Intercultural Insiders

Part Two of a two-part conversation: Luki is a career coach who has found his purpose helping others find theirs. He is a former computer scientist turned management consultant and campus recruiter turned educator and entrepreneur. He shares SIWIKE “Stuff I Wish I Knew Earlier” to elevate education through soft skills learning.

Some of the things we talk about in part two:

• Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Luki suggests spending 80% of your time exploring new experiences and only 20% in your comfort zone. He encourages listeners to challenge themselves by attending events like Toastmasters or improv comedy nights.

• The Importance of Volunteering: Luki emphasizes that even an hour a week can be dedicated to volunteering. It's not just about giving back, but also about connecting with like-minded individuals and potential networking opportunities.

This is the last episode of 2023. Stay tuned for future special episodes, and for the second season in early 2024!

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Part One of a two-part conversation: Luki is a career coach who has found his purpose helping others find theirs. He is a former computer scientist turned management consultant and campus recruiter turned educator and entrepreneur. He shares SIWIKE “Stuff I Wish I Knew Earlier” to elevate education through soft skills learning.

Some of the things we talk about in part one:

• The Power of Networking: Luki emphasizes the importance of not just knowing people but also being known by senior executives. He shares his experience of doing excellent work but not getting promoted as quickly as others who were better connected.

• Bridging Cultural Gaps: Luki's journey of bridging his Eastern and Western identities is a testament to the power of embracing different mindsets and possibilities. He encourages individuals to explore different career paths and not limit themselves to traditional professions.

• Challenges for International Students: Luki discusses the struggles international students face when looking for work. He advises them to translate academic knowledge into tangible experiences such as part-time jobs or internships and to familiarize themselves with the local culture.

Next Episode: Part Two with Luki. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, November 22nd st at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, November 27th.

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Part Two of a two-part conversation: Miguel is a former leader in a top Mexican coffee company now residing in Canada. Despite impressive credentials, his early years here were defined by survival jobs, shaking his confidence. With resilient determination and mentorship, he transformed his path, achieving his "Canadian Dream." Today, Miguel helps countless newcomers find meaningful employment faster.

In this second part of our conversation, we discuss:

• The Power of Networking: Luki emphasizes the importance of not just knowing people but also being known by senior executives. He shares his experience of doing excellent work but not getting promoted as quickly as others who were better connected.

• Bridging Cultural Gaps: Luki's journey of bridging his Eastern and Western identities is a testament to the power of embracing different mindsets and possibilities. He encourages individuals to explore different career paths and not limit themselves to traditional professions.

• Challenges for International Students: Luki discusses the struggles international students face when looking for work. He advises them to translate academic knowledge into tangible experiences such as part-time jobs or internships and to familiarize themselves with the local culture.

Next Episode: Part One with Luki Danukarjanto, Career Coach. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, November 15th st at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, November 20th.

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Part One of a two-part conversation: Miguel is a former leader in a top Mexican coffee company now residing in Canada. Despite impressive credentials, his early years here were defined by survival jobs, shaking his confidence. With resilient determination and mentorship, he transformed his path, achieving his "Canadian Dream." Today, Miguel helps countless newcomers find meaningful employment faster.

In this first part of our conversation, we discuss:

• Adapting to a New Culture: Miguel had to relearn even the most basic behaviours, like greetings, and adapt to a new communication style.

• The Power of Effective Communication: Miguel shares his struggle with adapting to the Canadian communication style, which is more concise and direct. He emphasizes the importance of asking powerful questions and seeking candid feedback.

• Identity and Vulnerability: Miguel faced an identity crisis and had to redefine his sense of self. He also discusses the cultural concept of vulnerability.

Next Episode: Part Two with Miguel. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, November 8th st at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, November 13th.

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Part Two of a two-part conversation: Dhara is a seasoned Talent Acquisition professional with more than 10 years into technical recruiting. She has lived, worked and studied in three different countries. She immigrated to Canada more than eight years ago and is now grateful to be the citizen of this country.

Some of the things we talk about:

• Confidence vs Competence: We discussed how confidence is perceived differently across cultures. Dhara stressed that confidence should not be equated with competence, as it can stem from various sources.

• Hiring Decisions: Dhara shared her insights on the importance of considering a person's work history and performance over their appearance during hiring decisions.

