Kyle Ingram

Brainstormer, Business leader, Connector, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Explorer, Global soul, Idea generator, Life mentor, Marketer, Photographer, Social entrepreneur, Student, World traveler, Writer/Editor

The last decade of my life has been largely spent in aviation as a commercial helicopter pilot. This has allowed me to manage challenging roles, and meet some amazing people. I have flown over 2500 hours and continually learned from each hour. I have conducted operations in Canada’s high arctic, the fog filled valleys of Vancouver Island and down to central Wyoming. I accomplished this by working for companies that maintain the highest quality of operations, and setting my achievement bar on par with theirs. This is important to me now as I maintain that same level of quality and carry this through into further endeavors. If there is one unique feature about myself, it is that I can adapt to most cultural or social situations with relative ease. I embrace the fact that I can remain objective and engage with individuals from all walks of life. This is also one of my favorite past times and something I look forward to utilizing more often in future roles. Over my 10 years in aviation I have moved from a hangar-floor sweeper, to a fuel delivery driver, to a flight dispatcher and logistic coordinator, and eventually to an experienced commercial helicopter pilot. This transition has been a corner stone in my life and has provided some remarkable opportunities and possibilities. Having humble beginnings is important to me as it provides a perspective on what every individual's position contributes to a company’s success. I make it my focus every day to remember where I came from and to help others succeed. Just as my mentors and managers did for me. A curiosity and passion for what I do is essential. I also believe that these two things do not present themselves willingly, but take time and effort to realize. I look forward to continually searching out new passions as an ever curious individual, and bringing humor and motivation to each and every entity I engage with.

I am passionate about challenging myself, learning new ideas and engaging with people. My most profound experiences have been while traveling and working. Each part of the planet I’ve explored has taught me something different, but it is the similarities that I find the most fascinating. For example, I recall working in the high Canadian arctic, when compared with traveling in South Central India. These are two places of extreme difference in weather, culture, and population that none-the-less show remarkable similarities. Both communities were were initially skeptical of an unfamiliar face. As I became acquainted with local customs and routines however, both cultures opened their doors and hearts to a stranger, and helped me understand who they were. These experiences were some of the most impactful and important ones in my life. While I was initially intimidated by my surroundings, I realized that the native inhabitants felt just as threatened. Through this mutual fear and curiosity, we were able to bond and create lasting relationships. This was the beginning of my interest and love of relationships. My travels characterize best who I am as an individual. At heart, I am an explorer of countries, cultures and peoples. Furthermore, I cherish the ideas learned from these experiences. My recent transition into commerce has been inspired by my mentors and managers. These people helped me get to where I am today, instill core values, and and taught me to never stop learning.

Adventure, Fitness, Health, Hiking, Philosophy, Photography, Pilot, Student, Travel

I was inspired to host a TEDx Talk because of the extreme generosity and passion demonstrated by individuals within the Royal Roads community. As a mature student, I have been inspired by the “ideas worth spreading” within our university community. Many instructors at Royal Roads are Associate Faculty whom are well known leaders and teacher-practitioners within their field. Showcasing their thoughts and ideas has the potential to benefit the RRU community, strengthen existing bonds and help to form new ones. My hope is that this event will help to bridge the gap between programs and students by showcasing common ideas and interests that are shared throughout our campus. Attending Royal Roads has greatly changed my outlook on life for the better. Being able to work and learn alongside some very impactful professors and fellow learners has inspired me to share what I can with my community and beyond. Specifically, to share the ideas of social enterprise, service learning and the power of green spaces. I think the best way to do this is through a TEDx event. Fostering relationships and helping people to reinvent themselves is part of what makes Royal Roads so special. RRU is a university with strong partnerships - connecting students, faculty, staff and alumni and the communities we serve. Royal Roads University members also acknowledge that we learn, work, and live on the traditional lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lkwungen (Songhees) ancestors and families. These connections with our heritage gives Royal Roads a unique perspective on our connection with the land and community. A perspective valuable and worth sharing with the world.