UWaterloo Alumni Podcasts

Think back to when you got your first bank account. What year was it? How did you deposit cheques, pay for items or check your balance? I bet a lot has changed since then. Today, you can do all of this from your phone, in any location you choose. Thanks to the financial technology (or FinTech) industry, more is changing every day. Our banking apps are constantly being updated with new information and tools. Do-it-yourself platforms are giving more access and control than ever. And AI has the power to improve security, giving way to new services and products. Ben Janetos (BA '08) joins the podcast to talk about the latest updates in FinTech and what the future might hold. Ben has worked in the financial sector for more than a decade, and eventually jumped into the world of FinTech startups. Today, he's an advisor at Frank Mortgage, a company transforming the broker industry in Canada. Exclusive Frank Mortgage offer for alumni: https://uwaterloo.ca/alumni/frank-mortgage

It happens every spring. You might not want to, but you have to file your income taxes. Collect your documents, file through an accountant or online platform, and through some magical math you'll discover your fate: payment or refund. If income taxes seem like a mysterious government equation, this episode is for you. Andrew Bauer (BA '03, MAcc '03, PhD '12) is a Canada Research Chair in Taxation, Governance and Risk. He's also an associate professor in Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance, where he researches corporate tax and teaches courses in taxation and personal finance. He joins the podcast to tell us why we need to file our income taxes, the factors that could reduce the money you owe, and why you might not want a refund. 

Money is personal. And we have a lot of feelings about it. How could we not? Our financial situations directly affect our lifestyles, health and even our self-worth. On top of that, our financial situations as children can change the way we deal with money later in life, leading us to avoid opening bills, overspend or take unnecessary risks. So, how can you improve your relationship with money and build good habits? Lianne Hannaway (BMath '02, MAcc '02) joins the podcast to explore the personal side of money and offer insights that will help you parse through your relationship with your finances. Lianne is a Chartered Professional Accountant, finance executive, investor, financial podcast host, and the founder of Wealthnuvo, a financial education and coaching platform for women building generational wealth. Lianne's mission is to help women, especially Black women, reach their financial goals and live better.Listen to Lianne's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yVYV99VdahDIjJ3chw34SLearn more from Lianne: https://www.liannehannaway.com/

Life can be expensive. Between rent, debt payments, savings and personal expenses — it can be hard to keep track of what's going in and out of your bank account each month.If money feels overwhelming, don't worry! Michelle Hung (BMath '08) joins the podcast to break down all the components of a budget, so you can create a monthly practice that works for your needs today and in the future. After Michelle graduated from Waterloo, she spent seven years working in investment banking and venture capital. An avid investor herself, she used the knowledge she gained in that career to build a six-figure investment portfolio by the time she was 29. Today, she is a financial planner, financial educator and author of two books about personal investing.Follow Michelle on Instagram: @thesassyinvestorFollow Michelle on TikTok:@thesassyinvestorLearn more from Michelle: https://thesassyinvestor.ca/

Earlier this year, alumni in Waterloo Region shared their journeys to unique careers. At the Road Less Travelled event, students and alumni joined us to hear from four grads of the last decade who took an unexepected path. In today's episode, we'll listen to their stories.  You'll hear from BeBlended founder Aileen Agada (BASc '21), artist Saphera Peters (GBDA '20), UX researcher Michael Cao (BSc '15, MSc '18) and health tech entrepreneur Keenan Sarani (PharmD '21). If you like this episode, join us for the next event in the Road Less Travelled series, happening Nov 9 in Toronto: https://bit.ly/3PMvsAN

