This piece, Trust the Process, is a reflection on my winding and creative career path from arts and broadcasting to tech and marketing. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t always linear, and sometimes the best opportunities come when you lean into uncertainty and stay open to what’s next.

When I was younger, I wasn’t one of those kids who knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up. I might have said veterinarian or actress at one point, but there was never a clear or burning direction. What I did know, though, was that I loved to create. Whether it was art, theatre, or photography, creativity was where I thrived. My sister used to call me “The Electives Queen.” While I wasn’t bringing home top marks in math or science, I proudly collected awards in art and drama year after year and those accomplishments ultimately earned me a full Rutherford Scholarship.

Despite my creative strengths, I wasn’t sure where to go next after high school. I didn’t want to jump into university without some sense of direction. So, I took a gap year and traveled to Vietnam, volunteering at a service industry school helping students practice English in real-life settings like table service and housekeeping. That experience didn’t give me all the answers, but it confirmed the value of human connection and the importance of purpose-driven work.

When I returned home, my sister encouraged me to look into Mount Royal University’s Broadcasting program. It seemed like a way to channel my creativity into something new and practical. I applied, interviewed, and was accepted. That program opened up a world of possibilities—from radio to television production to storytelling. A standout moment for me was learning from Rick Castiglione, a journalist and documentarian who inspired my dream of becoming a National Geographic filmmaker or maybe even a producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

At the end of the program, I completed a practicum as a news reporter in Prince George. It was exciting and intense, but it confirmed that hard news wasn’t my passion. I could do it, but it didn’t make me come alive the way creative storytelling did. That realization led me to launch a wedding videography business with a friend (and later, my husband), which allowed me to blend love stories, film, and celebration in a meaningful way.

Life, however, doesn’t always follow a script. After a contract with a ministry ended, I needed a stable job, and my sister helped me find a role at Olympia Trust Company. I took a position as an Exempt Market Coordinator—a role far removed from anything I had envisioned. But I needed income, and I told myself it was temporary.

What I didn’t know then was that this “temporary” job would be the beginning of something much bigger.

Over the years, I continued to reflect on what I wanted in a career. I realized I was also strong in organization and operations and began expressing interest in executive assistant-type roles. At the time, there weren’t any openings but I kept sharing my aspirations with my leaders. Eventually, that persistence paid off. I was invited to meet with the VP of a new tech division, Exempt Edge, and offered a role that combined operations, development support, and client services.

At Exempt Edge, we started small, which meant I got to wear many hats, something I loved. Over time, I carved out a dual focus in executive support and marketing. I continued to speak up about my goals, and the company supported my growth by funding my Graphic Design Certificate of Achievement from SAIT. I also took additional courses in UX/UI and design through Coursera, helping me refine my creative edge.

When I was offered a more permanent marketing position within the company, I was both excited and terrified, as leaving the comfort of my current role felt daunting. But I took the leap, trusting the process once again.

I was offered the chance to leave Exempt Edge and join the full marketing team at Olympia Trust Company, where I would get to serve in a marketing role supporting all of the divisions within the Olympia organization.

Since joining the Olympia marketing team, I’ve had the chance to lead projects that speak to both my creativity and my values. One of the highlights has been spearheading our International Women’s Day campaign. Olympia’s slogan is “With Us It’s Personal,” and I pitched the idea of featuring the incredible women in our leadership team. The campaign involved organizing a professional photoshoot and creating visuals that highlighted their impact across the organization. It was unlike anything we’d done before, and watching it move from idea to execution was a defining moment in my career.

Now, in my role as Lead Marketing Specialist, I get to use so many of the skills I’ve collected along the way. I run our in-house studio, produce videos, and tell stories that reflect who we are as a company. It’s the kind of work that energizes me and makes me feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

So, what’s next for me? I’m not entirely sure and that’s okay. If this journey has taught me anything, it’s that the road may not be linear, but it leads you where you’re meant to go if you keep showing up, keep learning, and keep asking for what you want.

Trust the process. I’m so glad I did.

My LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alix-m-sullivan