Newcomers ON FIRE!

Newcomers ON FIRE — Real stories. Real struggles. Real breakthroughs.In this episode, we speak with Kalpashree Gupta, a former Fortune 100 executive, leadership coach, and immigrant from India who transformed her life after burnout. From restarting her career in the U.S. to embracing healing, service, and authentic leadership, her journey shows that success is more than titles — it’s about alignment, resilience, and purpose.If you’ve ever questioned your worth, faced burnout, or wondered how to balance career growth with personal well-being, this conversation will give you both practical tools and hope.In this episode:Kalpashree’s move from India and lessons from restarting in the U.S.Rising in Fortune 100 companies and the importance of mentorshipFacing burnout and discovering the hidden impact of traumaThe role of service and giving back in personal healingBuilding resilience through mindfulness and daily ritualsRedefining success beyond job titles and achievementsListen now for inspiration, clarity, and a reminder that “you are capable of giving yourself everything.”

Newcomers ON FIRE — Real stories. Real struggles. Real breakthroughs.In this episode, we speak with Yauhan Mehta, a career coach, organizational psychologist, and immigrant who built a thriving life in Canada while helping others do the same. From arriving as a teen to landing a role at Deloitte, his story is filled with honesty, growth, and practical tools.If you're feeling lost, burned out, or uncertain about your path as a newcomer, this conversation will inspire you to keep going.In this episode:Yauhan’s journey from newcomer to career successThe impact of burnout and the importance of mental healthHow coaching helped him—and now helps others—find clarityNavigating imposter syndrome at every levelDefining personal values as a foundation for fulfillmentListen now for insight, hope, and the motivation to take your next step.

Newcomers ON FIRE – Richa Singh on Reinvention & ResilienceRicha Singh has lived in five countries, raised a family, written a book—and discovered the power of adapting without losing herself.In This Episode:From curiosity to courage: a life of meaningful transitionsFacing identity shifts across culturesMoving from survival to thrivingCultural intelligence as a superpowerRewriting your mindset to build a new lifeKey Takeaways:Community is essential, not optionalYour roots are your strengthSelf-awareness unlocks growthPlant roots before chasing resultsReinvention starts with self-kindnessListen in for an honest, inspiring conversation on identity, growth, and starting over—again and again.

Newcomers ON FIRE – Prince John's JourneyIn this inspiring episode, Prince John shares his bold transition from VP in India to starting from scratch in Canada. With faith, humility, and grit, he rebuilt his life—and is now helping others rise too.What You'll Hear:Leaving a top corporate job to start overTurning job challenges into growth opportunitiesMindset shifts, faith, and family as anchorsWhy Canada needs bold, vocal newcomersKey Takeaways:Genuine networking opens real doorsYour title doesn’t define your potentialConfidence + communication = career successStay grounded, stay bold, stay gratefulTune in and be inspired by Prince’s powerful story of resilience and reinvention.

Welcome to Newcomers ON FIRE, the podcast that features bold immigrant voices and inspiring stories of transformation.In this episode, we meet Felisha Ali, who arrived in Canada at 17 with low confidence and no clear direction. Today, she’s a respected career mentor helping young professionals find their voice and purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth is possible—even when you feel invisible.If you're a newcomer struggling with self-doubt or unsure of your career path, Felisha’s journey offers guidance, hope, and practical tools to help you move forward.Episode Highlights:Starting Over Alone: What it was like to arrive in Canada as a teenager and face culture shock.Turning Volunteering into Purpose: How giving back helped Felisha find confidence and community.Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: The inner work it took to build her voice and thrive in competitive job markets.Confidence and Reflection: How journaling, mentorship, and service became tools for personal and professional growth.Key Takeaways:Build real relationships—networking is more than job hunting.Your passion can lead to a fulfilling career path.A mindset focused on growth and contribution creates lasting impact.Communication and confidence are essential to career success.Gratitude and self-awareness are critical on the newcomer journey.

In this episode, we meet Dr. Anish Kaushal, a top medical graduate whose journey took an unexpected turn when he was unable to practice medicine in Canada. That moment of rejection became a turning point, leading him to discover a new path in health, communication, and venture capital.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or forced to start over in a new country, Anish’s story will resonate deeply. He shares how he transformed failure into purpose—through writing, reflection, and relentless curiosity.Highlights:– Childhood dreams and medical school in the UK– The shock of systemic rejection in Canada– Burnout, identity loss, and rebuilding self-worth– The role of daily writing in healing and growth– Breaking into venture capital without experienceWhat You’ll Learn:– Why meaningful networking matters more than a perfect résumé– How to turn setbacks into direction– The power of self-reflection and storytelling– Why writing can support your mental health– That reinvention is possible—even when the original plan falls apartListen now and discover how resilience, clarity, and human connection can lead you to a completely new version of success.

