Today’s Notable Young Professional is sports reporter and horse aficionado Maddie-Jo Tilley, who we sat down with to talk about everything from what inspired her career to where she loves to wine and dine in her hometown.
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m a TV Sports reporter, surrounded by horses.
I interview jockeys, horse trainers, owners, and racing fans for Ajax Downs Racetrack and “Talkin’ Horses,” which airs Saturdays at 1pm on CTV.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
My dad. He has been the CTV sports anchor for over 30 years. Growing up I would go into work with him as often as possible; I believe the love for the camera is just in my blood.
It’s because of him I realized it’s possible to truly love your job.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Landing season 2 of Talkin’ Horses. I love the crew; filming the first season, the team grew really close. I was sad when season one ended because I thought that might be it and I wasn’t sure if anyone was really tuning in. But the ratings were good so we were given the chance to do it all over again, this time twice with as many episodes!
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20years?
In five years’ time I hope to be married with kids living on a ranch with a horse or two and making an income from what I’m passionate about (probably still TV reporting and/or abstract art).
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Only do what you love!
Take time to yourself to truly figure out what you’re passionate about. What you truly want as a career. The tricky part is figuring out what you want. Once you know what you want to be doing with your life, continue to keep holding that vision and things will eventually fall into place. And take those scary risks. It will always work out for you in the end.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
One place I support that’s close to my heart is the Renascent Treatment Centre. Help for alcoholism/addiction should be available to everyone. This facility teaches sober living and has helped members of my family.
We’re planning a golf tournament to raise money for Renascent, and to commemorate my younger brother Spencer, who passed in October from the disease of addiction.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Letting go of jobs I’m not passionate about. It was scary at first, but everything’s working out very well for me.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
If someone’s “notable,” they might be able to help or inspire another person.
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1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Every special occasion (like getting asked to be on Notable.ca), my fiancé and I go to Oyster Boy (downtown TO, at Queen and Strachan) to celebrate. We just love the laidback atmosphere and the delicious food!
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
I’m always on Instagram.
There’s a song that really hit home for me, my fiancé just showed it to me. It’s called “Brother” by Hannah Epperson, a BC-based artist who also has a brother who has gone down a similar path.
The instruments and lyrics are just so perfect; it makes me very emotional. It’s the first time I’ve felt really connected to a musician on another level.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
My crazy-talented artist (older) brother Tyler Tilley.
He’s the most inspiring person ever, travelling the world living off his painting sales. Currently he’s living in Bangkok.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Ireland. My fiancé and I are getting married in that magical country in our favourite town, called Dingle. Everyone assumes one of us is Irish, but no; he proposed to me there and we just love it.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Knowing there’s a huge horserace going on (could even be on the other side of the world, like Melbourne) and not being there in person, wearing a big fascinator, makes me sad.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Collecting PEZ dispensers. I have about 200. What I plan to do with them all one day? I have absolutely no idea.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Gluten-free and organic groceries are so expensive it’s annoying, but my fiancé’s celiac and we both like to eat healthy – so what ya gonna do?
I wish I spent more money on going on even more trips. I love travelling to Europe but I hope to see all of Canada one day.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
To me success is being financially stable while working at your dream job(s).
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