• Asking Questions: Dhara encourages newcomers to understand that it's okay to ask questions and seek clarification in their new environment.

• Understanding Rights and Responsibilities: Dhara emphasizes the importance of understanding one's rights and responsibilities to alleviate unnecessary anxiety and conflict, especially for newcomers to a country.
  

Next Episode: Part One with Miguel Abascal, founder of Thrive Faster and Newcomers ON FIRE! Live stream on YouTube Wednesday, November 1st at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, November 6th.

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Part One of a two-part conversation: Dhara is a seasoned Talent Acquisition professional with more than 10 years into technical recruiting. She has lived, worked and studied in three different countries. She immigrated to Canada more than eight years ago and is now grateful to be the citizen of this country.

Some of the things we talk about:

• Cultural Diversity: Dhara shared her experiences with cultural diversity in India, the US, and Canada. She emphasized the importance of avoiding stereotypes and assumptions when dealing with people from different cultures.

• The Journey to Talent Acquisition: Dhara's journey from IT consultant to talent acquisition is a testament to the power of diverse experiences. She even worked with Robert Herjavec from ABC's Shark Tank!

Next Episode: Part Two with Dhara. Live stream on YouTube Wednesday, October 25th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, October 30th.

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Part Two of a two-part conversation: Mattias is an experienced IT executive with a commitment to inclusive environments and high-performing teams. He has a strong background in driving innovation and efficiency through technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership. With a focus on employee wellbeing and psychological safety (i.e. feeling comfortable engaging in risky behavior), Mattias strives to build rapport with his team and create an open feedback culture.

Some things we talk about:

• The Role of Trust: Trust plays a significant role in different cultures, and how to bridge the gap.

• Psychological Safety: He shares the importance of psychological safety in teams and how it fosters innovation and change.

• The World of Attuned: Mattias introduces us to his company, Attuned, an online SaaS-based psychology solution provider. He discusses the importance of building trust with customers and the cultural diversity he encounters in his work.

Next Episode: Part One with Dhara Majmundar, Talent Acquisition Professional. Live stream on YouTube Wednesday, October 18th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, October 23rd.

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Part One of a two-part conversation: Mattias is an experienced IT executive with a commitment to inclusive environments and high-performing teams. He has a strong background in driving innovation and efficiency through technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership. With a focus on employee wellbeing and psychological safety (i.e. feeling comfortable engaging in risky behavior), Mattias strives to build rapport with his team and create an open feedback culture.

Some things we talk about:

• The Smorgasbord of Culture: you won't know what you truly enjoy unless you try it.

• Bridging Communication Gaps: Mattias shares his insights, emphasizing the need for more listening and subtlety in expressing opinions.

• The Art of Saving Face: Mattias shares a humorous anecdote about a Swedish supplier and a Japanese company, highlighting the cultural nuances of indirect communication and the importance of maintaining trust and relationships.

• Speaking Up in Different Cultures: We explore the implications of speaking up in different cultures and how it can affect team dynamics.

Next Episode: Part Two with Mattias. Live stream on YouTube Wednesday, October 11th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, October 16th.

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Part Two of a two-part conversation: Tanvi Sukhija has 10 years+ experience in project management, corporate training, human resource development, coaching and adult teaching domains (Certified career, success, relationship and women empowerment coach with expertise in NLP).

Some things we talk about include:

• The Ripple Effect: Tanvi stresses the importance of leaving a positive impact on others.

• The Power of Volunteering: Tanvi sees volunteer work as a karmic connection, where whatever good you do will come back to you manifold.

• Aligning Skills with Job Requirements: Tanvi highlights the need for introspection and aligning one's career goals with the job being applied for.

• The Snake in the Ceiling: Tanvi shared a metaphorical story that encourages listeners to change their perspective and see the truth that Canada is a welcoming place.

Next Episode: Part One with Mattias Hallberg, cross-cultural manager and IT executive. Live stream on YouTube Wednesday, October 4th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, October 9th.

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Part One of a two-part conversation: Tanvi Sukhija has 10 years+ experience in project management, corporate training, human resource development, coaching and adult teaching domains (Certified career, success, relationship and women empowerment coach with expertise in NLP).

Some things we talk about include:

• The Power of Coaching: Tanvi's transition from teaching to coaching was driven by her desire to give back to society.

