12: Double Family Tragedy to CEO & Political Influencer // The Story of Zane Novak
Background:
Zane Novak, from Calgary Alberta, Canada, is the President of the Kerby Centre, a charitable organization that has a mission to assist older people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, as residents in the community. His love for Calgary has led him to become very involved in the charitable side of the community. He is also the President of the ZKO Oilfield Industries, which introduces unique and innovative products and services into today’s industry.
Zane has experienced two tragic events that took the life of his mother and his son. These rock-bottom moments have made a big impact on his life and molded him to become the person he is today.
This Episode Brought to You By:
- Kerby Centre is a non-profit organization located in the west end of downtown Calgary. Dedicated to enhancing life for older Calgarians, Kerby Centre offers an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful community development and build a career in the charitable sector. The mission of the Kerby Centre is to assist older people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, as residents in the community . To see how you can assist, please visit their website at The Kerby Centre.
Time-Stamped Show Notes:
- 2:43 At 18 years old, Zane experienced his first rock bottom moment when his mom died from a car accident.
- 3:55 Zane also experienced hard lessons in business that cost him a lot of money.
- 7:31 He shares a personal story about his mother and how it molded him to become more forward in saying kind words to people.
- 11:06 Another very tragic event happened in Zane’s life, which he described as a thousand times more difficult than when his mother died.
- 15:25 He and his daughter became involved in different charitable organizations in Calgary.
- 21:33 Being raised as a Jehovah’s Witness in his earlier years, he became more resilient and sharpened his ability to talk to people.
- 27:57 If he could give advice to himself during those darkest moments, he would tell himself to avoid succumbing to the pressures of life.
- 29:56 Zane emphasizes on the importance of connections and networks.
- 32:22 Talking about the current COVID19 situation, Zane offers some advice on how to deal with this difficult moment.
- 36:26 He talks about his current company and how he got involved in the political arena in Alberta.
- 41:11 According to Zane, Alberta falls short when it comes to narrative. They have never explained to the people what Alberta brings to the table when it comes to the improvement and advancement of the country.
- 45:47 On the topic of which is stronger, circumstance or choice? Zane chooses the power of choice.
- 49:41 Zane knows that he still has to reach a lot of goals for Calgary and he is excited for the future.
This Episode Sponsored By:
- 20:14 Kerby Centre is a non-profit organization located in the west end of downtown Calgary. Dedicated to enhancing life for older Calgarians, Kerby Centre offers an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful community development and build a career in the charitable sector. The mission of the Kerby Centre is to assist older people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, as residents in the community . To see how you can assist, please visit their website at The Kerby Centre.
- 36:03 Zane is the President of the Kerby Centre, which is a center all across Canada for the 55-year-old and plus group. Their mission is to assist older people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, as residents within the community. If you want to help out their organization, you can visit their website: The Kerby Centre.
Key Point from the Interview:
- “Everybody’s grief is their own and they have to take ownership for it. It’s up to them to figure it out. Everybody will give words and advice, but everybody’s experience is so unique and I think that the most you can really do for someone when their grieving is just be there.”
- “Don’t allow your circumstances to dictate your future. Take control of what you want to do and where you want to go. No one else can do that for you. You have to do it yourself. If you’re not going to do it, you’re not going to move forward. And you’re going to succumb to your circumstances, and I refuse to.”
