynamics between roles. 

Whether you're in marketing, sales, or leadership, this conversation explores what it means to see the whole system, not just your part of it. We unpack the often-overlooked value of generalists as connectors, integrators, and “good troublemakers” who challenge assumptions—and improve outcomes. 

Key Highlights:  

• Customer Lifecycle: A breakdown of the marketing-to-sales pipeline and where generalists make a difference. 

• System Thinking: How generalists challenge assumptions across stages and align misaligned parts of the customer journey. 

• Team Dynamics: Why stepping on toes isn’t always a bad thing—and how to do it with humility. 

• Judgment Calls: Knowing when to call in the expert vs. when to run with an idea yourself. 

• Career Advice: How to navigate mid-career as a generalist—especially when the job title doesn’t say so. 

About Them: 

JP is a long-time customer-facing technology business executive and enthusiast, the love story started in 1983 with a Commodore-64. Throughout his career, JP has occupied a variety of roles over the years from individual sales contributor to tech startup CEO, and pretty much everything in-between in very small to global organizations. He is also involved with Digital Humani, a nonprofit tech startup focused on reforestation, loves to mentor and is a mean BBQ cook 

Find JP Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jphebert/ 

• Website:   www.rock8fuel.com   

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

 

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: You’re navigating complex systems and want practical insight into how real change happens—especially when it feels impossible.

How do we fix a system as complex and fragmented as healthcare? In this thought-provoking conversation, facilitator and health systems leader Anne-Marie Parent shares what it takes to shift from a command-and-control model to a living, evolving ecosystem. Drawing from her experience in health informatics, change management, and systems coaching, Anne-Marie explores how diverse perspectives, relationship-building, and courageous co-creation are essential for real transformation. For generalists navigating complex systems—within or beyond healthcare—this episode offers a masterclass in creating space for collaboration, letting go of control, and trusting the collective intelligence of the group. 

Key Highlights:  

• Paradigm shift: Why the healthcare system needs to be seen as an ecosystem, not a machine. 

• Relationship focus: The power of improving connections between people and organizations, not just optimizing individual parts. 

• Co-creation over control: How inviting diverse voices leads to more effective, lasting change than top-down strategy. 

• Generalist advantage: How systems thinking and facilitation skills intersect with the generalist mindset. 

• Letting go: The emotional and practical impact of detaching from outcomes in complex, long-term change work. 

About Them: 

Anne-Marie Parent is a leadership coach, educator, and transformation strategist who believes it's time for a new way of leading—especially in health systems. Her work centers on embracing complexity, fostering collaboration, and creating space for clarity, courage, and purpose. 

With over two decades of cross-sector experience in the public, private, and not-for-profit worlds, Anne-Marie helps individuals and organizations navigate uncertainty, untangle complexity, and co-create more regenerative ways of working—without burning out or losing sight of what matters most. 

Her approach blends systems thinking, change leadership, and deep human connection. She’s trained in Prosci change management, holds a Black Belt in Lean Healthcare, and is certified in systems coaching (ORSC) and flow-based leadership. Anne-Marie also teaches at the Telfer School of Management and recently took the TEDx stage to share her insights on systemic leadership. 

Whether she's coaching gifted professionals, designing culture-shifting programs, or facilitating multi-stakeholder collaborations, Anne-Marie is known for meeting people where they are—and helping them lead with integrity, clarity, and flow. 

Find Anne-Marie Here 

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amparent/ 

• Website:  https://www.ampedupleadership.ca 

• Other links:   Check out her TEDx video https://youtu.be/JRBkjiL-sqo 

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: 

Discover a simple framework to choose tech that actually serves you. 

Description:  

What does it mean for AI to truly support human flourishing—and how can generalists help shape that future? Tamara Lechner chairs the AI for Human Flourishing think tank at Harvard. We discuss the framework her team developed to help individuals and organizations assess whether AI tools enhance well-being, connection, and meaning. Tamara shares practical insights on navigating emerging technologies with intention, AI governance to parenting in the digital age, 

Key Highlights:  

• Human Flourishing Framework: A 7-driver tool to evaluate whether AI enhances or undermines human potential, well-being, and productivity. 

• Generalists in AI: How broad, integrative thinkers play a crucial role in complex tech-human decisions and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

• Tech with Intent: Examples of tools like Character AI that raise ethical flags—and why critical thinking must guide adoption. 

• Workplace Readiness: Why organizations need support assessing AI features, and how developers are engaging with ethical design. 

• Parenting and AI: The urgent need for parents to actively engage in how children interact with emotionally intelligent AI platforms. 

