#SenecaProud (Pat Perdue)

About Today's Show

Welcome to episode 7, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast!

Today's episode features Seneca College graduate Colin D'Mello, who is also the Queen's Park Bureau Chief for Global News.  As Queen's Park Bureau Chief, Colin is responsible for gathering and reporting on our provincial leaders, and holding them accountable on our behalf, which often means asking the tough questions.  This episode is a master's class in how determination, positive self-criticism, and focus can combine to transform raw talent into genuine success.

In this episode we also learn:

1. How to build your career strategically
2. How competition in your field can make you stronger if you pay attention and learn from it.
3. The value of giving back to your community
4. So much more!

About our Guest, Colin D'Mello

Colin D’Mello is one of Ontario’s most prominent political journalists. Colin is the Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for Global News.  After graduating from the broadcast journalism program at Seneca College, Colin began his career as a radio reporter in Moncton, New Brunswick before returning to Ontario. He helped launch 1310 News in Ottawa and later reported for 680 News in Toronto. In 2011, Colin moved to television broadcasting, beginning a long run at CTV News where he most recently served as their Queen’s Park Bureau Chief. For the last few years he has also held the role of President of the Queen’s Park Press Gallery, advocating for journalists and helping to manage the relationship between newsrooms in Ontario and the provincial legislature.

In addition to his Queen’s Park Bureau Chief Duties, Colin also currently works as a guest lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University, is married and has two children.

To Contact Colin Directly, DM him on Twitter:

Colin's Twitter Handle: @ColinDMello

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Professor Camie Condon is the program co-ordinator, as well as professor, in the Crime and Intelligence Analysis Degree Program.  In this episode we discuss...

1.  How analysts use social media to identify potential terrorist threats.

2. How the Seneca College Crime and Intelligence Analysis program prepares students for careers both in law enforcement, as well as the private sector.

3. How international terrorists were identified and ultimately captured with the help of Camie's company, iBrabo.

About Today's Guest, Professor Camie Condon

Dr. Camie Condon is the  academic coordinator as well as professor for the newly launched Crime and Intelligence Analysis Degree program taught out of Seneca College’s King Campus.  (teacher as well?).  

A former crime analyst with the Halton Regional Police Service, Professor Condon received her B.A in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and her M.Sc. and Ph.D from the University of Liverpool, (UK) .  As a part of Camie’s Ph.D research she examined police tactical decision making during armed confrontations.

Camie is also a long time member/researcher of iBrabo, a Canadian based open source intelligence research group. Camie’s role with iBrabo includes assisting in collaborative research in the areas of conflict monitoring, extremist use of social media intelligence (SOCMINT), and identifying persons at risk for recruitment to violent extremism. So in other words, when Dr. Condon isn’t in the classroom teaching about Intelligence Analysis, she’s out there catching real-life bad-guys.  And the skills she applies to catch those bad guys are the same skills they cover in this program.

She’s joined us here in the Sandbox studio at Newnham

Available on iTunes

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.  Here's the link.  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/senecaproud/id1448933774. 

While you're there, please subscribe, give us a rating, and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode, we visit Seneca College's entrepreneurship incubator, HELIX, and meet with the centre's founding director, Chris Dudley.  In our wide ranging conversation, we review what makes HELIX special, who can participate (everyone!), and we talk about a couple of the success stories. 

Also in this episode, you will learn:

1.  About how HELIX can help you take your great idea to market

2.  About the programs and lectures that can help you grow your  business.

3.  About who makes some awesome cupcakes!  :)

About Today's Guest, Chris Dudley

Before returning to school to complete his MBA, Chris Dudley worked as an executive at both Dun and Bradstreet and The Hudson's Bay Company.  Chris used the completion of his MBA as a catalyst to combine his business and academic experience and launch a new venture.  During his business career he taught a variety of business and management courses at the post-secondary level.  In 2002, Chris followed his passion for education and accepted a position of Academic Chair overseeing Continuing Education programming at Centennial College.  In 2007, Chris accepted an Academic Chair position at Seneca with responsibilities for Business Management full-time studies programming.  In 2014, Chris took on the role of founding Director of HELIX, Seneca’s on campus entrepreneurship incubator.   Chris' educational background includes a College Diploma in Marketing, a Bachelor of Administration and a Master of Business Administration.  Chris is a respected builder of external relationships and has been awarded the Community Collaborator distinction by Seneca’s regional innovation centre partner - ventureLAB. 

Contact Information:

To get in touch with HELIX, drop in and visit them in Building K at the Seneca Newnham Campus, or visit their website here.

Seneca College Helix Main Page

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Welcome to episode 2 Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast!

In this episode we talk about sustainability, and Seneca's role as a signatory in the UN Global initiative known as PRME. PRME is an acronym that stands for "Principles for Responsible Management Education." The mandate of PRME is to bring the concept of sustainability into every management classroom, regardless of the subject. Our guest in today's episode, Shahrzad Farzinpak, is not only the Chair of the School of Human Resources and Global Business, Sharhzad also leads Seneca's efforts in this crucial global initiative.

Also in this episode, we also talk about:

1.  The meaning of "Triple Bottom Line," and how business leaders of the future will consider more than just financial profits as they grow their businesses.

2.  How Seneca students and faculty alike can include sustainability as an ongoing aspect of their daily assignments and class conversations.

3.  How Shahrzad's experience prior to joining Seneca in 2014 influences and informs her current work as head of Seneca's PRME Initiative

About Today's Guest, Shahrzad Farzinpak

Shahrzad’s Seneca Business journey started in 2014 and since then she served in different roles and has been involved in a number of projects including expansion of academic partnerships within and outside Canada, the development of many block transfer pathways that recognize business diploma studies for students moving into the Hons. Bachelor degrees, and the development and implementation of the Seneca Business transformation plan. 

 

In addition to all of that, Shahrzad is also the Seneca College head of a global initiative called PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), which is a UN Initiative to bring the concept of sustainability into every management classroom, regardless of the subject, rather than having sustainability limited to, say, environmental courses, or energy courses. 

Before beginning her journey with Seneca in 2014, Shahrzad was a FT consultant in Iran, working on a range of projects related to sustainable urban development and socio-environmental impact assessments of large-scale infrastructure developments, and taught part-time in University of Honar, a public university in Tehran, Iran. Shahrzad also hold a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Tehran.

About PRME

PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007. As a platform to raise the profile of sustainability in schools around the world, PRME equips today's business students with the understanding and ability to deliver change tomorrow.

Important Links and Contact Information

• United Nations PRME Website: https://www.unprme.org

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

Seneca College recognizes the importance of making sustainable choices in everything we do, from food services, to construction projects, to how Seneca keeps its sidewalks safe for walking during the winter, and even to curriculum design. To help formalize the processes for making sustainable choices, Seneca College has created the newly established Office of Sustainability.  Working with curriculum planners, procurement, professors, and more, the Office of Sustainability provides consultation and guidance so that sustainability can truly be part of every decision Seneca College makes.  The guests on today's show work directly with Operations, and with Academic, to help keep Sustainability top of mind in every aspect of life at Seneca College.

Also in this episode we:

1. Get to meet our amazing guests, Wai Chu Cheng, Sustainability Specialist Academic and Courtney Hayes, Sustainability Specialist Operations.

2.  Discover how Wai Chu and Courtney will approach such a large task

3.  Gain insight into the newly created Office of Sustainability, which is poised to put Seneca at the leading edge of sustainable institutions in Canada.

4.  Lots more!

About today's guests, Courtney Hayes, and Wai Chu Cheng

Courtney Hayes

Courtney Hayes is the Sustainability Specialist in the Operations Department of the new Office of Sustainability. And on the day this podcast is published. She will have been in her role an entire month. Courtney has a BA in environmental and urban sustainability and her master's degree in sustainable management from the University of Toronto. Courtney also has experience in environmental consulting for clients in the IC and AI, industrial, commercial and institutional sectors to achieve environmental certifications, perform audits and reports and carry out engagement projects like internal trainings, webinars and events. Fun fact, Courtney is also a worm mom. She has a vermi compost bin in her front closet at home!

Wai Chu Cheng

Wai Chu is the Sustainability Specialist in the Academic Department of the Office of Sustainability and has been in that role for a very short time, just a few days when we recorded this podcast, but brings with her a wealth of experience in this space. Wai Chu has been named by Canadian living as one of its 10 Amazing Canadians making the world a cleaner, greener place, and is the co founder of one of Canada's longest running repair cafes called the repair cafe with over 800 volunteers. The repair Cafe diverted nearly 3000 household items from landfills in 2019. Wai Chu was also Sustainability Coordinator at Sheridan College from 2013 to 2022. YG was nominated for the 2020 shared and people award purple ribbon category for purposeful creativity, and was also nominated as a Mission Zero hero last year, as well. A project Wai Chu led involving transforming to sites filled with popcorn into pollinator friendly gardens, was a national finalist for nature inspiration awards 2021 by Canadian Museum of Nature, Wai Chu has a master's degree in environmental studies, and a second master's degree in education.  In Wai Chu’s own words, “My passion comes from my love for the natural world, and the local and global community. I am part of.”

 

Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

 

About Today's Show

Welcome to episode 4 Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast!

In this episode our guest, Neil Hetherington, Seneca graduate, and CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank, talks about how each of us can take steps to help end food insecurity in Toronto, and across Canada.   

In this episode Neil shares his journey from student at Seneca College, to the youngest CEO in the history of Habitat for Humanity in Toronto and New York, and then to his role as CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank.

In this episode we also talk about:

1. How the need for food banks in general has increased dramatically in Canada, and specifically in Toronto
2. The key steps each of us can take to help end food insecurity in Toronto:

1. Sending an email to any elected official asking them to implement their poverty reduction strategy.  

1. Dropping food off at any Fire Station in the city of Toronto.  The Daily Bread Food Bank will come an pick it up for distribution.
2. Helping out as a volunteer at the Daily Bread Food Bank.
3. Becoming more aware of the root causes of food insecurity by listening to the Daily Bread Food Bank's podcast, called the 2030 Project, which you can find here

Neil also shares how his experience as a student of Seneca College helped shape his journey as a leader in the the not-for-profit sector, and how being rewarded by mission, rather than money, has shaped his career. 

About our Guest, Neil Hetherington

Neil Hetherington is the CEO of Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank.  Previously he was the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto and New York City for 16 years.  He holds degrees or certificates from Huron University, Seneca College, Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia - Darden Business School and his MBA from UWO Ivey Business School. 

Neil was named one of Canada's Top 40 under 40 in 2005. He has received the distinguished alumni of the year awards from each of Huron University, Royal Saint George's College, Western University and Seneca College. He was awarded Queen Elizabeth's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals in 2002 and 2012. In 2018 he was awarded the Premiers Award for Outstanding Ontario College graduates for excellence in business.

Important Links and Contact Information

• Click here for the Daily Bread Food Bank
• Click here for their podcast, the 2030 Project
• Click here for the email address of your local Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament for your email asking about their poverty reduction strategy.
• Click here to find your Member of Parliament at the federal level.

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode, like we’ve done in previous sessions, we’re revisiting this season's conversations and taking a look at some common themes. 

While many themes emerged, such as returning to campus safely, the impact of the pandemic on how we live and work at Seneca, and of course the Au Large, one theme was present in every conversation.

Each and every one of these conversations featured someone’s commitment to make things better.  And beyond asking the difficult question, "How can I make things better," following up with, “With the resources I have, what’s the biggest difference I can make?”   And then going out and getting it done.

In the full-length interview with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair Mark Solomon, he mentioned that his work stands on the shoulders of people who have come before us.  That image is  a perfect way to describe the work of this season's guests:  Not only do we honour the people who have done the work that we’re building on and benefiting from, but that image also implies that when we have left the scene, others will come along to take up the challenge, and they’ll be standing on our shoulders.

So the question is:  How can we give those who will follow us the biggest boost?  How can we stand as tall as possible, to help them succeed.

In these conversations, you will hear 10 people tackling big issues, very much in the act of standing tall, for the benefit of those who will follow.

COVID-19 Updates

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode we revisit all of our conversations this season, and explore how it was that our alumni could use Seneca as such a powerful launchpad to their successful careers.  How is it that a single conversation in a classroom can inspire a student to change the direction of their life; or find the courage to enroll in a program that speaks to a dream that had previously lay dormant?  What kind of place can have such an impact on our lives?

