Let's get into a story that's a bit personal, a bit unconventional, but all about the rollercoaster ride of my career journey. This one's for anyone who's ever felt a little lost on their career path.

Right after high school, I was a typical youngster, eager yet apprehensive about the future. I had dreams, sure, but there was a strong sense of reluctance towards continuing my education in a traditional setting.

The real kicker? I even failed an accounting unit. It wasn't due to its complexity — honestly, it was far from rocket science. I failed because I couldn't bring myself to attend classes. It was a period marked by confusion, a lack of direction, and an overwhelming sense of not belonging.

I ended up dropping out of University...

The turning point in my journey was subtle yet impactful. It came in the form of a simple suggestion from my mum. She stumbled upon a course in aircraft maintenance engineering and thought it might be a good fit for me.

At first, I was skeptical, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. This course was my introduction to a world where I felt at home. Holding a torque wrench, surrounded by flight simulators and complex technology, I discovered a passion I never knew I had. This phase was a stark contrast to my previous experiences. It was here that I realized that sometimes the best paths are the ones we stumble upon unexpectedly.

As the years passed, my journey took me deeper into the technical realm. I transitioned through roles at renowned companies like Thales, Boeing, Raytheon, and finally CAE. Each move was a learning experience, an opportunity to hone my skills and understand the industry better.

The leap into leadership didn't happen overnight. It was a gradual realization that dawned on me after I secured a promotion into a management role. Initially, it was daunting. The transition from being hands-on with technical work to managing people and projects was a significant shift.

It took about a year and a half in that role to truly understand what I was missing in my career. It wasn't the technical details that fulfilled me; it was the people aspect of the job. Being in a position to shape teams, drive projects, and witness the growth of individuals under my guidance was exhilarating. The real satisfaction came from seeing my team take my advice, implement it, and succeed—especially considering that many of them were more experienced than me. It was a humbling and empowering experience, a testament to the fact that good leadership transcends age and experience.

It was a baptism by fire, learning on the job, dealing with complex interpersonal dynamics, and making tough decisions. But with each challenge came growth, a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, and the realization that experience is indeed the best teacher.

To anyone out there feeling a bit lost or unsure about their career path, here's my message: It's completely okay to feel that way.

I've been in those shoes, walking a path shrouded in uncertainty. But remember, every twist and turn you encounter is shaping your journey.

Clichés are often grounded in truth, and here's one that holds: Believe in yourself, and you'll go far. The key is to keep exploring, stay curious, and never stop moving forward. Your passion and purpose are out there, sometimes hidden in the most unexpected places. And believe me, when you find it, it will be worth every step of the journey.

So, keep chasing those dreams, keep exploring your potential, and remember, I'm here to share this journey with you. Thanks for joining me today, and until next time, keep aiming high!

- Dan