 About Them: 

Tamara Lechner has spent the past 20 years helping people to live happier more productive and meaningful lives. She follows her curiosity which has led her from film & TV to positive psychology, social emotional learning and culture transformation. She is a “people person” in the AI world and today her energy is spent chairing the AI for Human Flourishing think tank within the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard" 

  Find Tamara Here 

• LinkedIn:  Tamara Lechner | LinkedIn 

• Website:  aiforhumanflourishing.com - Chair 

• 🌎World Flourishing Organization - Head of Learning 

• Other links: Executive Flourishing Blueprint Program , https://gatherverse.org/campus-series/ 

 Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: Unlock unique strategies for enhancing your leadership skills.

Ama Cobbina, a business development leader, explores the challenges of becoming a leader and suggests that the difficulty lies in specialists learning to become T-Shaped, moving from their core skill set of depth and learning how to embrace breadth.  This philosophical discussion as well  as practice tools for how leaders can embrace a generalist mindset is the focus of this episode.   

Conversation Highlights

• Leadership and Generalism: Ama shares insights on transitioning into a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of a generalist mindset and the challenges of not being attracted to entrepreneurship while seeking to make a significant impact within an organization.  
• Career Path Exploration: Ama and Julie discuss the concept of episodic careers and the importance of allowing for interim steps in career progression, removing the pressure of finding the "perfect" job.  
• Learning and Development: Ama reflects on the importance of a generalist mindset for leadership development, suggesting that it aids in quickly learning and building relationships across various domains.
• Storytelling and Critical Thinking: Ama proposes storytelling and the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and How as frameworks to foster a generalist mindset, emphasizing their utility in processing information and making connections.

Ama Cobbina is a business development leader who prides themselves on strategic decision making as a generalist connector. They have connected the dots of sales lifecycles, marketing and business health for 15+ years advocating for frameworks that build commonality, interdependence and value creation. A member of the Proposal Industry Expert Advisory Board and Mentor, Ama seeks to help organizations orient themselves towards the necessary mindsets around meeting their business needs holistically. Trained in the ultimate generalist profession of Architecture and bringing those skills into their professional career has served them well in thinking about formulating how generalism is viable or even inevitable path forward. 

LinkedIn: Ama Cobbina

Find Us: 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/⁠  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true⁠  

• Visit our Website ⁠https://8ballclarity.com/⁠  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: "Behind every failed initiative is usually one thing: the wrong problem being solved." 
 

Description:  

"What if solving problems faster meant slowing down first?" Julie sits down with Nilufer Erdebil, founder of Spring2 Innovation and author of Future-Proofing by Design, to unpack the five core steps of design thinking—and how they evolve when systems thinking, strategic foresight, and alignment are layered in. They discuss the skills generalists naturally bring to the table, the pitfalls of jumping to solutions too fast, and why today’s complexity demands both empathy and structure. 

 Key Highlights:  

• Design Thinking: A five-step process centered on empathy, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing to solve real human challenges. 

• Deeper Clarity: An evolved approach that incorporates systems thinking, alignment, strategic foresight, and mindset into design work. 

• Systems Thinking: Encourages slowing down to see the full organizational ecosystem, leading to smarter, more sustainable outcomes. 

• Generalist Advantage: Generalists excel at zooming out, asking better questions, and managing complexity—key to successful innovation. 

• Internal Misalignment: Communication breakdowns and silos are often symptoms of misdiagnosed problems—design thinking helps expose the root cause. 

About Nilufer: 

Nilufer Erdebil is a renowned design thinking expert, TEDx and TEC/Vistage speaker, and the author of Future Proofing by Design: Creating Better Services and Teams in the Public Sector. With over 25 years of experience, she has been a catalyst for change across both public and private sectors. As CEO of Spring2 Innovation, Nilufer has led transformative initiatives, helping teams navigate complex challenges and drive strategic growth. Her deep expertise spans telecommunications, application development, program management, and IT, providing her unique insights into complex business challenges. Nilufer continues to inspire organizations to adopt innovation and deliver impactful solutions. 

 Find Nilufer Here 

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erdebil 

• Company linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/company/spring2innovation/ 

• Website: https://spring2innovation.com/ 

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: Learn actionable tips to make networking less daunting and more impactful for career growth. 

Michelle Schafer, an award winning career coach specializing in career transitions, shares her insights on how generalists can advance their careers through effective networking. She shares the importance of being intentional, preparing a networking plan, and leveraging curiosity to build meaningful connections.

Key Highlights:  

• Networking Strategies: Michelle and Julie discussed the importance of networking for career advancement. Michelle emphasized that networking is about having conversations and building relationships, not just about selling oneself. She shared strategies for effective networking, including being curious and providing value to others.  

• Internal Networking: Michelle and Julie talked about the importance of internal networking within an organization. They encouraged reaching out to colleagues in different departments to learn about their work and explore potential collaborations. Michelle highlighted the need for intentionality and curiosity in these conversations. 