• Embracing Diversity: Growing up in India, a melting pot of cultures and religions, Tanvi developed an innate understanding and tolerance for diversity. This experience has been instrumental in her work with newcomers in Canada.

• Resilience and Grit: Tanvi believes in viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

• The Two-Way Street of Immigration: Tanvi compares immigration to a marriage, where both sides need to give and take.

Next Episode: Part Two with Tanvi. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, September 27th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, October 1st.

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Part Two of a two-part conversation: Daniel Bodonyi is a seasoned intercultural expert and founder of the leadership development program, Motivating Manager. Daniel, a Hungarian who has lived and worked in six different countries, shares his fascinating journey of learning leadership through his own mistakes and how he's now helping others avoid the same pitfalls.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

• Learning from Mistakes: Daniel shares personal stories about the impact of cultural differences in giving feedback and hierarchy norms. He stresses that it's often the little things that can cause misunderstandings, but being mindful and open to apologizing can help resolve issues.

• The Motivating Manager Program: Daniel's program is a live online community that provides support and challenge to its members, helping them experience different ways of being with others as leaders. The program includes support group sessions, mastermind group sessions, master classes, and one-on-one mentoring sessions.

• Embracing the Journey: Daniel reflects on his personal growth since his first intercultural experience at 16, advising his younger self not to strive for perfection but to embrace the journey and its challenges.

Next Episode: Part One with Tanvi Sukhija, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and Career Coach. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, September 20th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, September 25th.

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Part One of a two-part conversation: Daniel Bodonyi is a seasoned intercultural expert and founder of the leadership development program, Motivating Manager. Daniel, a Hungarian who has lived and worked in six different countries, shares his fascinating journey of learning leadership through his own mistakes and how he's now helping others avoid the same pitfalls.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

• The Power of Cultural Context: Daniel's first experience living abroad was a culture shock, but it taught him the importance of understanding cultural contexts in communication and decision-making.

• Navigating Cultural Differences: Daniel emphasizes the need for support and setting boundaries when adjusting to a new culture. He also highlights the potential for miscommunication when people from different cultures come together, suggesting the importance of celebrating diversity and creating a psychologically safe environment.

• Learning from Mistakes: Daniel shares personal stories about the impact of cultural differences in giving feedback and hierarchy norms. He stresses that it's often the little things that can cause misunderstandings, but being mindful and open to apologizing can help resolve issues.

Next Episode: Part Two with Daniel. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, September 13th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, September 18th.

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Part Two of a two-part conversation: Robandeep is a youth leader and data analyst who is doing great work through BMG—Brilliant Minds Group, which helps newcomers and international students adapt to life in Canada.

In this second part, we talk about:

• Mental Health Matters: Robandeep highlights the importance of having a supportive circle of friends and mentors, self-love, meditation, and affirmations to stay motivated.

• The Value of Volunteering: Volunteering allows individuals to practice and explore potential career paths while also connecting with new perspectives and ideas.

• Embracing Uncertainty: Robandeep shares her experience of realizing the importance of humour and embracing every part of her journey.

• Self-Introspection: Robandeep suggests asking oneself questions as if talking to a child when feeling suffocated.

Next Episode: Part One with Daniel Bodonyi, founder of MotivatingManager. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, September 6th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, September 11th.

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Part One of a two part conversation: Robandeep is a youth leader and data analyst who is doing great work through BMG—Brilliant Minds Group, which helps newcomers and international students adapt to life in Canada.

In this first part, we talk about:

• The Power of Networking: Robandeep's experience with a US-based organization during her master's program helped her hone her communication and interpersonal skills.

• Listening is Key: In a world where everyone is eager to speak, Robandeep emphasizes the importance of taking the time to listen.

• Job Hunting Insights: Robandeep shares that networking alone may not guarantee job opportunities. Research, interview preparation, and finding the right fit are equally crucial.

• Learning from Mistakes: Robandeep shares a personal experience about learning to communicate and find solutions instead of overthinking.

Next Episode: Part One with Robandeep Kaur Saini, Youth Leader and Data Analyst. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, August 23rd at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, August 28th.

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Part Two of a two part conversation: David is the CEO of Orbit 5 and a multilingual educator with 10+ years of experience designing and facilitating engaging solutions to help international students and newcomers increase their confidence to land ideal jobs in less than 15 weeks.