Universities are not just schools. They're also communities, and today's guest understands that deeply. Robin Jones-Stadelbauer (BA '12, BA '22)  decided to study social development because she wanted to work with Indigenous communities, like the one she'd grown up in. But her time as a student was difficult. She felt disconnected and isolated from the her Indigenous culture. Eventually, she decided to take a break and moved home. Later, Robin returned to Waterloo as a staff member, and then began taking classes on top of her full-time job. Slowly, two courses per term, she finished her degree. And today, just like she'd hoped, she works with Indigenous folks … at the University of Waterloo. Robin joins the podcast to share her career journey and tell us about the work happening in the Indigenous Relations Office, including the new Indigenous Alumni Group. Mentioned in this episodeOffice of Indigenous Relations: Learn more about the work happening on- and off-campus to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to ActionEvents and Workshops: Browse upcoming events from the Office of Indigenous RelationsWaterloo Commitment Ceremony: Read about the 2022 ceremony where the University of Waterloo committed to decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliationWaterloo welcomes an Eagle Staff: Read about the 2023 ceremony where the University of Waterloo introduced an Eagle Staff as a beacon of reconciliationEngagement and knowledge building: Discover resources and information for allyshipIndigenous Alumni Facebook group: Connect with other Indigenous alumni in your UWaterloo community Alumni Groups: Find a group of Waterloo alumni who live in your location, or share similar backgrounds and interests

There are more than 230,000 Waterloo alumni located all over the world. The beauty of having such a large, global community is that you're bound to find other alumni you can connect with — people who come from a similar background, live in the same city, or share the same interests as you. In this episode, we speak with alumni who are helping to facilitate those connections. Thoko Phiri (PhD '18) and Margaret Mutumba (PhD '23) both came to Waterloo as international graduate students in the Health Faculty. After graduation, they stayed connected with a large group of African students and alumni, finding and providing support within that community. Last year they connected with the University's Alumni Relations office, looking to expand the group. Today, the African Alumni Association is one of our volunteer-driven alumni groups that works with Waterloo to connect and support graduates worldwide. Thoko and Margaret join the podcast to share how the association got started, what supports are available, and how you can get involved. Mentioned in this episodeSankofa Pathways to University: https://bit.ly/440guMzBring on the Sunshine: https://bringonthesunshine.ca/Follow the African Alumni Association on Instagram: @uowaaaFollow the African Alumni Association on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uwaaa/Email the African Alumni Association: uwafricanalumni@gmail.comFind more Alumni Affinity Groups for Waterloo grads: https://bit.ly/3QAb1sK

Monika Snowdon (PhD '21) is a nano-scientist. During her PhD, she created microscopic structures that look like tweezers to stabilize carbon nano-tubes when manufacturing microchips. It's a very specific solution for a very specific problem.But Monika's career hasn't been so specific. If anything, Monika is a great example of how one type of experience or knowledge can transfer into a different area. That electronic nanotech experience she got as a PhD student? She uses it today as a scientist at a water purification company. She also uses it as a podcast host. How do these various experiences connect? And how can we transfer our current skills into new areas? Monika joins the podcast to answer these questions and share her career story so far. Mentioned in this episodeWaterpuris: https://www.waterpuris.com/ Future leaders program: https://www.cas.org/about/futureleaders How to Lie with Statistics: https://www.amazon.ca/How-Lie-Statistics-Darrell-Huff/dp/0393310728 IMNano podcast: https://www.imnano.org/ Follow IMNano on Instagram: @imnano.officialFollow Monika on Instagram: @MonikaSnowSci Connect with Monika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikasnow/

On June 28, 2023, two weeks after we recorded this episode, the University of Waterloo was confronted by a hate-motivated, violent attack. A professor and two students in the Philosophy 202/Gender and Social Justice 222 course were attacked because they were exploring issues related to society and gender.  As a community, we stand united against all forms of violence, hatred and bigotry. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for everyone.  While it was recorded before the horrific attack on June 28, the topics we explore in this episode are  relevant and vital. Our guest is an alum who found a sense of belonging and self in Waterloo's 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They are an advocate and fierce supporter of gender-inclusive initiatives on our campus and they speak passionately about why these initiatives are important. I hope this episode exemplifies the strong, supportive community we aim to provide at the University of Waterloo. Hate has no place here.  If you feel impacted by recent events, support is available: uwaterloo.ca/news/prioritizing-well-being--Sam Spizzirri (BA '19) entered Waterloo's Sexuality, Marriage and Family program looking to prepare for a career in family law. But instead Sam found a supportive community where they could truly be themselves. That community opened new doors, and eventually led them to a career as a support provider and advocate. After graduation, Sam worked for the  AIDS Committee for Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area where their work helped to build health care teams and improve food support. Eventually, they came back to campus to support the community they loved so much as a student. Today, Sam works with an array of student-led programs, including the Glow and Women's Centres.They join the podcast to talk about how local communities have supported them, and why they pursued a career where they could offer support back.  Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Sam.Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=enFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni

Originally recorded in May 2021, Brad Regehr (BA '93) shares how he reconnected with his identity and culture, and what the future holds for Indigenous rights in Canada. Brad is a member of the Peter Bellantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. A grandchild of a residential school survivor, and a survivor himself of the Sixties Scoop, he's worked in Indigenous law for more than 20 years. In fall 2020, he was named president of the Canadian Bar Association—the first Indigenous president in the organization's 124-year history.Resources and helpful linksWatch a video about the purpose and importance of land acknowledgements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD7Jd2Mnq3UUse the Native Land app to learn about the land you live on: https://native-land.ca/Listen to a podcast about the Oka Crisis: https://www.canadaland.com/podcast/real-estate-5-oka/Find more resources from Waterloo's Office of Indigenous Relations: https://bit.ly/3NoDRKCFollow us on social media to meet more alumni like BradInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni

Everyone makes mistakes, but most of us don't like to talk about them.  Last month, the Vancouver Alumni Chapter invited three Waterloo grads to turn their biggest blunders into talking points. The Mistakes That Made Us event featured a discussion with startup founder Ian MacKinnon (BMath '06, MMath '08) and life leadership coach Gloria Eid (BA '11). Moderator Matt Manuel (BASc '93), principal PM manager at Microsoft, shared some of his own flubs too. In this episode, you'll get to hear that conversation, where they share the unexpected obstacles and lessons learned in their careers so far.Learn more about Waterloo Alumni Chapters, and find one near you! https://bit.ly/3Wet4Fy

In 2008, David Kennedy (BMath '02) and his co-founders launched a website where users could create comic strips about themselves and their friends. From the beginning, people had a special connection with the animated characters that looked like them. Eventually, those characters became what we now know as Bitmoji — emoji that look like you, and represent your emotions in a more authentic way than a yellow happy face can. As a computer science grad with strong interests in the arts, it's no surprise David helped to create a product like Bitmoji. He joined the podcast to share his career journey, explore his long-time interest in human nature and offer some human-centric advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Arda Öcal studied math at Waterloo because it would lead to a stable career. But he was more interested in media. He wrote for Imprint and hung out at CKMS, Waterloo's student radio station. After graduation, he followed that passion, and today he's the host of Sportcentre and NHL on ESPN. So, How did Arda find his way to ESPN? Mostly, by saying yes. Over the years, he said yes to any opportunity, gaining new skills and experience along the way. With each "yes," Arda stepped into a new challenge. And now, he says his job is a dream come true. He joins the podcast to talk about his many jobs in broadcasting, offer advice to those who want to break in, and explain how a math degree prepared him for sports media.Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Arda.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni

In a future that promises opportunity and waves of disruption, great leaders will need more than technical expertise to deliver results for their organizations. Rose Patten is the Special Advisor to the CEO of BMO Financial Group and Chancellor of the University of Toronto, and just last week she joined the UWaterloo community to discuss her new book, Intentional Leadership: The Big 8 Capabilities Setting Leaders Apart. In today's episode, you'll hear that discussion with UWaterloo President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel, where Rose revealed why Leadership needs to be intentional and the top skills required for success. Join us at a future event: https://bit.ly/3Nq8Sv8Learn more about Rose's book: https://bit.ly/3ZIa8j5