Newcomers ON FIRE! is back with a story of bold reinvention. This episode features Stephan Dyer, a former Scotiabank senior manager who left the corporate world to chase stand-up comedy — a path rarely taken, especially by immigrants.From growing up across continents to empowering over 50,000 professionals through public speaking, Stephan’s journey is all about trusting your gut, facing fear, and choosing purpose over perfection. Tune in for an inspiring masterclass on resilience, identity, and starting over — on your own terms.

Andres, a successful immigrant to Canada, shares his journey and offers practical tips for settling in a new country and achieving professional success. He emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset, developing leadership skills, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and finding mentors. Andres also highlights the need to fully commit to your goals and work hard to make your dreams come true. He shares his own challenges and encourages newcomers to not be afraid, ask for help, and believe in themselves. Andres has written a book called 'The American Dream' to inspire others with his story.

Jessica Pang-Parks, a renowned leader in the volunteer engagement space, shares her invaluable expertise on leveraging volunteering as a powerful tool for newcomers. From understanding the significance of volunteering in Canadian culture to finding the right opportunities and maximizing their benefits, Jessica provides practical strategies and actionable insights to help newcomers accelerate their journey to success.   Episode's Sponsor: The Professional Growth Wheel: In just 5 minutes, you'll get a powerful visualization of your strengths and growth areas across 8 key dimensions like confidence, communication, and cultural assimilation. As a thank you for listening, this assessment is FREE for you. You will receive your personalized Growth Wheel and tailored recommendations to help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be in your career.   Full show notes: https://onfire.show/the-power-of-volunteering-insider-secrets-with-jessica-pang-parks-nof17/

Carmen and Luis, a power couple who navigated the challenges of starting over as newcomers in Canada. Carmen, a dietitian by profession, shares her story of transitioning from a regulated career to becoming a successful mompreneur. You'll learn how she identified a gap in the market for a healthy, plant-based baby food option and turned her passion into a thriving business. Alongside her supportive husband, Luis, who pursued a career in sales and marketing, this dynamic duo shares their insights on overcoming obstacles, embracing opportunities, and achieving entrepreneurial success in a new country.   Full show notes here: https://onfire.show/from-newcomer-to-mompreneur-the-journey-of-creating-a-healthier-baby-food-alternative-with-carmen-bautista-and-luis-medina-nof16/

Sanaz and Livia, were two newcomers who defied the odds and emerged as champions at the prestigious Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition (OCMC). Through their gripping stories, you'll discover practical strategies for conquering self-doubt, embracing a growth mindset, and mastering the art of pitching and presenting. Prepare to be motivated as these two trailblazers share their secrets to success, from harnessing the power of feedback to leveraging their unique strengths and turning challenges into opportunities. Download this Episode's Workbook and check out our full show notes here: https://onfire.show/winning-the-ontario-colleges-marketing-competition-secrets-of-success-from-sanaz-bahadori-and-livia-barbosa-de-oliveira-nof15/

Gurasis Singh, moved from India to Canada to study Media Strategies and Advertising. He faced numerous struggles like finding housing, lost job opportunities, and cultural barriers related to his strong accent and appearance. However, Gurasis persevered through networking, persistence and maintaining a positive mindset. He shares his journey to overcoming immigrant challenges and eventually launching his own podcast “My Thick Accent” to showcase immigrant success stories.   Full show notes here: https://onfire.show/my-thick-accent-is-my-superpower-with-gurasis-singh-nof14/    

Joco Amante shares his journey of applying to over 500 jobs before finally landing his dream role. Joco invested his life savings to study for an MBA in Canada, but after graduating, he struggled to find work. He opens up about the constant rejection taking a toll on his confidence and the stress of being on a study permit. Joco provides valuable insights on lowering your expectations as a newcomer, extending your financial runway, and the importance of networking. Listen to this episode to gain perspective and actionable tips to land your dream job.   Full Show Notes and Resources here: https://onfire.show/lessons-from-500-nos-how-to-land-your-dream-yes-with-joco-amante-nof13/