In revisiting conversations with Seneca alumni, as well as Seneca professors, and leaders, we uncover some of the components that make Seneca Polytechnic such a place, and we also take a look at how Seneca's future will help shape the economy of tomorrow.

Until Next Season

I’d like to thank everyone associated with the show this season:

• Seneca College for sponsoring this podcast, in particular Corey Long, Ryan Flanagan, and Constance Adams,  for all of your help and this season. 
• Courtney Rheume for her help in editing many of the episodes. 
• And most of all, thank you for listening.  Until next season, Stay Proud Seneca.

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening this season.

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode we meet the President of the Seneca Student Federation, Ritik Sharma.  We review the role the Seneca Student Federation plays in the lives of all Seneca Students (click here for the website), and we also talk about the Seneca College Food bank (click here to visit the Food Bank's web page).  

Also in this episode, we also talk about:

1.  Ritik's journey from volunteering, to wanting to do more for the student population at Seneca.

2. Some of the specific initiatives that the SSF is undertaking

3.  Some insights into good leadership, and the value of listening meaningfully

4.  So much more....

More about Today's Guest, Ritik Sharma

An International Student from India, Ritik graduated in April 2021 from the Seneca College International Business program.  And in his own journey to get involved, he began helping out at the Foodbank.  Seeing what an impact he could have on students even at that level, he decided to see how he could have even more of an impact, and that drove him to become the SSF President, which is a full-time job.  And when he’s not doing that, he devotes his time to fitness. 

Important Links and Contact Information:

• For the SSF (Seneca Student Federation), click here
• For the Seneca College Food Bank, click here

Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

For this episode, we decided to do things a little differently.  Rather than booking a new guest with a new conversation, we revisited each of the Season 2 interviews, to see if we might be able to uncover common threads, some common ideas, that make up what it is to be #SenecaProud. 

In this episode, we discover:

1.  The value of having passion for what you do.  That might mean hard work and some long hours, but when we have passion, we're not counting hours, we're measuring contribution.

2.  The importance of being interdependent.  Success on our own can only take us so far.  When we rely on, and contribute to, the success of others is when our contribution grows exponentially.

3.  The essential role caring, and love, play in finding and living our passion (and how that is often about food!)

4.  The confident optimism that sustains Seneca College today, and will continue to do so long into the future.

Today's Guests:

• Kelly Mathews: Manager, Sport Venue Operations, and Community Recreation Programs (Episode 2)
• Professor Nafeesa Jalal: Honours Healthcare Management Program at Seneca College (Episode 5)
• Charanpreet Deu:  Seneca Student Federation President (Episode 6) 
• Peggy Pitawanakwat: Coordinator at First Peoples @ Seneca (Episode 4)
• Nancy Gilmour: Executive Chef for Aramark at Seneca College (Episode 9)
• Peter Moscone, Professor in the School of Electronics & Mechanical Engineering Technology (Episode 3)
• Joy Gooding: Seneca College Senior Development Officer (Episode 7)
• Chris Dudley: Seneca College HELIX Director (Episode 8)
• Kurt Muller, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Art, and Design (FCAD) at Seneca (Episode 10)
• Kevin Frankish, Professor School of Journalism (Episode 1)
• Michelle Dakin: Director of Security and Emergency Management Services at Seneca (Episode 11) 

Important Links and Contact Information

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode, Seneca College Senior Development Officer, Joy Gooding, shares insights into the important role of fundraising for Seneca programs, and students.   As well, Joy shares details about the very special fundraising group, King Giving Circle, and some of the amazing contributions that amazing group of business leaders has accomplished.  

Also in this episode, you will learn:

1.  How you can get involved in philanthropy at Seneca College.

2.  The amazing level of variety Seneca provides for its financial donors.

3.  The origins of the King Giving Circle, and the impact "empowered philanthropy" can have on an entire campus.

About Today's Guest, Joy Gooding

Joy Gooding is responsible for securing major gifts for programming, capital initiatives, sponsorships and financial aid for Seneca College. She has held senior fundraising positions at The Next 36, Toronto International Film Festival and JAZZ.FM91. Her experience includes annual and major gifts fundraising, donor relations, project management, event planning, and volunteer management. Throughout her career Joy has overseen a variety of annual programs including direct mail, telemarketing, on-air campaigns, on-line and special event fundraising.

Joy is also a graduate of Seneca College.  She graduated with honours from Radio and Television Broadcasting at Seneca, and she also graduated with honours from the the Fundraising and Volunteer Management program at George Brown College. Joy sees her role as a facilitator, helping organizations achieve their marketing and social responsibility goals and inspiring individuals to realize their philanthropic priorities.

Contact Information:

To get involved in philanthropy for Seneca College, feel free to contact Joy directly. 

Her office number is 416.491.5050 ext. 77945

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

One of the big changes that’s happening  at Seneca College is the teaching modality.  While traditional classes have all been in person, and during COVID classes have just about entirely been online, as we return to Seneca we have more options.  One of those options is called Flex, or HyFlex.  In this kind of class, the professor will always conduct the class in a classroom, and students can either attend the class in person, view the class online, or watch the recorded class whenever that works for them.  Today's show focuses on how Flex classes really look (since many of us will be experiencing them)

Also in this episode we talk about:

1.  What setting up a Flex classroom really looks like

2.  Some of the technology challenges that have been overcome

3.  The benefits of Flex and in-person instruction.

4.  So much more....

More about Today's Guests, Professors Tatiana Mighiu, and Raghad Kamel

TATIANA MIGHIU teaches in the Opticianry Diploma Program at Seneca College.  Among her course are Introduction to Optics, Eyeglass Dispensing Lab and Contact Lens Theory I & II and Contact Lens Lab I & II courses.  Professor Mighiu is also the Opticianry Diploma Program Coordinator. 

Professor Mighiu earned her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering  at Polytechnic University of Romania, and then furthered her education at Seneca, in the Opticianry Diploma Program.  

We are also joined by Professor Raghad Kamel, who teaches a variety of courses in the School of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology.

Professor Kamel received her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science at the University of Baghdad in Iraq, and then earned her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Ryerson University here in Toronto.

Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this first episode of Season 2 of the Seneca Proud Podcast, our guest today is Kevin Frankish.  Kevin spent 27 years as the co-host of the very popular Breakfast Television, and is a professor of journalism at Seneca College.

In this wide ranging episode we discuss...

1.  The changing face of journalism, including the impact of social media.

2.  The Beachcombers.

3.  The "gig economy" and how today's journalists can make a meaningful impact.

4.  A lot more!  (Trust me!)

About Today's Guest, Professor Kevin Frankish

If you’ve spent any time at all in Toronto over the past 27 or so years, you know who Kevin Frankish is.  Arguably one of Canada’s most successful television hosts, Kevin was the co-host of Breakfast Television from 1991 to 2018.  And before that he worked for 9 years at CKVR TV in Barrie, Ontario.

In 2018, Kevin announced he was leaving Breakfast Television Toronto, effective June 1, 2018

While Kevin remains involved with Citytv Toronto for documentaries and special projects, for the purpose of this conversation, Kevin is a professor at Seneca College at York University for Journalism. Kevin also runs Kevin Frankish Media, a media content and creation company and has a YouTube channel

Available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Today's episode focuses on the SMILE Mentoring program at Seneca College.  Smile is a mentorship program that puts new students in touch with a senior student mentor within a similar program area or identity who can support them in their transition to Seneca.

And our guests today – we have two guests -  are both students who participate in the SMILE program in different ways. 

Also in this episode, we also talk about:

1.  Specifically how the SMILE mentors can help new students  really thrive during their time at Seneca College

2. The value of being a mentor, and what it's like to see the huge impact mentors have on the student lives of the people they help.

3.  How having a mentor can help new students at Seneca naviage the complexity of life here, and even help manage the stress.

And a lot more...

About Today's Guests, Ar Jay Mateo, and Toni Petitt

Ar Jay Mateo is in his first year at Seneca@York.  Ar Jay is a CLP (Chemical Laboratory Tech - Pharmaceutical) student, an avid reader, gamer, and sings and runs for fun.

Toni Petitt previously graduated from the Recreational & Leisure services diploma program, and currently is studying in the Child and Youth Care Advanced Diploma Program. 

I loved getting the chance to meet AJ and Toni, and I’m excited to share our conversation with you.  Important Links and Contact Information:

Important Links:

For more about the SMILE Mentoring Program, click here

COVID-19 Updates

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode, we visit Aramark Executive Chef Nancy Gilmour, who oversees all of the food options at Seneca College.  Ever wonder how they decide on what specials to offer?  This episode introduces you to one of the people who make Seneca College such a delicious place to work and study.  

Also in this episode, you will learn:

1.  How Seneca College menus differ from campus to campus.

2.  How Nancy gets the input of our international student communities and staff to help her dishes stay as authentic as possible.

3.  You will also learn that if you make chocolate cake with eggplant, it's actually really good!  :)

About Today's Guest, Nancy Gilmour

Often times the most rewarding journeys aren't made in a straight line, and that's certainly the case with Nancy Gilmour.  Being a successful food professional wasn’t always the plan she had for her life.  She originally set out to be a painter and sculptor, and like many with a passion for the arts, she supported that passion with work in the restaurant industry.  While living in Spain in her 20s she discovered her passion for cuisine.  Living with a group of artists, money was understandably tight, but despite that, they always managed to eat well.  With beautifully set tables, and beautiful food, Nancy discovered that she could combine her love for art, and a newfound passion for excellent food. 

That journey led to her owning and operating her own restaurant for eight years, as well as working with some top chefs, before accepting her role as Executive Chef at Aramark.

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Welcome to episode 5, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast!

I have a question for you.  Have you ever been set on a life-plan, and then something happens outside of your control, or maybe someone whispers something in your ear, which causes you to fully reconsider your plan, and pivot to a different life direction?  What do you do?  Do you decide to take the risk, and pivot to that new direction?  Or do you cling to your original plan that doesn’t make as much sense as it once might have?

In this episode we meet Seneca Alumnus and CEO of Wincon Security, Winston Stewart, who was faced with that question 30 years ago and decided to take the risk and follow the new direction.  The result was the creation of Wincon Security, which has grown into one of Canada's most successful privately owned security companies.

In this episode we also talk about:

1. The keys to running and growing a successful business.
2. The importance of seizing the moment, and going for it.
3. The role Seneca College played in Winston's direction in life.
4. Lots more!

About our Guest, Winston Stewart

Winston Stewart has over 30 years of experience in the security industry.  While a still a student of Seneca College in their police services program, Winston recognized the rising need for security in the private sector, and the opportunities in private policing, and launched Wincon Security in 1992 at the suggestion of his professor at Seneca College.   Starting, the way many start-ups do, with a single client who believed in him, and a single employee, Wincon Security is now a multimillion-dollar organization, employing over 250 people with over 100 clients.

The Wincon Vision is to make security a worry-free experience, one that enables their clients to focus on what matters most: their organization’s growth and success. Winston has created a nurturing workplace culture driven by their employees’ insights and ideas, where engagement and long-term client partnerships set us apart from the competition.  And it all began at Seneca College.  Winston is a proponent of equity and diversity and is committed to creating policies, strategic plans, and programs that contribute to our multicultural society.

Important Links and Contact Information

• Click here to connect to Wincon Security

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with the co-ordinator of the Seneca College Veterinary Technicians Program, Kirsti Clarida.

While so many of our students are studying remotely during the pandemic, others need to come to class to fulfill the requirements of their programs.  The Veterinary Technicians Program is one such program.  But how can students, and their faculty, to come to campus and keep everyone safe?  Our guest has the answer.

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  The role technology played in helping deliver the essentials of the program, in addition to the in-person component.

2.  How innovations to the program, as a result of the pandemic, actually enhanced the experience of the students.

3.  Hank!  (Kirsti's dog!)

About Today's Guest, Kirsti Clarida

Kirsti Clarida is the coordinator of the Veterinary Technician Program at Seneca College’s King Campus, and has been a proud Registered Veterinary Technician since graduating from Seneca in 1999.  With service in small animal, emergency and locum veterinary practice, she brings a wealth of experience to her role at Seneca. She is also the former Communications Manager of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) creating campaigns to increase awareness of the important roles RVTs play in veterinary medicine in Ontario. Kirsti continues to advocate for RVTs in her roles as Vice-President of the OAVT and President of the Ontario Veterinary Technician Educators.

Important Links and Contact Information

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

Welcome to episode #1!

