Coffee With Convery

🎙️ Start 2025 with a Dose of Career Inspiration! 🚀 We’re rewinding to the #1 most popular episode of Coffee with Convery featuring Tad Christi, Head of Digital Experience Practice at IBM Canada. Fun fact: your host, Convery, hired Tad as an intern 10 years ago! Get ready to dive into Tad’s incredible journey as he shares:- How to build diverse, high-performing teams- The surprising power of curiosity- His secret key to success This is one story you can’t miss. So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and get ready to be inspired! ☕ For more career-boosting conversations, visit coffeewithconvery.com. 🚀

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Coffee with Convery! Today, I’m delighted to introduce Brandon Lapointe, an ambitious recent graduate from Sheridan College's Pilon School of Business. With a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Human Resources, Brandon is ready to take his next big step in the HR field. Brandon’s journey showcases an impressive blend of hands-on customer service expertise, talent acquisition experience, and a knack for innovative problem-solving. His work with PC Express at Fortinos Supermarket highlights a commitment to excellence in customer relations, while his stint as a Talent Acquisition Recruiter at Gordon Food Service demonstrates his ability to connect talent with opportunity. Brandon is now looking to channel these experiences into an impactful role where he can contribute to organizational success while continuing to grow as a professional. If you’re on the lookout for a dedicated, driven, and innovative HR talent, you’ll want to tune in to hear his story. Let’s explore what makes Brandon a standout candidate for the future of work!

Welcome back to Coffee With Convery ! Today, we’re joined by Sanjay Padhiar, a dynamic business consultant and Fractional COO with over a decade of experience helping businesses streamline their operations 📈, improve processes 🔄, and, most importantly, turn customers into raving fans 😍. Sanjay is the Principal Consultant at IMA Consulting 🏢, where he leverages his deep knowledge of business management to help companies like Loblaw, adidas, Reebok, Bell, and Staples 🏅 boost profits 💰 and productivity ⚙️. His entrepreneurial journey 🚀 was inspired by his father’s approach to customer care 💖, and now Sanjay is on a mission to help businesses serve their customers better by enabling their employees to work smarter 🧠. Let’s dive into Sanjay’s fascinating career journey 🌍, his insights on business 💼, and his advice for young professionals eager to make an impact! 👏

Welcome back, innovators 🚀 and dream-chasers 💡, to another electrifying ⚡ episode of Coffee with Convery! Today, we're diving into the digital deep end 🌊 with a true titan of tech sales! 💻 Imagine a journey that starts in the vibrant pulse of South Africa 🌍 and leads to the cutting edge of Canada's tech scene 🇨🇦. Our guest has conquered continents 🌐, led legions at tech giants 🏢, and now he's revolutionizing the game for small and medium businesses across the Great White North ❄️. Fasten your seatbelts ✈️ and prepare for takeoff with the sales savant 🎯, the leadership luminary, the SMB superstar himself – Kree Govender! 🎉 From igniting innovation at IBM 💡 to masterminding Microsoft's moves 🎮, he's the Beethoven 🎶 of business growth, composing symphonies of success 🏆 wherever he goes. So, whether you're a budding entrepreneur 💼, a curious coder 💻, or just someone who loves a good success story 📖, you're in for a treat 🍬. Get ready to download decades of wisdom 🧠, unpack the secrets of sales mastery 🛠️, and maybe – just maybe – discover the key to unlocking your own potential 🔑.

Hey there, go-getters and world-changers, welcome to another energizing episode of Coffee with Convery ☕🎙️. Today, we're serving up a steaming cup of inspiration ☕💡 with a side of girl power! 💪👩‍💼 Get ready to meet a true force of nature who's shaking up the innovation landscape and empowering women left and right. She's an award-winning leader 🏆, a 2x TEDx speaker 🎤, and the founder of Women Helping Empower Women 👭. Our guest today is Dr. Georgette Zinaty 💼, a powerhouse professional who's making waves 🌊 as the Chief of Staff at Myant, a cutting-edge Canadian company driving innovation in advanced material science 🧬 But that's just one of her many impressive roles. 🚀 Dr. Zinaty is also the Canada Country Chair for G100: Mission Million 🇨🇦💯, advocating for a gender-equal future ♀️, and a member of the prestigious Forbes Coaches Council 🌍. With over 15 years of experience at the University of Toronto 🏛️, she's raised millions in funding 💸 and created groundbreaking programs. Named one of 6 Canadian Women of Inspiration, Dr. Zinaty's expertise in leadership, diversity, inclusion 🌍, and innovation 🧠 has made her a sought-after speaker and thought leader. So grab your favorite brew ☕ and get ready to be inspired! We're about to dive into a conversation with a true trailblazer who's redefining leadership in the 21st century 🚀💡.