• Answering "What Do You Do?": Michelle provided tips on how generalists can answer the common networking question "What do you do?" She suggested focusing on the kind of work that energizes them, the problems they solve, and the results they achieve, rather than just sharing a job title. 

• Networking Plan: Michelle outlined the steps for creating a networking plan, including brainstorming helpful contacts, prioritizing the list, crafting thoughtful reach-outs, preparing questions, and following up. She emphasized the importance of being organized and intentional in networking efforts.  

• Book Promotion: Michelle mentioned her upcoming book "Cultivating Career Growth" and shared that it includes strategies for career transitions, networking, and articulating value. She provided information on how to order the book and offered a free chapter preview on her website.

About Michelle 

Michelle Schafer is an ICF-certified coach, author and facilitator, specializing in career transition and leadership. She is the owner and founder of Michelle Schafer Coaching, empowering people to navigate career transitions with confidence. Michelle is passionate about people and inspired by their progress, working with clients at all levels of an organization and across sectors including federal and municipal government, high tech, not-for-profit and financial services. Michelle offers coaching 1:1 and in groups, is the proud author of the #1 best selling book "Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose" and most recently was recognized as one of Ottawa's Top Coaches in 2024.

Find Michelle Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching 

• Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/ 

Free offer: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/  

Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose: https://www.amazon.ca/Cultivating-Career-Growth-Navigate-Transitions/dp/1998393194/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0  

Email Michelle here: michelle@mschafercoaching.ca 

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: 
You’ve outgrown productivity hacks—and you’re ready for a more integrated, values-driven approach to getting things done. 

Description
What if you could lead your life—and your team—with the same clarity and intention you bring to your best strategic plans? In this episode, Sandra Veledar shares the how and why of I Live Performance (I.Liv); a platform designed to help individuals and leaders align their daily actions with what truly matters.   

Blending systems thinking, agile principles, and self-leadership, Sandra introduces a structured approach to intentional living.  

Key Highlights:  

• Integrated living: How viewing your life as one system (not separate silos) helps you make better choices. 

• Generalist mindset: Why the I.Liv platform is “a generalist in itself”—flexible, cross-functional, and built from many domains. 

• Back to basics: How prioritization, rest, and self-awareness form the foundation of performance and leadership. 

• Leadership as practice: Moving beyond theory to daily habits that align your personal values and business goals. 

• Build your backpack: Sandra’s advice for generalists: collect experiences freely—even when the purpose isn’t yet clear. 

About Sandra: 

Sandra Veledar is a business transformation and technology leader with over 20 years of experience, who built her career delivering business value with technology-enabled solutions and people-first approaches.  

Sandra started her career in high-tech and since has worked on large-scale business transformations in the Ottawa PwC Advisory Services, followed by an IT executive role at Farm Boy where she supported the organization through significant growth, leading the technology strategy and team in scaling IT operations and services. Currently, she is the Founder and CEO of I.Liv Performance, bringing to market an individual performance and leadership solution.  Inspired by her own journey, Sandra applies her professional expertise to help organizations retain top talent and close the strategy-to-execution gap through I.Liv’s innovative approach to sustainable high-performance.  

Sandra holds a B.Eng. in Computer Systems Engineering from Carleton University (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada), and an MBA from McGill University (Montreal, Quebec, Canada). 

 Find Sandra:

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-veledar/ 

• Website:  https://iliv.io. 

• Other links: 

Find Julie:

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact 

Why Listen: 

You’ve heard the term ‘polymath’—now you’re wondering if it describes you, or if it should. 

Episode Description: 

What does it mean to thrive as a polymath in the age of AI—and why does it matter more than ever? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Angela C. Myers, one of the first scholars to formally study modern polymathy. Drawing from her pioneering dissertation, her experience in organizational development, and her vision for the future of work, Angela explains why generalists with deep expertise across domains are not just valuable—they're essential. We explore how polymaths can drive innovation, how organizations can adapt to the new demands of AI-driven change, and why lifelong, self-directed learning is the key to staying relevant and fulfilled in a rapidly evolving world. 

Episode Highlights: 

• Polymathy Defined: The distinction between generalists, polymaths, and why “polymathic” might be the most accessible term for modern multi-specialists. 

• Future-Proofing Work: Why AI makes polymathic talent a business imperative—and how to spot it. 

• Learning vs. Knowing: How understanding whether someone thrives on learning or knowing can transform team design and retention. 

• Organizational Adaptation: Practical ways businesses can shift hiring, development, and innovation strategies for the polymathic age. 

Why Listen: You’re tired of permission-based culture and curious about systems built on trust and autonomy.

Description:  

Is the traditional org chart on its last legs? In this provocative conversation, organizational futurist Joseph Logan challenges the foundations of how we've structured work for the last 150 years. Drawing on his journey from a senior pharma executive to partner at Jumpsuit, Joseph explains why centralized, hierarchical models no longer serve today’s complexity—and how distributed intelligence, autonomous teams, and bossless organizations offer a viable path forward. We explore the historical roots of the org chart, the forces accelerating its decline (think AI, hybrid work, and portfolio careers), and what a post-org chart operating system might look like. This episode offers a powerful lens for generalists and leaders ready to work with, not against, the future. 

