Caterina Petrolo – Advocacy, Entrepreneurship and Indigenous Rights

Caterina Petrolo, an advocate, found her life profoundly shaped by her relationship with her common-law partner, whose struggles with obtaining his Aboriginal status opened her eyes to the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.

This experience sparked a deep personal connection and commitment in Caterina to support Indigenous communities. Now, she balances her advocacy work with her entrepreneurial ventures, driven by her passion for social justice and her desire to make a positive impact. In addition to her advocacy, Caterina Petrolo has also applied her legal knowledge in various capacities, further enhancing her ability to navigate the complexities of both law and social justice.

What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?

My day starts with getting ready and taking care of my dogs, which helps set a positive tone for the day. I head to the gym by 8:30 a.m. to train with my personal trainer, which keeps me physically fit and mentally sharp. Afterward, I’m at work by 10 a.m., where I stay focused and productive until 4 p.m. Once home, I prepare dinner and then shift my focus to my studies in Indigenous Studies. Evenings are dedicated to reading and attending online class lessons. I stay organized by maintaining a structured routine and a healthy diet, which are crucial for staying productive throughout the day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life by setting realistic expectations, which ensures that my goals are achievable. I also engage in extensive research, utilizing resources like Google to gather information and refine my ideas. This methodical approach helps me develop ideas into practical, actionable plans, whether in business, advocacy, or my role as a paralegal.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I’m particularly excited about artificial intelligence. It’s a field that’s rapidly evolving and has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. The advancements in AI, from automation to machine learning, are fascinating to me because they represent the future of technology. Additionally, I’m also intrigued by trends in travel and food, which offer new experiences and insights into different cultures and lifestyles.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

One habit that significantly boosts my productivity is realistic goal-setting. By setting achievable goals, I can focus on what needs to be done without becoming overwhelmed. This approach allows me to break down larger tasks into manageable steps, ensuring steady progress and keeping me motivated throughout the process.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could advise my younger self, I’d say to learn to let things go and not worry so much about what others think. This mindset shift would have saved me a lot of stress and helped me focus more on what truly matters. I’d also tell myself to never turn down opportunities, even if the timing doesn’t seem perfect, because you never know what doors those opportunities might open.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

One thing I consistently do and recommend to others is to have a consistent routine. A regular schedule helps create stability and predictability, which are essential for managing the many demands of entrepreneurship. I also rely on apps and reminders to stay organized and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. This habit of using technology to manage my time and tasks is something I believe everyone can benefit from.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.

A strategy that has been crucial to my business growth is being strong-willed and persistent. These qualities have helped me overcome obstacles and push forward even when faced with challenges. By staying determined and not giving up, I’ve been able to navigate difficult situations and find solutions that have allowed my business to thrive. This persistence has been key to achieving long-term success.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

One of my failures as an entrepreneur was spreading myself too thin by taking on too many tasks. This led to burnout and reduced productivity. To overcome this, I took a step back to regroup and refocus my efforts. I learned to prioritize my tasks, cut out unnecessary activities, and delegate work when possible. By doing so, I was able to regain control, improve efficiency, and prevent the same mistake from happening again.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)

The best $100 I recently spent was on a Fitbit watch. I initially purchased it for personal use, but it has had a significant impact on my day-to-day health and productivity. The fitness watch helps me monitor my physical activity, track my sleep, and even keep an eye on my heart rate. This information has been invaluable in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that I stay active, which, in turn, improves my overall productivity.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

One piece of software that I find incredibly useful is the Structured Daily Planner. It’s an online app that helps me organize my day by allowing me to input tasks, meetings, deadlines, and personal to-do lists. The app provides alerts and notifications, ensuring that I stay on top of my schedule. By using this tool, I can structure my day more effectively, which helps me stay focused and productive.

What is the one book that you recommend our community read, and why?

I highly recommend the 8th Fire (audio DVD or book). This series is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning about Aboriginal peoples, Canada, and the path forward for improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It offers deep insights into Indigenous cultures, the hardships they’ve faced, and the importance of repairing relationships for future generations. It’s a must-read for anyone committed to social justice and reconciliation.

What is your favorite quote?

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” This quote resonates with me because it reflects the resilience and strength needed to overcome life’s challenges, whether in personal or professional endeavors.

We would like to thank Caterina Petrolo for her time and for sharing her valuable insights with us. Her dedication to advocacy and entrepreneurship is truly inspiring, and we appreciate her openness in this interview.

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