Gail Ordogh certainly isn’t camera shy, a characteristic that has had a profound impact on her success working several high-profile television positions. What does success mean to her? Find out in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
As a Presenter at Travelers Network, I monitor police scanners, traffic cameras, Twitter feeds and weather information so that we can tell people exactly what is going on, on the roads, as it happens! Unlike your old GPS app, Travelers Network takes into account the things that get you stuck in traffic so that you can avoid them and plan the best way to get where you are going. I provide LIVE traffic reports on major highway routes in the GTA for Travelers Network’s site, APP and on The Weather Network. I also contribute regularly to Travelers Network social media accounts like YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was attracted to Travelers Network as a start up that would let me combine my digital experience and on-camera skills. Truth be told, I always dreamed of working for Pelmorex/The Weather Network as a “Weather Girl,” so being involved with Pelmorex and this new venture from the beginning was an opportunity I felt very fortunate to have. I was also very excited to be involved with a start-up that takes your old GPS or mapping app to the next level. Travelers Network is without a doubt the most sophisticated routing engine I have ever seen. It takes into consideration traffic flow, construction, collisions and weather conditions so drivers have a truly accurate picture of their commute. It truly is the way of the future. On top of that, I hate traffic more than ANYONE!!!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day to day is communicating with people through social media and providing helpful relevant information to ease your commute and aggravation during travels. One of the most challenging aspects of my job is when active weather impacts the drive. It’s so busy during rush hour already… add a mountain of snow and the amount of collisions doubles! The second most challenging part is wearing high heels for eight hours a day. After seven months of doing it, I finally figured out that if the framing is from the waist up, I can get away with wearing slippers. Credit to my colleague Stacey Englehart and all The Weather Network pros for showing me the ropes!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still learning about social media and teaching others the best practices in the evolution of digital media. I would love to consult on social media strategy while continuing to work as a presenter. I could also see myself training new presenters, not only on their performance, but also on ways to utilize social media to their advantage.
What does success look like to you?
Pride in what you do. Enjoying work and life, being excited for the day.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Hard to pick just one. Recognition from my peers by being nominated for a Notable Award was a milestone I will always be proud of. Being the game host for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Speaking at Mesh Marketing and Social Media Week events. I will always remember having a one-on-one interview with UFC President Dana White and my first time on The Weather Network when Suzanne Leonard gave me a hug.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Even though it is important to have a plan, that doesn’t mean you have to stick to it. Never give up! You have no chance, if you don’t try.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
There are so many worthwhile charities that I contribute to regularly. One of the closest to my heart is The David Suzuki Foundation. For the last three years I have been an ambassador for the Foundation, helping workplaces create a sustainability plan through the David Suzuki at Work Program. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, because I’ve had Crohn’s since I was a teenager. Only for my Dad, my gramps and The Heart and Stroke Foundation would I volunteer be a bachelorette auctioned off in support of ‘Love a Heart’. In loving memory of my dearest Uncle Joe, Auntie Judy, Uncle Lawrie (Dragon’s Den), and friends Angela and Georgette I regularly participate in Put Cancer on Ice, Movember, and support The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society to support cancer research to find a cure, so that none of us never have to lose another loved one to cancer.
What to you is notable?
Inspiring others to exceed your accomplishments and leaving behind more leaders than followers.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone, Mac baby!