My guest in today’s episode is Amanda Cupido, from Seneca's School of Media.

Amanda helped design, and teaches, two courses we discuss in today's show:

Advanced Storytelling for Audio Platforms

and

Introduction To Integrated Newsroom

In this episode we not only hear about the specifics of the courses Amanda teaches in the School of Media at Seneca College, but we also get to share in Amanda's enthusiasm for teaching, and the unique, challenging journeys her students undertake as they learn the ropes of media.  You'll love this first episode.

A little more about Amanda Cupido

She is the author of a book on podcasting!!!  Called Let's Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing it Right and the Toronto Public Library's first Innovator in Residence for podcasting. Previously, she worked as a major market radio producer, reporter and news anchor.

Amanda can be reached via Twitter at @cupido

About Today's Show

Our guest today is Kelly Mathews, Manager, Sport Venue Operations, and Community Recreation Programs at Seneca College.  Kelly is also Camp Director for the Seneca King Day Camp, one of the largest day camps in Ontario, record holder for the fastest completion of the Oak Ridge Moraine Trail, and author of two (soon to be three) books.

In episode, recorded on location at King Day Camp, Kelly and I discuss...

1.  King Day Camp, and what it takes to be a camp director at one of Ontario's largest day camps (hint:  It involves getting up really early)

2. What happens after the camp closes down for the winter (a lot, actually!)

3. Kelly's books:  Eaton Hall:  Pride of King Township, The Road to Marylake, and a third due out in 2020, on the definitive history of King Township.

4.  Kelly's record-setting hike of the Oak Ridge Moraine Trail.

About Today's Guest, Kelly Mathews

Kelly joined Seneca College and the King Day Camp team in April 2012 and brought to Seneca a wealth of camp programming and operations experience in both day and residential camp settings. Kelly has a degree in Kinesiology & Health Science from York University as well as a Certificate in Sport Administration.

Kelly's two published books are both available for purchase on Amazon.

Kelly Mathews's Books

For more information on her book Eaton Hall:  Pride of King Township, click here

For more information on her book, The Road to Marylake, click here

Kelly has a passion for hiking and being in the outdoors and currently holds the record for the fastest hike across the entire Oak Ridges’ Moraine Trail where she hiked 300km’s in just seven days in the Fall of 2016.

Available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

My guest, Brian Bell, is professor of project management in the Seneca School of Business,

Our conversation focuses on a new program at Seneca he’s the co-ordinator of – Business Analytics.  That course kicks off in January of 2019.

Brian and I also touch on the amazing impact our international students have on our community here at Seneca. 

And finally, we talk about Brian’s recent appointment as Chair of the School of Leadership and Human Resources – which is kind of a big deal!  So I asked Brian what it means to be a professor at Seneca. 

What is it that sets Seneca professors apart from faculty at other colleges or universities. 

I thought his answer was really interesting.

Thanks for listening.  You'll love this episode!

About Today's Show

Professor Lorrisa Dilay is a highly accomplished professional in the world of Canadian fashion management.  She's also a professor at Seneca College, and our guest on today's show

In this episode we discuss...

1.  How YOU can get a 20% discount at the Fashion Boutique and Seneca College (Hint:  Mention this show!)

2.  The really innovative Seneca Boutique program, which allows students to run their own apparel boutique end-to-end.

3.  The 3rd year Capstone Program, and how that prepares students for a career in fashion by showcasing their work in front of industry professionals.

4.  A lot more....

About Today's Guest, Professor Lorrisa Dilay

Professor Dilay teaches various courses in the Fashion Business and Fashion Business Management programs at Seneca.  Before joining Seneca full-time, the brands she’s worked with are a who’s who of iconic Canadian and international brands:  

Northern Reflections, Bata Canada (Athletes World and Bata Shoes), Bluenotes, The Bay, cleo, Walmart, TJX Canada and Town Shoes Ltd. And that’s just a few…

Positions she's held include Buyer, Brand Manager, Assistant General Merchandise Manager, Team Leader, Team Leader of Planning and Allocation, Product Development Manager, Director of Planning.

Professor Dilay has led the design and development of Women’s apparel and footwear collections, she’s launched new brands into Canada, she’s led corporate-wide strategic market share growth initiatives, and she’s designed and implemented new merchandising processes

 

Available on iTunes and Spotify!

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.  Here's the link.  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/senecaproud/id1448933774. 

While you're there, please subscribe, give us a rating, and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

This exciting episode takes a deep dive into the future, and how Seneca College is setting students up for careers in leading edge industries featuring computer technology.  We recorded this episode on location at Seneca's Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE). 

CITE opened in January 2019, and is leading edge in terms of a building specifically constructed to foster innovative technology based solutions for the problems of both today, and tomorrow.  

In this episode, my guest, Professor Peter Moscone, Professor in the School of Electronics & Mechanical Engineering Technology, guides me through my first experience using an Augmented Reality headset.  It's pretty cool!  

Other things we talk about on this episode:

1.  The function and potentially game-changing applications of augmented reality as a force in industry of all kinds.

2. The Mechatronics Simulation and Demonstration Centre; a really cool place where leading edge technology is developed and showcased.

3. The reality of teaching in a modern, technology-filled world.

4. Georgi La Forge

About Today's Guest, Professor Peter Mascone

Peter Moscone is a professor in the School of Electronics & Mechanical Engineering Technology.  Peter's expertise is in information technology and he currently creates and teaches curriculum in the Computer Engineering Technology program.  Peter's love of technology started at Seneca College several years ago and after graduating from the Computer Engineering Program, he proceeded to open an IT consulting firm, which he owned and operated until coming back to teach.  His industry experience also branched out to live event production, television and not-for-profit work.  Currently, Peter also manages Seneca 360, which employs students to do not-for-profit work in their field of study.  He continues to research new and emerging technologies such as Mixed Reality, Blockchain, 3D Printing and loves working with students to discover new technologies.

Links Referenced in This Podcast

• Click here to learn about Seneca's Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE).
• Click here to learn about The Mechatronics Simulation and Demonstration Centre
• Click here to learn about Geordi La Forge

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Welcome to episode 6, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast!

In this episode, I speak with three professors who have created a regular, weekly online roundtable that has proven to be something quite special.  Borne out of the need for connection we all felt during the COVID lockdowns, these weekly roundtables have become an opportunity for Seneca Faculty of the Arts to connect, share common experiences as educators, and simply hold space for each other, and for themselves, and as such have become tremendously popular. 

In this episode we learn how the professors manage to do week after week, what they talk about, and how you might want to set up one such forum for your workplace, department, or for whatever group you have in mind.

And fun fact, our guests today are each bronze recipients of the CICan (Colleges and Institutes Canada) Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty as a result of the positive contribution their Roundtables have provided.

 

In this episode we also talk about:

1. The key difference between a meeting, and a Roundtable (ca you guess?)
2. How ChatGPT is impacting the teaching landscape
3. Best practices to help YOU can start your own weekly online Roundtable
4. Lots more!

About our Guests, Erin Dolmage, Mary Trant, Jamie Zeppa, and Erin Dolmage

Erin Dolmage is a Professor in the Seneca @York School of English and Liberal Studies, Faculty of Arts and a Ph.D. Candidate in History at York University in Toronto. She had done extensive work with the Métis in British Columbia, working with Elders and Family History researchers. She co-authored a chapter in the edited collection Contours of a People. She collaborated on “Bodies of Water, Not Bodies of Women: Canadian Media Images of the Idle No More Movement” in Active History. For Seneca Press, alongside her students, she collaborated on A Celebration of Indigenous Culture at Seneca. She was an editorial consultant on the book Two Dead White Men - Duncan Campbell Scott, Jacques Soustelle and the Failure of Indigenous Policy, 2022.  Erin has been co-hosting a weekly roundtable for the Faculty of Arts alongside Mary Trant and Jamie Zeppa and has been acting as the Academic Integrity Chair for Seneca York King since 2022.

Mary Trant has been faculty at Seneca since 1990, and currently teaches General Education courses in the School of English and Liberal Studies at Newnham campus.  Her favourite Gen.Ed. courses to teach are the Psychology of Creativity, the Psychology of Happiness, Group Dynamics, and Brain and Behaviour.

Jamie Zeppa has taught writing and literature at Seneca since 2004. During her time at the college, she worked with colleagues to develop curriculum for the University of Centra Asia. She also helped to develop COM 101, the composition course taken by most Seneca students, and is engaged in a research project assessing the transfer of writing skills from COM to other courses. Before Seneca, she worked as a freelance writer and editor and taught corporate communications. She has written a memoir (Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan) and a novel (Every Time We Say Goodbye), both published by Penguin Random House Canada.

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

I'm Pat Perdue, and I'm thrilled to be able to bring you SenecaProud Podcast, featuring Seneca College in Toronto, Canada.

Seneca College in Toronto is a really great school.  People come to study at Seneca from all over the world which makes it a hotbed of innovative thinking.  And a big part of that thinking is driven by our amazing faculty, many of whom are, well, like me, professionals who are thriving in their own businesses, and teach at Seneca as a way to share their passion for what they do.  Needless to say I’ve been hugely inspired by the people I’ve met.

And what happens when I get inspired?  Well, apparently I launch a podcast.  So, here we are!  Welcome to the #SenecaProud Podcast,  where I get to introduce YOU to some of Seneca College’s amazing faculty. 

 So subscribe, download, and join me, as we meet some of the super inspiring folks who teach here at Seneca College, in Toronto.      

 

About Today's Show

So, ever wonder what a Dean does?  In this episode, we meet the Dean of FCAD (Faculty of Communication, Art, and Design) at Seneca College, Kurt Muller, and we talk about the very impressive programs that fall under that umbrella (that students have graduated from and gone on to literally win Academy Awards!)

Also in this episode, you will learn:

1.  How Kurt's career history, which includes being a writer and reporter for the CTV Nation News with Lloyd Robertson informs his role as Dean of FCAD.

2.  How the key industry relationships play a vital part in making students of the FCAD program ready for their careers in their chosen field.

3.  We also learn what it takes to be a good Dean.

About Today's Guest, Dean Kurt Muller

Prior to joining Seneca in October,  Kurt was the Dean of the McKeil School of Business, and the School of Media & Entertainment at Mohawk College, where he was instrumental in the launch of Mohawk’s groundbreaking Accessible Media Production Program, and spearheaded an initiative to make Mohawk’s Journalism program more accessible to people with disabilities.   Kurt also led the establishment of an Augmented and Virtual Reality training and education centre at Mohawk, in partnership with EON Reality.

Kurt Muller spent almost 20 years working as a print and television journalist in Manitoba and Ontario. He graduated with an MA in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario and worked as a reporter and writer for CTV National News with Lloyd Robertson.  Kurt was born in Cape Town, South Africa. 

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with Seneca College President David Agnew. 

As Seneca College continues to hold most of its classes remotely, Seneca is also embarking on an ambitious project of transformation, known as Au Large.  

President Agnew shares the goals of the Au Large initiative, which is designed to prepare Seneca College for an exciting, post-pandemic future.  A future that is not only technologically advanced, but also, one that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. 

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  What noticeable changes students, and staff, will experience upon returning to Seneca College (once it's safe to do so).

2.  What innovations and changes that are necessary during the pandemic, will carry over into a "new normal," after the pandemic is behind us.

3.  Personal reflections on how leading during a pandemic has deepened President Agnew's relationship with staff, students, and faculty.

About Today's Guest, President David Agnew

With extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, David Agnew became the fifth president of Seneca in July 2009.

Under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrolment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities.

Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident.

 He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm’s global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses.

Mr. Agnew’s working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John’s, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada.

In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

Important Links and Contact Information

Youtube Labrador Sensations, Olive and Mabel, can be viewed here.

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

While previous episodes were in-studio conversations with faculty, this episode takes us out of the studio, and to a 3rd year student event that demonstrates the impact a dedicated team of Seneca faculty can have in bringing together industry, students, and family, to discover what SenecaProud is truly all about.

In this episode we...

1.  Attend the Fashion Business Management Program's capstone event, known as Fashion Industry and Education Leadership Development (FIELD).

2.  Meet Professor Michel Côté, who discusses the incredible achievement of the 3rd Year Fashion Business Management students who are competing and presenting at the event.

3. Meet members of brand sponsor RW & Co.'s senior leadership team, and discover insights into the future of fashion retail.

