Coffee With Convery (Brien Convery)

In an era where the challenges facing at-risk youth are more complex than ever, Coffee with Convery continues its Legacy in Motion series with a conversation on justice, mentorship, and systemic change.

Joining us is Demetrius Watson-Williamson, a rising voice in criminology, to discuss the critical importance of intervention and support.

Currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Criminology after completing his BA at the University of Windsor, Demetrius brings a unique perspective shaped by both academic research and hands-on experience. He explores the systemic factors contributing to youth vulnerability, the innovative strategies he’s employing to drive positive change, and the essential role of mentorship and community engagement in fostering resilience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in youth justice, advocacy, and building a more equitable future. Tune in as we continue to put Legacy in Motion.

On today’s episode we are going to continue the journey with #CoffeeWithConvery "Sports Talk" where my invited guests will share how being an athlete has helped them to propel their skill building, their mindsets and their futures. “Sports Talk” also helps us understand the hurdles and barriers some athlete’s face while being in school, participating in sports and trying to balance the transition into the workplace.

Now let’s meet Victor. Victor Oreskovich holds a Bachelors of Administration, Finance from the University of Notre Dame and Master of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western. Victor once played professional hockey where he selected 55th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, he played with the Florida Panthers, was traded to the Canucks and joined the team in 2011 on their run to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Boston Bruins. Victor retired from hockey in 2012, and he is currently Vice President, Fixed Income Repo Trading with RBC Capital Markets.

I had the chance to sit down over a virtual coffee to talk Sports Talk: omnipotence, goofy face emojis and mental strength with Victor Oreskovich and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #SportTalk #VictorOreskovich #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

#March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

🎙️ Hello everyone and welcome to Coffee With Convery!

☕️ On today's podcast, my special guest is none other than Jesse Iwuji.

🌟 In all things Jesse Iwuji does, there are two constant elements: his devotion to service 🇺🇸 and his inspirational nature to many. Jesse went from competing at the top level of Division-1A college football 🏈 to rising the ranks of the military as a Lieutenant Commander ⚓, and is now the only current driver in all of NASCAR 🏁 at the national levels that actively serves his country as a US Military member 🏁.

👍 It has been key for Jesse, who is currently serving in our country's reserve fighting force, to honor his country 🙌 while pursuing excellence in the business world as a business owner 🏢 and on the track as a driver 🏎️. It should come as no surprise that he has championed companies and charities that give back to our men and women in uniform 🙏.

🏁 Jesse is also a big supporter of NASCAR diversity, equity, and inclusion 🌍. Today he is one of four African Americans competing at NASCAR's national level of racing 🏁. He was honored by NASCAR for two years in a row – the Diverse Driver of the Year Award 🏆. He is well versed both on and off the track 🏁!

🏆 It is fair to say in many ways Jesse is a first in NASCAR. While clawing toward the top tiers of NASCAR, Jesse Iwuji continues to take us all along for a memorable ride 🏁 showing those who dare to dream that life truly rewards those who stay strong enough, long enough 💪.

I’m thrilled to have Jesse on the podcast today to share his insights and experiences with us. 🎙️🤩

#JIM #JesseIwujiMotorsports #NASCAR #Xfinity #NASCARXfinity #cocacola #Chevy #chevrolet #teamchevy

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you. 

Now let’s meet James! James Lappin is a 2017 Queen's University, Bachelor of Economics in Applied Economics grad and was the Vice President and Co-Founder of Queen's Fashion Photography. James has a passion for sports, and is now working for RBC in Digital Workspace Solutions. He is also the Co-Founder of M5Archive, an online fashion boutique.

I had the chance to sit down to Hockey, fashion and economics with James Lappin and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #JamesLappin #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

Welcome to an electrifying episode of "Coffee With Convery!" ☕️ Get ready to dive into the extraordinary journey of Scott Ramsay, a powerhouse - once a pro hockey player, now a dynamic advocate armed with a PhD in nursing! 🏒🎓

Scott's story is one of resilience. Four concussions during his hockey career led him from the ice to nursing. Working at BC Children’s Hospital, he witnessed the struggles of young concussion patients, sparking his mission. 💪🏥

His groundbreaking PhD research, the largest in BC, uncovered alarming gaps in follow-up care for 23,000 children. Scott's personal experience adds a unique depth to his advocacy, ensuring others don't face the same challenges. 🚨👨‍👦‍👦

As a Métis individual, Scott brings a unique perspective to his advocacy work. Beyond his academic pursuits, he has been a mentor for Indigenous nursing students, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and representation in the healthcare workforce. 🌐🤝

Join us in this episode as we explore Scott's journey, his impactful research, and his ongoing efforts to improve youth concussion prevention and management. Grab your coffee, and let's dive into the compelling narrative of Scott Ramsay on "Coffee With Convery." ☕️🎙️🔍

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now, let's meet Meena! Meena Waseem is an enthusiastic and self-driven BCom student from The Smith School of Business at Queens University with an expected graduation date sometime in 2023.

Meena is a meaningful risk taker who always aims to leave people and places better than she found them. She is an avid public speaker and advocate for equity-centered leadership and accessible health services. She is deeply invested in people and has received multiple awards for her work, including being named Kitchener Waterloo’s youngest Woman of the Year. Meena has also been recognized at the national level for her leadership as a recipient of the Loran Scholarship, Canada’s most competitive undergraduate award. No matter how busy she is, Meena always makes time for weekly movie nights with her family.

Most recently, I had the chance to sit down over a virtual coffee to talk Serendipity, inclusive spaces and equity based leadership with Meena Waseem and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #MeenaWaseem #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2021 #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

#March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Brayden Bumstead. Brayden is a student at Laurentian University and studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration with a minor in economics and an expected graduation in 2022.

This summer Brayden worked as a Client Advisor in Canadian Banking at RBC. Brayden embraced the RBC community spirit and helped to lead branch initiatives such as the PRIDE celebrations for the month of June and in addition he contributed to an absolutely amazing display for a week long Indigenous set up in the branch where we helped to educate our clients on Indigenous culture and traditions. In his spare time, Brayden likes to play a round of golf with friends, Get out on the ice for some hockey, and spend time in the outdoors with family and friends.

I had the chance to talk Optimism, over-thinking and networking with Brayden Bumstead and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Brayden Bumstead #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Attention, students, new grads, and career seekers, welcome to a special edition of Coffee With Convery, known as 'Careering Talk'! ☕

This is not just any podcast; it's an open mic series designed to fuel your career aspirations with knowledge, insights, and expert guidance. 🚀

On today's turbocharged episode, we've assembled a dream team of career gurus who are here to rev up your job and career search. 🎙️

Introducing our stellar guests:

🌟 Robert Wooden, Director of Management Career Services at Dalhousie University. 🌟 Nancy Sammon, Relationship Manager at the Smith School of Business, Queen's University. 🌟 Diana Caradonna, Corporate Relations Specialist at the Schulich School of Business, York University. 🌟 Elaine Fenner, Director of Experiential Learning at the University of Guelph. 🌟 Kristen Morris, Manager of Cooperative Education & Workplace Partnerships at the University of Windsor.

Together, they're about to unleash a whirlwind of wisdom, unraveling the secrets of navigating the labyrinthine world of students, careers, and employers. 🧭

So, my fellow career adventurers, grab your favorite mug, pour that steaming cup of inspiration, and join us for a journey that promises to empower, enlighten, and elevate your career game. ☕💼

This is Coffee With Convery's 'Careering Talk,' where we don't just talk careers; we ignite them! 🔥

Let's dive into this caffeinated cascade of insights, and remember, it's not just coffee; it's your career's best friend! 🎧🚀

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired 🎧📚💡

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Blake Zhang. Blake is a student at Smith School of Business at Queen's University studying Business Commerce with an expected graduation date of May 2023. Blake and I met back in September 2020 through the Professional Mentorship Program which was sponsored by the Smith School of Business Centre of Social Impact in partnership with the student clubs Q+, the Smith Black Business Association (SBBA), and EDGE. We were formally assigned as Mentor and Mentee and have continued to remain connected as Blake made his move from home in China back to Canada to attend school in person in 2021.

This summer Blake worked as an Operations Analyst at RBC and also stepped up to the role of a student partner leading a team of students for our Believe Impact Project with Canadian Olympian and Amazing Race Canada contestant Sarah Wells. In his spare time, Blake likes to play basketball, spend time with his cat Melo and watching sports.

I had the chance to sit down to talk about life's blessings, challenges and the importance of mentorship with Blake Zhang and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #BlakeZhang #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

On today’s #CoffeeWithConvery podcast we are introducing the series “Careering Talk” which is an open mic new series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact.

I had the chance to connect on an Ask Me Anything Session with Kolitha Wanniarachchi, David Balanca, Tejaswini Joshi, Yetunde Ajiboye, Luciana Yokota and Kingsley Ozowe and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Careering #CareeringTalk #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. On today’s Careering Talk, my guest today is Sam Demma.

Sam Demma is a 2-time TEDx Speaker, Author, Podcast Host and Youth Speaker. He is the youngest board director of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and co-founder of PickWaste, a volunteer organization that mobilizes youth to pick up litter in their communities. He has interviewed and showcased over 230 educators through his multi-media platform, The High Performing Educator, and his High Performing Student Program has made an impact on youth in six countries.

Sam is routinely invited to share his work through news outlets like Breakfast Television, CBC, CTV, Global News, and CityNews. As a result of Sam’s keynote presentations, students and educators often commit to performing more acts of kindness, taking small, consistent actions toward their personal goals, and proactively looking for ways to serve others.

I had the chance to sit down with Sam and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years. On today’s episode, my guest is Elilan Sureskumar.

Elilan is a highly driven individual who is passionate about his work and making a meaningful impact. He is currently a fourth-year BBA candidate at the Schulich School of Business pursuing a specialization in finance and strategic management.

Elilan is currently a risk analyst intern with the QuadReal Property Group here in Toronto and he has a number of work experiences in his past including being a ServiceOntario Licensing Clerk for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, a Business Development Intern for Neeva Baby, and has worked for the Office of the Mayor for the City of Brampton as an Executive Assistant and a Special Projects Assistant.

Some things Elilan enjoys doing in his free time include reading, working out, travelling, learning new things, trying new foods, and spending time with his friends and family.

I had the chance to sit down with Elilan to discuss Networking, internships, and diversity and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

On today’s podcast, my guest is Shohruh Artaman.

Shoh is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management & Computer Science at the University of Toronto, Scarborough campus with expectations to graduate in 2024.

Shoh speaks three languages, English, Russian, and Uzbek and has had quite an interesting upbringing living in different countries and experiencing multiple cultures.

He has always had an interest in science and math since the 4th grade and he is super passionate about Alternative Investments, FinTech, Finance, Business Development/Tech, Capital Markets & Private Equity.

He also has had exposure and previous experiences with Investment Acquisitions, Debt Originations, Financial Modeling, M&A, Asset Management, and Investment Sales.

I had the chance to sit down with Shohruh and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

In Celebration of Asian Heritage Month, I will be featuring guests from the community to share their stories and what #AsianHeritageMonth means to them.

Lulu is attending the University of Toronto Scarborough with plans to graduate in 2023 with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Coop and International Business.

Through the Management Coop and International Business opportunity, Lulu gained new skills in multi-field academic and practical experience in Toronto, Paris and Shanghai.

Her work experience included being selected as a Delegate for Global Vision a national not for profit organization; a Production Coordinator for Ubisoft a computer gaming company; a founder of Flora Cosmetics & Jewelry E-commerce; and is now currently working as Graduate Marketing and Events Assistant at UTSC.

In her spare time Lula likes to travel and dance!

I had the chance to sit down with Lulu and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired #AsianHeritageMonth

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

On today’s podcast, my guest is Alyssa Nurse.

Alyssa is a 4th year student at the University of Toronto, St. George campus where she is studying for her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science with an expected graduation date of June 2023.