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, the podcast where we explore the journeys and experiences with talented individuals from all different backgrounds and careers. Today I’m talking with filmmaker extraordinaire, Billy Nawrocki. 🎬🎥 Billy’s journey in the world of film and media began at Providence College 🎓, where he earned his B.A. in English with a minor in Film Studies. Since then, his career has been nothing short of a thrilling adventure in the world of visual storytelling. 📚🖋️ From launching a startup sports network in Connecticut 🏀🏈 to founding his own production company, D.I.Y or DIE Productions, LLC 🎭, Billy has always been at the forefront of creating compelling content. His talent for storytelling has found a particularly chilling home in the horror genre 👻🔪, with his short films and screenplays earning accolades at numerous notable festivals and competitions 🏆. But Billy’s skills aren’t limited to scares — he’s also edited three feature films 🎞️ that have been distributed by companies like Gravitas Ventures and Breaking Glass Pictures, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker. Most recently, Billy made waves as the lead editor for Bleacher Report’s Branded Content team, Playmaker, at Warner Bros. Discovery 🌊✂️. There, he crafted campaigns for an impressive roster of clients including Facebook, Netflix, Adidas, and many more 💼. Now, he’s returned to the world of freelancing 🆓, lending his expertise to brands like Vogue, Samsung, Cartier, and Google 💄📱💎🔍. As if all that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Billy is currently in pre-production for his debut feature film 🎥🍿, set to shoot in the fall of 2025. When he’s not immersed in the world of filmmaking, you can find him in Peekskill, NY 🏡, where he lives with his wife 👩‍❤️‍👨, two daughters 👧👧, and a trio of cats 🐱🐱🐱 who I’m sure provide plenty of inspiration for his storytelling!

Welcome to another energizing episode of Coffee With Convery! ☕️🎙️ Today we’re brewing up some career inspiration with Amy Davies, the CEO of First30 and author of “What Employees Want.” Amy’s not your average business guru — she’s a Doberman owner who’s mastered the art of getting inside people’s heads (in a good way!) to revolutionize how companies attract and keep great talent. With over two decades of experience exploring what makes professionals tick, Amy’s insights are like a secret decoder ring for the modern workplace. 🕵️‍♀️🔍 Her company, First30, is transforming everything from onboarding to outplacement, helping organizations create environments where people actually want to stay. Her latest book, “What Employees Want,” is like a treasure map for creating engaging workplaces. And since launching First30 in 2020, Amy’s impact has gone global, with clients spanning North America, the UK, and South Asia. 🌎🤝 So grab that coffee, settle in, and get ready for some game-changing insights from the incredible Amy Davies! 👏👏👏

☕ Coffee with Convery | Meet the Rising Stars of the University of Windsor 🌟 Welcome to Coffee with Convery 🎙️, where we spotlight rising stars 🌠, emerging talent 🚀, and the seasoned professionals driving change in their fields. Today’s episode is a special celebration of the exceptional students from the University of Windsor 🎓 who have earned the prestigious Rising Star Student Awards for Summer 2024! 🏆✨ These outstanding students were nominated by their employers for the Co-op/Internship Rising Star Student Award 🌟—an honor reserved for those who have not only excelled in their roles 📈 but have also gone above and beyond to make impactful contributions to their workplaces and communities 🌍. Their hard work 💪, dedication 🕰️, and unique achievements 🎉 have set them apart as ambassadors of the Cooperative Education and Workplace Partnerships department. Please join me in congratulating this summer’s Rising Stars: 🌟 Connor Demelo – Business Administration Co-op, Scotia McLeod Inc. 💻 Abbie Dewhirst – Computer Science Applied Computing Co-op, Research Into Internet Systems Inc. (RIIS) 👨‍💻 Karandeep Singh Dhillon – Computer Science with Software Engineering Co-op, City of Windsor 🚗 Malek Mekawi – Electrical Engineering Co-op, Stellantis - Automotive Research Development Centre (ARDC) 🛠️ Jules Wilson – Mechanical Engineering with Environmental Option Co-op, Irving Shipbuilding Today, we are joined by Abbie, Karandeep, and Jules for a conversation about their journeys and aspirations. 🎧