4.  Meet some of the family of the 3rd Year Presenters, some of whom drove hours to attend the event.

5.  And of course, so much more....

About The FIELD Event

FIELD (Fashion Industry and Education Leadership Development) is an event in which teams of 3rd year Fashion Business Management students present a solution to a project brief that is provided by a client sponsor.  These 10 minute presentations are the end result of about 1 year’s work in product development, marketing, and go to market strategy.   This year's event was co-ordinated by a former guest on this show, Professor Lorrisa Dilay, and sponsored by brand partner RW & Co.

 

Available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Welcome to the first episode of #SenecaProud Season 5!  As in previous seasons, we launch Season 5 with an interview with Seneca College President, David Agnew.

There's a lot that's changed in the year or so since President Agnew was on the podcast.  While last year we were still in lock-down, this year, in-person classes are in full swing, students and teachers fill the hallways,  and students are studying in the libraries.  But it's definitely not the same as it was pre-pandemic.  Technology has transformed much of the student administrative experience, and many more of our classes are completely flexible.  And that's most definitely not all.

Also in this episode, we also talk about:

1.  How the Apple Store shopping experience inspired the Seneca registration experience, making it much more efficient and easy to navigate.

2.  The 3 Year Strategic Plan embraces the Polytechnic side of Seneca.

3.  The roll ChatGPT, and other AIs, might play in our daily lives in the very near future.

About Today's Guest, President David Agnew

David Agnew has been Seneca College President since July 2009, and under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrollment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs, and continues to be a national leader in innovation in education in Canada, and globally.

One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities.

Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident.

He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm’s global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses.

Mr. Agnew’s working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John’s, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada.

In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

Important Links and Contact Information

• To learn what the fuss is about with ChatGPT, click here
• For more on the Au Large Program, click here

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with the Professor Caroline Grammer, professor at the Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSWG) Program.

It’s no secret that this pandemic has impacted different people differently.  While some people are experiencing the pandemic in a comfortable home, with easy access to technology and a job we can do remotely, for others, having a reliable Internet connection is a big deal.  But what about the elderly?  Providing even adequate care to that vulnerable segment of the population has often fallen short even in the best of times, but during COVID, it’s worse than ever.  The vast majority of COVID deaths are from our senior community, and conditions in seniors residences are often, quite frankly, horrible.  And what makes it worse is that social workers can’t even make personal wellness visits, so they have to figure out a way to set up video calls, which creates even more challenges to providing good care.  And….what about the care for social workers?

As daunting as this story is, there are areas of hope, and a big part of that hope is our guest today, Caroline Grammer.

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  An exciting, city-wide program Seneca College is participating in (and making a significant impact in), through Caroline's leadership, and the participation of her research team.

2.  What we can do to help re-imagine a system of senior-care that actually works.

3.  Fascinating solutions to seniors' care that de-institutionalize how the elderly are cared for.

4.  Lots more!

About Today's Guest, Caroline Grammer

Caroline Grammer has been a professor at Seneca College for over 15 years, and through her work in the Social Service Worker – Gerontology Program, Caroline has trained legions of social service workers who provide Social Work services specifically to seniors.  In addition to inspiring many in Canada, and globally, in how to improve the care seniors receive, Caroline has dedicated her professional life to helping the most vulnerable. 

Prior to Seneca, Caroline worked in a variety of group home settings starting with terminally ill children as support person, adults with dual disorders as a case worker in Toronto, and adults with intellectual and developmental delays in the Vancouver Lower Mainland (VLM).  She became a teaching assistant for at-risk youth in a Richmond, BC, and ultimately began working in the downtown east side of Vancouver, helping people with IV drug addictions, youth suffering from HIV/AIDS, and eventually transitioning to palliative care, supporting patients dying of AIDS.  This was in the ‘90s, and there was really heavy stigma and fear associated with HIV / AIDS, and very little formalized help.  Caroline worked with the underground cannabis network to provide pain relief for patients and clients because cannabis was only method that worked.  She transitioned from clients with AIDS to older adults who remained invisible in institutional settings and began her work to raise awareness and develop palliative programs in Long Term Care homes in Vancouver.  She returned to Toronto and worked briefly as a case worker on a national telephone crisis line before entering Seneca College to teach and hopefully change the system from within. 

Caroline is also a practicing psychotherapist, and when she has the time, she circulates through the senior support services agencies and seniors community centres in the city to talk and teach older adults about safe sex and sexuality in older adulthood.  The “toy box” is a favourite among the crowd.  Pre-COVID this was a very popular workshop for both the older adults and continues to be a favourite class for students in the SSWG program.

She has been a gerotechnology consultant (one of Canada’s few) for the past 25yrs engaged with global think-tanks on how technology can allow for aging in place.  She designs and implements studies to test industry technology with older adults and run clinical trials on medical grade technology that assists older adults in maintaining or improving their mobility and independence.

Most recently, Caroline has been leading Seneca's Social Service Workers -Gerontology Program in participating in a massive, city-wide study on digital access in Toronto and the underserved.  Caroline and her research team are focusing on the seniors community.

Important Links and Contact Information

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with the dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education, Jeff McCarthy.

These days the need to always be learning is more relevant than ever.  And a really good option is continuing education, especially if you need very specific skills in a hurry.  Seneca College has one of the largest continuing education departments in the country, and is the choice of thousands (tens of thousands, actually) for "upskilling" and "re-skilling" during these competitive times.

Some quick facts about Seneca’s Continuing Education program:

• Seneca College Continuing Education offers over 1000 courses, and there’s over 150 programs.
• There are approximately 50,000 registrations per year.
• Seneca College Continuing Education offers diplomas, certificates, graduate certificates, and even degrees. 

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  Who is the "typical" continuing education student.

2.  What are the most popular courses

3.  What new programs have just launched.

About Today's Guest, Jeff McCarthy

Jeff has spent over 20 years in education in a variety of capacities, from teaching, to sales, to management and higher education administration until becoming Dean of Faculty of Education at Seneca in 2016.

Some recent news regarding Seneca’s Continuing Education program, is the Fall 2019 launch of Seneca’s Centre for Graduate and Professional Studies and Seneca’s first Downtown Campus, located in the heart of Toronto’s financial district.

He regularly participates in Seneca’s United Way and Campaign 4 Students drives…Perhaps most notably for the year he and Helix Director, Chris Dudley(who was a guest on last season’s show) shaved their heads for the United Way, raising over $4,000). Jeff is also an active volunteer in his local community having coached over 32 youth hockey and soccer teams.  

Important Links and Contact Information

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode, we get to tour the wonderful Indigenous Student space known as Odeyto, which means The Good Journey in the Anishinaabe language.   Located in Seneca College's Newnham Campus, Odeyto is a place rich in warmth, symbolism, and cultural relevance for the Indigenous student population at Seneca.

Other things we talk about on this episode:

1.  The Seven Sacred Gifts that guide all the decisions, plans, and interactions within Odeyto.

2.  The deep level of symbolism within Odeyto, from the use of red as the colour of the doors, to the significance of the numbers of wooden beams (or ribs) in the ceiling.  

3.  The intricate relationship Odeyto has with the its immediate natural surroundings.

4.  Food!  :)  Oh yeah!  We talk about food!

About Today's Guest, Peggy Pitawanakwat

In addition to her role as Coordinator @ First Peoples @ Seneca, Peggy Pitawanakwat is a former Chief of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island.  She is Anishinaabe from the Odawa, Pottawatomi and Ojibway Nations.  She is from the Thunderbird Clan.

Peggy has over 30 years of working in Indigenous communities.   In various areas such as, education, justice, social services and, currently is the Coordinator at First Peoples @ Seneca, Seneca College since 2011.   She believes in creating a supportive community, welcoming Indigenous people to a place of learning, where activity and growth nourishes personal well-being from Indigenous Culture and tradition.

Links Referenced in This Podcast

• Click here to take a look at the artist Steven Paul Judd's website.  His art will not only make you laugh out loud, it will make you think.  You can also check out his Etsy shop here.
• Click here to take a look at artist's Joi T. Arcand's website.  Her beautiful, thought provoking work is often on display throughout Canada.  You can also check out her jewelry shop, Mad Aunty, here.  Amazing original designs that often sell out - so visit often!
• Click here to learn more about the book Seven Fallen Feathers, by Tanya Talaga.   For the Audio book version, narrated by Michaela Washburn, click here.

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Martin Waxman is professor at the Seneca Public Relations and Corporate Communications program at the Seneca School of Media.  Martin teaches PR, Social Media and Journalism.

In this episode we discuss...

1.  The specifics of the Public Relations and Corporate Communications Program at Seneca College.

2. How social media is evolving and changing, and potentially re-tracing the origins of PR back to the 1920's.

3. The curious relationship between PR and Sigmund Freud.

About Today's Guest, Professor Martin Waxman

In addition to his role as professor at the Public Relations and Corporate Communications program at the Seneca School of Media, Martin teaches PR, Social Media and Journalism,  Martin also has online courses on Linda.com and LInkedin Learning.  He also runs his own Media firm, Martin Waxman Communications, and he’s got his own podcast, Inside PR.

 

You can reach Martin Waxman on Twitter @MartinWaxman  

Seneca Campaign for Students

Click the link for the Campaign for Students HERE.

Available on iTunes

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.  Here's the link.  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/senecaproud/id1448933774. 

While you're there, please subscribe, give us a rating, and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with Jo Gomes, Professor in the Social Service Worker Program, and Maureen Bornbaum, former Seneca Student (now faculty), co-authors of the ground-breaking study, The Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region. (click here for a link to the report)

According to some research, upwards of 40% of homeless youth belong to the LGBTTGNCQ+ community, yet, in 2017, how well this community is served by supporting agencies in York Region had received little, if any, disciplined analysis.  Professor Jo Gomes recognized this as an opportunity not only to study this question, but also to introduce her students to the real work of field analysis.  The result was a groundbreaking study, Sponsored by Seneca College and published in 2018, that not only had a measurable impact on how LGBTTGNCQ+ homeless youth are served in York Region, but also created a lifelong learning experience for Jo's students (the study's research assistants), and for Jo as well, and is a definitive example of Seneca's role in not only providing great student experiences, but also benefiting the community at large.

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  The journey of the report, from inception to reality.

2.  Maureen's experience as a student, and how the experience of the research impacted her academic and professional career.

3.  Steps taken to ensure the research was not left to languish on a website, but transformed into genuine action.

4.  And lots more!

About Today's Guests, Professors Jo Gomes and Maureen Bornbaum

Jo Gomes (Pronouns she / her / hers)

Professor Jo Gomes is the Principal Faculty overseeing the research: The Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region, and has been a faculty in the Seneca College Social Service Worker program since 2006.   Professor Gomes also has a BSW degree from Ryerson University and a Masters in Social Work from York University.  Jo has worked on the front lines assisting youth and adults, including those experiencing mental health issues, homelessness, addiction and intimate partner violence. Most of her work has been involved in social justice initiatives.

Jo has worked on planning committee’s for York Region’s Take Back the Night, Pride York Region and International Women’s Day Events, and was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Seneca College.  Jo is also the recipient of the Premier Award, which honors the important social and economic contribution college graduates make in Ontario and throughout the world.

Jo currently sits on Seneca’s Academic Council and is part of the Equity Diversity Inclusion Curriculum Committee.

Maureen Bornbaum (she / her)

Maureen Bornbaum is also a faculty member of the Seneca College Social Service Worker program, having also graduated from the Program in 2017.  Maureen is a Registered Social Service Worker, Certified Addictions Counsellor & Clinical Traumatologist who works in the field of substance abuse services.  Maureen is also Director of Community at Cornerstone to Recovery, an intentional community providing support for those in recovery.

Professor Bornbaum also has a Bachelor of Honours in Global Development and Gender Studies from Queen’s University in addition to a Social Service Worker Diploma from Seneca College. She has since completed professional development in ASIST Clinical Trauma Counselling, and is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.

Maureen is passionate about queer rights, social justice and community models of social services. In her free time, Maureen can be found with her two rescue dogs, Cadence and Ukee, who are both huskies from northern Ontario. 

Important Links and Contact Information

Click here for LGBTTGNCQ+ acronyms and definitions. 

Click here to read the research report, Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region.

Click here for Cornerstone to Recovery.

COVID-19 Updates

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Today's episode takes us behind the scenes of Seneca College, with our guest, Vice-President, Academic, Marianne Marando.   In "normal" times, VP Academic is a very tricky role.  But these days, with so much change happening, it’s never been trickier, or more important.   In this episode we'll hear about how Seneca is continuing to be a leader in providing flexible, accessible education and student experience.  