Alyssa is currently a Commuter Don for the University of Toronto, Victoria University and is the Co-President of the Caribbean Studies Students’ Union and Editor-in-Chief of the student-run group’s Caribbean Quilt which is an an editorial journal that provides an interdisciplinary medium for expression and critical thought focused on the study of the Caribbean and its peoples.

Alyssa is also Co-President of Connections. A nonprofit organization focused on offering Black self-identifying women at the University of Toronto and surrounding areas a safe space in which they can communicate without their voices being policed. The group also offers members direct access to professionals by inviting diverse workers to speak at our gatherings in order to provide members with actionable information and tools to begin their professional journey.

Most recently, Alyssa received the CEWIL Canada 2022 Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award as well as the 2022 Experiential & Work Integrated Learning Ontario Student of the Year Award for her internship and exceptional work with the NATO Association of Canada (NAOC). During her internship she worked to provide timely written articles and organize public events and political conferences.

I had the chance to sit down with Alyssa and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Grant McNaughton. Grant is a 2019 Ivey Scholar & Dean’s list graduate from the Ivey Business School at Western University.

Grant is a strategic, pragmatic thinker with strong analytical skills. Grant’s experience spans across many private and public sectors, including start-ups and Fortune 100s.

Grant got his start as Co-Founder & CMO of RollUP Solutions Inc. a social enterprise that collects and upcycles gently used mobility devices and then sells them at a more affordable rate to those in financial need, Worked at Bain and Company as a consultant for 3 years, and recently started working for himself as an independent management consultant. He is scheduled to begin his MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in September.

Grant loves all things social enterprise, LGBTQ2S+ advocacy, politics, as well as chocolate chip cookies. In his spare time, Grant enjoys traveling, enjoying a drink with friends, and skiing or running.

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire.

In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, I sit down with Reggie Waterman—a visionary leader in marketing, mentorship and professional development.

With over 15 years of experience driving strategy in Canada’s largest communications and technology companies, Reggie has built a career at the intersection of innovation and leadership. As the Founder of NEXT TEN and Easy Apply Inc., he is dedicated to empowering professionals, fostering career growth, and helping people unlock their full potential. His passion for mentorship and community impact has made him a driving force in supporting emerging talent.

 Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional looking to level up, or someone navigating the complexities of career growth, this conversation is for you.

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Julie! Julie Tran is a student at the Schulich School of Business - York University studying for her Bachelor of Business Administration in Business, graduating this month. She has specialized in Accounting and Operations Management Information Systems and will be commencing her Master of Accounting at Schulich this May in pursuit of her CPA designation. Julie has interned at RBC in Summer 2020 as a Business Analyst in the Retail Branch Technology team and became an RBC Student Ambassador for Fall 2020.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Imposter syndrome, confidence and skills with Julie Tran and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #JulieTran #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

In Celebration of PRIDE Month, I will be featuring guests from the community to share their stories and what #PRIDE means to them.

On today’s podcast, my guest today is Patrick Hunter.

Patrick is a Sault College graduate where he studied graphic design and embraced a two-term role as the President of the Indigenous Students Council which provided programming and advocacy for Indigenous students at the college.

Patrick is a 2Spirit, Ojibwe artist, graphic designer and award-winning entrepreneur from Red Lake, Ontario. Though best known for his woodland art style paintings, Patrick has also had a positive and impactful impression in the corporate world through collaborations with Rogers Media Company, Staples, Ontario Power Generation, as well as TD and RBC banks to name a few.   

The intention that drives the work Patrick does stems from how a better world can be created through art, so future generations can see themselves reflected in mainstream culture. With that in mind, Patrick has engaged the world of sports with artistic collaborations with the Chicago Blackhawks, creating the uniforms for the Canadian Olympic curling team, as well as APTN's new Bryan Trottier award for Indigenous excellence in the NHL .

When not collaborating with exciting national partners, Patrick is creating awareness about his Ojibwe roots and inspiring creative confidence through in-person and virtual paint workshops across North America. 

I had the chance to sit down with Patrick and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired #PRIDEMonth #IndigenousHistoryMonth

From Life Journeys to Career Triumphs, It's time for Coffee with Convery!

Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Sam Goodwin, a remarkable individual whose life story reads like an adventure novel. 📚🌍

Sam is not only an entrepreneur and professional speaker but also one of the few people in history to have traveled to all 193 countries in the world. 🧳🌎 His journey, however, took an unexpected turn when he was captured and wrongfully imprisoned in Syria. 😰

Sam's new book, 'Saving Sam: The True Story of an American's Disappearance in Syria and His Family's Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home,' recounts this harrowing experience and the incredible efforts to secure his release. 📖💪 From his global travels to his time in captivity, Sam has gained unique insights on embracing uncertainty, the power of family, and what it truly means to be free. 🔑

As an international keynote speaker, Sam now inspires audiences worldwide, sharing lessons on resilience, faith, and turning adversity into opportunity. 🎤💡 With a doctorate in international affairs from Johns Hopkins SAIS and his work on multiple advocacy boards, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation today. 🎓🌐

Let's dive into Sam's extraordinary journey and the wisdom he's gained along the way! 🚀

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore the journeys of innovators and leaders who inspire us to think differently about success, careers, and life.  

In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, I’m excited to be joined by Jordan Robinson, a trailblazer in health, technology, and fitness. Jordan is the CEO and Founder of FTNSS, a groundbreaking marketplace making short-term gym memberships accessible anywhere in the world. 

With a background spanning healthcare IT, music marketing, and chronic pain research, Jordan combines creativity, technology, and a passion for wellness in everything he does. In this episode, we’ll unpack his unique career path, his perspectives on leadership and innovation, and how he defines success in work and life.

Let’s dive in!

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Austin! Austin Lee is a 2018 University of Alberta graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce | Finance Degree and currently an Associate, Loan Portfolio Management with RBC Capital Markets. Prior to this role, Austin was part of the inaugural class for the Indigenous Peoples Development Program at RBC. Outside of work he is an avid runner and aspiring home chef.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Opportunity, integrity and learning with Austin Lee and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #AustinLee #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Hey there, changemakers 🌍 and animal lovers 🐾❤️!

Welcome to another wild and wonderful 🦁 episode of Coffee With Convery☕️🎙️.

Today, I am welcoming Cogie Cogan, a Huron University student, studying and pursuing their Honors Bachelor of Arts, Animal Ethics + Globalization Studies (double major) expected to graduate in 2025. 🎓

We’re diving 🏊‍♂️ into a conversation that’s going to make your heart purr 😻 and your mind soar 🌈! We’ve got a true champion 🏆 for our furry 🐕, feathered 🦜, and scaled 🦎 friends joining us. They’re a varsity athlete 🏅, a climate change warrior 🌿💪, and a visionary with a U.S. patent-pending 💡

Put your hands 🙌 or paws 🐾 together for the one and only, Cogie Cogan! 🎉🎊

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire.

In this special edition / bonus track of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, we sit down with Paul Hamilton—a global talent executive, DEI champion, and leader in workforce transformation.

With a career spanning top organizations like Microsoft, KPMG, LCBO, and BMO Financial Group, Paul has been at the forefront of talent acquisition, workforce planning, andleadership development. As a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, he has dedicated his career to empowering underrepresented communities, shaping inclusive workplace cultures, and mentoring the nextgeneration of leaders. 

Whether you’re a young professional navigating the job market, a leader looking to build more inclusive teams, or someone striving to create lasting impact, thisconversation is for you.

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you. 

Now let’s meet Banky! Bankole (Banky) Alade is a 5th year student at the University of Guelph working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management, Bankole has a deep passion and creative interest for all things Marketing and starting to venture into the world of business. Bankole also is the Co-Founder with Guelph’s Black Professionals Club.

I had the chance to sit down to talk University of Guelph Black Professional Club, personal struggles and Nigerian jollof rice with Bankole Alade and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #BankoleAlade #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, where each conversation embarks on a journey of discovery and inspiration.

Today, as we commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31st, we stand in solidarity with transgender individuals worldwide. This day is a poignant reminder to celebrate their identities, shed light on the discrimination they endure, and honor their invaluable contributions to society. 🏳️‍⚧️

On this significant occasion, we are honored to host Robert Panico, whose story embodies resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equality, inclusion, and justice. Robert's narrative reflects triumph over adversity as he navigates societal challenges with determination, emerging as a potent advocate for marginalized and minority communities. 💪

With a rich tapestry of cultural experiences spanning Europe, Asia, and Oceania 🌍, Robert has found his home in London 🏠, where he passionately champions a society that thrives on diversity, recognizing it as a driver of innovation, progress, and the battle against inequalities 🌈.

Drawing from his professional journey encompassing roles as a coach, mentor, and advocate for equality and inclusion, Robert's impact resonates deeply ❤️. Whether advocating for transgender-inclusive policies or supporting those experiencing homelessness, his dedication to social justice remains steadfast 🙌.

Academically, Robert holds certifications in EDI and a PGCert in Global Cultures, and is accredited as a facilitator. Currently pursuing a master's in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of London, he extends his expertise by coaching students for success 📚.

So, grab your coffee or beverage of choice, and let's delve into Robert's story, broadening our understanding and support for diversity and inclusion.

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Brett Beattie a 2017 Odette School of Business - University of Windsor grad with a Bachelor Degree, Business/Commerce Co-op and a concentration in finance with a minor in economics. Brett received a number of honors and awards while attending the University of Windsor including the “Made a Difference Award” an award received for commitment to the business school in making a difference in the student experience. This award is hand selected by the Dean of the Odette School of Business and is provided to one deserving student who has gone above and beyond to enhance the education and experience at Odette.

Since graduation, Brett has had a interesting career in the banking and finance industry focusing on capital markets and trades with TD and most recently with Kairon Labs BV as a Quantitate Trader which included Brett leaving Ontario and uprooting his life to British Columbia out west.

In his spare time, Brett enjoys skate boarding, biking and spending time in the outdoors.

I had the chance to talk I had the chance to talk Co-ops, cryptocurrency and following your dreams with Brett Beattie, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

On today’s #CoffeeWithConvery podcast we are continuing the series “Throwback Thursday” where I bring onto the show students and young talent that I met years ago and to see where they are now.

My guest today is Mary Yao. Mary is a graduate from the Ivey Business School at Western University with an Honors in Business Administration and recently received her MBA from the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business.

Mary and I met a few years back at IBM Canada in Global Business Services when she was in the Consulting by Degrees Program. Since then Mary has gone on to perform multiple roles at Oliver Wyman in New York City, to become an innovation consultant at Hass@Work at UC Berkeley Innovation Agency and now as a Product Manager at Adobe in San Francisco, California.

In her spare time Mary likes to host dinner parties, meet new people and travel around the world – all things I’m told were deeply hampered by COVID. But instead, Mary has taken up snowboarding quite a bit.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Throwback Thursday Celebrating life, pseudo-random events and showing up with Mary Yao and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #MaryYao #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

🎉 Welcome to another episode of Coffee with Convery, where we bring you the brightest minds and most inspiring voices in media, entertainment, and beyond. Today we have a truly special guest joining us.

He’s an award-winning digital and broadcast executive producer with 20 years of experience, known not only for his exceptional work but also for his empathetic leadership. Our guest today is Jodie Davis.

Jodie is renowned for his role as the co-executive producer of Entertainment Tonight Canada, where he and the management team oversee a staff of over 70 to produce a daily, half-hour network show watched by more than half a million Canadians every day. During his tenure, he’s won four Canadian Screen Awards and a CCMA award, with an additional 17 CSA nominations under his belt. 🏆

Jodie has also produced five live New Year’s Eve specials for Global TV, featuring performances by stars like Keith Urban, Demi Lovato, Celine Dion, and Shawn Mendes. These shows reached over 4 million Canadians at the stroke of midnight and earned two Canadian Screen Award nominations. He pioneered "ETC Live," the first daily live entertainment show streamed on Facebook and YouTube. 🎥🎤

Under his leadership, ET Canada’s digital and social media platforms thrived, with online revenue tripling year after year. The YouTube channel boasts over 1.5 million subscribers and a billion views from 2019 to 2022, while the Facebook page garnered over 250 million views in the same period. In just over a year, the TikTok channel grew to 430,000 followers. 📱💻

Jodie has played a pivotal role in transforming how entertainment is produced and consumed in Canada, from bringing red carpet glamour to Canadian events and viewers to being part of the team that launched one of Canada’s first reality shows, "The Lofters."

Grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to be inspired as we dive into the journey, insights, and expertise of Jodie Davis. ☕️🎬

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you. 

Now let’s meet Ryan! Ryan Shotlander completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2018 at Ryerson University where he studied economics and finance. During his undergrad, Ryan completed 4 co-op work terms, 3 of which were at RBC. After he graduated, he went on to work at the Bank of Canada, Canada’s central bank, as a research assistant in the Financial Markets Analysis and Research Division where he co-authored several Staff Analytical Notes on the Canadian financial system. After 2 years at the Bank of Canada, he decided to return to school and is currently enrolled in the Master of Financial Economics (MFE) program at the University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management. Ryan is currently working as an Intern Analyst in the Developed Markets Rates & FX team with the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and will be joining the RBC Capital Markets Global Markets Program this summer.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Heteroscedasticity, economics and skills with Ryan Shotlander and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #RyanShotlander #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

🎙️ Welcome to "Coffee with Convery" ☕, where we sip on stories and explore the world of work! Join us as we unravel the journeys of our incredible guests.

🌟 Today's spotlight is on Matthew Chin, the culinary virtuoso from Toronto, Canada. 📸 As a freelance Food Content Creator and Recipe Developer, Matthew transforms flavors into captivating visuals for social media, marketing, and beyond.

👨‍🍳 From his role as a Culinary Lead and Food Stylist at a creative agency to his current freelance adventures, Matthew's expertise in creative ideation and food styling is unparalleled. 🍲 His journey seamlessly blends the worlds of journalism and gastronomy.

📰 Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Minor in English from Toronto Metropolitan University, Matthew infuses his storytelling prowess into every dish he crafts. 📚

👉 Join us as we dive into the fusion of creativity, food, and the dynamic realm of content creation with Matthew Chin. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's chat about the art of culinary storytelling! 🍹

🔗 For more on Matthew and his delectable creations, visit his website: Matthew Chin 🌐

🎙️ Welcome to "Coffee With Convery" ☕, where we explore the inspiring journeys of trailblazers making a difference, not only in their careers, but in the lives of others too.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a true innovator and community leader, Emran Billah 🌟.

🌍 Hailing from Bangladesh and now in Nova Scotia, Canada, Emran's journey is driven by his love for mathematics ➕, a cornerstone of his engineering and computer science pursuits 💻.

🎓 Emran's academic achievements speak for themselves. Graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science 🎓, he continued to earn a Bachelor of Engineering in 2019 🎓.

🎩 Emran wears multiple hats, each more impressive than the last. He's a Director of Software Engineering at Spiri Robotics 🤖 and the Lead Electrical Engineer at Drinkable Water Solutions 💧, on a mission to revolutionize water impurity detection and portable technology.

💡 But Emran's innovation doesn't stop there. He's the visionary founder of Bluethumb Technologies 🌐, a fintech startup catering to students and individuals with disabilities. Plus, he's the Local Lead for NASA Space Apps in Nova Scotia 🚀.

🌟 Emran's impact extends beyond his professional life. He's lent his expertise to startups like VarsityHire 🚀 and SimplyCast 📈, turning them into thriving success stories. His work on Nova Scotia's emergency response system, EmergHub 🚨, and CubeSat deployment with Dalhousie Space Systems 🛰️ showcase his far-reaching influence.

🚀 What truly sets Emran apart is his commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. He passionately educates and mentors students 📚, hosts seminars 🗣️, and leads hackathons 💡, empowering young minds to reach for the stars ⭐. It's no surprise that he was recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 Innovator in 2022 🏆, a testament to his unwavering dedication to Canada's socio-economic growth.

🤩 I'm thrilled to bring you this fantastic conversation and journey with Emran Billah! 🗣️🌟

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years.

On today’s Careering Talk, I have invited Susanne Frame to join me. Susanne is a graduate from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and she is also a graduate from the University of Waterloo and holds a Master of Arts in Language and Professional Writing.

Susanne started her career as an Assistant Editor with the Professional Engineers Ontario and spent the majority of her career at IBM in employee communications, instructional design, and content strategy with IBM’s Interactive Experience Group. In her latest venture, Susanne is a Content Director for the digital team at Scotiabank.

In her spare time, Susanne likes to make good use of the 7 TV streaming services she has somehow accumulated and be a great mom to Lipstick, her senior cat.

I had the chance to sit down with Susanne to talk Professional writing, branding and user experience and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

On today’s podcast, I have two guests joining me Euloge Bindzi and Angelica Blake.

Euloge is an Undergraduate Student at the University of Toronto (Scarborough) pursuing his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Finance with an expected graduation date of 2025

Angelica is an Undergraduate Student at the University of Toronto (Scarborough) pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing with an expected graduation date of 2023.

Both Euloge and Angelica have been actively involved in the UTSC — Black Students in Business Club and most recently were announced at the 2023–2024 Co-Presidents.

In her spare time, Angelica enjoys exercising, painting, and trying new restaurants with friends.

In his spare time, Euloge likes to play soccer with friends, dance, and watch true crime documentaries.

I had the chance to sit down with Euloge and Angelica and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired #BlackStudentsinBusiness

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Elias. Elias Srouji is due to graduate in April 2021 with an Honors Bachelors of Arts in Social Psychology from McMaster University and a Business Studies Certificate from Mohawk College.

Elias has a huge passion for sports and is the first openly gay men’s rugby player at McMaster University and Ontario University Athletics (OUA). Elias has held several different roles in the McMaster University Athletics & Recreation Department from 2017 - 2020. His work with diversity and inclusion is widely recognized within the department and within the McMaster community where he has organized and executed several pride-themed events in collaboration with community partners to ensure McMaster Athletics & Recreation is a place for all. His latest pride-themed event won the Ontario University Association award for the “Best Varsity Themed Night.”

Being outed as a gay rugby player at his Waterloo Catholic High School, Elias wanted to ensure no one experienced what he went through just to be their true authentic selves. He recently co-founded the Student Pride Movement to ensure positive change for LGBTQ+ students and staff at his former Waterloo Catholic District School Board that gained over 4500+ petition signatures.

Elias is a two-time recipient award winner of the Bill 7 Award. The Bill 7 Award Trust was established in 1987 to provide post-secondary education scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited or queer (LGBTQ) students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing a first degree, diploma or certification in any Ontario post-secondary institution. The Bill 7 Award is named after the 1986 Ontario legislation that extended the protection of the Human Rights Code to lesbians and gays. Since 1987, the Bill 7 Award has granted over $200,000 in scholarship funds, raised through donations, to students in the queer community to help them with the cost of post-secondary education.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Being gay, rugby and financial barriers with Elias Srouji and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #EliasSrouji #OutInSports #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

 Welcome, students, new grads, and career seekers to Coffee With Convery! ☕️

On today’s podcast we have an extraordinary guest with us – the one and only Ken Andrews.

Meet Ken, a Michigan native with a deep love for the outdoors, aviation, tech, and business. He's an entrepreneur who has been building companies since he was 10!

Today, Ken is the Founder and President of Millennium Digital Technologies. With his background in electrical engineering and computer science, Ken provides a unique perspective enabling him to design and build complex systems end‐to‐end from the base hardware design through software engineering.

But Ken doesn't just thrive in the tech world; he's a certified pilot who can handle anything from gliders to business jets. 

His heart belongs to nature, especially the Great Lakes. He's passionate about conservation and joined Turtles Fly Too to combine his skills, aviation knowledge, and love for the environment. 🌍✈️🐢

So grab your cup of inspiration and join in a captivating conversation.

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore the stories and insights of remarkable individuals.

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Amanda Cupido, an award-winning podcast producer, TEDx speaker, author, and entrepreneur.

Amanda is the founder of Lead Podcasting, a company dedicated to developing podcasts for thought leaders and organizations.

She authored the Amazon bestseller, Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing it Right, and has redefined radio courses at both Seneca Polytechnic and Toronto Metropolitan University as a part-time university professor.

With a background in journalism and a Master's in the Psychology of Leadership from Penn State University, Amanda's expertise in strategic communications has made her a sought-after trainer and speaker globally.

More about Amanda:

Lead Podcasting - https://www.leadpodcasting.com/

Let's Talk Podcasting by Amanda Cupido - https://www.letstalkpodcasting.com/

On today’s episode we are going to continue the journey with #CoffeeWithConvery Sports Talk where my invited guests will share how being an athlete has helped them to propel their skill building, their mindsets and their futures. “Sports Talk” also helps us understand the hurdles and barriers some athlete’s face while being in school, participating in sports and trying to balance the transition into the workplace.

Now let’s meet Adam. Adam Petric is an award-winning, President's List NCAA student-athlete with a cumulative 4.0 GPA who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in finance expected to graduate in May 2021 from the State University of New York Canton. In addition to his schooling, Adam is an active member of the Men's NCAA Ice Hockey Team Member as a Forward, Assistant Captain, and Academic All-American. He was the recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarship, Path for Completion Scholarship, and Investment Club Scholarship and a 2020 Heritage Award Winner for Student Leadership/Excellence. He holds the 2019 and 2020 Academic Award with the highest cumulative GPA in his program.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Sports Talk: Barriers to internships, Hockey and independence with Adam Petric and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #SportsTalk #AdamPetric #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you. 

Now let’s meet Jeanelle! Jeanelle Suarez a recent graduate of Humber College’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising program. Prior to joining RBC Global Asset Management in 2020, Jeanelle has demonstrated her passion for student empowerment through her professional roles with Humber and at EDGE Leadership, where she has held at least three different positions. An advocate for inclusivity, she actively seeks opportunities to improve accessibility in the spaces she belongs to and participates in. She also finds herself interested in niche hobbies – most recently, building mechanical keyboards.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Creativity, barriers and personal growth with Jeanelle Suarez and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #JeanelleSuarez #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

🎙️ Start 2025 with a Dose of Career Inspiration! 🚀

We’re rewinding to the #1 most popular episode of Coffee with Convery featuring Tad Chisti, Head of Digital Experience Practice at IBM Canada. Fun fact: your host, Convery, hired Tad as an intern 10 years ago!

Get ready to dive into Tad’s incredible journey as he shares:
- How to build diverse, high-performing teams
- The surprising power of curiosity
- His secret key to success

This is one story you can’t miss.

So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and get ready to be inspired! ☕

For more career-boosting conversations, visit coffeewithconvery.com. 🚀

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. On today’s podcast, my guest is Jack Gillies.

Jack is currently enrolled at McMaster University pursuing his Arts and Science, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies degree with hopes of graduation in April 2026.

Jack is also a member of the McMaster Student Union’s Emergency First Response Team (EFRT), responding to medical emergencies within the McMaster University Campus. He trains constantly to continue developing collaborative skills and response confidence, and continuously participates in education and certifications to advance his emergency response knowledge. Responding in teams of 3, EFRT emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication and dynamic critical thinking, and their 24 hour a day, 7 day a week availability demands workplace dedication and individual flexibility.

Jack and I got connected through a very special person in both our lives, the one and only Sarah Wells. If you do not know Sarah Wells you should. Sarah is an Olympic hurdler and Pan Am Silver Medalist, an Amazing Race Canada participant and founder of her Believe Initiative founded fittingly on a message of resilience. Through 6 degrees of Sarah Wells, both Jack and I have been deeply involved in Sarah’s Believe Initiative. If interested, you can find more information on the Believe Initiative at believeinitiative.com.

Jack was a 2022 Loran Scholar Foundation Award Winner which is awarded to young leaders who demonstrate service, character, and leadership. 34 Canadians entering their first year of university were chosen in 2022 and Jack was one of them.