 Key Highlights:  

• The Death of the Org Chart: Why the 150-year-old model of organizational hierarchy is breaking under the weight of AI, hybrid work, and portfolio careers. 

• From Control to Consent: How permission-based systems are giving way to decentralized, consent-based collaboration. 

• Bossless Doesn’t Mean Leaderless: The distinction between removing gatekeepers and cultivating distributed leadership. 

• The Emergent OS: A new organizational “operating system” that leverages decentralization, diversity, and real-time feedback loops. 

• Generalists Rising: Why generalists are well-positioned to thrive in the shift away from rigid roles toward adaptive, principle-driven work. 

 About Joseph: 

Joseph Logan, partner with Jumpsuit, envisions a world without bosses. In his working creating the conditions for vibrant, adaptive organizations with activated communities at Jumpsuit, the team lives what it believes. Joseph coaches leaders who are leaning into the future of adaptive, responsive work in a new, post-mechanistic age. 

 Find Joseph Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlogan/ 

• Website: https://www.jumpsuitagency.com/ 

• Other links: Jumpsuit Patreon (posts to livestreams, etc.) https://www.patreon.com/c/Jumpsuiters/posts 

 Find Julie

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

 Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 
If you’re in growth mode and want to learn from a generalist who’s DONE it.

Description: 
In this special two-hour conversation, Andrew Waitman—former CEO of Assent, Order of Ottawa inductee, and one of Canada’s most respected business leaders—reflects on his decade transforming a 25-person startup into a $100M ARR global SaaS powerhouse. Speaking candidly about his journey from engineer to venture capitalist to CEO, Andrew shares how being a generalist shaped his leadership, decision-making, and foresight in an era of rapid technological disruption. From balancing specialists with generalists, to navigating AI adoption, to building cohesive cultures that scale, Andrew offers hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and the art of seeing patterns before others. This episode is both a masterclass in business growth and a deeply personal exploration of adaptability, humility, and the mindset required to thrive in uncertain times. 

Key Highlights:  

• Generalist mindset: How Andrew leveraged curiosity and adaptability across industries to become a successful leader and investor. 

• Leadership as orchestration: Why CEOs act as conductors, aligning specialists into cohesive strategies that create lasting impact. 

• Resilience and risk: Lessons on financing, decision-making, and managing trade-offs in fast-growing businesses. 

• Foresight in disruption: How generalists anticipate trends in AI, regulation, and global markets before they become mainstream. 

• Culture and cohesion: Why team cohesion is the “magic ingredient” that determines whether companies scale or stall. 

About Andrew:

Andrew Waitman is the Executive Chairman and former CEO of Assent, where he transformed a 25-person startup into a global SaaS leader with more than $100M in annual recurring revenue and unicorn valuation. Recognized as 2024 CEO of the Year and inducted into the Order of Ottawa, Andrew is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most respected technology executives. His leadership at Assent not only drove exponential growth but also positioned the company as a trusted partner for organizations navigating complex supply chain sustainability and compliance challenges. 

Before Assent, Andrew served as CEO of Pythian, where he drove rapid international expansion and established the company as a leader in data and analytics services. He also held senior leadership roles at Celtic House Venture Partners and Entrust, contributing to IPOs, global growth strategies, and portfolio success stories. In addition, Andrew has served on multiple boards helping to shape Canada’s innovation economy. Across these roles, he has consistently demonstrated foresight, execution, and the ability to scale organizations through disruption while building strong, cohesive teams. 

Find Andrew Here 

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewwaitman/ 

• Website:  https://www.assent.com/ 

Why Listen: 
You’ve outgrown the career script you were handed—and you’re ready to write your own.

Description:
What if success wasn’t something you climbed toward—but something you defined for yourself? In this candid conversation, Anna Lundberg shares how she walked away from a high-prestige corporate role to build a career shaped by freedom, flexibility, and values-alignment. 

Founder of One Step Outside, Anna now helps others do the same—especially those who’ve outgrown linear paths and want more than a title or a ladder. Together, we explore how generalists are uniquely wired to design portfolio careers, navigate reinvention, and step outside the scripts that no longer fit. 

If you’re craving space to ask what you really want from work and life, this episode opens the door. 

Key Highlights:  

• Redefining Success: How to move beyond prestige, performance, and external markers to define success for yourself. 

• From Corporate to Coaching: Anna’s journey from brand strategist to helping others design flexible, values-driven careers. 

• The Myth of Linear Progress: Why career changes often feel like steps “backward” and how to reframe them. 

