In this episode of Not So Average, host Alistair Shipley sits down with his close friend, David Chytracek—a dedicated teacher, family man, and true example of how ordinary roles shape extraordinary lives. Together, they dive into the essential role of teachers, unpacking the challenges, rewards, and personal stories that define David’s journey in education. From navigating work-life balance to fostering resilience in the classroom, this heartfelt conversation explores the power of recognizing everyday moments that matter. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, Alistair and David highlight the importance of happiness, appreciation, and redefining success on your own terms. Tune in to hear how one teacher’s story proves that extraordinary lessons often come from the most relatable places. Book Recommendation: You're Not Listening - Kate Murphy

Alistair Shipley, host of the 'Not So Average' podcast, delivers a bonus episode reflecting on personal and professional milestones achieved in 2024. He discusses the creation of his podcast, the purchase of his first home, the loss of a pet and a family member, and his new role as an executive at a solar company. Alistair shares his journey dealing with stress, the importance of meditation, journaling, seeking mentors, and improving sleep hygiene. He also emphasizes the value of listening skills and maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family. The episode concludes with recommended books, memorable quotes, and an optimistic outlook for 2025.

Book Recommendations:

You’re Not Listening - Kate Murphy - https://amzn.to/4iRzZiW

How to Make a Few Billion Dollars - Brad Jacobs - https://amzn.to/40aWEzG

Trust - Hernan Diaz - https://amzn.to/3DqRoPh

Bonus Book Recommendation: The Daily Stoic (Boxed Set) - Ryan Holiday - https://amzn.to/4gTme1q

Mental & Physical Health Recommendations

Ashwagandha - https://amzn.to/3DysNbq

Vitamin D - https://amzn.to/408KLKt

Parasite Cleanse with Cellcore - https://cellcore.com/en-ca/products/para-kit

On the final 2024 episode of Not So Average, we sit down with Jennifer Aubin, a trailblazer in Calgary’s tech and startup scene with over 25 years of experience in people and culture. Jennifer’s career spans impressive milestones, from her early days at the University of Calgary’s Olympic Oval to co-founding her own HR SaaS venture and serving as Chief People and Culture Officer at Attabotics during a period of rapid growth and innovation.

Jennifer opens up about navigating the high-stakes pressures of venture capital-backed startups, balancing an ambitious career with personal life as an ultra-runner and mother of two, and why she prefers the term "people and culture" over "HR." She offers insights on fostering a thriving workplace culture, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and the power of celebrating small wins.

The episode concludes with Jennifer reflecting on her current journey, exploring new opportunities, and sharing her thoughtful approach to deciding what’s next. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional navigating career transitions, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you empowered to embrace adaptability and growth in your own journey.