When Jack is not saving lives and/ or attending post-secondary, he can be found running, hiking or biking in his local community and natural spaces.

I had the chance to sit down with Jack to discuss Patience, self-respect and courage and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire the next generation.

 In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, we sit down with Dr. Patience Adamu—an influential leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

With a wealth of experience in social impact, policy, and education, she is dedicated to empowering historically underrepresented communities.

 Whether you're navigating your first job, looking to make a meaningful career shift, or seeking ways to contribute to a more inclusive society, this conversation is for you.

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you. 

Now let’s meet Matthew!  Matthew Thompson is a 3rd year Political Sciences student at the University of Toronto. He began working for the Royal Bank of Canada in summer 2019 through RBC’s internship program and is currently working as a part-time branch advisor. Beginning in May, he will be joining RBC Investor & Treasury Services’ summer internship program. Matthew is also cofounder and Vice-President of St George Partners & St George Venture Capital, two student-led investment partnerships. Outside of his professional endeavours, Matthew is an avid hockey fan, refereeing hundreds of minor hockey games each year in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. In his hometown of Newburgh, ON, Matthew coordinates the annual Canal Bash Hockey Tournament, where hundreds of kids get to take part in an outdoor tournament, raising thousands of dollars for local causes each year.

I had the chance to sit down to talk the Canadian Armed Forces, part-time jobs and hockey with Matthew Thompson and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #MatthewThompson #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

🎉🎉 Welcome to the 180th episode of Coffee with Convery! 🎉🎉

Four years and counting, I'm beyond excited to mark this milestone with you. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey of conversations, insights, and inspiration. Here's to many more episodes of empowering change and celebrating dynamic leaders and their careers! ☕

Empowering Change & Transformation with Justina Ikwu

Today, we're thrilled to have Justina Ikwu, a powerhouse in strategy and transformation, join us. With an MBA from Queen’s University and an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa, Justina is a well-rounded professional dedicated to driving growth and sparking change.

Justina's expertise spans across financial institutions and social impact initiatives, and she currently serves as the President of the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals. Her journey is marked by a commitment to empowering underserved communities and fostering financial empowerment.

Throughout her career, Justina has excelled in leading cross-functional teams, navigating complex challenges, and pioneering innovative solutions. From her role at RBC as a Senior Manager of Strategy & Transformation to her impactful work at TD and H&R Block Canada, she has consistently demonstrated her leadership abilities and innovative prowess.

Join us as we explore Justina's inspiring story, her dedication to social impact, and her vision for the future.

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now, let's meet Ryan! Ryan McCuaig is an extremely driven and result-oriented individual with a diverse range of professional, academic, and leadership experiences. During his undergrad at Western University in the Honours Specialization in Political Science program, he spent two summers with the Royal Bank of Canada in Toronto and New York, where he developed a unique business acumen that launched him into a career in business. After his undergrad, Ryan stayed in London to complete his MSc in Management at the Ivey Business School, combining his love for global affairs with his prior work experience in the financial markets through the MSc’s International Business stream.

Since joining the MSc, he was elected as the MSc Association President during one of the most dynamic periods of change the program has ever experienced, leading the organization through a large scale digital transformation and restructuring project while negotiating a near $3,000 tuition reimbursement for his constituents during their summer term. He also started the Ivey Management & Policy Forum with his Ivey colleagues: a student-run, faculty-advised think tank that applies management science research to Canadian and global policy issues.

After he graduates, Ryan will be joining KeyData, a boutique consulting firm in Toronto, as a Cyber Security Consultant. He balances all of this while working on contract as an Intelligence Officer for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and a Project Manager for HMCS PREVOST’s Innovation Strategy Team – an internal strategy group within the naval reserves – and while working pro-bono for Impact Consulting.

Most recently, I had the chance to sit down over a virtual coffee to talk “Delaying gratification, applying knowledge and making global impacts” with Ryan McCuaig and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #RyanMcCuaig #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Kendra Carey (she/her/hers). Kendra is attending Western University with a focus on Business Management and Organizational Studies with an Honors Specialization in Accounting and is expected to graduate in December 2021. After graduation she will be commencing her Graduate Diploma in Accounting at Western in pursuit of her CPA designation. Kendra is currently a Financial Analyst Intern with RBC and likes to spend her time reading, writing, and watching old movies. During her time at RBC, Kendra has gotten involved with CFO Pride, where she has started a blog called the Rainbow Journal. Prior to her role at RBC, she has worked mainly in journalism, being a news editor at her university newspaper and hosting a radio show in her hometown of Drumheller, Alberta. A few fun facts about Kendra is that she can play the violin and is probably the world’s biggest Harry Potter fan.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Journalism, leadership and mental health with Kendra Carey and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #KendraCarey #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

🌟✨ Welcome, coffee enthusiasts and career aficionados, to another enriching episode of "Coffee with Convery"! ☕🚀

🎉 Today, we have a special guest, Mike Thomson, who's not only redefining the hiring landscape but has a unique journey that intertwines entrepreneurship, athletics, and the invaluable lessons learned from embracing discomfort. ⚽🏒

🏒 From the hockey rinks teaching teamwork and resilience to the competitive floors of CrossFit, Mike has always sought to confront and embrace discomfort willingly. His journey as an entrepreneur, however, unveiled a profound realization – success isn't just about innovation and business acumen; it's a continuous process of facing and navigating uncomfortable situations. 💡🔄

🚀 Mike’s the force behind Spark Recruiting, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the hiring process with a humanizing twist. If you've ever struggled with crafting job descriptions that truly resonate with your ideal candidates or found yourself losing potential hires in the final stages of the hiring process, Mike is here to shed some light on how to turn the tide. 🔍💼

🔥 Now, let's delve into our conversation with Mike Thomson and keep in mind that the path to success is paved with moments of discomfort, challenges, and internal growth. 🌈🌱

#CoffeeTalks #InnovationJourney

On today’s episode we are going to take a slightly different twist to the #CoffeeWithConverypodcast with the introduction of “Sports Talk” where my invited guests will share how being an athlete has helped them to propel their skill building, their mindsets and their futures. “Sports Talk” also helps us understand the hurdles and barriers some athlete’s face while being in school, participating in sports and trying to balance the transition into the workplace.

My guest today is Kreig Yeh, a Digital Marketing Strategist and Consultant, Founder & Podcast Host, Content Creator, and Team Canada Bobsledder. Kreig is a graduate and Valedictorian from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Distinction) in Communications including a Co-operative Education Designation.

I had the chance to sit down over a virtual coffee to talk Sports Talk: dedication, empathy and competitiveness with Kreig Yeh and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #SportTalk #Kreig Yeh #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

#March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Jagroop Chahal. Jagroop is a 2012 graduate of the New Horizon College of Engineering with a Bachelor of Engineering and a 2018 graduate from Lambton College with a Post Graduate Diploma in Web Design and Development. Jagroop is a Software Professional with a passion for coaching people on Mental Health and Wellness. Jagroop came to Canada with 3 years of experience as a Web and API Developer in India. He completed his Technical Systems Analyst Co-Op at RBC in the Online Banking Team and is now a Senior IT Developer at TD. In his spare time, Jagroop likes to read books, go out for a bike ride or play online poker.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Being thankful, student life and genuine connections with Jagroop Chahal and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #JagroopChahal #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, the podcast that brings you insights from rising stars, emerging talent and experienced professionals making a difference.

Today we’re continuing our exciting series: “Meet the MAC Students of UWindsor.” Let’s dive into the stories of three more exceptional Master of Applied Computing students who are ready to make an impact in the tech world!

🧠 Meet Patel is an experienced Software Developer with over 1.5 years of professional experience, Meet specializes in Full Stack Development, with expertise in Java, JavaScript, Microservices, Linux/Unix, and the MERN stack. He has a strong background in creating robust and innovative software solutions, having worked as an Associate Software Developer at Motadata and as a Web Developer at A-Square Studios. His technical proficiency, coupled with strong soft skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership, makes him a valuable asset to any development team 💻 Amit Kumar: A seasoned software developer with over 2 years of experience, Amit excels in C and Java development, with proficiency in frameworks like Spring Boot and Selenium. His academic projects, including a scalable client-server communication system and a web search engine built from scratch, showcase his strong foundation in data structures and algorithms. Amit’s full-stack development skills and experience with microservices make him well-equipped for modern software engineering challenges.

🌐 Dhruvi Kunvarani: With over two years of experience as a Software Development Engineer at SocialPilot, Dhruvi brings expertise in MERN stack development. Her skills in creating innovative web solutions, from social media platforms to multiplayer games, demonstrate her versatility as a developer. Dhruvi’s experience with state management, RESTful APIs, and real-time communication technologies positions her as a strong candidate for cutting-edge web development projects.

🎧 Action: Tune in to hear Meet, Amit, and Dhruvi share their unique journeys in tech, from AI research and software engineering to web development. Discover how their diverse experiences and skills are shaping their approaches to solving complex technological challenges in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

These talented individuals are ready to bring their expertise and fresh perspectives to new opportunities starting in September 2024.

Employers, don’t miss out on the chance to tap into the innovative thinking and practical skills these UWindsor MAC students bring to the table. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our “Coffee with Convery: Meet the MAC Students of UWindsor” series!

#hireuwindsor

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

In Celebration of Asian Heritage Month, I will be featuring guests from the community to share their stories and what #AsianHeritageMonth means to them.

On today’s podcast, my guest is John Xu.

John is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science, Honours, double major in Biology and Psychology.

He is a highly motivated, versatile, and hybrid technology recruitment leader with extensive years of experience in full-cycle recruitment, team building, vendor management, HR strategy and process improvement.

John has worked at TD Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and now with Trupanion the fastest-growing player in the pet medical insurance space.

He lives in Toronto with his wife, their two kids, and a pet (Choco).

When not working, he loves to travel, learn new technology, and spend time at the cottage.

I had the chance to sit down with Suanne and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired #AsianHeritageMonth

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Nick. Nick Durban is currently enrolled as a fifth-year Lang School of Business and Economics student at the University of Guelph majoring in Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on Finance and Economics. Nick enjoys everything the University of Guelph has to offer is an avid sportsman and a comedian enthusiast. Nick has spent a few summers at RBC in Corporate Real Estate, Client Operations and is now coming back in fall to join the RBC Investor and Treasury Services Graduate Rotational Program.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Spumoni, anxiety and chicken wings with Nick Durban and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #NickDurban #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Attention students, new grads, and career seekers, get ready to rev up your inspiration! 🏁

Welcome to a piping hot episode of Coffee With Convery! ☕

Today, we've got a high-octane guest in the studio, none other than the unstoppable Michael Klein! 🎤

Michael zoomed into the world of success after graduating from the University of Northwestern Ohio with a degree in Sports Marketing and Management back in 2020. 🎓

But here's where it gets interesting – Michael isn't just any graduate; he's a race car driver burning rubber on the track! 🏎️💨

Not only that, but he's also the voice behind some incredible characters in the world of voice acting and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. 🌈

Now, hold onto your helmets, folks, because Michael's journey isn't like any other racer's. He didn't inherit wealth or come from a racing dynasty. Instead, he carved his own path with grit, determination, and a tireless work ethic. 🏁💪

At the tender age of 15, he strapped into a kart, and from there, his racing dreams took off like a rocket. 🚀

Fast forward to age 20, and he's making waves in the Illini Midget Series. 🌊

But this year, folks, he's gunning for the big leagues, making the leap to the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series in select events throughout the season! 🏆

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Michael's mission is to champion inclusion and diversity in the fast-paced world of racing. 🏳️‍🌈🏁

Curious to learn more about this speedster with a heart of gold? Buckle up and head over to michaelkleinracing.com. 🌐

Now, without further ado, pour yourself a cup of inspiration and join us as I sit down with the remarkable Michael Klein. Get ready to be fueled by his story! 🚗💨

Let's dive in! 🎙️🔥 #CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired 🎧📚💡

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Caroline Dack. Caroline is a 2021 graduate of the University of Waterloo with a degree in Arts and Business with a focus on Legal Studies and Women Studies. While at school, Caroline was the VP Communications of Women Studies Society, Member of UW Cabaret Club, Member of UW Animal Rights Society, & Member of Random Acts of Kindness Crew.