• Portfolio Careers: Embracing variety, autonomy, and multiple income streams as a strength — not a fallback. 

About Anna: 

Anna Lundberg is the founder of One Step Outside®, where she helps experienced professionals and business owners reimagine what success really looks like - beyond the conventional 9 to 5. 

A former Procter & Gamble marketing executive, Anna left corporate life in 2013 and has since built a body of work dedicated to helping others design more fulfilling, flexible, and sustainable careers. She’s the author of Outside of the 9 to 5, host of the Reimagining Success® podcast, and creator of the Business Accelerator for solopreneurs. 

Her work is grounded in the belief that success isn’t truly success if it comes at the cost of your health, identity, or family life - and that there’s a more human, more intentional way to build a business, lead a team, or navigate a career transition. 

 Find Anna Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaselundberg/ 

• Website: https://onestepoutside.com/ 

• Other links: https://annaselundberg.com/ 

 Find Julie 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 
You’ve met people who just “get it done”—this episode explains who they are and why they matter.

Description: 
What if generalists weren’t just versatile professionals—but a distinct breed of business operator, like Navy SEALs for the corporate world? In this high-energy conversation, Casey Woo—high-growth CFO, CEO, and founder of the Operators Guild—shares his unique framework for understanding generalists as “scalers”: multidimensional, mission-driven individuals built for complexity, speed, and constant change. 

Drawing on military analogies, deep operational insight, and his upcoming book, Casey offers a language and lens for generalists who’ve long struggled to define their value. Whether you’re a shapeshifter trying to find your place or a leader trying to spot hidden talent, this episode gives powerful clarity to an often-misunderstood role. 

Key Highlights:  

•  Scalers: Why generalists are best understood as “scalers” who thrive in speed, ambiguity, and early-stage environments. 

• Corporate Breed Theory: Casey’s idea that generalists aren’t trained—they’re born, like dogs of a particular breed. 

• The Artist Analogy: Why generalists are business artists—creative, multidimensional, and mission-driven. 

• Just-Enough Mastery: How generalists operate like Navy SEAL medics—deep enough to be dangerous, but designed for adaptability, not specialization. 

• The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Strategy: Why generalists often need to "play the role" of a traditional title (like CFO) to get in the door—then transform the system from within. 

About Casey: 

Casey Woo is a seasoned public market investor turned high-growth technology COO/CFO, with over two decades of experience guiding companies through the complexities of scaling. Having served as a 6x CFO and 2x COO, Casey has led businesses across various industries and stages, from early-stage startups to pre-IPO powerhouses. His expertise spans software, hardware, marketplaces, eCommerce, and more, with a proven track record in driving strategic growth, optimizing operations, and securing successful exits. 

 As a leader, Casey is deeply committed to building and scaling companies that grow fast and smart. His strategic approach focuses on aligning vision with execution, ensuring that every initiative is prioritized for maximum impact. Beyond his executive roles, Casey is co-founder and CEO of the Operators Guild, a community of 1000+ top operators, where he shares his insights and mentors the next generation of business leaders. 

 Casey’s passion for strategic planning and performance management has made him a sought-after advisor and investor, helping startups navigate the challenges of hyper-growth with precision and confidence.

Find Casey Here 

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywoo/ 

• Website:  https://www.operators-guild.com/ 

• Other links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-operators-guild/ 

Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

 Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 

If you’re navigating AI and automation in recruitment, this conversation helps you cut through the hype and focus on skills-based assessment—so you can hire smarter, faster, and fairer. 

 Description:  

I sit down with a senior director at Indeed to unpack the promise—and the practicalities—of skills-first hiring in today’s Canadian labour market. We cover what’s broken about degree and tenure “gatekeeping,” how HR and hiring managers can align around measurable competencies, and where AI can actually de-risk evaluation instead of adding noise. Along the way, we talk tenure gains when degree screens are dropped, why learning & development is a top decision driver for applicants, and how generalists can finally be seen for transferable strengths. If you care about better matches, fairer access, and making hiring simpler and smarter, this one’s for you. 

 Key Highlights:  

• Skills-first hiring: Hire for demonstrable capability, not proxies like degrees or minimum years.  

• Market context: Unemployment is up; openings are down—prime time to widen talent pools and revisit screens.  

• Data points: 78% of job seekers weigh L&D heavily; ~32% report barriers from degree/years requirements; dropping degree screens has been linked to ~20% longer tenure.  

• AI in TA: Only ~27% of Canadian employers use AI in hiring; used well, it can standardize and scale skill assessment.  

• HR & hiring managers: Define “what good looks like,” agree on risk tolerance (e.g., the “70/30 fit”), and test for competencies early. 