If you're an international student or new grad, this episode is for you.Job Search Club is a new program for international visa students at UWaterloo. Every week, students gather for online sessions that will help them prepare for their post-graduation job search. In today's episode, you get to be a fly on the wall in one of these sessions, where four international alumni share their experience starting a career in Canada. You'll meet financial analyst Limei Chen (BMath '21), entrepreneur Marium Kirmani (BSc '17), sales professional Shreena Maistry (BES '22) and engineer Sumesh Gupta (MEng '21). Together, they cover a lot of topics, including work permits, interview tips and cultural differences in Canadian workplaces.Join the Zero Work program to take your career search to the next level: http://bit.ly/3lEDeB9Learn more about the Job Search Club: http://bit.ly/3KbNfjA

Michael Cao came to Waterloo's Kinesiology program thinking that he might become a doctor or physiotherapist. At that point, he had no idea that his bachelor and master's degrees would give him an edge as a user experience (UX) professional, or lead him to work at TheScore. Today, Michael is a UX researcher and leader, whose work plays a vital role in how I -- and thousands of other fans -- get the latest news about our favourite teams and players. Michael joins the podcast to talk about that role, how he got here, and how his Kin background makes him better at his job.Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Michael.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni

For most of us, when we think sustainability, our minds go to the environment. In fact, your mind might go to one specific sector -- oil and gas. But there's more to sustainability, and ESG, than those things. In today's episode, we're talking to Kris Kolenc, an ESG professional who specializes in commercial real estate. In 2021, Corporate Knights named Kris a Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader, and he joins us to explore the challenges and opportunities that come with real estate. How can today's investments make tomorrow's buildings better? And how can we all contribute?Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Kris.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni

During her time as a communications officer for an Indigenous school board in Manitoba, Tracelyn Cornelius (MEB '21, PhD in progress) witnessed the devastating effects of what happens when business and environmental concerns aren’t aligned. These instances inspired her to pivot her career into exploring the relationship of business, sustainability and inclusivity.   Tracelyn completed the masters of environment and business program and is now a PhD student in the sustainability and management program at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on the importance of knowledge mobilization for equity, diversity and inclusivity and how equality is core to sustainable development.  As the anti-racism communications manager at UWaterloo, she challenges oppressive narratives by implementing strategies to develop better understanding and inclusivity. Tracelyn joins the podcast to discuss the importance of inclusive language in communications and explore the intersection of sustainability and equality.  Read Tracelyn's story in Waterloo Magazine: http://bit.ly/3YLBkhaMeet more alumni in Waterloo Magazine: http://bit.ly/3hM6epg

The holidays can come with a lot of excitement, but also a lot of pressure. If you're hosting friends or family in the coming weeks, you know there are a lot of moving pieces that come with holiday feasts and food.  Elizabeth Kerr, a Waterloo alum and chef, joined Alumni Know to share advice on the topic. For years, Elizabeth was a passionate home cook, exploring different cultures and flavours on her own time. But in 2020, she decided to go professional and entered a culinary program. Today, she works in professional kitchens — at local top restaurants and a culinary school — while maintaining her home cooking passion. Watch the video for tips to make your holiday food more special and less stressful.  Follow us on social media to meet more alumni like Elizabeth.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwaterlooalumni/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/uwaterlooalumni/Twitter: https://twitter.com/uwaterlooalumni?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwaterlooalumni 

Around the holidays, we hear a lot about giving. No matter what you're celebrating this holiday season, you're sure to be inundated with messages of spending time with loved ones, giving thoughtful gifts and giving back to others. These are the things that make December the most wonderful time of the year, right? According to science, giving really does make us feel good. Today, I'm joined by Sara Konrath, Associate Professor at Indiana University, who researches the science of empathy and generosity. Sara will explain how giving makes us happy — and how it brings a bunch of other benefits. Plus, she's got some tips to help you get (and give) the most this season.Join Giving Tuesday at UWaterloo: http://bit.ly/3UFBO61