In this second part, David talks about his journey into the education industry led him to establish Orbit 5, cultural differences in communication, adapting to different cultures without losing one's sense of identity, and embracing diversity rather than taking it for granted.

Next Episode: Part One with Robandeep Kaur Saini, Youth Leader and Data Analyst. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, August 23rd at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, August 28th.

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Part One of a two part conversation: David is the CEO of Orbit 5 and a multilingual educator with 10+ years of experience designing and facilitating engaging solutions to help international students and newcomers increase their confidence to land ideal jobs in less than 15 weeks.

In this first part, David talks about Entrepreneurship: Teaching private English lessons sparked his interest in entrepreneurship and taught him the value of taking risks; Building Community: Shares impactful experiences from his teaching career that highlight the importance of honesty, collaboration, and cultural diversity; and Networking and Self-Worth: Encouraging students to eliminate self-undermining language and understand that everyone has value to add.

Next Episode: Part Two with David. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, August 16th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, August 21st.

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Part Two of a two part conversation: Courtney Bailey is an international English lecturer, business and professional skills instructor, a doctoral student and an expat that has recently returned to her home country. With diverse experience spanning across multiple continents, this allows her to bring a unique blend of insights and perspectives that she has gained through teaching, advocacy, mentorship researching, and immersing herself in different cultures.

In this episode, Courtney talks about accent bias and native speakerism, addressing privilege and considering different perspectives, code switching in professional spaces, and using skills and privileges to give back to others through advocacy and mentorship.

Next Episode: Part One with David Mendoza, Orbit 5 CEO and multilingual educator. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, August 9th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, August 14th.

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Part One of a two part conversation: Courtney Bailey is an international English lecturer, business and professional skills instructor, a doctoral student and an expat that has recently returned to her home country. With diverse experience spanning across multiple continents, this allows her to bring a unique blend of insights and perspectives that she has gained through teaching, advocacy, mentorship researching, and immersing herself in different cultures.

In this episode, Courtney talks about her experience as a person of colour in Turkey, and how she chose to see the curiosity of others as an opportunity for cultural exchange; reverse culture shock and finding support from others with similar experiences; and how a bilingual household helped her children adjust to life in Turkey.

Next Episode: Part Two with Courtney. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, August 2nd at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, August 7th.

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Part Two of a two part interview: Mher Mardoyan has been a career coach for the last 5 years and has helped many candidates with their job applications, resume/cover letter tips, LinkedIn Profile assessment, interview preparation and over job search strategies. He was recognized as the 2017 Recruiter of the Year for his contribution and success while working at PeopleReady Agency.

In this episode, Mher discusses why and how to make networking about the other person, not yourself; telling your story as part of your personal brand; and getting out of your comfort zone to connect with people outside your own cultural circle.

Next Episode: Part One with Courtney Bailey, English lecturer and education advocate. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, July 26th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, July 31st.

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Part One of a two part interview: Mher Mardoyan has been a career coach for the last 5 years and has helped many candidates with their job applications, resume/cover letter tips, LinkedIn Profile assessment, interview preparation and over job search strategies. He was recognized as the 2017 Recruiter of the Year for his contribution and success while working at PeopleReady Agency.

In this episode, Mher discusses his experiences adjusting to Canada and working with people from diverse backgrounds, his path going into HR, and helping international students and immigrants find work in Canada.

Next Episode: Part Two with Mher. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, July 19th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, July 24th.

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Standalone episode: Andy Foord is a translator and former broadcaster with Japanese public broadcaster NHK. He was based in the UK and had numerous experiences working cross-culturally in that environment.

Andy discusses how a chance encounter with a Japanese national in Australia sent him on his current path, his experiences working for NHK, and his plans for the future.

Next Episode: Part One with Mher Mardoyan, Job Search Coach for Immigrants. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, July 12th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, July 17th.

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Part Two of a two part interview: Meg Noteboom is a Newcomer Mentorship Facilitator at TNO, a non-profit community organization which provides social support to people in need. She provides counseling to newcomer professional clients and support them to connect to their relevant field of expertise in the Canadian labor market. She is also an immigrant, and she recently completed a master of immigration and settlement studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.