Maria Becerra shares the secrets behind her incredible success in landing 4 big jobs within just 3 years of arriving in Canada. If you want to fast-track your career as a newcomer, this is a must-listen!   Episode Highlights: Overcoming Language Barriers: We dive into Maria’s journey of overcoming self-doubt and fear of judgment to find her voice. The Power of Networking: Learn how Maria leveraged volunteering and networking to expand her connections. Standing Out on LinkedIn: Get tips on optimizing your LinkedIn profile and consistency strategies to build authority. Getting Recruiters to Notice You: Discover Maria’s unique approach to proactively reaching out to hiring managers about open roles. Acing the Interview: We share step-by-step techniques to thoroughly prepare for critical job interviews. Key Takeaways: Volunteer at non-profits to gain confidence and connections. It’s a launch pad! Build an inventory of professional stories using the STAR method to showcase your skills. Reach out directly to recruiters and hiring managers to get on their radar. Overprepare for interviews by practicing responses and doing mock interviews. Conclusion: Maria’s story exemplifies that with courage, dedication and self-belief, your biggest career goals as a newcomer are achievable one step at a time. Stay positive and persistent. Your breakthrough moment awaits! More info HERE

Nazia Iqbal moved alone from Pakistan to Canada as a student. Despite facing tremendous cultural obstacles, she powered through initial struggles to climb from retail banking to impressive corporate roles, breaking barriers for immigrant women along the way. Gain an uplifting blueprint and mindset-shifting insights to overcome your career struggles as a newcomer.   Episode Highlights: Arriving in a New Country and Culture Dealing with the shock of doing everything solo for the first time Facing bitter Canadian winters and health challenges Launching a Career from Scratch Convincing the bank to take a chance on her Learning sales skills on the fly with zero training Managing intense pressure, quotas and customer demands Corporate Culture and Communication Barriers Cracking norms that prefer silence from women and immigrants Battling imposter syndrome to gain confidence in sharing opinions Unexpectedly Building a Network of Advocates Relationships with casual lunch buddies paying off with key referrals Winning promotions due to good performance instead of connections Key Takeaways: Stick it out in tough entry-level jobs to gain experience and work toward career goals. Speak up and be assertive instead of waiting for permission or a formal invitation. Don’t assume people will think less of you for needing help – proactively ask for help. Cultivate genuine work relationships – you never know where they may lead. Develop transferable skills everywhere possible to increase options down the road. Conclusion: Let Nazia’s perseverance inspire you to rise above the labels, challenges and preconceptions that hold far too many newcomers back. Remember, every small win and connection opens more doors over time. Stay patient yet assertive and know your career is what you make of it, despite external perceptions. Where to find Nazia Nazia’s LinkedIn Profile Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile Referenced Book: Peace of Mind: Becoming Fully Present by Thich Nhat Hanh Elevate your 2.0 Podcast experience with Fountain.FM App

I chat with Luki about whether informational interviews (also known as “coffee chats”) are essential or overhyped. We share our experiences using them to build connections and get job promotions. We also give best practices for improving your coffee chat skills. Episode Highlights: A Conversation that Started on LinkedIn I posted that “informational interviews are underrated”. Luki countered saying they can be overrated and should be rebranded as “curiosity conversations.” This online debate inspired us to share our differing experiences and come up with advice. A Tool that Got Me Six Promotions I attribute coffee chats for my biggest career moves – they helped me land six promotions. But I learned the hard way how to have good ones! How to Request a Meeting Share your situation and specific question you have for them. Suggest a short meeting like 15-20 minutes. Provide a calendar link to make scheduling easy. Best Practices for the Conversation Prepare questions ahead of time, but keep it a flowing chat rather than an interrogation. Set and respect the time expectation. Mention when time is almost up. End with next steps like another meeting or you providing value in the future. Key Takeaways: Coffee chats can be valuable, but focus on learning about the person instead of direct career help. Mutual value matters most. Framing meetings as “curiosity conversations” sets a collaborative tone from the start. Practice coffee chat skills whenever you can. Use reflections and tools to keep improving. Conclusion: Overall, we agree coffee meetings are great ways to build meaningful connections, though the approach matters. Try our tips to get better at networking through information conversations!   Full ShowNotes HERE Newcomers ON FIRE! Featured by Feedspot 20 Best Canadian Career Podcast  

Sabina Michael, is an expert in empowering newcomers to thrive professionally in Canada. She shares her personal journey as an immigrant and the lessons she learned along the way.   Episode Highlights: Navigating the Early Struggles: Sabina recounts her early challenges finding work in Canada despite being told it would be easy. She realized she needed to understand the Canadian job market better. The Power of Volunteering: Sabina talks about how strategic volunteering opened doors for her and led to her first job in Canada. She stresses being purposeful when volunteering. Becoming an Intercultural Expert: Though intercultural skills were not initially her expertise, through deep observation, curiosity and investing in her own development, Sabina uncovered what would become her life’s purpose. Behind the Scenes of Business Edge: Sabina gives us a peek into the evolution of Business Edge, one of the most impactful programs for newcomer career success, which she helped co-create at the Rotman School of Management. Key Takeaways: Focus on continually improving your self-awareness and understanding the market’s needs. Find where you can add value. Be intentional when volunteering. Choose roles aligned with your professional goals that allow you to build transferable skills. Keep developing your communication skills – how you come across interculturally is vital for newcomer job search success. Programs like Business Edge provide the personalized coaching and community support newcomers need to unlock their potential faster. Conclusion: Sabina leaves us with inspiration and sage advice on embracing the journey, building community, seeking support and redefining what success means for you in Canada. Her passion shines through everything she does to empower newcomers. Where to find Sabina Sabina’s LinkedIn Profile Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile Referenced Business Edge Program Elevate your 2.0 Podcast experience with Fountain.FM App