In her spare time, Caroline likes to get lost in a good book, be creative in the kitchen and go on adventures with friends.

I had the chance to talk silver linings, kindness and looking for a full-time job with Caroline Dack and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

🎙️☕ Welcome, coffee enthusiasts, to a brand new episode of “Coffee With Convery”! I’m beyond excited to have you join me today, and guess what? We’ve got an absolute dynamo as our guest!

🌟 Joining us is Ahmed Inshal Abbas, a second-year powerhouse at the University of Toronto Scarborough, immersing himself in the realms of Finance and Statistics.

📚 What makes Ahmed stand out? Well, buckle up because his journey involves impressive stints in Hedge Funds, where he gained invaluable insights. But wait, there’s more — he’s also the founder of his own firm! Not to mention, he just nailed a Co-op position in the Capital Markets division at Scotiabank, focusing on Sales and Trading.

📈 When Ahmed isn’t navigating the intricacies of quantitative trading or exploring innovative ways to integrate artificial intelligence into trading solutions, you can catch him on the football field, hitting the gym, or engaging in some friendly table tennis with pals.

So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let’s dive into this exciting conversation! ☕🎧 

#CoffeeWithConvery #StudentPower #FinanceJourney

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Tyler! Tyler Kuz is a 2020 graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) Coop Degree in Finance and Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

Tyler was born and raised in Rural Manitoba where his family established its’ roots 3 generations ago in the RM of Silver Creek, operating a successful grain and cattle farming operation until the spring of April of 2018, when his grandparents celebrated their retirement from a lifelong of hard work on the farm. Ty’s passion and commitment towards helping others thrive through holistic advice and deepened relationships is brought to life through his current role with RBC as a Business Account Manager, where he has the pleasure of working with local business owners and their employees to support their everyday banking and wellness, capital financing, and cash flow management to help businesses and our economy grow. Ty is dedicated to his career, personal development, and family, and loves spending time outdoors at the farm, fishing, and golfing whenever he can find time.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Family, values and patience with Tyler Kuz and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #TylerKuz #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

On today’s podcast, I have invited Joe Henry to join me.

Joe Henry is the Dean of Students at King’s University College. Founded in 1954, King’s University College at Western University is a Catholic, liberal arts university college affiliated with a large, world-class university. As a Catholic university, King’s emphasizes the value of each individual and the importance of social justice. Students from all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. Offering degree programs in the arts, social sciences, management and social work, King’s is home to approximately 3500 full- and part-time students from across Canada as well as 35 other countries.

As Dean of Students, Joe supports the academic mission through the provision of programs that enhances the quality of student life and learning outside the classroom at King’s University College. He oversees the direction of student support services, facilities and student co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. He is also responsible for the operation of the residence facilities and residential life programming and administers the Student Code of Conduct at King’s. As member of the senior administration at King’s he advises the college on a variety of issues that impact the student experience on campus and also act as an advisor to the King’s University College Student Council.

I had the chance to sit down with Sam and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

#WorkIntegratedLearning #WIL #WILMonth

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today Maureen Marful. Maureen is a 2015 graduate from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree where she was involved in various extracurricular activities including the Queen’s Conference on Philanthropy, and AIESEC Queen’s. She also is a recent May graduate from Cornell University where she completed her MBA specialized in Strategy & Operations. Prior to Cornell, Maureen worked as a Management Consultant within EY’s Business Consulting Practice in Toronto where she had the opportunity work on diverse technology projects for global clients in Financial Services, Retail and Technology. Maureen has also worked at Scotiabank and most recently with RBC in Capital Markets in Toronto. This month, Maureen joined BlackRock in their New York City office.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Pizza, extracurriculars and making changes with Maureen Marful and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #MaureenMarful #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

🎙️ Welcome, listeners, to a special edition of Coffee With Convery ☕, where we delve into skill development and job seeking in today’s world of work! 🌍

Today’s podcast is sponsored by the Diversity Institute 🌟. They're all about action-oriented research and finding innovative solutions to societal challenges. 💡 With a focus on bridging skills gaps, promoting diversity in leadership, and driving inclusive innovation, they're at the forefront of shaping the future of work. 🚀

But wait, there's more! We have three fantastic guests joining us today, each with a unique perspective on navigating the professional landscape. 🌟 They've all experienced the game-changing ADaPT (Advanced Digital and Professional Training) Program by the Diversity Institute. 🎓 Let's meet them:

🎙️ Ricky Visitacion: A skilled Sales Development Representative from Vaughan, who's graduated from the ADaPT Program is now working as a Sales Development Representative at Resolver. 💼

🎙️ Paulo Petitinga: A seasoned Communication Strategist from Toronto, currently enrolled in the ADaPT4Success Program. 📚

🎙️ Sarah Oguche: An accomplished Application Support Engineer from Kitchener, a graduate of the ADaPT for Black Youth Program, dedicated to empowering Black youth with the skills they need to succeed and is now working as a Support Agent Client Services for the Service Management Group. 🚀

Excited yet? Tune in as we explore their journeys and learn more about these transformative programs! 🌟

For more information, visit Diversity Institute’s Training and Work Placement Site. 💻 [Link: https://www.torontomu.ca/diversity/research/future-skills/trainingandworkplacement/]

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

On today’s podcast, my guest is Fikayo Aderoju.

Fikayo holds a Bachelor of Arts, Economics from York University.

He was recently recognized as one of the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 2023. Recipients of York University’s prestigious Top 30 Alumni Under 30 award are graduates who have inspired positive change in the world and have demonstrated the vision and drive required to make meaningful contributions to their communities. 

Fikayo was also globally recognized as a recipient of The Diana Award. This award is the most prestigious accolade a young person can win for social action or humanitarian efforts in the world. The Diana Award was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and is given out by the charity of the same name and with the support of both her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Sussex.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Project Impacting Lives, he has dedicated the past three years to creating positive change in the lives of those facing homelessness in Canada. Under his leadership, the organization has successfully provided over 1,500 winter care packages to people facing homelessness, created scholarship funds, organized toy drives, and distributed food to the community.

Fikayo's life mission is to inspire others to take action and make a greater impact in their communities, families, and society. He has lived this out through his various leadership roles, such as a Peer Mentor at Vanier College, Dean Ambassador at York University, and TD Early Talent Ambassador, where he has connected diverse groups of students with exciting opportunities and experiences. Fikayo has also been featured on Breakfast Television and CBC NEWS.

Fikayo recently was recognized globally as a recipient of The Diana Award. This award is the most prestigious accolade a young person can win for social action or humanitarian efforts in the world. The Diana Award was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and is given out by the charity of the same name and with the support of both her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Sussex.

Currently, Fikayo serves as the Head of Housing at the Toronto Youth Cabinet with a clear mandate of reducing the rate of youth homelessness in Toronto.

I had the chance to sit down with Fikayo and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Welcome to Careering Talk.  If you are tuning in for the first time, Careering Talk is an open mic series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact.

Our topic today is Adult Learning and Career Navigation with Mazen Farroukh.

Mazen is 2008 honors graduate from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Beirut, Lebanon with a Bachelor of Business Administration / Finance degree. Mazen is an academic award recipient of the Dean’s Entrance Scholarship at Smith awarded to students based on academic excellence and currently enrolled at Smith School of Business in a Master of Finance degree program.

Mazen holds a CFA charter to his name and has a great deal of work experience in private equity, equity research and investment banking at Goldman Sachs. He is skilled at discovering investment opportunities, developing valuation models, and drafting investment presentations.

In his spare time, Mazen likes to play soccer, tennis and explore new countries.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Careering Talk: Adult Learning and Career Navigation with Mazen Farroukh and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #CareeringTalk #Careering #MazenFarroukh #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

With November being Career Month in Canada, we are going to continue with the series “Careering Talk.” “Careering Talk” is an open mic series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact.

Career Month Canada’s 2021 theme is “It’s Possible.” With my guest Dan Gibson I could not think of a better person to represent this year’s theme and so the theme for today’s podcast is “It’s Possible.”

Dan Gibson is a 2012 graduate from Conestoga College with an Ontario College Certificate in Fire Science/ Fire-Fighting.

Dan is from Cambridge, Ontario where he was born and raised and is a parent to 5 kids which includes a set of triplets.

Dan started his journey with RBC back in 2010 while he was in school pursuing a firefighting career and has just surpassed his 11 year milestone with RBC. Dan has been in a number of various branch roles and have been in leadership for a number of years including his current position as the RBC Manager OnCampus at Wilfrid Laurier. Dan describes himself as a Professional Fun Haver, a Social Media Content Creator, a Community-minded Leader, a Student & Youth Financial Literacy Expert and a Digital Photography Enthusiast.

In his spare time, Dan likes to…create content, video or photo; and through social media share his journey on what it is like being a parent to multiple children of 5 with triplets. He loves and lives for the dad life!

I had the chance to sit down to talk Careering Talk: It’s Possible with Dan Gibson and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #CareeringTalk #DanGibson #Careering #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years.

Today we are continuing “Careering Talk” which is an open mic series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact.

On today’s Careering Talk, I have invited Cara Krezek to join me. Cara is a Western University graduate with a BA in History and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Leadership from the Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph, where she is researching the impact of strengths-based teams. Cara is currently the Director, Co-op, Career & Experiential Education at Brock University, where she has been involved in higher education for over 16 years. Cara also has held the position of CEWIL (Co-op Education & Work Integrated Learning) Canada President and CEO, where she successfully secured a multi-million dollar grant for CEWIL through Federal Government funding and led the national association through the global pandemic by bringing the community together to share, learn and support each other.

Cara is also a certified CliftonStrengths Coach. She has been an entrepreneur with her own consulting business for a number of years and has worked as a recruiting manager at Brock and at Enterprise Rent-A-Car for Southwestern Ontario.

I had the chance to sit down with Cara to talk Passion, intentionality and thought and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. On today’s podcast, I have invited Joze Piranian to join me.

Joze is a lifelong stutterer turned Forbes featured Global TEDx Speaker on Inclusion and Resilience. Born and raised in Lebanon, Joze avoided speaking for more than 25 years out of the fear of being judged for being different. Then, everything changed. He has delivered 5 TEDx talks and performed stand-up comedy in 3 continents and 4 languages.

Having graduated from McGill University with a Bachelors in Organizational Psychology, from Queen’s University with a Master of International Business and from Cornell University with a certificate in Diversity & Inclusion, Joze has since delivered hundreds of stand-up comedy and speaking engagements about Inclusion and Resilience at the United Nations, Google, Tesla, Meta, Dell, TikTok, Deloitte and BCG. With more than 3 000 000 views on Goalcast, Joze has also been featured on TEDx, ABC, Forbes, Some Good News, NowThis, CBC and now #CoffeeWithConvery!

I had the chance to sit down with Joze to discuss Perseverance, Stand Up and Guacamole (his favorite snack) and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

🎙️☕ Welcome to Coffee with Convery, the podcast where we dive deep into the lives and stories of individuals making a meaningful impact in their careers, their communities, and beyond. ☕🎙️

Today, we have a remarkable guest with us, someone whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring.

Joining is Chadwin Bartley, a multifaceted individual hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. 🍁 Chadwin wears many hats – he's the Founder of Bartley Skills Development, the brains behind ChairLinks, a seasoned Athlete Brand & Partnership Coordinator, and a skilled Barber ✂️.

His philosophy is simple but powerful: "Everything Matters," and every life experience plays a crucial role in shaping your purpose and mission in business.