Greetings, listeners! 👋 It’s time to wake up your career potential 🚀 with another invigorating episode of Coffee With Convery ☕🎙️. Today we’re in for a treat 🍬 as we sit down with Jordan Berman, a global business executive 🌍💼 and thought leader in building better workplaces 🏢✨. Jordan is the Founder and President of SHIFT Advisory Group, a Senior Faculty member 🎓 at Schulich ExecEd, and a lecturer 📚 at the Schulich School of Business. With extensive experience across multiple industries 🏭📈, Jordan has been a trusted advisor to C-suite executives 💼🏢 on complex issues related to organizational culture, change, and communications 🔄🗣️. He’s also the author of ‘The Trust Trifecta’ 📖, a book focused on fostering high-trust workplace cultures 🤝. Jordan’s diverse background includes work with multinational corporations 🌐, fast-growing organizations 🚀, family-owned companies 🏠, and public sector entities 🏛️. Today, we’ll be diving 🏊 into Jordan’s insights on leadership development 🏅, organizational capabilities 🛠️, and creating thriving workplace cultures 🌱🏢.

🎙️ Welcome back to Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today we’re in for a treat 🎁 as I sit down to chat with Brandon Duan, a rising star in the world of full-stack development 💻. Brandon’s journey is as fascinating as it is inspiring💡. With a degree 🎓 in Management and Information Technology from the University of Toronto 🏫, he’s already making waves 🌊 in the tech industry. From his current role as an API Specialist at Points to his impactful internships at tech giants 🏢 like Nokia, Brandon’s career trajectory is one you won’t want to miss 🚀. In this episode, we’ll dive into: Brandon’s experience as a Full-Stack Developer at Nokia, where he maintained and developed the Network Developer Portal, impacting over 1000 users 🧑‍💻 His innovative approach to problem-solving 🤔, including how he increased server efficiency ⚙️ by 50% with a custom garbage collector ♻️. The challenges 🏋️‍♂️ and triumphs 🏆 of managing major framework upgrades 🔄 and ensuring website stability 🖥️. His current role at Points and how he’s applying his expertise as an API Specialist 🛠️. Brandon’s unique perspective on the intersection of management and technology 🧠, and how it shapes his approach to development 🚧.

🎙️ Welcome to another energizing episode of Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today, we're brewing up a conversation that's guaranteed to supercharge your entrepreneurial spirit. 🚀 Our guest is the one and only Billy Samoa Saleebey, a man who's reinvented himself more times than a chameleon in a kaleidoscope! 🦎🌈 From award-winning filmmaker 🎥 to Tesla executive 🚗, and now the podcast guru behind Podify 🎧, Billy's journey is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose. He's gone from capturing stories on the big screen to amplifying voices in the digital age 🌍, helping visionaries and change-makers leave their mark on the world. ✨ Billy's not just talking the talk – he's walking the walk with his own top 1% globally ranked podcast, 'Insight Out' 🎤. And if that wasn't enough, he's also racking up millions of content views on LinkedIn and YouTube 📱📊. Oh, and did I mention he's doing all this while coaching Little League ⚾ and being a dad to Kid? 👨‍👧 Get ready for a conversation about turning passions into professions, 🎯 the art of the pivot, and how to make your voice heard in the crowded world of podcasting 🎙️. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned professional looking for a change, or just someone who loves a good success story, Billy's insights are sure to leave you buzzing with inspiration. 💡🔥