Ruth Javier is an expert in overcoming the challenges of relocating to a new country. Ruth shares invaluable insights on improving your communication skills, finding the courage to pursue your dreams, the importance of networking and volunteering, embracing your unique accent, and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to make your newcomer journey a success.   Episode Highlights: The Power of Communication: Learn how to improve your English and become an effective communicator, no matter where you're from. Chasing Your Dreams: Discover how to find the strength and courage to go after your dreams, even when it seems like a whole new world. Networking and Volunteering: Explore the importance of building connections and giving back through volunteering to create a better life for yourself. Embracing Your Unique Accent: Understand why your accent is a strength, not a weakness, and how it can set you apart. Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Uncover practical strategies for staying positive and resilient, even when faced with rejection and challenges. Key Takeaways: Focus on improving your communication skills to succeed in your new life. Don't be afraid to chase your dreams, regardless of where you come from. Embrace networking and volunteering as powerful tools to build your future. Your unique accent can be your superpower in connecting with others. Cultivate a positive mindset to overcome rejection and adversity. Conclusion: Ruth's journey is proof that success is within reach for newcomers. By applying her insights, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and turn them into stepping stones toward your goals.  

Gabriela Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking in decision-making, highlights the art of preparing for job interviews, reveals her secret to getting hired on the spot and also shares her recipe for staying motivated.   Episode Highlights: How to Prepare for Job Interviews – Gabriela discusses her approach to preparing for job interviews and how she ended up getting hired on the spot several times. Making Strategic Decisions – Gabriela discusses the importance of making strategic choices for your career, emphasizing that your path is unique. The Power of Mentorship – Gabriela shares how mentorship transformed her journey, boosting her confidence, and helping her achieve her goals faster. Motivation Essentials – Gabriela reveals the four key elements that keep her motivated: People, Gratitude, Vision, and Reminders. Key Takeaways: Prepare thoroughly for job interviews, showcasing your skills and getting hired on the spot. Make strategic decisions for your future, not just for immediate rewards. Find mentors to boost your confidence and accelerate your journey. Stay motivated by valuing people, practicing gratitude, keeping your vision clear, and using reminders. Conclusion: Gabriela’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, mentorship, and making strategic decisions. As newcomers, we all have the potential to create our own silver platter of success. Keep moving forward and working toward your goals.   Where to find Gabriela Gabriela’s LinkedIn Profile Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile

Lorena Martinez is a seasoned professional who shares her secrets on overcoming challenges, securing your dream job, and embracing a life filled with confidence and opportunities. Episode Highlights: “From Coffee Server to Marketing Professional” Lorena Martinez, moved to Canada with a dream of building a successful career in marketing. She talks about her early challenges, including finding her first professional job and dealing with uncertainty. “The Power of Informational Interviews” Lorena highlights the importance of informational interviews in building connections and gaining insights into your desired industry. She also shares tips on how to approach these interviews effectively. “Maintaining Confidence and Positivity” Overcoming self-doubt is a common challenge for newcomers. Lorena discusses how she maintained her confidence and positivity, even during challenging times. She emphasizes the significance of exercise and the support of the community. Key Takeaways: Never give up on your dreams; keep pushing forward. Seek support and the right tools to overcome challenges. Maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of uncertainty. Engage in informational interviews to build connections and knowledge about your industry. Conclusion: Lorena’s journey serves as a reminder that success in Canada is achievable with determination, the right mindset, and the support of the community. No matter how challenging it may seem, you have the ability to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.   Where to find Lorena Email: estudiar@canadaes.com WhatsApp: https://wa.me/16476398609 Website: https://www.canadaes.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/agenciacanadaes Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile Referenced: Business Edge Program (Rotman School of Business) Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce EXATEC GTA In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Introduction 05:06 Personal Journeys and Challenges 08:00 Finding Support Groups 13:15 Applying for Professional Jobs 17:54 Educational Programs and Success Strategies 22:03 Navigating Career Advancement 29:35 Maintaining Positivity and Wellness 37:07 Never Giving Up and Final Advice 38:33 Connect with Lorena Martinez