As the Founder and CEO of ChairLinks, Chadwin brings together the worlds of beauty professionals and high-profile clients, including athletes, influencers, corporations, and charities including renowned organizations such as Canada Basketball, Toronto Argonauts, Live Nation, Jays Care Foundation, Peel District School Board, and more. 🌐

Get ready for a conversation filled with insights, inspiration, and the incredible journey of Chadwin Bartley! ☕🎤

#CoffeeWithConvery #InspirationUnleashed #ChadwinBartley #EntrepreneurialJourney

Students, new grads, and all you ambitious career seekers out there, welcome to a piping hot cup of inspiration and insight — it’s time for another invigorating episode of Coffee With Convery! ☕🎙️

Today, we’re serving up a brew of ambition and innovation as we dive deep into the story of a remarkable guest, none other than Sabrina Sawan.

Sabrina is no ordinary student; she’s a force to be reckoned with! 💪📚 Currently on her academic journey at the University of Windsor, she’s chasing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering, and she’s not stopping there. With minors in Computer Science and Mathematics, she’s crafting a multidimensional skillset that promises to take her places. 🌟🔌🧮

But here’s the kicker, folks: Sabrina isn’t just grinding through textbooks and lectures. No, she’s out there in the real world, making a difference. 🌍

🚀 She’s not only completed a co-op work term at Agriculture and Agrifood Canada but left an indelible mark on the Naurvik project. Picture this: a vertical farm inside a shipping container, all designed to tackle the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Nunavut. That’s the kind of hands-on innovation we all dream of, right? 🌱🏭

Her dedication and innovation didn’t go unnoticed, either. Sabrina was honored with the Winter 2023 Co-op/Internship Rising Star Student Award, celebrating her unique blend of enthusiasm, creativity, and a rock-solid work ethic. 🏆🌟

Now, my friends, you’re in for a treat. I had the privilege of sitting down with Sabrina, and our conversation is a whirlwind of inspiration, wisdom, and practical advice. So, grab your favorite coffee, find a comfy spot, and get ready to be inspired as we dive into the world of Sabrina Sawan. ☕🤝

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired 🎧📚💡

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire the next generation.

 In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, we sit down with Dr. Camisha Sibblis - an influential leader in Social Justice, Mental Health, and Black Scholars.

 A 2024 honoree of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2022, Dr. Sibblis is an Assistant Professor and the Director ofthe Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor. With a background spanning academia, psychotherapy, and social work, she has dedicated her career to dismantling systemic barriers and advocating for historically underrepresented communities.

 Whether you're navigating your first job, looking to make a meaningful career shift, or seeking ways to contribute to a more inclusive society, this conversation is for you.

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years.

My guest today is Stephanie Leonardelli. Stephanie has a number of educational experiences to her credit including an International Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University— where she completed part of her degree in Barcelona at Esade – and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University. This fall, she returned to Schulich and is currently pursuing her MBA with a specialization in marketing.

Stephanie has a number of work experiences as well to her credit dating back to being a learning and development associate with Investment Planning Counsel over the course of her undergrad. When she entered her masters of journalism, she took on a research assistant role with Toronto Metropolitan University during the school year as well as Corporate Relations Associate for TedxRyerson. Starting in May 2021, Stephanie began as a segment producer with Bell Media at CTV. She continues to freelance there, producing meaningful and engaging segments for Canada's national morning show, Your Morning. When she’s not producing television segments, she works part-time as a client care associate as a financial advising office.

My collision with Stephanie happened in the fall of 2021 with TedXRyerson. This encounter changed my life forever as I lived out one of my bucket list moments which was my first Ted Talk. Stephanie was my coach and her support was just amazing.

In her spare time, Stephanie likes cooking, to be active, to work-out and to spend time with family.

I had the chance to sit down with Stephanie to talk Journalism, empathy and guacamole and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years. On today’s Careering Talk, my guest today is Nitai Ben-Shach.

Nitai received his law degree from the University of Toronto with a BA (Double Major History and Political Science) from McGill. After completing his articles at a Bay Street firm, with a primary focus in corporate commercial and real estate law, he began his practice at a boutique entertainment firm in downtown Toronto.

Nitai has practiced in the areas of entertainment, media, intellectual property and corporate commercial law, with an emphasis on film and television production and financing. He has advised actors, producers, writers and artists on matters including rights acquisition, licensing and distribution.

A wide variety of employment experiences ranging from business and legal development for a major film company to consular security has given Nitai a strong work ethic and a wide skill set. Using his well honed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in four languages, Nitai has worked in public oriented jobs in Canada and France.

A lover of all things fermented and left to age in oak, Nitai is also an avid reader and commenter on anything related to business, technology, law, entertainment, sports and politics.

Nitai and I met over coffee literally as he and I partnered on the RBC Ten Thousand Coffees Student Networking Platform at RBC in 2016. We have worked on a number of impactful projects together and I am excited to have him on the show.

I had the chance to sit down with Nitai to talk Law, rugby and technology/ strategy with Nitai Ben-Shach and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now, let's meet Christina! Christina Caldi is an authentic and fun-hearted McMaster Graduate from 2018, with a 2019 Humber College Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations. She is creative storyteller who thrives in collaborative environments and has a passion for diversity and inclusion and human engagement. This has been displayed through her efforts both inside and outside of the workplace in raising awareness and support for issues relating to topics such as queer rights, unconscious bias, accessibility and anti-black racism. Christina’s favorite hobbies include cooking, hiking and photography.

Most recently, I had the chance to sit down over a virtual coffee to talk Photography, tangible skills and a reflection on self-identifying women with Christina Caldi and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #ChristinaCaldi #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2021 #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

#March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

Welcome to Careering Talk. If you are tuning in for the first time, “Careering Talk” is an open mic series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact. Today’s Careering Talk is a special one because January is #NationalMentoringMonth in Canada and I have invited guests that I have mentored and built relationships with to join me and share their experiences.

The topic today is Networking and Mentorship with Jasman Bisram.

Jasman is a 2020 graduate from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. In 2019, Jasman took a semester abroad with the Aston Business School where he studied courses in digital event marketing, human resources, and strategic leadership and joined the Student Formula One Racing team as a sponsorship and marketing coordinator.

Jasman has had a number of work-integrated-learning experiences as an Accounts Payable Intern with Carillion Canada, Inc., SharePoint Intern with Nucleus Independent Living, Project Control Officer and a Business Systems Analyst with RBC and as a Junior Analyst Intern with Framework Venture Partners.

He also held the Delegate and President roles for Goodman DECA which led to many wins in international marketing categories from 2017 to 2019 and as President he led 8 executives and 56 students, to successfully conduct an invitational competition at Brock University with planning and hosting of 140 students from eight different colleges and universities across Ontario. For those that do not know DECA. DECA is a non-profit organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Jasman has recently held full-time roles with Body Brave and Open Text as a Project Coordinator. He is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and is extremely passionate about acquiring the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) designation to become a future project manager.

In his spare time, Jasman likes to listen to music, eat food, and live an active and well balanced lifestyle.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Careering Talk: Networking and Mentorship with Jasman Bisram and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #CareeringTalk #Networking #Mentorship #NationalMentoringMonth #InformalLearning #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Summer! Summer Thomson is a 2020 Graduate of Western University with a Business Management and Organizational Degree with an Honors Specialization in Accounting. Summer spent various internships across RBC sectors in both Toronto and Europe before joining full-time last May as a Senior Business Analyst in the Tech Infrastructure group. During her summers at RBC she held various student leadership roles as an RBC Student Partner and an RBC Student Ambassador throughout her university experience.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Networks, balance and puzzles with Summer Thomson and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #SummerThomson #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

On today’s episode we are going to continue the journey with Sports Talk where my invited guests will share how being an athlete has helped them to propel their skill building, their mindsets and their futures. “Sports Talk” also helps us understand the hurdles and barriers some athlete’s face while being in school, participating in sports and trying to balance the transition into the workplace.

Now let’s meet Charlie. Charlie Broe is a 2019 graduate from Bryant University located in Smithfield, Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He was a Division I Student Athlete in Swim and Dive with the Bryant University Bulldogs and has volunteered with Swim across America and has been a Special Olympics Event Coordinator for a number of years as well. Charlie is currently employed at DataDog a leading monitoring organization in cloud applications as a Commercial Account Executive in Boston, Massachusetts.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Sports Talk: Swimming, time management and empathy with Charlie Broe and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #SportsTalk #CharlieBroe #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

In Celebration of Asian Heritage Month, I will be featuring guests from the community to share their stories and what #AsianHeritageMonth means to them.

On today’s podcast, my guest is Johnnie Vũ.

Johnnie holds an MBA and a Certificate in Social Responsible Leadership from Queens University, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Marketing from the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University.

Johnnie is caring, strategic and an inspiring leader. At RBC Royal Bank, he is currently a Regional Enablement for the GTR Diversified Commercial Banking team where he acts as the strategic advisor to the Regional Vice President of Commercial Banking to enable, embed and sustain regional and national strategic initiatives.

Johnnie is also an active member in his community and held various boards positions for not for profits, charities and student unions. Currently, he is the Co-Chair for RBC Ascend Canada and acts as a relationship manager to Ascends’s top corporate partners.

I had the chance to sit down with Johnnie Vũ and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired #AsianHeritageMonth

Greetings, listeners! 👋 It’s time to wake up your career potential 🚀 with another invigorating episode of Coffee With Convery ☕🎙️.

Today we’re in for a treat 🍬 as we sit down with Jordan Berman, a global business executive 🌍💼 and thought leader in building better workplaces 🏢✨.

Jordan is the Founder and President of SHIFT Advisory Group, a Senior Faculty member 🎓 at Schulich ExecEd, and a lecturer 📚 at the Schulich School of Business. With extensive experience across multiple industries 🏭📈, Jordan has been a trusted advisor to C-suite executives 💼🏢 on complex issues related to organizational culture, change, and communications 🔄🗣️.

He’s also the author of ‘The Trust Trifecta’ 📖, a book focused on fostering high-trust workplace cultures 🤝. Jordan’s diverse background includes work with multinational corporations 🌐, fast-growing organizations 🚀, family-owned companies 🏠, and public sector entities 🏛️.

Today, we’ll be diving 🏊 into Jordan’s insights on leadership development 🏅, organizational capabilities 🛠️, and creating thriving workplace cultures 🌱🏢.

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Coffee with Convery.

This Black History Month, we introduce our Legacy in Motion series with a powerful conversation featuring Manny Almonte—a visionary leader dedicated to empowering men of color and fostering community transformation.

Manny is the founder of Mastermind Connect, a dynamic men’s collective, and the Young Masterminds Initiative, a nonprofit creating transformative experiences that help men of color connect with their passions, inner selves, and communities. His impact extends beyond city limits into the great outdoors, where he leads Camping to Connect, a pioneering BIPOC-led youth mentorship program promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Manny’s advocacy for nature accessibility shines through his award-winning short film, Wood Hood, which has sparked conversations on inclusion in outdoor spaces at national conferences and news outlets.

With a background in business and community building, Manny is also the principal of MA Reloaded, a boutique web design firm. Originally from the Dominican Republic and now based in Denver, Colorado, Manny lives with purpose—alongside his family and dogs—dedicated to driving lasting change.

Tune in to hear how Manny is putting Legacy in Motion and inspiring the next generation.

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years.

May 4th — May 10th this year marked the 69th annual Canada Mental Health Association Mental Health Week. Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a mental health challenge and according to CAMH By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness. Yet according to the Mental Health Commission, In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children receive appropriate mental health services. Cleary this is a topic that is top of mind and one that needs discussion.

My guests today are Avina Patel and Madeleine Poutissou. Avina and Madeleine are the co-chairs of Queen’s Commerce Mental Health Association a student mental health group established to promote mental health and wellness throughout the Commerce community and to give those who are struggling a sense of hope.

I first got introduced to QCMHA when I was at RBC and established a partnership with the Association for the first Mental Health Case Competition in 2021. It was a huge hit in that it raised awareness and innovative actionable ideas around mental health from an intergenerational perspective.