Also in this episode we talk about:

1.  What will Seneca College look like as we come out of the pandemic. (Pat's looking forward to the food options!)

2. The excellent organization, Blue Door, which supports women, families, and men experiencing homelessness. (click here to visit their website)

3.  Some behind the scenes insights into the role of Vice-President, Academic.

4.  So much more....

More about Today's Guest, Marianne Marando

As VP Academic, Marianne Marando recently returned to Seneca after five years at Durham College, where she was Associate Vice-President, Academic.  As you’ll hear from our conversation, Marianne started her career in academia at George Brown College, where she became the marketing program coordinator, beforing joining Seneca College as a professor, and coordinator in the School of Marketing.   Then she progressed to academic chair positions in the School of International Business, and the Centre for Human Resources and the School of Media and Marketing. Marianne also served as Seneca’s Director of Marketing and Communications, before accepting the role of Executive Dean, School of Business, IT & Management at Durham.

She was then appointed Associate Vice-President, Academic, responsible for program review and renewal, capital budgeting, corporate training, international education and the office of the registrar. Marianne holds an honours degree in business administration and an MBA from York University, an adult education certificate from Seneca and is enrolled in the Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership program at Western University. Marianne is also the board chair at Blue Door, a York Region-based provider of emergency housing and housing supports.   Blue Door Shelters provides shelter to families, youth, women and men without a safe place to stay. As they say on their website, Homelessness can happen to anyone.  It’s an incredible organization that helps people experiencing homelessness and shelter anxiety make the transition to permanent housing, and begin to move forward in their lives.

Important Links and Co

• Blue Door can be reached through their website here
• What does "Macgyver" mean?  Check out this link to find out!

Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's show we talk about Skoden,  which is not only an Anishenawbe word that means, “Let’s go, then!” It’s also the name of a 12 week program at Seneca for faculty to begin to understand how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into their course materials.  The Skoden course is an intense 12 weeks, co-facilitated by our guest, and others from the Indigenous community at Seneca College, who share personal stories, colonial history, treaty history, and ultimately our collective shared history as treaty partners. 

Also in this episode we talk about:

1.  A couple of great Indigenous podcasts - Métis in Space, and Storykeepers.

2. The value of personal history and lived experience in understanding our own unique contribution to the lives of others. 

3.  Our guest's own journey from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, to Faculty member at Seneca College.

4.  So much more....

Let me tell you about today’s guest. 

More about Today's Guest, Randy Pitawanakwat

Randy Pitawanakwat is a faculty member at Seneca College who works out of Odeyto, First Peoples’ at Seneca.  

Randy co-facilitates two professional development courses, Skoden and Stoodis (Stoodis, as you’ll hear, is the follow-up portion of Skoden) They’re offered through the Teaching and Learning department of Odeyto. Randy is from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. Previously, Randy worked with the Indigenous community in the Toronto area for over 11 years in the social work profession. Much of Randy’s knowledge is a collective of understandings from oral tradition and experiences throughout his life in Wiikwemkoong and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.

Some Important Links

• Click here for more information, and to sign up for Skoden (link is for employees of Seneca College)
• Click here for a link to the Odeyto Episode of SenecaProud - Season 2, Episode 4.
• Click here for Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
• Click here for Seven Fallen Feathers, by Tanya Talaga
• Click here for Métis in Space Podcast
• Click here for Storykeepers Podcast

Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Welcome to episode 8, Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast!

Question:  What do you do with the clothes you no longer wear?  If you're like me, you try to donate them when you can, but what if they're tattered?  For me, I probably throw them into the garbage, which of course goes straight to the landfill.  Turns out, textile waste is a big problem, both globally, and in Canada as well.   Here are some statistics, courtesy of Earth.org:

1. 92 Million Tonnes of Textiles Waste is Produced Every Year - which is the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes ending up in a landfill site every second.
2. The number of times a garment is worn is now between 7 to 10 times before it is discarded.
3. To produce 1 kg of cotton requires 20,000 litres of water, and producing a single t-shirt requires 2,700 litres of water.

Clearly this is a serious problem, and our guest in today's show is not only a Seneca Professor, she is also one of Canada's formost experts on the topic, Dr. Sabine Weber.  In this show we talk about her Dumpster Study, funded by Seneca's Applied Research Fund.  And....

In this episode we also learn:

1. How serious the problem is in Canada
2. The opportunity for entrepreneurs to solve the supply chain challenges, so that garmets can be recycled more easily
3. What we can do to help reduce our textile waste
4. So much more!

About our Guest, Dr. Sabine Weber

Sabine Weber has been teaching at Seneca Polytechnic since 2016, in the school of fashion, where she teaches in all three fashion programs: Fashion Business & Fashion Business Management, Fashion Arts and Fashion Studies.  Prior to coming to Canada, Sabine began her career in Germany and later in Switzerland, where as a fasion buyer she oversaw a purchasing budget of over $250 million per year.  Currently, Sabine’s research topics are sustainable fashion, textile waste, and social innovation. Sabine’s main interest is how social innovation can help to transition the fashion industry towards sustainability. Her particular focus is textile waste and a circular fashion system. And along with her students, she completed what became known as the Dumpster Dive study, which was funded by Seneca’s Applied Research Fund. We touch on that study in our conversation.  Sabine hold both a Master’s Degree, and a PhD from the University of Waterloo.  This description of Sabine only scratches the surface of Sabine’s accomplishments in the area of textile waste and sustainable fashion.  Suffice it to say, Sabine is one of, if not number one, expert on this topic, in Canada.  And she teaches right here at Seneca! Pretty cool. 

Important Links

• Read more on the Dumpster Dive Studey here.
• To read more about the global issue of textiles, click here to visit Earth.org.

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

Today's episode revisits the conversations of Season 4.  I've selected key moments of each conversation that, when heard together, form a uniquely Seneca tapestry of determination, grit, and a commitment to a better future.  Every conversation demonstrates two very distinct, related  themes:  One theme is around working for a better future, and the other them is  "Challenge Accepted."  You'll hear how each guest is on their respective journey to live the mantra of "Challenge Accepted."  Every one of our guests this season (as is the case in every season), has accepted the challenge to help build a better future for themselves, their communities, and even the planet.  

Thank you to this season's inspiring guests:

• President David Agnew
• Joseph Osei Bonsu
• Ar Jay Mateo, and Toni Petitt
• Eunice Kays Yeboah
• Ritik Sharma
• Marianne Marando
• Randy Pitawanakwat
• Professors Tatiana Mighiu, and Ragad Kamal
• Wai Chu Cheng, and Courtney Hayes

Big Thank You!

Also, thank you to Tiffany Hsieh for your tireless patience, support and invaluable logistics help, and Anibal Martins for your amazing positivity, and social media support.

And thank you for listening.  Stay proud Seneca.

Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Seneca College President David Agnew invited us into his office to talk about some exciting changes and developments at Seneca College.  In this episode, President Agnew discusses,

1.  The new centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship at the Main Campus, and Magna Hall, at King Campus.  

2. The importance of inter-disciplinary learning, and an emphasis on "crossing boundaries" between programs to meet today's employment needs.

President Agnew also talks about his career, starting out as a sports reporter in high school; and provides his key advice he gives to people to advance their career.

About Today's Guest, President David Agnew

With extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, David Agnew became the fifth president of Seneca in July 2009.

Under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrolment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities.

Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident.

 He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm’s global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses.

 Mr. Agnew’s working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John’s, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada.

In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

Available on iTunes

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.  Here's the link.  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/senecaproud/id1448933774.  While you're there, please subscribe, give us a rating, and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

 

About Today's Show

This episode is specifically directed to the students of Seneca who might be wondering about "life after "Seneca College."  And that’s why we're  so excited about our guest for this episode - Seneca Graduate, Joseph Osei Bonsu, who joins the podcast to talk about how he succeeded at Seneca, made friends, and learned what he needed for a career as a professional artist and illustrator.

Also in this episode, we also talk about:

1.  What it was like at Seneca, and how he overcame some initial shyness and found his group.

2. Joseph shares how he launched the "Heroes of the World" series (it involved jumping fences, sneaking into Caribana, and just making it happen)

3.  What it was like to illustrate Race With Me, a book published by Scholastic, and written by Andre DeGras and Robert "Lucky" Budd.

4.  How you might have seen him around town on the Challenge Accepted posters.

And a lot more...

About Today's Guest, Joseph Osei Bonsu

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Joseph Osei Bonsu has always had a fascination with the visual arts. His inspiration originates from comic books and animated shows that he grew up watching. His fascination with the visual arts encouraged him to enroll in Sheridan College (Art Fundamentals) and Seneca College in the Digital Media Arts and 3D Animation programs. Since graduating, Joseph has provided illustration work for companies such as CBC, CIBC, TD Canada Trust, ArtXperiential, The City Of Toronto, and more.

Joseph is also the co-founder of Heroes of the World with his long-time friend, Mark Williams. The comic-inspired brand features heroes and villains that represent different countries around the world.  Joseph also illustrated the children's book Race With Me with authors Andre DeGrasse (famous Canadian Olympic sprinter) and Robert Budd.

Important Links and Contact Information:

Heroes of the World Links

• Heroes of the World website, click here
• Heroes of the World on Insta, click here
• Heroes of the World on Twitter, click here
• Heroes of the World on Facebook, click here

Race With Me Links

Race with Me, illustrated by Joseph Osei Bonsu, click here

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with Michelle Dakin, who, as Director of Security and Emergency Management Services at Seneca, is in charge of the Seneca College COVID-19 response.  We learn the specifics of Seneca College's COVID-19 response, and what Seneca College is doing now to keep the school safe and functioning during this very challenging time.  

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  What steps will be taken to bring normalcy back to Seneca College, once COVID-19 is behind us.

2.  What it's like to be always thinking about, "what could go wrong," and how to prevent it before it happens.

3.  What steps Michelle has taken to protect Seneca College campuses from other threats to our safety.

About Today's Guest, Michelle Dakin

Michelle Dakin is the Director of Security and Emergency Management Services at Seneca and is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction with respect to ensuring the safety and security of community members across all campuses. A highly motivated professional, she has experience in developing and sustaining emergency management and security programs in various industries including healthcare, the energy sector, and post-secondary education.

Michelle has led the response for organizations to several high-profile emergencies including the H1N1 Pandemic response in a major GTA hospital, the 2013 Toronto flooding, the Ontario winter ice storm, and a natural gas explosion and oil spill.

She is passionate about educating individuals on how to be prepared for emergencies particularly Active Attacker and Crisis situations. In her spare time, she can be found on a baseball diamond or any other sports field.

Michelle is an active member of the Alumni Association and was Seneca’s 2013 Premier’s Award nominee.

Important Links and Contact Information

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with the Seneca College Chief Information Officer, Radha Krishnan.

Because of the pandemic, just about everything to do with Seneca College is online.  So, whether you’re a student, staff member, or faculty member of Seneca College, you’ve been working with, and benefiting from, the work our guest and his team does.  Whether that's sending an email, logging on to a course, or uploading an assignment, just about everything involves IT.  This episode talks about how how all of that complexity managed, as well as spending time looking at the vision for the future. 

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  How does the IT department work?

2.  How do they handle the tricky component of change management?

3.  And what is Radha most proud of?

About Today's Guest, Radha Krishnan

As the Chief Information Officer of Seneca college, Radha has over 30 years of  global IT experience in various industries including higher education, non-profit, supply chain, distribution, retail, and lots more.  Radha has diverse experience in architecting, implementing and managing core IT functions in complex, multi stakeholder environments.

So what does a CIO do?  Well, simply put, Radha is responsible for digital & technology transformation of Seneca college. In 2013 Radha joined Seneca to lead i3 implementation.  After the successful implementation of i3, he took over the role as Director of Software Solutions, and then assumed the role of Chief Information Officer in Seneca College In 2016. 

Important Links and Contact Information

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode, Seneca Student Federation President Charanpreet Deu talks about his roles and responsibilities as SSF President, as well as some of the successes he's enjoyed over his two terms in that role. 

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  Specific challenges international students face when they first arrive at Seneca College, and Charanpreet's advice to them.

