What kinds of T-shirts do you have in your closet? I have a few favorites, one of them is a picture of an igloo with the caption "The Canadian White House" We usually wear t-shirts either because we identify with the cause, brand or idea and we want to share this with the world. This week's podcast is with Jeff Woodrow: Jeff is the founder of the Joy T-Shirt Project. I heard about Jeff's story on a CBC radio program, he was also on The Hour with George Stroumboupoulos. One day while staring out the window of his office at his previous job Jeff realized "I worked really really hard to get here, only to discover that I am using my creativity and energy for a project I didn't believe in. I found myself asking what do I want to do with my time here?"

How often do you do enter into a job search in your career? Where did you learn to do an effective job search campaign? This week's podcast is with Cathy Keates M.A. author of Not For Sale - Why We Need a New Job Search Mindset Cathy has been a career counselor for over 10 years, and currently works at Queen's University in career services. One common thing that she has observed working with young professionals is, "job search is not an activity we are born knowing about - it is something that we have to learn about". I think Cathy's advice has never been truer. I have noticed that some people feel guilty, for reaching out to receive professional support and advice in their career. Like your own profession there are new tools and competitors entering into the market on a continual basis. If you don't keep up you and/or your company will fall behind. Job search is constantly evolving; consider the role of twitter and sites such as LinkedIn. My role is to share best practices and advise you on how to take advantage of these changes, and make better career decisions.

Why do you work? When I ask this question in our weekly tele-WORKshop one of the most popular answers is, "for the money". This week's podcast is with Gail Vaz-Oxlade host of the popular TV show Till Debt Do Us Part. Gail is one of Canada's leading experts on money and it's impact on our health, relationships and career choices. On her TV show and website, she provides information and tools to help you take back control over your finances, and your life. She is also the author of numerous books including A Woman of Independent Means.

One of the major questions in the work I do, is how to find the right balance between lifestyle and a career path? Gail shared "a majority of people work for money" This is contrasted with Ipsos-Reid poll of professionals which showed, that money was ranked 4th in what satisfied them in their career. I got to know Gail as a guest expert on her show, working with one of the couples around their career options. This couple wanted to find the best career choice that would enable them to engaged in their work while balancing the economic reality of their lives. In each situation Gail empowers people on her show with three simple elements. A smart game plan, a clear set of goals and objective and expert support. These three elements when applied consistantly, work almost 100% of the time.

Where do top HR professionals find their best people? a Growing companies are in constant need of finding the right people for their team, even in this economy. This week's podcast is with Tova White, Executive VP of Human Resources at Chapters/Indigo. I have been in a number of their stores over the years adding to my book collection. I am constantly impressed with the quality of people that they have working with their organization. Books are one of my main passions in life. One of they key places they find their best people is from their customers. "We are looking for people who are passionate about books." A number of clients and book lovers approach the managers directly and network about opportunities. Like Tova's own career journey, she has networked herself into all of her positions.

Have you ever left an interview thinking that you got the job, only later to discover that they chose another candidate? Why do some people do well in interviews, while others who are equally or more qualified don't get the job? I would like to suggest that the person who got the position might have had the benefit of interview coaching.

This week's podcast is with Frances Cole Jones, a leading media training consultant, and best selling author of "How to Wow - Proven Strategies for Selling Your [Brilliant] Self in Any Situation". Frances works with numerous executives and experts, helping them to communicate more effectively in crisis situations. He has been featured on shows such as Oprah.

Who do you turn to when looking for career advice? Do you rely on books, friends or the internet? All of those are good places, however the best advice comes directly from mentors. This week's podcast is with Debi Rosati C.A. ICD.D. who is a Corporate Director on a number of boards including, Sears Canada and The Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation. A former Venture Capitalist and CFO, she shares the benefit of getting an external, objective and professional perspective when it comes to managing a company. I love the saying "don't believe everything you think" We are too close to many of the big decisions to see them objectively, that is why well run companies have people like Debi on their board.

One of the key questions that I hear today is, where are the new opportunities? With the amount of negative news it would seem like there is very few areas of the economy with needs. Ironically, there has never been more challenges. In the world around you, professionals and organizations are always looking for the next Ipod, Google, medical miracle or oil project. This week's podcast is with Gad Shaanan. He is one of Canada's most successful industrial designers. His firm just won the equivalent of an Oscar within his field - a best of 2007 I.D. award for packaging with his work on the new WD-40 can. Gad said âevery single day, thousands of new products and companies are created in the world by professionals who are not waiting for permission from the marketâ. From reinventing what we have, to coming up with a brand new widget. The world is not a static place, which is what makes this time in our career so exciting. What are you waiting for?

Do you feel like you don't belong in your work situation? Do you struggle with identifying your strengths? Does your job title define your? How's that for some light questions with your Monday morning coffee? This week's podcast is with Steve Maich and Lianne George, authors of The Ego Boom - Why the world really does revolve around you. I found their book provided interesting research and insight about why we struggle with finding the right fit in our personal and professional lives. The paradox is the world has never seemed more about us, yet many are lonely, unsatisfied, and not sure of their identity and place in this world. There are all kind companies providing products and services that are addressing the issue of identity.

What is a HR professional looking for in a resume? Are there certain keys to impressing a hiring manager? What are some of the important elements of a good interview? This week's podcast is with Donna Wilson SR VP of Human Resources for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games. She has been involved with hiring hundreds of people in her career, in her current capacity she oversees all issues related to hiring for the upcoming Olympics. What does Donna and her team look for when reviewing potential candidates "make sure that your personality shows up in your resume" Like Donna, I have seen hundreds of resumes that look and sound the same. Like the Olympics, this current job market is extremely competitive, you won't come first without standing apart from your competitors.

Do you ever get nervous in a job interview? How do employers react to you being nervous? This week's podcast is from my conversation this past week with George Stroumboulopoulos, host of The Hour on CBC television. George has spent his entire professional career interviewing a wide range of interesting guests. I was invited to be a guest on his program to talk about the current state of the job market in Canada. One of the questions he asked me "are you nervous?" My honest response was "yes", this program is shot before a live audience, and it is the most popular show in Canada, most rational people would be somewhat nervous. After my honest response immediately, I could sense the connection with the audience and George move to a more authentic and personal level. People relate to you when you let your guard down. There were two reminders to me as I pondered this experience, and how it relates to any interview situation.