Event:

Stop Calling Career Pivots 'Brave' - Sometimes They're Just Survival

  

Date:

Wed, Oct 7th, 2026

Time:

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Description:

In a world changing faster than ever, what can past reinventions teach us about adapting to what's ahead?

Career pivots are often celebrated as bold, courageous decisions. But for many people, major transitions aren't carefully planned acts of bravery - they're responses to circumstances beyond their control. Whether driven by layoffs, changing industries, economic pressures, health challenges, or simply realizing the path they were on no longer fit, many professionals have found themselves forced to rethink what comes next. As new technologies reshape industries and the future of work feels increasingly uncertain, this conversation explores what past reinventions can teach us about navigating change. Through honest, lived experience, our panelists will share the realities of starting over, the lessons they learned along the way, and the skills that helped them adapt when the path forward wasn't clear. Join us for an evening of candid conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the lessons that only come from living through change. Whether you're navigating a career shift, questioning what's next, or simply preparing for an uncertain future, you'll leave with practical insights, renewed perspective, and the reassurance that you're not navigating change alone.

Our Panelists

Tracy Medve: CEO, KF Aerospace | Board Chair, SkyAlyne
Tracy Medve has spent more than four decades navigating an industry defined by constant change. Beginning her career as a lawyer before making an unexpected move into aviation, she went on to lead major airlines, co-found an aerospace consulting firm, and now serves as CEO of KF Aerospace - one of Canada's largest aerospace maintenance and engineering companies. Throughout her career, Tracy has led organizations through industry disruption, economic shifts, and business transformation while helping shape the future of Canadian aviation. A passionate advocate for increasing opportunities for women in aviation and the skilled trades, she has been recognized as one of Canada's most influential leaders, including induction into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame and being named a BC Business Women of the Year Leader in 2026. Tracy brings a unique perspective on adapting through uncertainty, leading through change, and building a career that evolves alongside the industries it serves.

Mide Coker: Founder, Okanagan Echo | Communications & Engagement Strategist, UBC
Mide Coker has built a career at the intersection of communications, leadership, and community impact. Trained as a lawyer in Nigeria before forging a new path in Canada, she has continually adapted her skills across industries while staying rooted in the power of storytelling and human connection. Today, Mide is a Communications & Engagement Strategist at UBC Okanagan and the founder of Okanagan Echo, a growing media platform dedicated to celebrating the people, stories, and organizations shaping our region. Through her work, she has become a trusted voice for community engagement, inclusive leadership, and meaningful communication. Named one of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce's Top 40 Under 40 leaders, Mide brings a unique perspective on building a career across cultures, embracing change, and creating new opportunities through storytelling, leadership, and community.

Jillian White: President, MAKR Group
Jillian White is the President of MAKR Group, a family of companies that designs, manufactures, and builds spaces that bring communities together. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to evolve by embracing innovation, investing in new technologies, and building a people-first culture across multiple businesses. A lifelong entrepreneur and business leader, Jillian believes that standing still is rarely an option. Whether modernizing manufacturing, leading organizational change, or preparing her companies for an AI-enabled future, she has consistently focused on balancing innovation with the human side of leadership. Jillian brings a practical perspective on leading through transformation, balancing innovation with people, and building organizations that are ready for what's next.

Venue:

Accelerate Okanagan

Address:
201-460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna

Cost:

$25

Ticketing and/or registration:

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