The Freshstart Podcast

Dear Immigrants is a 5-10 minute weekly letter to immigrants on varying topics to help them navigate their journey.

The topic of today's episode is “5 ways to develop skills for the future of work” where I shared the top strategies for building the skills that will not only help you succeed, but thrive, in the future of work.

On this week's episode of the Freshstart podcast, I chat with Anthony Viel, CEO of Deloitte Canada.

During our conversation, AV opened up about his personal and professional journey, sharing both the highs and lows that have helped shape him into the incredible leader he is today.

In addition, we discussed the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in one's career, and how they can make all the difference in achieving success.

We also discussed the critical issue of underemployment of skilled immigrants in Canada and how the country can better manage this challenge and much more.

Whether you're a young professional just starting out or a seasoned veteran in the workforce, this episode is packed with actionable insights that you can immediately incorporate into your own life.

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn from one of Canada's top business leaders and gain a fresh perspective on your own career path.

Listen, enjoy, and share.

On this week's episode of the Freshstart podcast, I chat with Cheesan Chew, Chief Strategy Officer of Manifest Climate. Cheesan shares her personal journey and early struggles, as well as strategies for managing one's career. In addition, we discussed how companies can create a more inclusive workplace, particularly for women and immigrants. This episode is packed with actionable insights that you can incorporate into your life immediately.

Listen, enjoy, and share.

On this week's episode of the Freshstarthub podcast, I delved deep into a topic that hits close to home for me: how to avoid the comparison trap as an immigrant. As someone who has walked the path of a newcomer, I know firsthand how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to those around you.

But here's the thing: comparison is a thief of joy. It robs you of your progress, your confidence, and your happiness. And as an immigrant, you already have enough challenges to face without the added burden of constantly comparing yourself to others.

That's why I shared five practical steps in this episode and emotional stories from my journey because I want you to know that you're not alone and that it's possible to break free from the comparison trap.

So listen to this episode, dear friend, and share it with anyone you know who might benefit from these practical steps and emotional stories. Let's break free from the comparison trap and focus on our own unique journeys. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and for each other.

On this week's episode of the Freshstart podcast, I chat with Cheryl Tjok-A-Tam, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Change management in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of RBC Royal Bank.

In this episode, Cheryl shared her career journey and lessons learned. Cheryl shares her experiences and insights on how to navigate the corporate world as a Black woman, and how to overcome challenges and setbacks to achieve success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building strong relationships and networks is crucial for success in the corporate world, especially for Black women who face unique challenges and barriers.
2. Soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical skills for career advancement.
3. It's essential to have a growth mindset and be open to learning and development opportunities.
4. Having a support system of mentors and sponsors can be instrumental in achieving career goals.

This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn from the experiences and insights of a brilliant leader in the corporate world. It's ideal for professionals who are looking to navigate the workplace and overcome challenges to achieve success.

Cheryl's journey and lessons learned offer valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to advance their career and overcome obstacles in the workplace. Her experiences as a Black woman in a leadership role offer a unique perspective on diversity and inclusion in the corporate world.

If you know someone who is looking to advance their career or overcome challenges in the workplace, share this episode with them. Cheryl's story and lessons learned can help inspire and empower others to achieve success in their careers. Sharing this episode can also help raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Black women in the corporate world and the importance of creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

On this week's episode of the Freshstart podcast, I chat with Omo Akintan, Chief People Officer at University Pension Plan Ontario, who shares her remarkable story of building a career from the ground up as a Black woman. 

In this episode, we'll delve into Omo's personal experiences and the challenges she faced on her path to founding her passion.

Get ready to be inspired as we explore Omo's trailblazing leadership style, her innovative approach to culture and diversity, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you achieve your own path to greatness."

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On this week's episode of the Freshstart podcast, I chat with Tene Knibbs, a Partner at Deloitte, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and carving her own path in the business world. The discussion goes beyond just Tene's experiences transitioning to consulting, moving to a new country, and growing her career as a woman in corporate Canada. Listeners will also gain valuable insights on hiring skilled immigrants, a topic that is crucial in today's diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Throughout the conversation, Tene candidly shares her personal and professional experiences, highlighting the lessons she learned and the strategies she employed to succeed. Her journey is not only inspiring but also relatable, making it an excellent resource for anyone seeking inspiration or looking to gain insights from a successful leader.

Whether you are an aspiring executive, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about Tene's story, this podcast episode is not to be missed. It offers practical advice and actionable tips for anyone looking to navigate unknown territories and succeed in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

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This is Part 2 of "How to access funding for your startup with Naren Balakrishnan." If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, go back and listen to it. That is the episode before this because you'd need that for context. Now let's dive right into Part 2 of How to access funding for your startup with Naren Balakrishnan

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Startup founders and small business owners are facing difficulties in obtaining capital due to the current economic climate with investors, banks, and consumers becoming more cautious with the recent stock market crash and rising inflation rates. 

This has resulted in higher interest rates, making it more expensive to borrow money, and causing investors to seek more secure investment options with guaranteed returns, reducing the appetite for riskier startups. 

However, there are alternative ways to secure business support and funding.

On this week's episode, I chat with Naren Balakrishnan, Partner, R&D and Government Incentives at Grant Thornton LLP. 

Naren shared how startups can access funds in Canada, and much more.

Listen, enjoy, and share.

Dear Immigrants is a 5-10 minute weekly letter to immigrants on varying topics to help them navigate their journey.

The topic of today's episode is “is “Be willing to go through the process” where I shared five ways to help you enjoy the process.