2.  The advancements the SSF has made over the past two years, on behalf of the students at Seneca College

3.  Charanpreet's own journey, as a recently arrived student from India, to president of the Seneca Student Federation

About Today's Guest, SSF President Charanpreet Deu

Charanpreet Deu, President of the Seneca Student Federation in his 2nd term as the President. He became the President in May 2018 and prior to being elected for this position, Charanpreet also served as a Coordinator at the Seneca@York campus for the 2017/2018 school year. 

While studying at the Seneca@York campus, Charanpreet graduated from CNS (Computer Networking and Technical Support) and have completed his bachelor’s in computer science program back in India.

Growing up in India, Charanpreet had the privilege of being an organizing member of the Wikimedia India Conference 2016 at the Chandigarh Group of Colleges.

He also worked in Chandigarh University as a lab’s coordinator for Computer Science department for 2 years.

As a student leader, Charanpreet’s goals are to promote awareness of student rights, strengthen student relationships with Seneca community, advocate and fight for Student rights, enhance student’s life through clubs and associations, organize inclusive and diverse events and most important: “Always be there for you”.

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode we sit down with Seneca College graduate Eunice Kays Yeboah, whose list of accomplishments since graduation include co-founding both the Canadian Black Policy Network, and the Toronto Black Policy Network.  In her current role as Anti-Racism Policy Consultant with the TTC, Eunice provides key leadership for the integration and application of anti-racism and  an anti-Black racism lens to systems, policies, and practices at the TTC.

Also in this episode, we also talk about:

1.  The importance of challenging narratives that don't align with your own vision of who you are.

2. The role of support networks, and mentors, in helping to bring clarity to the more difficult choices in our life.

3.  The importance of viewing our choices as having a multi-generational impact.

4.  So much more....

More about Today's Guest, Eunice Kays Yeboah

Eunice is the Co-Founder of the Toronto Black Policy Conference and Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Canadian Black Policy Network. She is also the Anti-Racism Policy Consultant at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

Eunice is very passionate about confronting anti-Black racism and all forms of racism and discrimination.  In her extended work in government and public policy, she has spent over 5 years in a variety of roles with municipalities and the Province of Ontario. Recognized for outstanding early career success and impactful volunteerism, Eunice was recently selected as part of York University’s Inaugural Top 30 Changemakers Under 30 list and received the inaugural IPAC Toronto Region New Professional Award.

Eunice is an alumna of the Liberal Arts University Transfer program at Seneca College, York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.

Important Links and Contact Information:

• For The Canadian Black Policy Network, click here
• For the Toronto Black Policy Conference, click here

Keeping Up to Date on COVID-19

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with the Dean of Students and Indigenous Education, Mark Solomon.

What can Seneca do differently to foster an overarching culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the College?  What are those aspects of the Seneca process that exclude cultures, or genders, or abilities, because those processes evolved without the input of everyone who should have been at the table, so to speak, but weren’t. That's a really big question, and Seneca is tackling it as part of their Au Large project we talked about with President Agnew.  Today's guest, Mark Solomon, has been tasked with leading that initiative to make Seneca College a more inclusive, and equitable, place to study and work.  In today's episode we talk about the initiatives that are underway to turn the vision of a more equitable, and inclusive Seneca College, into a reality.

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  Potential blind spots to people who are different from us, and how we can identify those blind spots.

2.  How the pandemic has impacted people different, particularly based on privilege. 

3.  What can we do as individuals to gain more awareness of diversity within our communities?

We also asked Mark to create a media playlist!  Here it is:

On CBC.ca/gem  - some amazing documentaries and anti-black racism:

The film Across the Line tells the real-life story of a young, Black NHL hopeful living in the racially-divided community of Cole Harbour, N.S. in 1989 

"Fade Forward" is a short doc that tells the story of the first black-owned barbershop in Newfoundland and Labrador that has become a hub for newcomers in St. John's.

Being Black in Toronto features 6 short films. https://gem.cbc.ca/media/absolutely-canadian/being-black-in-toronto/38e815a-0134fafe7df

The Skin We are In builds upon the work of Toronto Journalist/Activist Desmond Cole https://gem.cbc.ca/media/firsthand/season-2/episode-14/38e815a-00be178daef

On NFB.ca:  

Returning to Oshawa and conversations with family about love and relationships. https://www.nfb.ca/film/im-gay/

A short film about gay marriage and divorce https://www.nfb.ca/film/handmade-mountain/

A film about the complexities of escaping war and the immigration experience https://www.nfb.ca/film/far-from-bashar/

Human impact on the world is explored in this “older” film but still powerfully relevant https://www.nfb.ca/film/manufactured_landscapes_edu/

Podcasts by and about Indigenous Creators!

Missing and Murdered - Investigative journalist Connie Walker recounts stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Metis in Space - Chelsea Vowel and Molly Swain, both Métis, drink a bottle of wine and review sci fi movies and television shows from a critical Indigenous lens.

Thunder Bay -- The highest homicide and hate crime rates in the country. A mayor charged with extortion. A police chief who faced trial for obstruction of justice. Nine tragic deaths of Indigenous high schoolers. Why did it all happen in the same town?

About Today's Guest, Mark Solomon

Mark Solomon is a proud member of Henvey Inlet First Nation located one hour south of Sudbury, and he’s born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie.  He often claims to be an economic refugee from Northern Ontario living in Toronto.  Mark has two undergraduate degrees from Laurentian University in Music and Native Studies, a MA from Brock University in Social Justice and a MEd from York University.  Mark has held a number of roles at Seneca College and currently serves as the Dean of Students and Indigenous Education.  Mark is also honoured to serve as the President, of his professional association the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS).   He is the first Indigenous person to hold that role. 

The role Mark is the most proud of, is his role as a father to a 13 year old. 

Important Links and Contact Information

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with the Andrew Wickham, Professor, and Green Citizen Project Manager in FASET (Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology).

What does it mean to be environmentally sustainable?  This is an important question, particularly in light of how we can live our lives as "Green Citizens."  As well, as Seneca College plots a course for the future with the Au Large project, how does sustainability factor into that future? 

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  How incorporating sustainability into our lives doesn't require radical lifestyle changes or major sacrifices.

2.  What is the Green Citizen Symposium, and how can we all get involved (links below!)

3.  What sustainability means for Seneca College

4.  And lots more!

About Today's Guest, Professor Andrew Wickham

Professor Andrew Wickham is the Green Citizen Project Manager in the faculty of applied science and engineering technology (FACET), where he develops and grows the Green Citizen Programme, which is tasked with embedding the environmental imperative into every program at Seneca College. 

In addition to his duties with the Green Citizen Project, Andrew is professor in the project management environmental program, and he actually graduated from that program here at Seneca in 2013, and he is also a member of Seneca college’s Sustainability Committee as part of the Au Large project.

Important Links and Contact Information

For information on The Green Citizen, and how you can get involved, email Andrew at andrew.wickham@senecacollege.ca

The Green Citizen Website can be found here.

COVID-19 Updates

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In this episode, Professor Nafeesa Jalal talks about her classes, and shares her journey as a professional with her own consulting firm.  As well, Professor Jalal shares how being prepared, and working hard, can overcome virtually any barrier.

Also in this episode:

1.  The importance of doing what you truly want to do in life.

2.  The value of "taking the leap," and pursuing the road less travelled.

3.  The importance of having mentors.

About Today's Guest, Professor Nafeesa Jalal

In addition to teaching three courses in the Honours Healthcare Management Program at Seneca, Dr. Jalal founded her own consulting firm that specializes in health research projects that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (known as DEI), and as well have a strong focus on cultural competency. 

Outside of Seneca, her current consulting work with Trillium Hospital's Institute for Better Health is centred on the experiences of patients from diverse backgrounds with their breast cancer journey. She is also a Certified Faculty with the Institute for Health Communication and works with the William Osler Health System to deliver training to health professionals.  Trillium and William Osler are two of the largest community hospitals in Canada, serving an incredibly diverse population.

With her passion for public health, she is also the host of her own T.V. show, Health and Wellness with Dr. Nafeesa Jalal. Recorded in studio in Canada, it is available globally.   

You can connect with Dr. Jalal's consultancy here

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

This episode is the first episode of #SenecaProud Season 4!  And we kick off the season with an interview with Seneca College President, David Agnew.

When we last spoke with President Agnew, things were a lot different.  While Seneca College was completely closed with the exception of some key programs that absolutely required in-person teaching, there was still a lot going on.  The transformative project, Au Large, was ramping up. (for more on what that project was about, you can click here, or listen to some episodes from last season, which was just about entirely dedicated Au Large)

Also in this episode, we also talk about:

1.  What students, staff, and faculty can expect when they return to campus.  Note:  Anyone returning to campus needs to show proof of vaccination.

2.  How technology is transforming some of the classes into "HyFlex" learning, allowing students to attend classes in whatever way is best for them.

3.  The latest TikTok trend.  (Hint:  It's a bones day!)

About Today's Guest, President David Agnew

With extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, David Agnew became the fifth president of Seneca in July 2009, and has held that position for 12 years.

Under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrollment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities.

Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident.

 He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm’s global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses.

Mr. Agnew’s working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John’s, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada.

In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

Important Links and Contact Information

• To find Noodle (yes, THAT Noodle) on Instagram, click here
• To find Noodle on TikTok, click here
• For more on the Au Large Program, click here
• To read more about HyFlex Learning, click here

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Welcome to episode 3 Season 5 of #SenecaProud Podcast!

In this episode of the #SenecaProud podcast, we talk TikTok, TV, and chasing your dreams with Seneca College graduate Isabel Kanaan. 

Isabel shares her story of moving to Canada from the Philippines when she was a teenager, and what it was like to have to finish out her final year in high school in a completely new country.  And while she dreamed of going into entertainment in the Philippines, the thought of her realizing that dream in Canada seemed like a more of a fantasy - until she enrolled in the Acting for Camera and Voice Programme at Seneca College.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

In this episode we also talk about:

• What it's like as a child of immigrant parents to pursue a career that's not "easy to define."
• How the multicultural, diverse aspect of the TV show "Abroad,"  filmed both in English and in Tagalog, has an impact on people beyond the Filipino community.
• How important it is to pursue the career to you love.

About the TV Show, "Abroad"

"Abroad" is a weekly comedy sketch show about life as seen through the eyes of Isabel Kanaan, in her experience as a Canadian.  Abroad is filmed bi-lingually, in both English and Tagalog.  In its second season, Abroad will be starting in May, on on the OMNI television network.  Check your television listings for showtimes.

About our Guest, Isabel Kanaan 

Isabel Kanaan is a Filipina-Canadian actor, comedian, and writer best known for OMNI’s Abroad.  She was on CBC’s Air Farce (a legendary comedy show), TFC’s BRGY, and MYX’s News Hotlist.

She was awarded the NBC Universal Bob Curry Fellowship, the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, one of NOW Toronto’s breakthrough stage artists, and was nominated for a Premier’s Award for her expeditious achievements in theatre, film, and TV.  Also, what you will learn from our interview is that it was her time at Seneca College that re-ignited her passion for acting, and made so much of her success possible.

 

In addition to Abroad, selected TV Credits: Overlord and the Underwoods (Nickelodeon), The Good Witch (Hallmark), Nurses (NBC), Hudson & Rex (City TV), Holly Hobbie (Hulu).

 

Isabel is also popular on Social Media, where on Tiktok her humorous style of storytelling has over 180k followers and nearly 6 million likes.  

Important Links and Contact Information

• Click here for Isabel's Tiktok 
• Click here for Isabel's Instagram
• Click here to find episodes on Abroad on Youtube

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

 

About Today's Show

Professor Laura Cavanagh shares her insights into what makes the very popular Behavioural Sciences Diploma Program so successful.  

1.  Who this program is for

2. Surprising Challenges

3. Why it can be life-changing for some students

About Today's Guest, Professor Laura Cavanagh

In addition to being a mom, and a clinician, and a published author, Laura Cavanagh is professor of Psychology and Behavioural Science and Seneca College, and is also the academic coordinator of the Behavioural Sciences Diploma program.  She joined us in the Sandbox Studio to hang out and talk about why her program is so freaking awesome!

Thank you Sandbox Studios @ Seneca

Shoutout to Julio and everyone at The Sandbox for all your help in making this podcast series possible.  If you’re a student at Seneca and you haven’t checked out the Sandbox, absolutely do it.  It’s open to all Seneca students and faculty, and you can do all kinds of media related things there from from video and photography, to digital music, to recording a podcast.