In this second part, Meg discusses the benefits of mentorship and networking to your success in Canada, how networking helped her get her position at TNO, and what newcomers and Canadian employers can get by going out of their comfort zones to bridge the culture gap.

Next Episode: Standalone episode with Andy Foord, translator and former broadcaster for NHK. Live stream on YouTube Wednesday, July 5th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, July 10th.

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Part One of a two part interview: Meg Noteboom is a Newcomer Mentorship Facilitator at TNO, a non-profit community organization which provides social support to people in need. She provides counseling to newcomer professional clients and support them to connect to their relevant field of expertise in the Canadian labor market. She is also an immigrant, and she recently completed a master of immigration and settlement studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.

In this first part, Meg talks about how she didn't conform to Japanese society but also felt out of place in Canada, the responsibility of employers in Canada to help bridge the gap for newcomers, and the benefits of mentorship and networking to your success in Canada.

Next Episode: Part Two with Meg. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, June 28th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, July 3rd.

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Part Two of a two part interview: Shini Sahni is a mental wellness and fitness coach who worked as a psychotherapist for 17 years in India before transitioning into coaching. A mom, a watercolour artist, a founder and a soon to be author, Shini is moving to Canada later this year.

In this second part, Shini talks about, India’s cultural diversity and how it connects to relocating to Canada, the awareness of cultural tendencies and how it differs from stereotyping, and being proud of your culture while living outside of it.

Next Episode: Part One with Meg Noteboom, Newcomer Mentorship Facilitator. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, June 21st at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 26th.

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Part One of a two part interview: Shini Sahni is a mental wellness and fitness coach who worked as a psychotherapist for 17 years in India before transitioning into coaching. A mom, a watercolour artist, a founder and a soon to be author, Shini is moving to Canada later this year.

In this first part, Shini talks about her early experiences with a learning disability that informed her direction into mental wellness, the over-usage of mental health terminology in the mainstream and its impact, and the effects of immigration on mental health.

Next Episode: Part Two with Shini. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, June 14th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 19th.

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Part Two of a two part interview: Anam Haleem is a storyteller, marketer, and a communicator. He has worked with colleagues from all over the world, including East Africa and the UK. He is also a newcomer to Canada and wants to share his experiences.

In this second part, Anam talks about his experiences leveraging LinkedIn to connect with others, thinking long-term with your interactions in Canada, and a social and marketing experiment he is working on..

Next Episode: Part One with Shini Sahni, mental wellness and fitness coach. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, June 7th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 12th.

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Part One of a two part interview: Anam Haleem is a storyteller, marketer, and a communicator. He has worked with colleagues from all over the world, including East Africa and the UK. He is also a newcomer to Canada and wants to share his experiences.

In this first part, Anam talks about the impact of language and culture on marketing, assumptions about Canadian and American culture being the same, and thinking long-term with your interactions in Canada.

Next Episode: Part Two with Anam. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, May 31st at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 5th.

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Part Two of a two part interview: Rose-marie Fernandez is a Certified Coach and lives out her life’s purpose through her company, Coaching Worx. She facilitates individuals to discover their inner resources so that they may fulfill their lives to create a legacy of their choice.

In this second part, Rose-marie talks about using the Cultural Orientation Framework to help her clients, the value of diversity in the business world, and helping others and leaving a legacy.

Next Episode: Part One with Anam Haleem, marketer and storyteller. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, May 24th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, May 29th.

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Part One of a two part interview: Rose-marie Fernandez is a Certified Coach and lives out her life’s purpose through her company, Coaching Worx. She facilitates individuals to discover their inner resources so that they may fulfill their lives to create a legacy of their choice.

In this first part, Rose-marie talks about her experiences growing up in a multicultural environment, her transition from HR into coaching, and her guidebook, the 26 Pathways to a Life My Way.

Next Episode: Part Two with Rose-marie. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, May 17th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, May 22nd.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Daisy is a highly regarded, award-winning executive career coach and Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer at The Wright Career Solution. Daisy collaborates with mid-career professionals, emerging leaders and executives to help them find satisfying careers and get hired faster. She specializes in career transition coaching, interview coaching, and executive resume development. She speaks on personal branding, leadership development and confidence building, and also develops workshops on related topics.

In this second part, Daisy talks about bringing your authentic self to work, tolerance of other cultures and of genuine mistakes from those who aren’t aware, and her work with mid-career professionals looking to transition or advance their careers.

