Question Everything

What does it take to create change as a young Canadian? Rick Mercer began influencing Canadian politics and journalism as a CBC commentator at age seventeen. Rick went on to become one of the creators of This Hour Has 22 Minutes and the host of The Rick Mercer Report, which launched it’s fourteenth season this fall. In the season finale of Question Everything, Rick shares the story of how he got his first job at CBC while he was working as a dishwasher, and reflects on how the media landscape has changed over the years. He shares the most valuable lesson he’s learned from interviewing leaders from across the country, and discusses why he's more optimistic than ever before. http://www.citr.ca/radio/question-everything/episodes/

Tim Urban is the co-founder, illustrator, and author behind the brilliant blog "Wait But Why." In this episode of Question Everything, Tim explains how Wait But Why grew from a side project into an online community with an enormous following. Tim shares some of the lessons he learned while studying at Harvard and discusses why he believes that building friendships studying subjects you are passionate about in college is more important than focusing on grades. Tim also talks about how he’s learned to deal with criticism by putting it in to context, which has allowed him to overcome the fear of sharing his work online.

What does it take to unlock your creative potential? Lina Plioplyte is the creative cinematographer and director of the Advanced Style Documentary, which is part of the best-selling series by Ari Seth Cohen that celebrates the life and style of older men and women. Lina has worked on girls education projects with Maybelline and Glamour, and has an impressive list of clients ranging from Aritizia to Calvin Klien and Dior. In this episode of Question Everything, we discuss how Lina came to the US from Lithuina to pursue her passion for journalism and how she got her start as an intern at Nylon Magazine. She shares some of the lessons she learned about aging and creativity through directing the Advanced Style film, and talks about the importance of seizing opportunities and learning while you're young.

What does it take to build a successsful company? As the co-founder of Starbucks, Zev Siegl knows what it takes to build successful companies from the ground up. In today’s episode, Zev shares business advice with young entrepreneurs and reinforces the importance of creating a detailed financial plan. He discusses the challenges he faced when Starbucks first opened in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, and shares the most valuable lessons he’s learned through starting his own companies and mentoring hundreds of young entrepreneurs.

What does it take to excel in a fast-paced work environment? Who better to ask than New York Times Art Director, Richard Aloisio?  Richard is the Art Director of the Weekend and Daily Arts sections of the New York Times, and is one of the most creative and best-dressed New Yorkers in the city.  In today’s episode of Question Everything, Richard talks about why he wanted to quit during his first two-and-a-half years at the New York Times and shares valuable advice for young people who feel overwhelmed by a new job or position. We also discuss why it’s important to never give up too quickly and reflect on what it takes to succeed while working in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.

What does it take to be a leader? In this episode of Question Everything, we learn from the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Steve Forbes. Forbes is America's leading business magazine and Forbes.com reaches nearly 70 million users each month. Mr. Forbes is also the author of a number of books and was a presidential candidate for the republican party in 1996 and 2000. In today's episode, Mr. Forbes shares his experiences in college and talks about how he started his first magazine as a student. We also discuss what it takes to be effective communicator, and how to deal with criticism and pressure in leadership roles, whether as a politician or entrepreneur. This episode of Question Everything aired on CITR Radio 101.9 FM, Vancouver BC. For a full replay of the episode, visit www.citr.ca/?s=question+everything

What does it take to have a successful career as a designer? In this episode of Question Everything, we learn how shoe designer and entrepreneur John Fluevog began his career as a designer, and discuss the most important characteristics young employees and entrepreneurs must have in order to be successful. John talks about the importance of staying true to yourself and to your vision, and shares the most important lesson that he's learned through more than 45 years of experience.