Gill Munn; Toronto; @Gill_the_Thrill
Let’s say we’ve just met at a cocktail party. How would you describe, in a nutshell, what you do?
I would say I’m in the business of changing people’s lives.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to school for fitness, and also social work.
What was your first paying gig out of school? (In your field, or not.)
As a personal trainer.
What was your BIG break? How did you land it?
I don’t think I’ve had a big break—it’s more been a series of seizing great opportunities.
Describe the moment in which you first realized, I think this is actually going to work out?
When I promoted to the master trainer position at Elle Fitness and Social. I’ve been with Elle for a long time, but when I was promoted, that’s when it really felt like, “Okay, this is really cool. I’m doing it.”
What would you say has been your biggest failure or shortcoming, career-wise, to date? How did you bounce back?
I’ve had some small setbacks from trusting the wrong people—not believing my first judgment, and following someone else’s judgement, for example. It’s a learning curve, though. You can’t dwell on the past, you have to use it as a learning experience to make me into a better decision maker. Because I don’t like wasting time.
Name one piece of career advice you always give.
Find something that you love to do, then find a way to do it.
What’s the worst career advice you’ve ever gotten?
I’ve been told to be more serious. I take my business very seriously and I work really hard, but my personality is me—I’m goofy and a little bit obnoxious and I have a sense of humour and that’s what makes me, me.
Did you deal with barriers in your field because you are a woman? If so, what were they?
No—mainly because I really don’t take shit from people, but also because Elle Fitness and Social is the leading women’s fitness facility in Toronto, so I feel like being a woman has helped me get to the top of this girl gang.
Are you making a fair income for your work? Why or why not? Do you have a side hustle for extra cash? If so, what is it?
I would say I work hard and I’m compensated fairly. I bartend on the weekends, partially for extra cash, but it’s also great for networking. All I do is meet people, every day, all day!
What’s the worst stereotype you’ve heard about millennials at work?
That we’re entitled and don’t work hard.
