Today’s Notable Young Professional is Gabrielle Gallant; an experienced communications director by day, and a freelance communications strategist by night. We caught up with her to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m the director of communications for the Ontario Racing association; it’s the industry association for horse racing in the province. I also do freelance strategic communications work, through my business – called Dauntless Solutions.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
Being the daughter of a teacher during a series of teachers’ strikes sparked my desire for activism. Communications feels like a natural fit for me because connecting with people is how I get my energy.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
The Globe and Mail was kind enough to publish an opinion piece that I wrote this year, and it went viral. That was surreal and very memorable! Being offered my current role, at Ontario Racing, was a “pinch me” moment: a job that brought together my professional skills and my love of horses.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Is it sharks that die if they stop swimming forward? I’m like a shark, then. A friendly shark who loves a good nap. I can’t quite imagine where I’ll be, but I’ll be awfully disappointed if I’m not growing and learning and moving through each of those milestones.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Kindness is never wasted. Neither is time spent working to understand the perspectives and motivations of the people around you.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I’m passionate about gender equality. While working with Equal Voice, I co-founded a speakers’ series called “She Did, You Can,” which drew attention to the success of women in politics. I also worked on a program called “Girls Government,” which set up MPPs to mentor grade eight girls in their local ridings. I have just wrapped up two years on the young patron’s council for the Women’s College Hospital Foundation. I’m looking forward to a new project, coming soon, working with a former colleague from my time in politics: aiming to support the next generation of c-suite women by building bridges and networks through the business and nonprofit communities in Toronto.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I have an awful tendency to speak without thinking which I combine with a truly terrible poker face. I could spin it as “charmingly frank” – but it could also be described as “unfortunately blunt.” My tendency to be direct is often an asset, but it can also be a challenge as a professional communicator.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
More than ordinary. Better than status quo. Hustle.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I’m into the shepherd’s pie at King Rustic right now.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Twitter, because I’m a news junky. Lainey Gossip, because she’s a brilliant feminist. John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16, because I’m a country girl at heart.
4. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I can’t pick one! @shedoesthecity, because those ladies make me cool. Andrew Coyne, because he’s my favourite political commentator. Iyad el-Baghdadi, because he’s an Arab Spring activist who has given this middle-class white girl a glimpse into what life is like for the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees – and a much better understanding of the myriad conflicts raging in the middle east. Oh, and me (@g_gallant and @gabrielleaquilina), because you probably don’t have enough horse pictures in your life.
5. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Italy – the food, the people, the country. Morocco – the ‘east meets west’ vibe looks magical.
6. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Instagram pictures of friends partying while I’m watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix with my cat.
7. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Texas Lonestar. The queso sauce is what they serve in heaven’s waiting room.
8. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Answer one: my horse! Answer two: my horse!
9. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success looks like falling asleep easily – with a to-do list that feels manageable.