Today’s Notable Young Professional is Trudi Chalmers, who develops programs to help people live their best lives using research in the areas of psychology and behavioural neuroscience. What was the inspiration behind her career route? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I leverage research in the areas of psychology and behavioural neuroscience to help develop programs that allow people to live their best life – whether it is associates living their best life at work, or clients living their best life in retirement.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I first started with ATB Investor Services as a consultant – working on a project that was innovative and industry leading. I loved the culture and the opportunities that were available, so when they asked me to join full-time, I couldn’t say no. I’m excited to be working in a role that leverages my academic background for unique and challenging projects. I can’t say that I had a plan when I switched from academia to banking… but I can say that I have no regrets.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The main project I’m working on right now revolves around helping associates and clients live the best life they can now, while also planning for the future. The best part of my work is taking scientific research and developing programs knowing that will have a huge positive impact on people’s lives. The most challenging part is integrating theory into what’s realistic – grounding what is known scientifically into what is ‘realistic’ from a business perspective.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Given that five years ago I could never have predicted that I’d be where I am today, I have a tough time predicting where I might be five years from now. I love my current role and I’m very new in it. As long as I have the opportunity to be creative and feel as though I’m having a meaningful and positive impact, I’m happy.
What does success look like to you?
I feel that success must be individually defined, and changes according to life experience. For me at this moment, success is growth and development (both personally and at work). As long as I feel that I’m growing towards realizing my full potential, I feel successful.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You have to work hard and create the life you want! No one is successful based on luck. It may look like good fortune from the outside, but it’s always hard work, and creating the experiences and opportunities you want, that’s behind it. Don’t sit back and wait for opportunities to fall into your lap.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I volunteer at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. It breaks my heart that abuse remains so prevalent in our society.
What to you is notable?
Passion and purpose.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
