Madeline Lawler
Sales/Marketing Associate
I am a driven, connector who brings community together through my various passions which include environmental issues, cycling advocacy, and building inclusivity. I am still learning about this last skill and have definitely made mistakes, which I try to learn from.
In terms of my professional background, I would say that I am a Jill of all trades and have experience in managing non-profits, supporting community initiatives, working in small business, and doing just about everything for organizations.
For a long time, I thought I needed to follow a certain path to be successful and that I needed to please everyone to pursue my dreams and career. I have learned over the past year that to pursue a career and a life is more than a simple A to B path; life is more complex and consists of many twists, turns, pit falls, and jolts. Even though, I have not found a job related to my Master of Resource and Environmental Management degree, I am learning that I can take pieces from my various experiences and apply them to the right moments in my life. Through my different paths from completing an Undergraduate Degree in Commerce to pursuing a cross-Canada bike trip, I have built great experience that has helped me to tackle any challenge and have learned to move forward somewhat gracefully after experiencing setbacks.
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What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
My greatest stage of growth has been the past year when I left a position in recreation with three Provincial Recreation Organizations, organizations that support different recreational sports, and took a bike trip across Canada. I have learned so much from this experience about what I want, what I need in a future career, and that I can overcome any challenge. The trip allowed me to have the time to think, be present, and to learn about how each life stage leads to something else magical. I am now in a Sales/Marketing Associate role at Halifax Cycles and Guitars, a small bicycle shop in Halifax, giving me the chance to explore a new position, refine my skills, and to figure out where life will take me next.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
My deepest learning from this past year is to pursue opportunities that I really care about and take on initiatives that add to my community rather than take away from it. I have learned from past experience how detrimental it can be to participate in something because I felt I had to. I constantly try to apply this learning every day from my work life with the Sales/Marketing Associate role with Halifax Cycles and Guitars Inc. to my community work such as, completing housing education through Future City Builders. I think it is important not only for the community that I serve, but for myself and my purpose to pursue my true passion and what makes my heart sing.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
I have had many strong women inspire me directly including Adrien Rawley, Ashleigh Boers, Ashleigh Myles, Dana Lipnicki, Eliza Jackson, Kelsey Lane, Madeline Pascoe, and many more. These women have pursued their passions relentlessly and without hesitation. This inspires me because they are taking paths that energize them and support their communities. I also am inspired directly by my Mom who always knows how to have fun and is strategic, entrepreneurial, and an amazing women overall. Additionally, other strong women who inspire me indirectly include Malala Yousafzai, Kate Harris, and Sharon Bala.
What's your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
One of my favourite books is Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris. I read this book on my bike trip across Canada which was one of my biggest stages of growth. The book focuses on Kate's journey biking on the Silk Road and exploring the concepts of borders and what they are protecting. I really identified with the book not only for the focus on an epic journey but also to really think about how my own journey can make an impact.
What motivated you to make the choices you've made? What are the principles you live by?
I have been motivated by my integrity and the people who I have surrounded myself with, to make the choices that I have made. I will only make choices such as my bike ride or to complete a certain project, if it fits my values. The people in my life including my partner and the strong women who have influenced me have really supported me in fulfilling my purpose.
The principles that I live by are fairness, growth, happiness, honesty, and integrity. I won't get into too much detail about these principles, but I live continuously with them on a daily basis.
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Connector, Adventurer, Cycling Obsessed, Fun