 About Stepan: 

As a Senior Director at Indeed, Stepan Arman is at the forefront of bringing the company's vision and strategy to life. His experience managing teams that work directly with both job seekers and employers gives him a unique and insightful perspective into the world of work. With a decade of leadership in human resources, spanning everything from small businesses to global organizations, Stepan has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing both sides of the workforce. He has a proven track record of partnering with countless companies to solve their most complex problems, whether it's developing workforce strategies, strengthening culture, or enriching the employee experience 

  Find Stepan Here 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stepanarman/ 

• Website: indeed.ca

 Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 
For anyone feeling pressured to “prove” themselves: Hear how to embrace your generalist strengths and connect meaningfully in any room.

Episode Description: 
We explore how impostor syndrome shows up for generalists and what it takes to move past it—without losing the curiosity and humility that make generalists thrive. Lynn Ladd, Chief of Staff at OTUS Group and an active leader in the nonprofit sector, shares her journey from feeling “the person in the background” to being recognized as “the connector” in Ottawa’s nonprofit space. She offers practical networking strategies, advice for finding your professional “blue jeans” fit, and a reminder that invisible work can be the glue holding organizations together. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, seeking to build more authentic connections, or learning to own your value without the traditional credentials, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom. 

Key Highlights:

• Impostor Syndrome: How lacking “fancy credentials” can impact confidence—and ways to counter it. 

• Networking Skills: Why asking the right questions can spark meaningful connections. 

• Finding Your Fit: Recognizing when an organization truly values your generalist strengths. 

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Building trust in your value through action and coaching. 

• Invisible Work: Embracing and owning the behind-the-scenes contributions that make a difference. 

About Lynn: 

Lynn Ladd is Chief of Staff at OTUS Group, where she leads business growth and operations while helping clients—especially purpose-driven organizations—navigate finance and governance with confidence. A lifelong resident of Ottawa with a degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa, Lynn’s career spans leadership roles in retail, financial management, and the nonprofit sector, including her time at the Ottawa Board of Trade.   

She’s is an active volunteer, serving on the board of KLEO and Kiwanis Air Cadet Squadron. She has recently been appointed to the Board of Planned Parenthood Ottawa, and the CDH2 Foundation of Canada. 

 When not working or giving back, she enjoys life with her husband, their Lab, two rescue cats, and regular visits with their grown kids in Calgary and Halifax. 

 Find Lynn Here: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnladd/ 

• Website: https://nonprofitcfo.ca/ 

 Find Us:

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 
You’re craving work that aligns with your values.

Episode Description: 

Samantha Stilwell is a cultural anthropologist, consultant, flight attendant, and community builder—sometimes all at once. In this wide-ranging conversation, she opens up about discovering the concept of a “portfolio career” and how it validated the winding, multi-threaded path she’s chosen. We explore what it means to live intentionally without conforming to social norms, how to choose projects that align with a deeper mission, and why success doesn’t always look like scale. Whether she's decoding workplace dynamics in Kenya, building community with women founders, or flying across northern Quebec, Samantha shares how generalists can find purpose by following their own internal compass. 

Key Highlights:  

• Portfolio Career: Samantha shares her discovery of the term and how it reframed her diverse experiences with intention and pride. 

• Redefining Success: She describes how success has shifted from titles and outcomes to living fully and building human connection. 

• Breaking Social Norms: From wedding planning to work structure, Samantha challenges expectations in favor of alignment and sustainability. 

• Slow-Build Projects: She explains how to embrace longer timelines and lower visibility in order to maintain high quality and joy. 

• Power of Small Moments: The episode emphasizes that micro-interactions, not just grand milestones, are where generalists often shine. 

About Samantha: 

Samantha Stilwell  is a cultural anthropologist by profession—meaning she’s a story-listener and a story-sharer. But the one story she’s still writing is her own career path. Flight attendant, consultant, keynote speaker, community builder, author—Samantha wears many hats (sometimes all at once), but her throughline is always the same: a deep curiosity about people and the cultures we create. Whether she's 35,000 feet in the air or speaking on a global stage, she brings an anthropologist’s lens to everything she does—helping others understand themselves, each other, and the world a little better. 

  Find Samantha 

• LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/samanthastilwell 

• Website:  culturedynamiq.com 

Find Julie 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 

You want to celebrate as a proud generalist. 

 Episode Description:  

 In this special 50th episode of The Generalist Advantage, host Julie Lavergne reflects on the journey so far—how the podcast began, the surprising impact it’s had, and what she’s learned from 49 rich conversations with generalists across industries.  She unpacks six powerful patterns shaping the future of generalist work: from shifting definitions of success, to the rise of skills-based hiring, to the growing recognition that breadth, not narrow specialization, is the competitive edge for the future of work. This solo reflection blends personal insight with emerging trends and offers a hopeful vision for generalists navigating a complex, fast-changing world. 

Key Highlights:  

• Pattern Recognition: Six major shifts emerging from conversations with 49 generalist guests—ranging from increased confidence to systemic change in how we work. 

