Sam Turgeon-Brabazon

My Skills Journey  

In 2015, I competed in my Skill Area of Workplace Safety and won the gold medal at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) 2015, in Saskatoon. Prior to, and ever since that event, Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) has had an exceptional influence on my life. Whether it was giving me incredible professional learning opportunities or providing access to amazing subject matter experts as mentors, it’s been clear the SCC team cares for its competitors, alumni, and the skilled trade and technology community across Canada. 

Joining the National Alumni Committee  

Volunteers make up a significant portion of the Skills Canada team. So, I felt compelled to join the National Alumni Committee (NAC) to give back to the organization that’s done so much for me. I’m also representing my home province of Ontario and acknowledging all that Skills Canada Ontario has done for me. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to interact with diverse individuals from each province and territory on the NAC. 

Overcoming Career Barriers  

I used to credit perfectionism with having helped me reach every milestone I’d achieved in my life. Yet, perfectionism was also the biggest barrier to reaching my next level of growth. I eventually embraced “doing the best that I could” to achieve success in my studies and my personal and professional life. I no longer needed to be perfect. Today, I’m proud to have graduated as one of the top students in my class and am preparing to launch my startup in the coming months. 

Proudest Moment  

My proudest career moment is my founding of ‘AudioBio’, an AI-enabled biotechnology startup that’s poised to disrupt the AgriTech industry. Bringing an idea into reality is both exceptionally exciting and rewarding. It’s thanks to SCC that I gained the skills and courage to be able to do so.