 Available on iTunes

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.  Here's the link.  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/senecaproud/id1448933774.  While you're there, please subscribe, give us a rating, and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat

 

 

About Today's Show

Robert Waite is a professor at Seneca College in the school’s graduate certificate program. Subjects he teaches include Advanced Presentation Skills; Writing for Public Relations Professionals; Writing for Government Relations Professionals; Media Relations; International Public Relations; and Investor Relations.

In this episode we discuss...

1.  Key skills necessary to be successful in PR today.

2.  What sets Seneca College apart from universities

3.  Some of the more interesting moments in Professor Waite's 30+ year career as one of North America's leading authorities on Public Relations and Corporate Communications

4.  So much more...

About Today's Guest, Professor Robert Waite

Robert Waite is one of North America’s foremost experts in the field of marketing, executive communications, cultural transformation and stakeholder relations. Mr. Waite is Managing Director of Waite + Co., a firm specializing in Board and CEO-level communications strategy and advice. With offices in Toronto, Ottawa and Boston, Waite + Co. draws on its founder’s 30+ years of experience working with six corporate CEO’s; two distinguished United States Senators; and as a member of the Executive Branch of the United States.

He has led and transformed communications, government relations, marketing and investor relations functions at companies as diverse as IBM, Ford, CAE (that’s an Aviation Electronics Company that has diversified into other simulation technologies), CIBC and Canada Post.

Click HERE to find his company Waite + Co.

Available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

In today's episode, we speak with two guests:  Dr. Frank Merante, Professor & Applied Research Coordinator at Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry; and Chad Leaver, Director of Applied Research in Seneca Innovation.

Seneca College, along with Seneca Innovation, and industry partners, are involved in some leading edge applied research that have amazing, practical outcomes that help save lives.  In today’s show, we’ll look at a couple of those innovations, as well as dive into the crucial role Seneca Innovation plays in helping ideas transform into products in the marketplace.

Also in this episode, we talk about:

1.  Exciting projects that are specifically designed to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

2.  What are some of the key ingredients of innovation, and how the absence of spontaneous conversations during the pandemic has impacted innovation.

3.  How students can get involved with Seneca Innovation and participate in world-class, ground breaking research.

4.  Lots more!

About Today's Guests

Dr. Frank Merante

In addition to being Professor & Applied Research Coordinator at Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry, Dr. Merante is also the Principal Scientist for the Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences (SCILS). Dr. Merante has been instrumental in establishing applied research capabilities at Seneca. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, and has traversed multiple disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology and human genetics. Dr. Merante was the recipient of Seneca Innovation’s Research Leader of the Year Award in 2020.

Dr. Merante was also nominated for his efforts in two applied research projects conducted at Seneca to combat COVID-19. The first project with Kenota Health helped produce three key proteins associated with COVID-19 for use in an immunodiagnostic device. The second project with Giftgowns is working to produce a long-lasting antimicrobial spray to sanitize surfaces.

Chad Leaver

In addition to his role as Director of Applied Research in Seneca Innovation, Chad has led community, provincial and national research programs focused on the assessment of health system transformation, technology innovation, data asset creation and advanced analytics. Most recently, he led innovation and research partnerships focused on improving health system sustainability and modernization through digital health solutions and virtually enabled models of care. Chad has a Masters of Science in community health and epidemiology ,and an MBA from both Cornell and Queen’s universities.

Important Links and Contact Information:

The Seneca Innovation website:

https://www.senecacollege.ca/innovation.html

All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca

For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here:

https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health

This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts. 

 Click here to subscribe.

While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

About Today's Show

Professor Sumit Bhatia is not only an industry leader in digital transformation, gamification, and emerging technologies, he is also the program coordinator and professor for the Interactive Media Design and the Game Art and Animation Programs at Seneca College. 

And he's our guest in today's show.

In this episode we discuss...

1.  The specifics of the Interactive Media Design, and the Game Art and Animation Programs.

2.  The gratification that comes from transforming passion for art and creation into a rewarding career.

3.  The diverse, and ever growing career opportunities, that exist for digital artists, storytellers, and designers.

4.  A lot more....

About Today's Guest, Professor Sumit Bhatia

In addition to his work at Seneca College, Professor Bhatia is a business, creative and digital strategist whose work has focused on helping organizations embrace technology, transform digitally, establish their digital narrative and tell stories using emerging technologies. He has worked with fortune 500 companies, large academic institutions, and complex start-ups.  His current research is focused in the fields of AI & Gamification, Big Data Governance and Immersive Environments(AR/VR/MR)

 

Available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

#SenecaProud Podcast is now available on iTunes, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.  Here's the link.  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/senecaproud/id1448933774. 

While you're there, please subscribe, give us a rating, and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found.

Thanks for listening!  

Pat Perdue

Super glad to be back with you!  I took some time away from the podcast during this pandemic. And now that I’m back and this is going to be a GREAT show for you!

Now that COVID is becoming part of our history, things are OPENING UP!  We have the pandemic on the run!  People are thinking about what it’s all going to be like when we can start calling things “normal.”

One of those things is going to be weddings!  Remember those?  Lots of people, two of whom are pledging their life-long love and devotion for each other, and then there’s drinking, and dancing, and all-around partying?  Yeah!  That was actually a thing!  We did that!

I know a few couples who have actually put off getting married because they wanted to have that “thing,” and now people are really starting to think about making it happen.

Our guest happens to be one of the larger wedding entertainment companies in the New York / New Jersey area.  So, if you want to talk about big weddings, amazing entertainment (where the musicians are often Broadway performers), these are the folks who set that up.

And this podcast is about all things Customer Experience, so what is one of the most intense customer experience situations around?  Weddings!  Our guest, Mike Saulpaugh, has a really interesting take on what it means to deliver a great customer experience.

About our Guest, Michael Saulpaugh

Michael Saulpaugh is Managing Partner at Elegant Music Group, based out of Montclair, NJ. In addition to his 18 years in the events and entertainment industry, Michael has a professional background in creative advertising. His work has been featured in Adweek and BuzzFeed has called him, “hilariously clever.”  Michael, as you’ll hear, is all about leveraging the experience of the customer to drive business growth, and was selected to and is now a contributing member on the Forbes Business Council.

Elegant Music Group Website: https://elegantmusicgroup.com/

To connect with Pat Perdue:

Instagram: @pat_perdue_brand_strategist

Twitter: @patpatperdue

Few would argue that the luxury spa industry requires among the highest standards of guest experience in the world, in which every detail is (or should be) designed not just to please you, or relax you, but to transform you into your better self. 

Our guest today, Jean-Guy de Gabriac, is one of the world’s foremost authorities on luxury spas.

In this episode we discuss:

1. The role of “flow” in every spa
2. How designing the “guest experience” can begin at the architecture level
3. The secret of creating a lasting “wow” experience that keeps guests coming back
4. Much more (including World Wellness Weekend)

About our Guest, Jean-Guy de Gabriac

Jean-Guy de Gabriac is an award-winning advisor & educator on the art of crafting the spa experience.  Some of the most beautiful destination resort spas in the world have relied on Jean-Guy’s renowned insights to create that “wow” spa experience that keeps clients coming back. 

Jean-Guy is also the founder of World Wellness Weekend, which falls on September 18^th and 19^th this year (this is its 5^th year).  This year, over 130 countries, over 900 cities, and nearly 1,400 venues so far, have committed to participate in World Wellness Weekend this year.  In alignment with the UNITED NATIONS’ 3^rd Sustainable Development Goal, “Good Health & Wellbeing for All”, WWW inspires people around the world to enjoy healthy lifestyles through safe, free and fun activities and exciting special offers.  If you go to their website (which I’ll link to in the show notes), wherever you happen to be in the world, World Wellness Weekend connects wellness enthusiasts to nearby professionals through its geo-locator on their website.  If you’re a wellness professional, go and sign up.  It’s absolutely free.

Jean-Guy also serves as Conference producer of World Spa & Wellness Conventions (London & Dubai) ; he is the immediate past Chair of the “Supporting the UNs 17 SDGs” through the Global Wellness Institute.  He is a Board Member of the International Massage Association, and Judge at the World Spa & Wellness Awards.  Jean-Guy has contributed to over 300 articles in the media, and as of today, at least 1 podcast! 

Important Links and Contact Information

To contact Jean-Guy

Please visit his website: https://www.tiptouch.com/en/

To connect with Jean-Guy on Linkedin, click here

To Reach World Wellness Weekend:

https://www.world-wellness-weekend.org/

To reach The Leading Spas of Canada Website

https://www.leadingspasofcanada.com/

To Connect with Pat Perdue

Twitter: https://twitter.com/patperdue

Website: https://www.patperdue.com

SHOW NOTES

One of the big challenges in Customer Experience is managing all of the changing initiatives that are simply a way of life among competitive companies today. 

There is huge pressure at all levels of just about every organization to innovate.  Do something new. The pressure to constantly innovate has become business as usual. 

With every department on the hook to be innovative, they end up tripping over each other and negatively impact the customer experience in unforeseen ways.  

Our Guest, Bruce Simpson

Our guest today, Bruce Simpson, knows a lot about helping companies manage the change that comes from a culture of constant innovation.  As partner and co-founder of SwitchGear Consulting, Bruce has spent the past 15 years as a trusted co-pilot for BIG change, helping leaders who are not only trying to change culture and elevate performance but have realized they need a make-over on how they work and even how their people think.

In This Episode We Discuss:

a) How to recognize when our organizations focus too heavily on innovation at the expense of creating lasting change.

b) How leaders at every level of the organization can get their teams “unstuck,” and begin to actually move the company forward and help it to genuinely evolve.

c)  What are the crucial tasks senior leaders must do to reduce “adoption paralysis” and ensure their company truly remains innovating and customer-focused

d)  Lots lots more….

About our Guest – Bruce Simpson

Since helping build his first Call Centre in 1989, Bruce Simpson has been living inside Sales + Service Teams for 30 years. Bruce’s first 10,000 hours came as an in-house Operator in Healthcare and Telcom (during the big disruption of long-distance competition). His second 10,000 hours came as the COO and Co-Founder of a 3rdParty Outsourcer (NDR / ClientLogic / Sitel) executing the Customer Experience on behalf of other companies. For the last past 15 years Bruce has become a trusted co-pilot for BIG change, helping leaders who are not only trying to change culture and elevate performance but have realized they need a make-over on how they work and even how their people think.

Contact Information for Bruce Simpson and SwitchGear

Click here for SwitchGear

Click here to reach Bruce on LinkedIn

Leave us a review on iTunes

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been receiving on this podcast! Thank you! If you want to leave a rating and review on iTunes, that’s always helpful for people to find the podcast.

Click here to leave a rating / review on iTunes

Click here to reach Pat Perdue at on Twitter:

@Patperdue

SHOW NOTES

Today’s guest, Ash Anil, is Business Leader at Technical Safety BC.. Why is a government organization on a podcast talking about Customer Experience? Turns out focusing on Customer Experience is also good government. Specifically we learn:

a) How focusing on Customer Experience can literally save lives.

b) How Technical Safety B.C. dramatically increased customer satisfaction scores through digitization of common forms and documentation required for compliance.

c) How Technical Safety B.C. continues to innovate for all of its customers in spite of the wide range of technical adoption (some don’t have email, for example).

d) How Technical Safety BC maintains a spirit of innovation that is radically focused on adding customer value.

e) Much, much more….

About our Guest, Ash Anil

Ashutosh Anil has been an innovation leader in the customer experience, product & service industry for almost 2 decades, supporting global organizations such as Best Buy, ADP Canada, Rogers Communications, 3 Telecom UK, Fido Solutions, as well as Canadian SaaS startups like Money On the Go (AKA MOGO) and Rise People. 

As a precise and creative strategic planner, Ash connects
culture, people, and customer centricity to build diverse teams who
passionately and aggressively pursue best-in-class CX. In his current role as
Business Leader at Technical Safety BC, Ash religiously applies customer
centricity to the cause of public participation in safety, inspiring employees
to put CX first in an industry where the concept of “Outside In” value creation
can sometime gets lost.

New Theme Music! Ooo Yeah!

I have a fancy new intro! Thank you to Justin Dove at Core Image Studio for making the podcast sound grown up!

To reach Justin for your own fancy intro, check out Core Image Studio.

Leave us a review on iTunes

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been receiving on this podcast! Thank you! If you want to leave a rating and review on iTunes, that’s always helpful for people to find the podcast.