So, let’s meet Avina and Madeleine.

Avina is currently enrolled at the Smith School of Business and due to graduate in 2023 with her BComm Degree. Avina has worked as Financial Analyst Intern with the Ford Motor Company, been a consultant for Smith Business Consulting and most recently will be joining the Boston Consulting Group this summer to work as a Summer Intern. In her spare time, Avina likes to workout outdoors, take photos and make food.

Madeleine is also currently enrolled at the Smith School of Business and due to graduate in 2023 with her BComm Degree. Madeleine has worked as summer intern for Daemar, Inc., been a Counsellor at the Glen Bernard Camp and most recently is a Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Scotia Bank. In her spare time, Maddie likes to spend time with friends, attend dance and spinning classes and watch reality tv.

I had the chance to sit down with Avina and Madeleine to talk Mental health, curiosity and resilience and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

So let’s meet Denys Linkov. Denys is a graduate of The University of Toronto where he received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Denys currently works as a Machine Learning Architect at Voiceflow where he is responsible for designing and building Voiceflow’s data science and machine learning platform. Denys’ goal is to make creating voice apps easy, intuitive and collaborative.

Denys is also a community builder. He has a keen interest and is focused on youth and the future of work. He has engaged with a number of youth groups as a mentor, speaker and leader and has engineered many discussions on career development and technology. He helped to scale Tech Under 20 a leading youth tech group in Halton and he is successful at a competitive level in Debate and Taekwondo.

I got the pleasure of meeting Denys back at RBC when he was first a student and have continued to see Deny thrive with his impact and passion for tech, students and the future of work.

I had the chance to talk Creativity, technology and internships with Denys Linkov and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

On today’s episode we are going to continue the journey with #ThrowbackThursday. If you are tuning in for the first time and as a reminder for our listeners, “Throwback Thursday” is where I bring onto the show students and young talent that I met years ago and to see where they are now.

My guest today is Sibi Anand. Sibi is a Carleton University BComm Finance graduate. Before we met, Sibi had worked at the Public Works and Government Services Canada in Ottawa as a Supply Officer and he was a contract SAP functional consultant for MMLS Consulting Inc.

Sibi and I met back in the day at IBM when I was leading talent and onboarding for IBM Consulting Services and we were just standing up our client services centre in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Sibi went on to work at IBM as an SAP BI Consultant in Halifax and has performed various roles of responsibility with much success at Halogen Software, Saba Software and he now is the Senior Manager, Business Consulting at Cornerstone on Demand in Ottawa.

In his spare time, Sibi enjoys eating shawarmas, deal-hunting at Costco, and travelling with his wife. He hosts a podcast called ‘Brown and Lovely’ that focuses on conversations around mental health in the South Asian community in addition to showcasing the journeys of up-and-coming artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. He is a passionate advocate for all things mental health, personal development, leadership development, and financial literacy.

I had the chance to talk Throwback Thursday: All things Costco, mental health and leading with yes with Sibi Anand and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #ThrowbackThursday #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Welcome to Careering Talk. If you are tuning in for the first time, “Careering Talk” is an open mic series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact.

On today’s Careering Talk, I have invited friends and talent leaders to join me to talk all things recruiting in 2022.

· Emma Surich, Manager, Talent Acquisition at ecobee

· Jovic Howland, Campus Recruiter & Early Career Specialist, Ontario & Atlantic Canada at WSP

· Bridget King, Talent Acquisition Manager, Early Talent at IBM

· Sean MacLure, Manager, Campus Recruitment, Extendicare, Inc.

· Anthony Paradiso, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, Intact

I had the chance to sit down to talk Careering Talk: Recruiting in 2022 with these wonderful folks and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #CareeringTalk #Recruiting #Mentorship #NationalMentoringMonth #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

On today’s episode we are going to continue the journey with Sports Talk where my invited guests will share how being an athlete has helped them to propel their skill building, their mindsets and their futures. “Sports Talk” also helps us understand the hurdles and barriers some athlete’s face while being in school, participating in sports and trying to balance the transition into the workplace.

Now let’s meet Stephen Taylor. Stephen is a current student at the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics at University of Guelph due to graduate this year with a Bachelor of Commerce in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Marketing. Stephen also studied Management Sports and Recreation Management briefly while at James Madison University in the United States.

Stephen has a vast number of years of experience working in client facing/ retail roles at McDonalds, Footlocker, and UPS and most recently landed his student job this coming summer with Adidas.

With his school and work comes the balancing of his sports passion as he is currently a student-athlete on the varsity football team.

In his spare time Stephen likes to workout, cook, and go fishing.

I had the chance to talk Sports Talk: Thanksgiving, football and networking with Stephen Taylor and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #SportsTalk #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

With November being Career Month in Canada, we are going to continue with the series “Careering Talk.” “Careering Talk” is an open mic series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact.

Our topic today is “preparing for that year-end review” with my guest Chase Harder.

Chase Harder is a 2019 Goodman School of Business at Brock University graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems/ Information Technology. Chase has a number of experiences to his name including being a guest lecturer in Data analysis, Professional Selling, and International Business Courses at Humber College, a sole proprietor for The Computer Prof, a Quality Control Coordinator for Gen Z Integrated Marketing, a property manager and business partner for Nirvana Enterprises (a real estate acquisition and management company) and most recently Automation Analysis with RBC. In his spare time, Chase enjoys cooking, martial arts, and exploring the great outdoors with his girlfriend Aruna along with their puppy pal Sherlock!

I had the chance to sit down to talk Careering Talk: Preparing for that year-end review with Chase Harder and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #CareeringTalk #ChaseHarder #Careering #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Nabeeha! Nabeeha Pirzada is currently enrolled at the Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph with a focus on Marketing and Finance due to graduate next month. Nabeeha is the President of Management Economics and Finance Student Association, Passionate about Diversity and Inclusion and a Self-Proclaimed Hustler. She is also the former Co-President for Guelph Women in Leadership and the current Co-Founder of BIPOC Capital, which aims to reduce generational wealth disparity. Nabeeha has also been involved in the NGO sector with previous collaborations with the United Nations, Department for International Development and Search for Common Ground. She is also one of the biggest foodie’s you might meet.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Racial wealth disparity, self-confidence and empathy with Nabeeha Pirzada and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #NabeehaPirzada #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Welcome to another invigorating episode of Coffee with Convery! ☕

Today, we're joined by a true luminary in the world of talent acquisition, Corey Shaw 🌟, founder of North Star Talent, based right here in the heart of Toronto.

Corey Shaw, with a Bachelor's degree in History from Wilfrid Laurier University 🎓, has forged an illustrious career path, distinguished by his unwavering commitment to excellence.

From his tenure as a Talent Acquisition leader at TD, CIBC, Canada Life, Co-operators and currently The Salvation Army 🏢, he has built strategies to attract and hire exceptional talent. Corey's journey has been marked by visionary leadership and transformative impact.

Corey's story is one of continual evolution demonstrated by his curiosity and prowess as a natural networker, fostering collaborative environments where teams thrive 🌱.

Corey's unwavering commitment to empowering teams and enhancing organizational excellence is evident. As the founder of North Star Talent, he has dedicated himself to guiding organizations towards attracting and nurturing outstanding, diverse talent. 🌠

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Logan Kieller. Logan is attending the Ivey Business School at Western University and is enrolled in the Honors Program for Business Administration with an expected graduation date in May 2023. Logan was the President of the Western Pre-Business Students' Network (PBSN) and co-led the Tech Under 20 until August 2020 of last year.  Now after exploring entrepreneurship, he recently launched and is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Shape Donations, Managing Director of Hack the Globe and a Basecamp Incubator Fellow at the DMZ. Logan has four coops to his experience, three of which were with RBC and he is just getting started.

I had the chance to talk Impact philosophy, spoken word poetry and deep dives with Logan Kieller and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #LoganKieller #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years. On today’s Careering Talk, my guest is Adam Rodricks.

Adam is a University of Toronto Scarborough graduate with a BBA in Management and Marketing.

Adam Rodricks is an international award-winning social media strategist and speaker who has transformed “word of mouth” into a world of mouth for Fortune 500 companies. His first book, Trigger Fingers: Personal Branding through Storytelling skyrocketed to the top of the charts, becoming a #1 best-seller in Canada in the categories of Direct Marketing, Public Relations and Business.

For the past 7 years, he’s worked as the National Lead of Digital Marketing Services at KPMG in Canada. In his spare time, Adam teaches the LinkedIn fundamentals course at George Brown College and serves as a Program Advisor on Digital Engagement Strategy at Centennial College.

In 2022, the Speakers Bureau of Canada named Adam “Canada’s Top Social Media Strategist”. His work as a social media influencer has been featured on CBC, CTV, Yahoo, BNN, Staples Tech TV, Nintendo.ca and his own site: www.adamrodricks.com.

I had the chance to sit down with Adam to discuss Branding, Marketing and Cake, Cake, Cake, Cake, Cake and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Arun Sampath. Arun is a student in a multi-disciplinary program in Science and Business at the University of Waterloo expected to graduate in 2022.

As an innovative co-op student, Arun always is looking for opportunities to continuously expand his knowledge and abilities in the workplace. Arun’s technical skills as a science student combined with his problem-solving abilities as a business student have allowed him to gain interests in business operations, sales, marketing, and customer support. Arun is hungry to learn and actively solve problems around an organization’s operations, business strategies, and customer pain points. This summer Arun worked as a Communications Analyst and Community Leader for the Amplify Program at RBC in Technology and Operations group. In his spare time, Arun likes exercise and go on walks in his spare time due to the shift to a virtual work environment during the pandemic. Besides that he is a huge food enthusiast and loves to make homemade meals from scratch.

I had the chance to talk Alarms, patience and change with Arun Sampath and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #ArunSampath #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

🎙️ Hello, wonderful listeners! Welcome to another exciting episode of 'Coffee with Convery'! ☕

Take a moment to brew yourself a cup of your favorite coffee, or hot drink, find your comfy spot, and get ready for a caffeine-fueled journey into a captivating conversation with our truly remarkable guest today, Stephen Shedletzky, aka Shed. 🌟

Shed is not just any leader; he's a dedicated visionary who's absolutely passionate about helping others discover their strengths and unlock their full potential. With an unwavering belief in the transformative power of leadership to inspire positive change, he's made it his life's mission to guide and empower those leaders who put their people and purpose at the forefront of their endeavors.

Based in Toronto, Canada, Stephen founded “Shed Inspires” in July 2021, where he serves as a Founder, Speaker, Coach, and Author. Over the past two years, he has been instrumental in assisting leaders in listening to and nurturing the voices of their teams. He understands that creating an environment where individuals feel safe, encouraged, and valued for their input is crucial for team cohesion and success. 🌐🤝

Stephen's dedication to promoting a culture of open communication and collaboration extends to his writing. His book, "Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up," just released in October 2023. This thought leadership piece sheds light on the importance of genuine listening in leadership and its transformative impact on individuals and organizations. 📖✨

Before founding Shed Inspires, Stephen spent 12 years with Simon Sinek Inc., where he played various pivotal roles. Starting as the fourth member of the team in 2011, he co-hosted the “Start With Why” podcast. Over the years, he assumed leadership positions such as Chief of Staff, Lead Igniter & Head of Brand Experience, Training & Development. Additionally, he conducted numerous keynotes, workshops, and team and leadership development programs. 🚀🎤

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Shed! 🌞 #CoffeeWithConvery #LeadershipJourney #Inspiration ☕🎧

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of Coffee with Convery, where we bring you conversations with remarkable individuals shaping the landscape of work and impacting people through storytelling. ☕🗣️

Today, we are thrilled to have Kevin O’Keefe on the show, a seasoned veteran in the world of current affairs television, documentaries, and digital media. 🌐📺

With a career spanning over 25 years, Kevin has left an indelible mark on the industry. Currently serving as a Producer at CTV’s acclaimed investigative series W5, Kevin’s work delves into crucial issues and events, showcasing his dedication to uncovering compelling stories. 🕵️‍♂️🎥

Beyond his extensive professional achievements, Kevin is a lifelong learner. Armed with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Radio and Television from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of King’s College, he continues to hone his craft. His commitment to excellence extends even to his personal pursuits, having completed the improvisation program at Second City Training Centre and a Japanese language course at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. 🎓🌟

#CoffeeWithConvery #CareerAdventure #ContinuousLearning #InspirationalTalks #LifeExperiences

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years.