Next Episode: Part One with Rose-marie Fernandez, Intercultural and Executive Coach. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, May 10th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, May 15th.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Daisy is a highly regarded, award-winning executive career coach and Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer at The Wright Career Solution. Daisy collaborates with mid-career professionals, emerging leaders and executives to help them find satisfying careers and get hired faster. She specializes in career transition coaching, interview coaching, and executive resume development. She speaks on personal branding, leadership development and confidence building, and also develops workshops on related topics. In this first part, Daisy talks about her cross-cultural experiences growing up in Jamaica and working for the United Nations, what to do when you face the “No Canadian Experience” barrier, and the importance of cross-cultural skills for Canada's success as a country.

Next Episode: Part Two with Daisy. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, May 3rd at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, May 8th.

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Part Two of a two-part interview: Catherine Sachi Kikuchi is a bilingual, biracial, and bicultural person who was raised in Toronto, Canada. After completing a Master’s in Theoretical Linguistics, a TESL certificate, and achieving N1 level of the JLPT, she taught English in Japan for 4 years until she returned to Canada and began her own business providing Japanese and English language lessons and translation services. She currently serves as teacher, translator and CEO of Kokoro Communications, as well as teacher and CTO at Japanese for Nikkei.

In this second part, Sachi talks about cultural identity and being in a state of not knowing, her work as a language educator and a translator, and helping people of the Japanese diaspora reconnect with their cultural heritage.

Next Episode: Part One with Daisy Wright, Executive Career Coach. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, April 26th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, May 1st.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Catherine Sachi Kikuchi is a bilingual, biracial, and bicultural person who was raised in Toronto, Canada. After completing a Master’s in Theoretical Linguistics, a TESL certificate, and achieving N1 level of the JLPT, she taught English in Japan for 4 years until she returned to Canada and began her own business providing Japanese and English language lessons and translation services. She currently serves as teacher, translator and CEO of Kokoro Communications, as well as teacher and CTO at Japanese for Nikkei.

In this first part, Sachi talks about growing up in a bicultural environment in Canada, her experiences working in Japan, and establishing her sense of identity in Canada and Japan.

Next Episode: Part Two with Sachi Kikuchi. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, April 19th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 24th.

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Part Two of a two-part interview: Risa Hinokuma is a senior manager in customer service for Evernote. Originally from Japan, she moved to the United States decades ago and has worked for numerous companies.

In this second part, Risa and host John McGraw talk about How native Japanese speakers react to learners of Japanese, Risa's experiences managing across cultures, and cultural adaptation and identity.

Next Episode: Part One with Sachi Kikuchi, Translator and Language Educator. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, April 12th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 17th.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Risa Hinokuma is a senior manager in customer service for Evernote. Originally from Japan, she moved to the United States decades ago and has worked for numerous companies.

In this first part, Risa talks about her early cross-cultural experiences in the US and Thailand, cultural differences in connecting and developing relationships, and customer service expectations in different cultures.

Next Episode: Part Two with Risa Hinokuma. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, April 5th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 10th.

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Part Two of a two-part interview: Hitender Sachdeva describes himself as a curious person in all parts of life. He hails from India and has been in Canada for 6 years now. As a banker, he has worked in India, the Middle East and North America.

In this second part, Hitender talks about the question of identity as an immigrant, differences in work styles between India, the Middle East, and Canada, and a small piece of advice that can make a huge difference for a newcomer’s life in Canada.

Next Episode: Part One with Risa Hinokuma, Senior Manager for Customer Service for Evernote. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, March 29th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, April 3rd.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Hitender Sachdeva describes himself as a curious person in all parts of life. He hails from India and has been in Canada for 6 years now. As a banker, he has worked in India, the Middle East and North America. In this first part, Hitender talks about his exposure to different cultures in India and the Middle East, the importance of respecting local culture in a new environment, and his experiences integrating into Canadian life.

Next Episode: Part Two with Hitender Sachdeva. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, March 22nd at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, March 27th.

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Part Two of a two-part interview: Yauhan is a certified HR, Change Management Professional and Career Coach who currently works at Deloitte Canada and has previously worked for Walmart, Accenture, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and The University of Toronto.

