In the latest CREB®Cast episode, the 2025 T.W.H. (Bill) Saunders Memorial Award REALTOR® of the Year, Lori Olijnyk shares lessons from 16 years in real estate and a decade in oil and gas as a surface landman—where relationship-building, trust, and verifiable information were everything.

Lori explains how volunteering (including six years on the CREB® Board of Directors and five on the Critical Illness Benefit Society) builds connection in a “lonely job,” strengthens the profession as a community and broadens perspectives.

She also recalls the surprise and full-circle moment of receiving the award, offers advice to new REALTORS®, and previews an accessibility housing focus inspired by her father becoming an amputee.

In this CREB® Cast episode, Olympian skeleton racer Mirela Rahneva shares how perseverance and mindset shaped her athletic career and now influence her work in real estate.

Mirela also discusses the sport’s speed and culture, her Olympic experiences (12th in Pyeongchang 2018, a track-record first run in Beijing 2022 followed by a drop and a climb back to 5th), and lessons about reframing thoughts under pressure.

She explains how she entered Calgary real estate through renovating and legalizing a suite, her interest in helping athletes relocate, and the value of integrity, feedback, resiliency, and asking the right questions. She also describes her full-time role in partnership development at KidSport Calgary and her continued involvement in skeleton through occasional coaching support.

It’s May, men’s mental health month, and our newest CREB® Cast episode features Derek Thistle. After a 17-year career with the Calgary Police Service and struggling with his mental health, Derek earned his real estate license during medical leave and ultimately committed to the switch from cop to CREB®.

In this conversation, he breaks down how policing skills such as communication, de-escalation, an investigative mindset, stress tolerance, and deep neighbourhood knowledge have translated into client trust, sharper negotiations and safer showings.

Derek also talks candidly about the “golden handcuffs” of policing, shifting definitions of success, and why real estate wins through empathy, relationships, and consistent follow-up.

If you need immediate mental health support, Distress Centre Calgary provides free, 24/7 crisis support by phone, text, or chat at 403-266-HELP (4357). This includes the Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8.

Resources for mental health support and addiction in Calgary: https://www.calgary.ca/social-services/mental-health/resources.html