🎙️ Welcome to a very special episode of Coffee with Convery ☕️ Today, I am honored to share the story of Marcial Quinones, a father of four 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 with an MBA 🎓, who has been navigating more than a decade of challenges in his pursuit of steady employment 💼. Marcial’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and the will to keep moving forward 💪, even when faced with overwhelming adversity. Despite submitting over 1,500 job applications 📄, navigating the ever-changing landscape of tech 💻, and grappling with societal barriers 🚧, Marcial remains committed to finding a way to provide for his family and make an impact 🌟. This episode is dedicated to not only shedding light on Marcial’s story 🔦 but also to inspiring young listeners 🎧 and employers to take notice of the power of perseverance. Marcial’s story reminds us that setbacks don’t define us; our response to them does. 💥

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, the podcast where we explore career journeys 🚀, diversity in the workplace 🌈, and empowering advice for talent 💪. Today I'm thrilled to be joined by Mathias Memmel 👨‍⚖️, a lawyer at Fasken specializing in litigation and dispute resolution ⚖️. Mathias brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to our conversation. He holds a Doctor of Law degree from York University's Osgoode Hall Law School 🎓, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Political Science 💻🏛️, and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance 🎵, both from the University of Toronto. His diverse background includes serving as President of the University of Toronto Students' Union 🎓, working as a Communications Advisor for a Toronto City Councillor 🏙️, and even directing music for various churches and choirs 🎼. Mathias has also been actively involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy 🏳️‍🌈, including work with The 519, a prominent LGBTQ+ community center in Toronto. With this rich tapestry of experiences in education, law, politics, and the arts 🎨, Mathias offers a distinctive voice on career development, diversity, and inclusion.

Hey there, changemakers 🌍 and animal lovers 🐾❤️! Welcome to another wild and wonderful 🦁 episode of Coffee With Convery☕️🎙️. Today, I am welcoming Cogie Cogan, a Huron University student, studying and pursuing their Honors Bachelor of Arts, Animal Ethics + Globalization Studies (double major) expected to graduate in 2025. 🎓 We’re diving 🏊‍♂️ into a conversation that’s going to make your heart purr 😻 and your mind soar 🌈! We’ve got a true champion 🏆 for our furry 🐕, feathered 🦜, and scaled 🦎 friends joining us. They’re a varsity athlete 🏅, a climate change warrior 🌿💪, and a visionary with a U.S. patent-pending 💡 Put your hands 🙌 or paws 🐾 together for the one and only, Cogie Cogan! 🎉🎊

🎙️ Welcome to Coffee with Convery, the podcast where we explore the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of inspiring individuals. Today, we have A.J. Stanat, a multi-faceted talent from the University of Windsor 💙💛. A.J. recently made waves 🌊 in the Ontario University Athletics championships, finishing first 🥇 in men's weight throw and shotput and earning the prestigious title of Male Field Athlete of the Year for 2024 🏆. But there's more to A.J. than just athletics—he's also a dedicated Kinesiology student 📚, focusing on movement science, and brings a wealth of real-world experience from his seasonal work as an Equipment Operator 🚜 at Ryckman Contractors. From operating heavy machinery to excelling in academics 🎓 and athletics 🏅, A.J. embodies the spirit of versatility and determination 💪. Join us now as we dive into A.J.'s story, exploring how he balances these diverse aspects of his life ⚖️ and what drives him to excel in everything he does 🚀.

What's up, hustlers and dream-chasers! 🚀💪 Welcome to another high-energy episode of Coffee With Convery🎙️💥 Today we're about to crank the volume up to 11! 🔊🔥 We've got a real estate rockstar 🏠🎸 Cody Galloway-Braman in the house. He's flipping the script on how we think about buying and selling homes. He's a 3x franchise owner 🏆🏆🏆, a community builder 🤝🌟, and an athlete who's still crushing it in the gym 💪🏋️‍♂️. Let's dive into this no-holds-barred conversation that's guaranteed to leave you buzzing with inspiration! 🐝💡🔥