Yauhan is an Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychologist with expertise in strategic HR, Organizational Development, Talent Management Change Management and Business Transformation.  Yauhan is fascinated with human behaviour and helps organizations unlock benefits through investments in their people.

As  a Career Coach, Yauhan helps students and professionals gain career clarity, set them apart as top talent, accelerate their job search success, ace interviews, and land their Dream Job faster.

In this second part of a two-part interview, Yauhan talks about his need for serving people and where that came from. He also takes a turn as the interviewer and asks John questions about his motivation for becoming an intercultural coach and creating Hiyaku Coaching. Finally, Yauhan talks about his plans for 2023.

Next Episode: There is no episode next week as John will be preparing for the free workshop How to Start Networking in Canada, taking place on March 9th at 6:30 pm EST (see the link below).

The next episode is in two weeks, part one with Hitender Sachdeva, Banker and Newcomer Mentor. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, March 15th at 12:00 pm ET (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, March 20th.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Yauhan is a certified HR, Change Management Professional and Career Coach who currently works at Deloitte Canada and has previously worked for Walmart, Accenture, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and The University of Toronto. 

Yauhan is an Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychologist with expertise in strategic HR, Organizational Development, Talent Management Change Management and Business Transformation.  Yauhan is fascinated with human behaviour and helps organizations unlock benefits through investments in their people. 

As  a Career Coach, Yauhan helps students and professionals gain career clarity, set them apart as top talent, accelerate their job search success, ace interviews, and land their Dream Job faster.  

In this first part of a two-part interview, Yauhan talks about moving to Canada and how that helped developed his interest in culture & psychology, the importance of developing a deep understanding of yourself when finding a career, and how you can develop your soft skills to give you an edge in advancing your career.

Next Episode: Part Two with Yauhan. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, March 1st at 12:00 pm EST (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, March 6th.

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Part Two of a two-part interview: Kasia has felt like a “foreigner” in all the countries she has lived (US, Japan, Poland, and Italy) - but that has become her superpower in terms of empathy toward others and having a global mindset.

Currently, she is working hard to connect Japanese/English-speaking job seekers and globally-minded companies in the US through her business, www.ikigaiconnections.com.

In this second part of a two-part interview, Kasia talks about the role of empathy in bridging cultures, how you can help bridge cultural gaps in a business situation even if your language skills aren’t perfect, and the importance of keeping a learner’s mindset.

Next Episode: Part One with Yauhan Mehta, HR Management Change Professional and Career Coach. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, February 22nd at 12:00 pm EST (see John's LinkedIn and the Hiyaku Coaching Youtube links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, February 27th.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Before Kasia's interview, there is a brief announcement of Hiyaku Coaching's new online course, Newcomers - Build your Thriving Career in Canada. There is a link to the course page, description, pricing, and enrolment in the list below.

Kasia has felt like a “foreigner” in all the countries she has lived (US, Japan, Poland, and Italy) - but that has become her superpower in terms of empathy toward others and having a global mindset.

Currently, she is working hard to connect Japanese/English-speaking job seekers and globally-minded companies in the US through her business, www,ikigaiconnections.com.  

In this first part of a two-part interview, Kasia talks about her experiences learning English while in kindergarten in the US, how her love of learning languages led her to Japanese, and the frustration that motivated her to create NihongoJobs.com.

Next Episode: Part Two with Kasia Lynch, founder of ikigaiconnections.com and Japan-US connector. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, February 15th at 12:00 pm EST (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, February 20th.

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Part Two of a two-part interview: Kennedy Kao and Tomo Nogi are Toronto-based filmmakers and collaborators.

Kennedy is a director who focuses on stories depicting the Asian-Canadian community and North American Asian diaspora.

Tomo is a producer, photographer, videographer, and editor who recently migrated from Japan.

In this second part of a two-part interview, Kennedy and Tomo talk about their upcoming project, Good Boy, which tells the story of a Japanese university student in Toronto trying to fit in and find himself.  We also discuss our different cross-cultural experiences and leading and directing across cultures.

Next Episode: Part One of a two-part interview with Kasia Lynch, founder of ikigaiconnections.com and Japan-US connector. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, February 8th at 12:00 pm EST (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, February 13th.

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Part One of a two-part interview: Kennedy Kao and Tomo Nogi are Toronto-based filmmakers and collaborators.

