From sheet metal worker to Dean of Skilled Trades and Technologies at Red River College Polytech — Derek Kochenash’s career proves there’s no single path to leadership.

In this episode, he shares how his dad pushed him into his first job at 6:30 a.m., what it took to balance family life while earning multiple degrees, and how he overcame imposter syndrome to lead more than 70 programs across construction, aviation, and manufacturing.

Derek breaks down why the trades aren’t Plan B — they’re one of the smartest career moves you can make — and how Red River College is reshaping opportunities for women, Indigenous students, and underrepresented groups in the skilled trades.