Detours & Destinations is a WTS podcast spotlighting the real career journeys of women across the transportation sector. We share candid stories, leadership lessons, and pivotal career moments from a diverse group of guests—representing different educational paths, ethnic backgrounds, career stages, and sectors of the industry. Designed for busy professionals, the podcast delivers meaningful insights you can take with you, wherever your path leads.
Episode 05 - Building Your Own Track - Li-Lian Lui On Having The Courage To Start Your Own Business
What happens when the career path you thought you were building takes a few unexpected turns?
In the newest episode of WTS Toronto Area Chapter’s Detours and Destinations podcast, we’re joined by transportation and infrastructure professional Li-Lian Lui, Owner Operator of PARTUM Consulting Inc., who shares an honest look at the twists, challenges and choices that shaped her career. The discussion takes us from working in the railway industry to becoming an entrepreneur.
We talk about what it means to take a risk, learn from experiences that don’t go as planned, and build a career that reflects your own values. We also hear stories from the railway industry, lessons learned under pressure, and the importance of having the right people supporting you both at work and at home.
In this episode, Li-Lian and our hosts explore:
Making the leap from employee to entrepreneur, and learning from a failed partnership
Navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry and the importance of strong leaders and mentors
Rethinking the idea that women have to choose between motherhood and a successful career
Knowing when to walk away from a workplace that isn’t the right fit
Building a business around your values, finding your niche and never burning bridges
9 Sept 2026
Episode 04 - Life in Motion - Sam Reynolds on Career Pivots, Family, and Finding Direction
A strategic commercial leader, known for shaping the delivery of complex, high-impact initiatives, Samantha (Sam) Reynolds shares her story with honesty, resilience and authenticity. From earning her MBA while raising a young family, to balancing professional ambition with motherhood, Sam reflects on the challenges, risks and opportunities that have contributed to her growth and leadership journey.
Sam speaks candidly on the realities many women facein the workplace, including pregnancy discrimination, parenting demands, imposter syndrome, and navigating the physical and internal changes that come with different stages of life. Her journey provides inspiration for moving beyond any judgement and taking control of your own path.
5 Aug 2026
Episode 03 - Technical Expert or Project Manager? Mei Cheong on Navigating Your Career Path
Full of energy, optimism, and a genuine passion for people, Mei Cheong draws from her global experience, bringing a refreshing perspective to the conversation on navigating your career path. Whether you're considering a future as a technical expert or exploring the path to project management, Mei highlights the value and impact of both journeys. Her vibrant outlook serves as a reminder that there is no single path to success. She also addresses burnout with honesty and compassion, reminding us that career growth is not always a straight line. Mei's message is simple but powerful: success comes from doing work you love, staying curious, and having the confidence to chart your own path.
9 Jul 2026
Episode 02 - The Tough Feedback That Accelerated My Career - Eve Wiggins on Leadership Lessons that No One Teaches You
We sit down with Eve Wiggins as she reflects on the candid feedback, unexpected turns, and pivotal decisions that have shaped her leadership journey. An accomplished C-suite leader, Eve shares how she has navigated the challenges of building a career across different industries — carrying forward the lessons, tools, and perspectives from each experience to create new opportunities.
Through honest reflections on feedback, resilience, and self-awareness, Eve reminds us that meaningful growth often starts with the willingness to look inward — and use every experience as a building block for what comes next.
8 Jun 2026
Episode 01 - What Does An Engineer Look Like - Hilda Esedebe on Being Bold in the Face of Judgement
Hilda Esedebe, a proud engineer with experience across both the public and private sectors, shares her story with honesty, energy, and insight. She speaks about defying expectations, embracing authenticity, and refusing to fit into narrow definitions of what an engineer “should” look like. With boldness and grace, Hilda reflects on navigating tokenism, challenging the stigma of being a single woman, and proving her worth—while reminding us of the importance of learning and growing from our mistakes. She also shares how her Nigerian upbringing and strong support network have shaped her journey, along with a few fun and unexpected game show adventures along the way.
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