Kennedy is a director who focuses on stories depicting the Asian-Canadian community and North American Asian diaspora.

Tomo is a producer, photographer, videographer, and editor who recently migrated from Japan.

In this first part of a two-part interview, Kennedy and Tomo talk about their upcoming project, Good Boy, which tells the story of a Japanese university student in Toronto trying to fit in and find himself. They also discuss their motivations for making the film.

Next Episode: Part Two with Kennedy Kao and Tomo Nogi. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, February 1st at 12:00 pm EST (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, February 6th.

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Part two of a two-part interview: Shahzad Gidwani is a highly dedicated and passionate sales and marketing leader with more than 25 years' expertise driving innovation through ethical marketing and effective public engagement.

He is also a board member for BMG-Brilliant Minds Group, and a newcomer to Canada with decades of cross-cultural experience.

Gidwani talks about handling conflict within teams, the power of being curious, and a great way to practice networking in Canada.

Next Episode: Part One of a two-part interview with Kennedy Kao and Tomo Nogi are Toronto-based filmmakers and collaborators. Live stream on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, January 25th at 12:00 pm EST (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, January 30th.

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Part one of a two-part interview: Shahzad Gidwani is a highly dedicated and passionate sales and marketing leader with more than 25 years' expertise driving innovation through ethical marketing and effective public engagement. 

He is also a board member for BMG-Brilliant Minds Group, and a newcomer to Canada with decades of cross-cultural experience.  

Gidwani talks about growing up as a child of Indian background in the Middle East and some life lessons from his early experiences.  

Next Episode: Part 2 with Gidwani on LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, January 18th at 12:00 pm EST (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, January 23rd.

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Part two of a two part interview: Jesus Romero Palacio is a highly experienced project manager from Colombia. He moved to Toronto within the past year, and he is now working for a nonprofit organization.

Before the interview, John reflects on the recent World Cup and our perceptions of cultures.

In the interview, Palacio discusses the strengths of introverts when networking, the connection between language and identity, and the importance of having a greater purpose when pursuing short-term goals.

Next Episode: Part 1 with Shahzad Gidwani, Sales and Marketing Multicultural Team Leader. On LinkedIn Live and YouTube Wednesday, January 11th at 12:00 pm EST (see links below). Audio Podcast version will be released on Monday, January 16th.

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Part one of a two part interview: Jesus Romero Palacio is a highly experienced project manager from Colombia. He moved to Toronto within the past year, and he is now working for a nonprofit organization.

Before the interview, John reflects on a recent experience that reinforces the importance of showing up in the right frame of mind.

Palacio discusses his passion for solving problems, the challenges of developing his English speaking skills, and the importance of adapting to a multicultural environment such as Canada.

Next Episode: Part 2 with Jesus Romero Palacio. Coming out Friday, January 6th.

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Part two of a two part interview: Chie Schuller, originally from Japan, has lived for years in the midwestern United States. She is a Coach for Japanese expats and their families, helping them adapt to life in the U.S.

Before the interview, John reflects on a meeting he had with a new connection and how it could have gone differently if he wasn't aware of his own cultural biases.

After that, Schuller talks about her time in Japan and the US as an adult, her experience living on an American military base in Japan, and her transition into her current line of work.

Next Episode: Part 1 with Jesus Romero Palacio, Project Manager, Coach, and Newcomer. Coming out Wednesday, January 4th.

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Part one of a two part interview: Chie Schuller, originally from Japan, has lived for years in the midwestern United States. She is a Coach for Japanese expats and their families, helping them adapt to life in the U.S.  

Schuller talks about her first experiences with the English language, her early ambitions of being a Japanese teacher in the U.S., and life with her American host family. She also discusses some notable differences in culture between Japan and the United States.

Next Episode: Part 2 with Chie Schuller. Coming out Monday, January 2nd.

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Part two of a two part interview: Doris Haddad, MEd Career Counsellor and Master Certified Career Coach (MCCC) has an extensive background as a Career Counsellor from both the public and private sectors. She has helped internationally trained professionals and others from various experiences strategize their career journey.

Haddad shares a number of insights: what Canadian managers look for in a good employee, why you need to sell yourself in Canada, and the importance of looking for a transitional job instead of a "survival" job.

Next Episode: Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Chie Schuller, Coach for Japanese expats and their families. Coming out Friday, December 30.

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