P.S. Talks

What makes a great marketer, and a great leader? We asked UTSC Management alumnus and best-selling author Adam Rodricks (BBA 2010), who built a dynamic marketing career—and just published his first book—with personal branding at the core. On this podcast, Adam shares his lived experience and advice for future leaders, including how business can be taught through storytelling, what it means to adapt on the fly, and why rejection doesn’t need to be a reflection of self-worth.

On this must-listen episode, Philip and Stephanie sit down with Vanshika Agarwal—UTSC Management Co-op Student of the Year—to reflect upon her journey at the University of Toronto Scarborough, how she found the courage to build a self-starter mindset, and what she discovered about leadership through co-op and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) along the way.

Do you worry about saying the right thing at the right time? Would you rather ask a question verbally or type it online? Listen in as Philip and Stephanie share tips to help you communicate with confidence.

If you’re unsure about what happens on a work term site visit then this episode is for you! Listen in as Philip and Stephanie visit Management Co-op student Christine and her manager Conrad at FISPAN—an innovative fintech company—to chat about how the work term is going.

On this extremely special episode guest-starring Management Co-op students Mojolaoluwa, Shivani, Han, and Joaquim, we talk about adapting to university from high school and explore our shared values and goals for the 2021/22 school year at U of T Scarborough. Spoiler alert: Management students are brilliant (as if you didn't already know that...)!

Do you ever feel pressured to look or act a certain way? Have you struggled with perfectionism, depression, or fear of acceptance? You are not alone. On this episode, UTSC graduate Feral (Co-op BBA 2013) guides us on a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement to help you learn and love who you truly are—and carve a rewarding career path along the way. (Note: This podcast contains material that is very personal in nature. If you need help, please visit uoft.me/support-links. Listener discretion is advised.)

Are you entering your first year in the Management program? Have questions about how to make a smooth and successful transition to university from high school? You are not alone! On this episode, meet Bobbi McFarlane, Management’s very own First-Year Program Advisor, who guides you through the resources and support available to UTSC students as they launch their BBA journey. Spoiler alert: Bobbi is UTSC graduate, too!

What does it really mean to be an entrepreneur? On this episode, Management Professor Bill McConkey (Academic Director, The BRIDGE New Venture Program) takes you inside UTSC’s innovative business ecosystem powered by wisdom, resilience, and empathy.

So you want to be a rock star? Just learn how to play an instrument, write a catchy song, find a producer to put it all together, and voilà! It sounds simple, but… does that mean it’s easy? Join Philip and Stephanie as they dissect the notion of simplicity versus ease, providing real-life examples and best practices to help you become a co-op rock star in your own right!

Admit it: have you been procrastinating on your work-term project? Ever wondered why the Management Co-op office assigns you a work-term project in the first place? Join Philip and Stephanie, with special guest Malcolm Billing, as they reveal how work-term projects are designed to elevate your communication and analytical skills—and help give you a competitive advantage in the job market. Spoiler alert: Malcolm has evaluated hundreds of work-term projects over the years, so you don’t want to miss his pro tips for success!

Do you ever dictate your day to be good or bad because of what happens in the morning, or according to the weather? Are you likely to make decisions based on your short-term outlook without factoring in your long-term goals? If so, join Philip and Stephanie as they advise you to step back and consider how the bigger picture can impact your daily life and your career journey.

What role does workplace culture play in your co-op? Understanding an organization’s values (and how they align with your own) can help you find meaning and success at work beyond salary. In this episode, Philip and Stephanie offer their advice when it comes to earning C.A.S.H.—that is, how to navigate your career journey based on the Challenge, Advancement, Support, and with Honesty.

Nervous about your work-term site visit? Unsure about what types of questions you will be asked? If so, join Philip and Stephanie as they guide you through the steps to prepare for your site visit and build meaningful connections with your manager along the way!

Have you ever wondered how Management Co-op looked in the “old days”? What do you think has changed or stayed the same in terms of seeking work? In this episode, Philip and Stephanie unfold the UTSC history book with special guests Bobbi McFarlane and Mary Vecchio from the Department of Management to reflect on the students, spaces, and systems that have defined co-op through the years.

Are you starting to seek work for your upcoming co-op term? Have you ever felt like you are not good enough when reading job descriptions? You are not alone. Join Philip and Stephanie as they guide you through the steps to overcome your insecurities and harness your greatest growth.

Do you know the difference between hearing and listening? Are you struggling in networking events to connect with employers? If so, join Philip and Stephanie as they uncover the secrets to becoming an effective listener, a memorable networker, and a lifelong learner.

The summer semester is here, but fall is in the air! How can you be successful when pursuing a fall work term? What's different about fall seeking compared to other cycles? In this episode, Philip and Stephanie go over what you need to know about double-speed courses, time management (are you a procrastinator?), and the importance of planning ahead. Spoiler alert: this is essential listening to accelerate your job search!

Have you ever wondered how this podcast gets made? Meet Ananya, a second-year student in the Management Co-op program, who just wrapped up her stellar co-op work term with the Department of Management! As the producer of P.S. Talks Co-op—and the incoming VP of Marketing at the Women in Business Association (WIBA)—Ananya reflects on what brought her to U of T Scarborough and how much she’s learned about confidence, communication, and channeling her entrepreneurial spirit.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? Do cats belong on leashes? On this special de-stressor episode, Philip and Stephanie debate these “controversial” topics and reflect upon the conclusion of the winter term. (Make sure you listen until the end to find out what ingredients might go on the official Management pizza!)

Where will your BBA degree take you? For Hilori Kaloti, Director of Talent Management at Hershey and a 2010 graduate of the Management Co-op program, the journey from U of T Scarborough has been inspired by helping others achieve their highest potential. In this episode, Hilori shares her top networking tips for job seekers, what motivated her to pursue a career in human resources, and why inclusion is key to innovation. Spoiler alert: this episode might make you crave s’mores!