Welcome to another episode of Coffee with Convery ☕, where we dive into the journeys of inspiring individuals making waves in their respective fields. 🌊 Today, I have the pleasure of hosting Luke Komiskey 🎙️, the Managing Director and Founder of DataDrive. 📊 Luke is a visionary in the world of data analytics, helping organizations turn their data into actionable insights without the headache of managing infrastructure or a large team. 💡🔍 A Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota 🏙️, Luke is also an avid world traveler 🌍✈️ and a passionate pickleball athlete. 🏓💪 Join us as we explore Luke's fascinating career path, his thoughts on the future of work 🚀, and how he balances his professional and personal pursuits. ⚖️🏆

From Life Journeys to Career Triumphs, It's time for Coffee with Convery! Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Sam Goodwin, a remarkable individual whose life story reads like an adventure novel. 📚🌍 Sam is not only an entrepreneur and professional speaker but also one of the few people in history to have traveled to all 193 countries in the world. 🧳🌎 His journey, however, took an unexpected turn when he was captured and wrongfully imprisoned in Syria. 😰 Sam's new book, 'Saving Sam: The True Story of an American's Disappearance in Syria and His Family's Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home,' recounts this harrowing experience and the incredible efforts to secure his release. 📖💪 From his global travels to his time in captivity, Sam has gained unique insights on embracing uncertainty, the power of family, and what it truly means to be free. 🔑 As an international keynote speaker, Sam now inspires audiences worldwide, sharing lessons on resilience, faith, and turning adversity into opportunity. 🎤💡 With a doctorate in international affairs from Johns Hopkins SAIS and his work on multiple advocacy boards, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation today. 🎓🌐 Let's dive into Sam's extraordinary journey and the wisdom he's gained along the way! 🚀

On today's episode of Coffee With Convery, I'm thrilled to have Nathan Yeung, a dynamic and visionary leader who is pushing the boundaries of digital marketing and operational efficiency 🚀💻. Nathan is the Vice President of CMO Services at Find Your Audience Marketing Partner, where he's been making waves for over seven years 🌊. Nathan's journey is anything but ordinary 🎢. With a unique background that blends finance 💰, consulting 📊, and marketing 📣, he brings a holistic approach to business growth. From navigating the complex landscapes of global marketing 🌍 to building strategies that are rooted in operational excellence 🏆, he has consistently challenged the status quo and emerged as a thought leader in the industry 💡. What sets Nathan apart is his ability to act as a fractional CMO for medium-sized businesses in diverse sectors, from finance 🏦 and healthcare 🏥 to software 💻 and real estate 🏙️. But there's more to Nathan than just his professional achievements. He's also a sought-after keynote speaker 🎤 and guest lecturer 👨‍🏫, sharing his knowledge at prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley 🐻 and St. John's University 🎓. His passion for education and community is evident in his role as an Advisory Board Member for Telefilm Canada's Talent Fund 🎬🍁 and his involvement with Pavilion as a Core Group Lead . Whether you're an entrepreneur 👨‍💼, a marketing professional 📈, or someone curious about the future of digital transformation 🔮, this episode promises to deliver a wealth of knowledge and inspiration 💪🧠.

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of Coffee with Convery! ☕ Today, we are thrilled to have a special guest with us, Avi Hacker. Avi is an AI strategist and visionary consultant, best known as the founder of The AI Consulting Network. With a unique blend of expertise in artificial intelligence and a background in law ⚖️, real estate 🏢, and accounting 📊, Avi has dedicated his career to helping businesses harness the power of AI to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock new opportunities. 🚀 Avi’s journey in the world of AI began with a passion for demystifying this cutting-edge technology 🤖 and making it accessible to all. Through The AI Consulting Network, he has been instrumental in transforming AI from a buzzword into a practical tool that drives real-world solutions. 🌍 His innovative approach and strategic insights have earned him a reputation as a leading voice in the AI community. 🏆 In today's episode, we will dive deep into Avi's insights on the future of AI 🔮, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and his vision for how businesses can leverage AI to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. 📈 So, grab your coffee ☕ and join us for an enlightening conversation with Avi Hacker.