This is the Sparky Life with Lia Lamela. Thank you for joining me every Thursday for remarkable stories and points of view from journeyman and woman who build the things that make our lives work! These lessons learned are not only valuable for those engaged in the skilled trades but frankly for all of us whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives. I share with you my electrical journey, experiences and insight through engaging banter with those I have met along the way. If you are interested in trade tales, an industry frought with excitement and risk subscribe and be notified every Thursday when trade tales continue. We build the world we want to live in. Let’s band together to create the sparks in our lives!
https://the-sparky-life-podcast.mailchimpsites.com/
Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 1 day 17 hours 22 minutes
episode 49: Big Things Can Come in Small Packages
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Rachel Samala about her journey into the HVAC industry. Rachel shares her initial struggles with employment, her transition into HVAC, and her decision to start her own business. She emphasizes the importance of humility in her success. After facing challenges in finding the right company, Rachel decided to become self-employed and start her own business. She now enjoys the freedom of being her own boss and creating...
episode 50: What Are The Wildest Worksite Stories?
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with master electrician Roberto Reyes. They discuss Roberto's career, his social media presence, and his journey into the trades. Roberto shares his experiences with learning challenges, the importance of mentorship, and his personal struggle with addiction. He also recounts some of his wildest worksite mishaps and gives advice to those interested in the electrical field. Roberto was fortunate to have a great mentor duri...
episode 51: Making Money In The Skilled Trades
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela and guest Jennifer Rogers Markwell, a wealth advisor, discuss the importance of financial education for skilled tradespeople. They address the lack of financial knowledge among tradespeople and the potential pitfalls of this, such as making poor financial decisions. Jennifer emphasizes that financial advising is accessible to everyone, regardless of income, and promotes the services offered by her firm, Platinum Wealth Management...
episode 52: Revolutionizing Women's Workwear
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Laura Stevenson, a red seal electrician and founder of Salty Mountain, a women's workwear brand. They discuss their experiences in the electrical trade, the differences in licensing between Canada and the US, and the pros and cons of union and non-union apprenticeships. Laura shares her journey of starting Salty Mountain, from winning a $25,000 grant to creating prototypes of high-rise pants and overalls...
episode 53: How To Rewire Your Future?
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela and fellow electrician Chessa Trimble discuss the challenges and rewards of being in the skilled trades industry. Chessa shares her journey from apartment maintenance to becoming an electrician, the decision to go non-union, and the importance of perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity. They also discuss the unique strengths women bring to the electrical field, the need for more representation, and the importance of debu...
episode 54: What Are The Secrets In The Switch Yards?
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Trish Conville, a seasoned professional from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They discuss the importance of safety, cleanliness, and proper accommodations in the construction industry, with a focus on the electrical trade. Trish shares insights from her work in power distribution and the advancements in technology that have improved efficiency. They also discuss the need for better safety measures, pr...
episode 55: How to Manifest Success: One Spark at a Time?
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia Lamela speaks with Kimmy the Sparks, an electrician who shares her journey in the male-dominated electrical industry. Despite facing discouragement and gender discrimination, the electrician rose from an administrative role to become a qualified professional.She discusses the versatility of her job, the importance of female camaraderie, and her experiences with gender bias. The discussion highlights the empowerment of women in trades...
episode 56: Can Women Thrive In The Mining Industry?
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Bettina, founder of Women in FIFO, about her experiences in the mining industry. They discuss the challenges women face, such as sexual harassment and underrepresentation, and the financial benefits of FIFO roles. Bettina shares her journey in the industry and how she achieved financial stability as a single mother. The conversation highlights the importance of support networks, mentorship, and maintaining femininit...
episode 57: Can Toxic Leadership Practices Be Addressed in the Construction Industry?
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Shana Francesca, a life designer and CEO of Concinnate LLC, about her unique background making her an expert on transformative leadership. We discuss the impact of toxic leadership in the construction industry, with Shana advocating for intentional and ethical leadership practices. The construction industry, stands at a crossroads between outdated, toxic leadership practices and a future of ethical, intentional leader...