Today’s Notable Young Professional is Global News meteorologist Ross Hull and former ‘Student Bodies’ and ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ star Ross Hull, who we caught up with to find out about his career inspiration and advice for other young professionals…
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters.
I’m a meteorologist. I forecast weather across the country, create graphics to explain it, offer context on TV, Twitter, you name it – I’m a one-stop weather machine!
What was the inspiration for your career route?
Storytelling. It’s why I started acting and the reason I got into weather and broadcast journalism. I started off my career telling scary stories around a campfire. Now, as a meteorologist, I’m dealing with reality, which at times, with certain weather phenomena, can be awe-inspiring – but just as terrifying.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
My professional career has evolved in stages. At first, it was being a lead on a popular TV show. Then, it was completing my meteorology schooling. Now, it’s being able to do what I love every day and work for a company and team dedicated to doing it right.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In five years, working with the next generation of 3D technology graphics to literally take viewers (watching from who knows where) into the eye of the storm.
In 10 years, working with computer forecast models that cannot only pinpoint weather seven days out accurately, but can also tell me which team will win the Stanley Cup that year.
In 20 years, I want to be able to live on a cloud – literally, not virtually.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be flexible. Work smart. Don’t be lazy. Aim to be that rock star, hit-it-out-of-the-park person, but do it with grace and without the need to mow over whoever is in your way. In my experience, those types burn out quickly.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I think it’s important to give back and lend my support to several charities, including WWF-Canada (I want this country to be just as blessed with magnificent natural resources for future generations) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation (two of my grandparents died of heart disease).
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
My shyness. As a kid and teen, acting forced me to confront it and I still battle with it at times. I think the ability to get up on stage and in front of the camera made me realize I do have a voice that people will listen to and engage with. There arose a growing, quiet confidence.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Call me an idealist, but I’d say it’s when success and accomplishment collide to elevate someone to prominence without an out-of-control ego getting in the way.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I have pretty eclectic tastes and the amazing thing about my neighbourhood is that there’s no lack of choice – Fresh (feeling healthy), Luckee (craving some fusion), and La Palette (when my French half craves some attention).
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
After globalnews.ca (shameless plug) and the infinite weather sites, a Montreal blog devoted to the Habs – sigh, I will miss you P.K. Top song on my phone? Hold on, checking… Oh boy, really? Hello by Adele. I guess I was feeling melancholic after a relationship break-up a few months back.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Until he/she stopped tweeting it was definitely God (@TheTweetofGod)! Now, hard to choose between @WilliamShatner and @JeremyClarkson.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
France (need I say more?). Japan and Iceland.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
A brilliant, hot summer day and being stuck in traffic on the way to the cottage.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Binge watching Homeland.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Clothes. Travel.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Fulfillment on both a professional and spiritual level. Not sweating the small stuff. A work-life balance that allows for rewarding relationships.
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