• New Definition of Success: Generalists are moving away from chasing metrics and instead focusing on authentic impact and human connection. 

• Rise of Skills-Based Work: The job market is evolving toward valuing skills over credentials, a space where generalists thrive. 

• Organizational Change: Traditional hierarchies are giving way to fluid, cross-functional environments that better fit generalist thinking. 

• Generalism Goes Mainstream: Data from McKinsey, LinkedIn, and the World Economic Forum confirms that adaptability and breadth are now strategic imperatives. 

 About Them: 

The Generalist Advantage is hosted by Julie Lavergne, founder of 8Ball Clarity, a boutique consulting firm that helps organizations shape strategic plans and bring more critical thinking to complex challenges. With a career spanning sectors, roles, and industries, Julie brings a systems lens to her work and a deep belief in the power of range. 

She launched this podcast to elevate the voices of generalists—those who think across domains, defy traditional career paths, and thrive in ambiguity. 

Julie is also a TEDx speaker, with a talk titled "Beyond Expertise: Why We Need Generalists Now", where she explores why the future belongs to those who connect the dots. 

 Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen:  You’re juggling many interests and wonder how to turn that into a sustainable, joyful way of working and living. 

 Description:  In this episode, we explore what it means to live and work as a polymath with Barbara Kleeb—a doctor, musician, and coach who supports multidimensional thinkers in reclaiming their energy. Barbara shares her nonlinear path from medicine to music to entrepreneurship, and how embracing her polymathic nature helped her build a life with more power, ease, and joy. We dig into the distinctions between generalists and polymaths, the myth of "boxes" and categories, and how breaking free from societal expectations can unlock creativity, presence, and self-trust. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by job titles or misunderstood for your wide range of interests, this conversation will resonate. 

 Key Highlights:  

• Polymathy vs. Generalism: A polymath tends to seek deep understanding across multiple domains out of intrinsic curiosity, while generalists often learn broadly with a specific purpose or goal in mind. 

• Breaking Free: Barbara helps polymaths release energy blocks—emotional, systemic, or somatic—so they can lead, create, and live more fully. 

• No Boxes: She challenges the notion of rigid fields or roles, advocating for a worldview where reality is a continuum, not a category. 

• Energy Balance: Deep exploration requires balance—Barbara emphasizes grounding and somatic practices to prevent burnout among polymaths. 

• Community Matters: Her long-running networking coffee for polymaths offers a nonjudgmental space for connection, reflection, and co-learning. 

About Barbara Kleeb:

My path to becoming a coach, mentor, facilitator, and healer has been multidimensional. I began as a photographer, training in multiple studios and studying at Zürich’s art school, before moving into medicine, where I specialized in gynecology and obstetrics. Alongside surgical and clinical work, I led a randomized controlled trial on postpartum depression, demonstrating the power of compassionate education. 

Throughout my medical career, I pursued holistic approaches—studying acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, and Jean-Yves Desjardins’ Approche Sexocorporel, which inspired my assertiveness program Authentic NO. I also trained in Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9001 auditing, and systems thinking, applying them to healthcare processes and coaching. 

I’ve produced educational and documentary videos, and written and recorded 28 original songs with Cuban musicians—albums WOMAN and Human Psychology (mastered by Stuart Hawkes). My passion for embodiment led me to study dance, strength training, and body-based practices, contributing to my coaching approach. 

Since 2018, I’ve focused on online coaching, integrating modalities such as Symbolic Modeling, Clean Language, Positive Intelligence, Theta Healing, and Akashic reading. I facilitate Networking Café for Polymaths, a biweekly space I’ve held since 2020, and in 2024 launched From Stuck to Flow, a transformative course for polymaths seeking clarity, healing, and momentum. 

Whether in group programs or 1:1 sessions, I bring together science, intuition, systems, and soul—tailoring everything I’ve learned to meet people exactly where they are. 

 Find Barbara Here:

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-barbara-kleeb

• Connection Call:  https://calendly.com/woman-bk/30min-connection-call

Polymath Perception Podcast  

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/polymath-perception-podcast-by-dr-barbara-kleeb/id1772248609 

 Polymathic views and assertiveness tips https://youtube.com/@barbarakleeb1987 

 Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 
You’re craving more meaning and calm in your personal or professional life—and curious how others are redefining ambition and impact. 

Episode Description:
What does it take for businesses to become AI-ready? In this candid and forward-looking conversation, we speak with Christopher Dore—business educator, AI entrepreneur, and CEO of Scarlet Nova—about how small and mid-sized organizations can thoughtfully navigate AI adoption. Drawing from his work with over many companies and his role at Algonquin College,  Chris reveals the most common misconceptions about AI, the hidden role of generalists in successful implementations, and why strategic curiosity may be the ultimate competitive edge. Whether you're overwhelmed by AI hype or unsure where to begin, this episode offers grounded guidance and a clear starting point. 