My guest today is Matt Parkin. Matt graduated with an Honors in Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western.

Matt is an amazing entrepreneurial spirit who has been engaging in volunteerism, clubs and sports since he was born. He holds many licenses, certifications and over 20 awards including: a Certified Associate in Project Management, a Lean Six Sigma White Belt, a Delaware Hall First-Year Involvement Award, Robert V. Hicks Scholarship at Ivey (Awarded to an HBA student with high academic standing and a career interest in HR Management), a J.J. Wettlaufer Award at Ivey (Awarded to the male student in each section who, in the opinion of their peers, excels in activities within and outside the Business School) to name a few. To his credit, Matt was also in the top 25% of his class in his third year at Ivey.

Matt is Director and Co-Founder of LEAP Canada a federally-incorporated non profit organization that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary education; Co-Founder of #Coble which educates, motivates, and holds students accountable during their job search with easy and actionable daily steps; a LinkedIn Personal Branding Coach and Business Development Lead and currently works at FindWRK in Customer Success/ Sales.

I had the chance to sit down with Matt to talk LinkedIn, Personal Branding and Entrepreneurship and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

🌿☕️ Welcome to Coffee with Convery! Today, we're delving into the captivating realms of chemistry, sustainability, academia, and innovation, one cup at a time, with our special guest, Ayodele Fatona! 🚀🔬

Ayodele's career journey, from overseeing introductory chemistry labs to teaching and guiding research projects at McMaster University, is nothing short of groundbreaking. 🌐 His expertise spans from crafting safety protocols to synthesizing cutting-edge materials for sustainable chemistry.

🎓 Holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from McMaster, Ayodele's thesis focused on fine-tuning the interfacial properties of cellulose and silicones through triazinyl and thioacetal chemistry—a true expert in the field! 📚💡

Currently, Ayodele shines as a seasoned Senior Chemist at Lorama Group in Mississauga, Ontario. 🌊 His specialization lies in applying synthetic chemical tools to craft revolutionary silicone derivatives, water-borne copolymers, and biopolymers tailored for targeted interfacial chemistry applications. But, that's just the beginning! 🌍💡

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for an engaging conversation with Ayodele Fatona. ☕️🎙️ 🌿🔍

🎙️ Welcome to ☕️ Coffee with Convery, the podcast where we sit down with some of the most fascinating minds from various fields for a chat over a cup of coffee!

Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to our guest, Sebastian Benzecry! 🚀

🎓 Sebastian is a PhD Candidate at the University of Cambridge, where he focuses on Film and Screen Studies.

He's also the President of the Cambridge University Boat Club for 2023/24, leading the team to victory in The Gemini Boat Race 2024 and winning the Aberdeen Quaich trophy! 🚣‍♂️🏆

Beyond his academic and athletic achievements, Sebastian brings a wealth of experience in content writing and tutoring. He has worked as a content writer for Modus Workspace, creating original articles on workspace culture and office spaces, as well as contributing to social media marketing.

His experience in rowing extends to coaching roles at several prestigious institutions, including Pembroke College Boat Club and The Leys School. 📝👨‍🏫

Sebastian's journey began at Princeton University, where he earned his BA in English and honed his skills as a creative director for an on-campus broadcast TV show. He then pursued his MPhil at the University of Cambridge, where he has continued to excel. 📚

In today's episode, we'll dive into Sebastian's academic pursuits, his passion for rowing, and how he balances his roles in both academia and athletics. We'll also discuss his thoughts on the future of film and screen studies, his experiences in content creation, and much more.

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this enlightening conversation with Sebastian! ☕️🎉

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases and changing priorities as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

My guest today is Shane Meadahl. Shane is enrolled at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University focusing on his Bachelor of Business Administration | Finance with an expected graduation in date in 2022. Shane has had a number of internships throughout his post-secondary including Deloitte, BMO and this summer with RBC as a summer analyst, Global Investment Banking where he supported the Power, Utilities & Infrastructure coverage group in Capital Markets. Shane will be returning full-time in July 2022 and he is currently an RBC Student Ambassador at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University if you would like to connect with him back on campus. In his spare time, Shane likes to stay active, adventure around Vancouver, and spend quality time with his family and close friends. A major goal for Shane after graduation is to travel as much as possible before starting full-time with RBC.

I had the chance to talk Curiosity, sports and Capital Markets with Shane Meadahl and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #ShaneMeadahl #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery. This podcast is an intimate, upfront and personal coffee chat approach with some of the amazing and inspiring talent I have met over the years.

If you are tuning in for the first time, “Careering Talk” is an open mic series to empower job and career seekers with knowledge, insights, career pathing and coaching to find that dream job and develop a career with purpose and impact.

On today’s Careering Talk, I have invited Katie Tyler to join me. Katie is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and has held a number of leadership positions throughout her impressive career. She has worked for IBM for over 15 years and has spent the last 8+ years with Deloitte. Katie collectively brings over two decades of success in leading large-scale business and technology transformation initiatives. Combining a mastery of technology and passion for transforming organizations, Katie knows the best practices her clients need to optimize service delivery, vendor selection, talent management, service delivery and the employee experience. Her contribution has translated into improved operational efficiency and increased shareholder value throughout organizations in a variety of industries.

 Katie is also a Certified Human Resources Professional and certified SAP consultant, Katie’s particular areas of expertise include large scale SAP S/4 Transformations, Human Capital and Business Process Transformation, HR Cloud Solutions, as well as SAP Human Resources, Time Management and Payroll.

I had the chance to sit down with Katie to talk Aptitude, attitude and empathy and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

👋 Hey there, coffee enthusiasts, and welcome to 'Coffee ☕ with Convery'!

☕ Grab your favorite brew, settle in, and get ready for a caffeine-fueled journey into a fascinating conversation with my truly remarkable guest, Chris de Sousa Costa.

🎓 Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Communication Studies from York University and a Graduate Diploma in Business (GDB) from Queen’s University, earned through a scholarship between Game Plan and the Smith School of Business. His academic journey culminated in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in innovation and entrepreneurship..

🥋 Chris is a former karate national team athlete renowned for competing in the men's kumite +84kg category from 2004 to 2015 with Team Canada. Beyond his athletic endeavors, Chris has cultivated extensive expertise in governance and advisory roles. He has served as the Athlete Representative on Karate Canada’s Board of Directors for nine consecutive years, playing a pivotal role in protecting athlete rights and balancing the needs of athletes and the organization.

💼 In the professional sphere, Chris serves as a Client Executive for a national brokerage and advisory firm where he provides risk transfer solutions for professional service firms across Canada.

🎤 A skilled and engaging speaker, Chris takes pleasure in presenting and addressing live audiences. He has delivered professional talks to esteemed companies like Amazon and has actively participated as a facilitator and panel member at many prominent events. 🗣👏

I had the privilege of having a conversation with Chris about his transition from sports to the business world, and I'm thrilled to now share his inspiring journey with all of you! 🗣️🤝🌟

#CoffeeWithConvery #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Hey there, students, new grads, and career trailblazers, welcome to a podcast that's about to fuel your journey like never before – it's time for Coffee With Convery presents 'Careering Talk'! ☕

This is not your average podcast; it's an open mic series custom-crafted to empower you with the knowledge, insights, career roadmaps, and coaching you need to thrive in the job market. 🚀

Today's episode is nothing short of a powerhouse! 🎙️ We've brought together an elite squad of career experts who are here to be your guiding stars:

🌟 Maurice Fernandes, Manager of Career Education at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

🌟 Cynthia Bishop, Manager of Career and Professional Development at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University.

🌟 Jess Jennings, Associate Supervisor of Business Operations at the University of Ottawa.

🌟 Erin Kaipainen, Director of Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning at the University of Calgary.

🌟 Bob Eichvald, Director of Career Education and Development & The YU Experience Hub at York University.

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey with us as we delve into the heart of everything students, careers, and employers. 🌠

Let's dive into this caffeinated fountain of insights, and remember, it's not just coffee; it's your career's best companion! 🌟🎤

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired 🎧📚💡

Students, New Grads, and Career Seekers, Welcome to #CoffeeWithConvery.

In Celebration of PRIDE Month, I will be featuring guests from the community to share their stories and what #PRIDE means to them.

On today’s podcast, my guest today is Kevin Noguera.

Kevin is a graduate from York University with Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Political Science and Communications.  Kevin also holds a certificate in Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills from the University of Michigan.

As a seasoned non-profit leader with a proven track record of success in both the government and private sectors.  Kevin also spent sometime in the Banking and Finance Industry with TD and currently is Director Of Operations for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research.

In his spare time, Kevin likes to bike around the city during the summer months, exploring new cities and countries, trying new wines and cuisine from various cultures, learning new languages, listening to podcasts and music, at every possible chance, and reading. 

I had the chance to sit down with Kevin and I am happy to share our conversation with you, enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #Podcast #Listen #Learn #BeInspired #PRIDEMonth

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you. 

Now let’s meet Fuad. Fuad Mohamed holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a focus in Finance and minor in Economics from McMaster University. He is currently an associate in the Debt Capital Markets group at RBC Capital Markets supporting the firm’s investment grade origination business for Power & Utilities, Energy and Metals and Mining clients.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Pizza, finance and problem-solving with Fuad Mohamed and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #FuadMohamed #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

March is #National #Coop & #WorkIntegratedLearning Month #innovateWIL

Students and young professionals are facing barriers, uncertainty, biases, changing priorities and now a pandemic as they navigate the school to work transition. Their collective stories have inspired me and now I want to share these stories with you.

Now let’s meet Sargun. Sargun Khurana is a 1st year student currently attending the Smith School of Business at Queen's University pursing his Business Commerce Degree with an expected graduation date of 2024. Sargun is the Speaker of the Smith Commerce Society, he is a Board Member of West Coast Sikh Youth Alliance, he is a champion of diversity and equal opportunity and he speaks not one but four languages – English, French, Hindi and Punjabi. Sargun is also a first place winner of the RBC x QCMHA 2021 Case Competition where I got to meet Sargun and his team.

I had the chance to sit down to talk Netflix, fear of failure and happiness with Sargun Khurana and I am happy to share our conversation with you, Enjoy!

#CoffeeWithConvery #SargunKhurana #Listen #Learn #BeInspired

Welcome to Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today, we have a remarkable guest whose journey encapsulates resilience, faith, and the power of inclusion. Meet Andrew Fitisemanu, a dynamic individual who not only shines on the rugby field but also advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both sports and corporate environments. 🏉🌈

Andrew’s story is one of evolution and empowerment. Growing up as a Catholic in New Zealand, Andrew found solace and strength in his faith. However, his path took a transformative turn when he moved to Australia, where he forged his own spiritual connection with God while embracing his identity as a gay man. 🏳️‍🌈

On the rugby field, Andrew found not only a sport he excels in but also a community that embraces him wholeheartedly. Coming out to his rugby community was a pivotal moment, one marked by acceptance and support. Through rugby, Andrew discovered the power of teamwork and inclusion, where differences are celebrated and strength is found in unity. 🏉❤️

Off the field, Andrew is a beacon of change as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant, leveraging his extensive corporate experience to champion mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. His involvement in initiatives like Rugby Australia’s #PartOfMore series underscores his commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and acceptance. ️

As Andrew continues to navigate his rugby career and inspire others with his story, he leaves us with a powerful message: resilience is found in embracing our authentic selves and standing tall in the face of adversity. 💪

Join us as we delve into Andrew Fitisemanu’s inspiring journey of faith, identity, and the pursuit of belonging. 🙌