Click here to leave a rating / review on iTunes

Contact Pat Perdue on Twitter

I always love hearing from folks on Twitter. Click here to send me a Tweet:

@PatPerdue

Thank you for listening.

SHOW NOTES

Today’s guest is Raymond Reddy, co-founder and CEO of the highly successful Ritual – which enables social ordering from restaurants in major cities across North America, The UK, and Australia. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about:

a) How digital in traditionally non-digital industries, like food pick-up and delivery, can have a transformative effect on the overall customer experience.

b) How digital ordering is transforming the fundamental design of the restaurant, and how Ritual helps their restaurant partners create space that maximizes flow, prevents line-ups, and improves the in-store customer experience.

c) How specific, customer-by-customer, and order-by-order data, can help restaurants survive in hyper-competitive markets, and how working with Ritual can help them.

d) Much, much more…

About Our Guest, Raymond Reddy

Raymond Reddy is the co-founder and CEO of Ritual.  Prior to Ritual, Ray co-founded the mobile commerce company PushLife. In 2011, Google purchased PushLife and Ray joined the Google team, leading mobile product management for shopping and commerce. Ray soon recognized the potential of better leveraging a social application to unlock mobile commerce and thus, Ritual was born.

Click here to visit Ritual

Leave us a review on iTunes

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been receiving on this podcast! Thank you! If you want to leave a rating and review on iTunes, that’s always helpful for people to find the podcast.

Click here to leave a rating / review on iTunes

Contact Pat Perdue on Twitter

I always love hearing from folks on Twitter. Click here to send me a Tweet:

@PatPerdue

Thank you for listening.

SHOW NOTES

Today we have two guests: Henry Iversen, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of Boost.ai (one of Norway’s leading Natural Language Processing AI companies, and Ramtin Matin, Lead Technological Strategist at SpareBank 1 SR-Bank, one of Norway’s oldest, and most respected, financial institutions. Specifically in today’s episode we cover:

The crucial role Boost.ai has had in helping SR Bank stay in contact with their customers, with zero wait time, even during the COVID-19 pandemic (when other companies force their customers to wait hours to speak with a customer service representative

* The difference stages of Artificial Intelligence, and how understanding this can guide your organization today, and in the future.* The pretty surprising ease with which the Boost.AI solution can be deployed (Hint: It’s way easier, and way less expensive, than you might think)* We also get to learn how nice Norwegians are! (in case you didn’t already know that)

About Our Guests

Henry Vaage Iversen

Henry Vaage Iversen is a Co-Founder and the Chief Commercial Officer at boost.ai, a Norwegian-based software company specializing in AI-powered customer interactions. Boost.ai is the inventor of the world’s most complete software for building, implementing and operating virtual agents powered by conversational AI technology. Henry was instrumental in establishing key relationships with the company’s early clients, helping to cement boost.ai as a major player in the Nordics. Today, Henry continues to flex his business acumen, fostering existing relationships while expanding boost.ai’s vision for conversational AI into new markets. When not at home in COVID-19 isolation, Henry is based in the company’s US office in Los Angeles where he leads boost.ai’s global sales team.

Henry holds a Master’s Degree in strategy and management from the University of Stavanger.

Ramtin Matin

Ramtin is Lead Technological Strategist at SR Bank, and is an authority on implementing technology that helps drive efficiency while maintaining the company vision.

With more than 13 years of professional experience Ramtin’s main area of expertise is within the intersection of technology, strategy and business development. He has a broad industry background from more than 10 years of consulting ranging from industries such as banking, insurance, telco, public, utility and transportation.

He is a seasoned professional and thought leader on topics such as digital transformation, technology, strategy and in general how to use technology as an enabler for driving change, both internally and externally.

Leave us a review on iTunes

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been receiving on this podcast! Thank you! If you want to leave a rating and review on iTunes, that’s always helpful for people to find the podcast.

Click here to leave a rating / review on iTunes

Contact Pat Perdue on Twitter

SHOW NOTES

About Today’s Episode
What would it take for you to go to a brick and mortar, say clothing store.  Would you browse through the clothes on the hangars?  Would you try stuff on?  Stuff that other people might have tried on?  And what would THAT be like?  In a small change room that someone else had just left?  Being all breath-y and everything?   While a year ago you may not have given it a thought, today, it might set off all kinds of alarm bells for you.  What we look for in a retail experience is fully, and perhaps forever, transformed.  These are historic times.
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

* What brands need to do TODAY to stay competitive in the new post COVID-19 economy.
* What does the future of retailing look like?
* The key approach that’s allowing retailers to deepen their relationship with their customers.

Today’s Guest
Ann-Marie Clendenin is a top leader of some of N. America’s most iconic brands, with a solid track record for driving massive retail growth globally through traditional expansion, as well as Omni channel (which basically means connecting meaningfully with your customers on every channel possible – brick and mortar, online, social, heck – graffiti on the side of a wall if that’s how your customers want to communicate).  Ann-Marie’s career spans 30 years, and if anyone is poised to think retail, outside of the box, it’s our guest today.
Ann-Marie’s leadership extends to The Limited, Ann Taylor, Aeropostale and most recently, holding executive roles as Global Head of Retail and eCommerce Operations for Kate Spade and President US Retail for Aritzia.
At Kate Spade, Ann-Marie drove physical store expansion, tripling the business from 68 stores to 225 stores in North America and from 445 to 680 stores internationally, while scaling volume from $300M  to $2.1B.
With responsibility for 3 brands and 6 channels in Kate Spade, Jack Spade and Kate Spade Saturday, she Architected and drove a 13 pronged Omni Channel Solution with more than $350M in sales.
Ann-Marie is also an expert on “clientelling” – which is kind of like how it sounds.  Rather than subjecting your “customer” to individual transactions, clientelling is about creating retail clients, which means a much more profound relationship than the individual, and often forgettable, transaction at the cash register, and the result is lifelong brand relationships and phenomenal, individualized customer experiences.  You can just imagine that this is a disruptive force in traditional retail.  So who better to re-envision and disrupt retail today than someone who’s been doing it for 30 years.
For Further Listening on the Importance of Brand Reputation
Click here to listen to my interview with Stephen Hahn-Griffiths from The Reputation Institute on the importance of safeguarding the Brand Reputation.

Leave us a review on iTunes

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been receiving on …

SHOW NOTES

Let’s say you ran a business.  I’m not going to tell you what kind of business.  I’m going to let you guess.In this business, your customers spend a lot of time, and consideration choosing which of your products they’re going to buy from you.  Often they select only the components, and leave you to assemble it in its final form.  There’s often a lot of emotional investment involved in making their decision.  And needless to say the final result has got to be perfect.In choosing the component parts, your customers can choose among hundreds of options, and leave it to you to put it all together.  To add to the complexity of this business, you never really know how busy you’ll be.  That said, all of your inventory needs to be completely rotated about every three days.  After about 3 days, you can’t use it.  And finally, your customers will often never see what they finally buy.  They select the components, pay you for them, and the work you’ll do with them, and walk away, and it’s your job to make sure they somehow feel good about their choice to work with you, without seeing what they actually bought!How are you possibly going to keep those customers coming back to you?Have you guessed the kind of business I’m describing?  It’s a florist.  Think about it.  Think of those times you’ve ordered flowers.  You may never see the final result unless someone sends you a picture.  So what is it about that that makes it a great experience for you?  Now to add even more complexity to that….What if you’re the founder/ceo of one of the largest florists in New York City, serving all of the major hotels, where you have to get it 100% right every time?  Managing that kind of complexity is trickier than any juggling act I think I’ve ever seen.  And our guest today, Nic Faitos, let’s just say he’s damn good juggler.About Our GuestNic Faitos is the owner and founder of Starbright Floral Design, Inc. He goes by the title of Senior Partner, and he started the company in 1994.Prior to Starbright, Nic has lived, worked and studied in California, Greece, Florida before finally settling in NY.  Nic has always been entrepreneurial, and his career has included publishing, technology and financial sales.  But it makes sense that he found his home in NY.  Nic is part of that enery, that sparkle, that puts the pizzazz in NY.  If you’ve been to NY, you know what I’m talking about.Nic’s dedication to this industry, and as well as his dedication to delivering a five-star service experience, helped set a new standard for the floral industry.  Specifically in his interactions with hoteliers, travel and tourism, which is a market he soon dominated.  We spend some time talking about that.Since its start in 1994, Starbright Floral Design has grown from a single employee to seventy-five non-seasonal team members. Never has the company experienced a down year in revenue and is by every measurable standard the largest and most well- known floral brand in New York City.Nic has been featured on ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Business and at a presser with former Mayor Bloomberg, and now, this podcast.Nic and I connected over Zoom late this summer.  And we started our conversation talking about what has set Starbright Floral Design apart from other florists, and what has made them the florists of choice for hotelliers in NY who have the highest standards in the world. Click

SHOW NOTES

Traditional retail has been on a slow, but steady decline for probably the last decade.  So much so that retailers were getting super creative to find a way to bring you into the store.  In-store mini concerts, dining options like great coffee shops or pop-up kitchens, were becoming a trend in some of the higher-end stores.  And then – you guessed it – COVID-19 hit and the way we used to shop is pretty much history.So, since you probably can’t go to that favourite store of yours, or maybe these days you’re less inclined to, what if there was a way to somehow bring that in-store magic to you, in the comfort of your home?Today’s guest, Oscar Sachs, is the CEO and co-founder of Salesfloor.  Salesfloor empowers store associates to provide the personalized service customers love by connecting store associates to shoppers both in-store, and online.  Think Facetiming with your favourite sales associate right there in the store.  Salesfloor has over 45,000 associates from leading retailers in apparel, beauty, jewelry and baby items and toys.   Salesfloor is redefining the role of store associates in N. America, and globally.  And with retail trending how it’s been trending, simply put, they’re the future of retail. About Our Guest

Oscar Sachs

Oscar Sachs is the CEO and co-founder of Salesfloor.  Formerly a retail executive responsible for store operations at the Aldo Group and Best Buy, Oscar led some of retail’s earliest omnichannel initiatives to create a bridge between the online and bricks and mortar retail worlds. Oscar Sachs is the founder of several successful start-ups in the retail digital space, such as Ad Splash Media, the first company to develop a digital media program for the top online ecommerce sites. Oscar earned his MBA degree from McGill University.For the Salesfloor website, click here.

Leave us a review on iTunes

I really appreciate all the support I’ve been receiving on this podcast! Thank you! If you want to leave a rating and review on iTunes, that’s always helpful for people to find the podcast.

Click here to leave a rating / review on iTunes

Contact Pat Perdue on Twitter

I always love hearing from folks on Twitter. Click here to send me a Tweet:

@PatPerdue

Thank you for listening.

In this episode we sit down with two of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs in the spa industry and take a close look a how each of them responded to the COVID-19 lockdowns, discovered new ways to innovate, and emerge from the worst of the pandemic lockdowns ultimately stronger than they were pre-lockdown.

Today’s Guests: Celine Tadrissi, and Elena Zinchenko

Celine Tadrissi is the founder / owner of Hammam Spa by Céla. With 2 locations in Toronto, Hammam Spa has been one of Toronto’s most beautiful and renowned spas since opening their first location 15 years ago.  Hamman Spa by Céla was recently awarded Canada’s Top Day Spa for 2021 by the London England based World Spa Awards.  Celine tadrissi is also the founder of luxury skincare line, Cela and sits on the board of directors of the Leading Spas of Canada, which is how we met.

Elena Zinchenko also on the board of directors of Leading Spas of Canada (and a former chair) is the spa Director at the luxurious TenSpa, which she helped launch 17 years ago in the beautiful Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, in the province of Manitoba. Elena is also the business director of The Face Bar, also in Winnipeg, which she launched 2 years ago.  The Face Bar’s mission is to bring intensive skincare treatments and medical grade products to the public at affordable prices because top quality skincare shouldn’t have to be a luxury.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. How “remembering the why” of being in business provided a focus on where to innovate
2. How a commitment to top quality kept loyal clients guests coming back
3. How strategic collaboration with other brands helped to bring in new clients
4. Much more!

To Contact Our Guests:

Elena Zinchenko:

1. Click here to connect to Ten Spa
2. Click here to connect to The Face Bar

Celine Tadrissi

1. Click here to connect to Hammam Spa by Céla
2. Click here to connect to the luxury skincare line, Céla

To Connect with Pat Perdue

Twitter: https://twitter.com/patperdue

Website: https://www.patperdue.com