Key Highlights:  

• AI Readiness: Many businesses assume they need an AI strategy when what they really need first is AI education. 

• Generalists' Value: Generalists are essential in AI transformation, linking functions, identifying use cases, and driving adoption. 

• Pilot Projects: Starting with small, quick-win pilots aligned to real problems helps build momentum and organizational buy-in. 

• Tool Use vs. Strategy: Solo entrepreneurs benefit most from practical tool usage, while larger organizations need data and governance readiness. 
  
• Cultural Shift: AI adoption isn’t just technical it requires mindset shifts, leadership support, and a willingness to experiment. 

About Christopher Dore: 

Christopher is a business educator, AI entrepreneur, and community leader. He leads the Business Management and Entrepreneurship program at Algonquin College, serves as CEO of Scarlett Nova helping businesses harness the power of AI and is the founder of Lead+Change, a social enterprise focused on authentic leadership and social impact. 

 Find Christopher Here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswdore/ 

• Website:  www.scarlettnova.com 

 Find Us: 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

 Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: 
You’re craving more meaning and calm in your personal or professional life—and curious how others are redefining ambition and impact. 

Episode Description:
After a thoughtful parental leave, Cailin Hillier returned to her role as a UX researcher with a refreshed sense of purpose—and a deeper appreciation for the power of pause. In this candid conversation, Cailin shares how she’s learned to embrace contentment, practice intentional prioritization, and use her generalist strengths to thrive in work, motherhood, and community life. From structured spontaneity to embracing imperfect action, she offers a grounded, human approach to navigating transitions. Whether you're rethinking your relationship with work or simply trying to do less, better—this one’s for you.

Key Highlights:  

• Contentment: How stepping back during parental leave helped Cailin realize she already gets to do the work she loves. 

• Idea Garden: A practical method for parking future ambitions without overwhelm, enabling focus on what matters now. 

• Ruthless Prioritization: Why letting go of “doing it all” and ending each day with a focused next-day list creates clarity and calm. 

• Share Early & Often: Reframing perfectionism in favor of brave collaboration and iterative thinking. 

• Community Impact: How turning away from the news cycle and toward local engagement helped Cailin feel hopeful and connected. 

About Cailin Hillier:
After studying engineering and science at the University of Waterloo, Cailin attended the Rotman School of Management and immediately gravitated towards facilitation and design thinking methodologies. A self-described generalist who has navigated roles in consulting and operations, she stumbled into a career as a UX Researcher.

Cailin currently works at Thinkific, focusing on the longer term product vision, including the implications of AI on customers. Having recently returned to work from parental leave, she brings a generalist lens to every facet of her life. 

Find Cailin Here 

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cailin-hillier 

 Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

Why Listen: You want to lead like a founder—even if you’re not in tech. 

Episode Description:  

What does it really take to lead a small, mission-driven organization through massive growth? In this conversation, we speak with Allan Reesor-McDowell, Executive Director at the John Howard Society of Ottawa, about his earlier experience rapidly scaling Matthew House Ottawa from a tiny charity into a multi-million-dollar, multi-program organization. Allan shares how embracing his generalist mindset, rather than chasing expertise, helped him prioritize, pivot, and make smart decisions that enabled sustainable growth. For anyone navigating leadership in uncertain times, especially within nonprofits or systems under pressure, this episode explores how broad thinking, strategic listening, and confident humility can be powerful levers for change. 

 Key Highlights:  

• Being Agnostic: Why being agnostic to tools and approaches allowed Allan to adapt quickly and lead effectively through organizational change. 

• Smart Growth: How Allan helped scale Matthew House Ottawa from 3 to 55 staff and $300K to $5M in budget, using agile planning and resourceful outsourcing. 

• Decision-Making: The importance of reversible decisions, risk management, and knowing when to pause versus push forward. 

• Outsourcing Strategy: How fractional expertise (e.g., HR, finance) enabled big capabilities on a small budget. 

• Confidence with Humility: Balancing imposter syndrome with clarity on the value of broad-based competence, and leading without needing to be the expert. 

 About Allan Reesor-McDowell: 

Allan grew up in Canada but work, studies and travel led him for many years to the US, Haiti, and England as well as to more than 60 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Allan has served in leadership and governance roles in politics and nonprofits, including serving on the boards of the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa, The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, the Canadian Council for Refugees and currently sits on the board for the Ottawa Community Foundation. 

Allan currently serves as Executive Director of John Howard Society of Ottawa. He holds an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London and was a recipient of the Forty Under 40 award in 2021. 

 Find Allan Here

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesormcdowell/ 

• Website:  Welcome - John Howard Society of Ottawa 

• Other links:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-howard-society-ottawa/ 

 Find Us 

• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/  

• Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true  

• Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/  

Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.