Newcomers ON FIRE!

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 timeFacing bitter Canadian winters and health challenges Launching a Career from Scratch Convincing the bank to take a chance on herLearning sales skills on the fly with zero trainingManaging intense pressure, quotas and customer demands Corporate Culture and Communication Barriers Cracking norms that prefer silence from women and immigrantsBattling imposter syndrome to gain confidence in sharing opinions Unexpectedly Building a Network of Advocates Relationships with casual lunch buddies paying off with key referralsWinning 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 HanhElevate 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 ProgramElevate 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.comWhatsApp: https://wa.me/16476398609Website: 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 CommerceEXATEC GTA In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Introduction05:06 Personal Journeys and Challenges08:00 Finding Support Groups13:15 Applying for Professional Jobs17:54 Educational Programs and Success Strategies22:03 Navigating Career Advancement29:35 Maintaining Positivity and Wellness37:07 Never Giving Up and Final Advice38:33 Connect with Lorena Martinez

John, a seasoned intercultural expert, shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges faced by newcomers to Canada and how cultural biases can impact our journeys.   Episode Highlights: Cultural Compass: Discover the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, understanding cultural biases, and becoming a bridge between cultures.Speed Up Your Journey: Get tips on how to avoid common cultural misunderstandings and become more culturally aware. Find out how to make your journey smoother and quicker.Growing Your Cultural Muscles: Discover the power of diving into Canadian culture. Learn how connecting with different people and communities can open up exciting opportunities.Bridging Cultures: John shares insights on building connections and using your unique background to your advantage in Canada. Be the bridge between cultures and thrive. Key Takeaways: Celebrate Diversity: Embrace and learn from the cultures around you. Avoid judging and stay curious about why people do things differently.Fast-Track Your Journey: Immerse yourself in Canadian culture and connect with people from various backgrounds. LinkedIn can be a great tool for networking.Cultural Skills: Develop your cultural awareness as a skill. Use cultural differences to your benefit, whether in work or daily life.Connect and Learn: Seek out informational interviews, have conversations, and find mentors to expand your cultural knowledge and create opportunities.Conclusion: Understanding different cultures is a valuable skill as a newcomer. By respecting diversity, staying curious, and immersing yourself in Canadian culture, you can light up your path to success. Don't forget to connect with John McGraw and explore his resources for further cultural growth.In this episode, we cover: 00:00 - Introduction 02:45 - John's Background 07:15 - The Importance of Cultural Awareness 11:30 - Cultural Biases 15:00 - John's Work 20:30 - Challenges Faced by Newcomers 24:00 - Cultural Awareness for Canadians 28:21 - Advice for Newcomers 36:15 - Flexing Your Cultural Competence 39:29 - Becoming a Bridge Between Cultures 46:00 - Billboard Message 47:29 - Connect with John

Pankhudi Singh, is a newcomer to Canada who has not only overcome significant challenges but has also achieved remarkable success. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, networking, and the determination to make the most out of every opportunity.   Episode Highlights: From Survival Job to Success: Pankhudi shares her experience of starting with a survival job in a new country and how she turned it into a stepping stone for her career.The Power of Networking: Learn how Pankhudi leveraged the power of networking to find mentors, opportunities, and valuable connections.Overcoming Obstacles: Discover how Pankhudi overcame obstacles, including cultural differences and professional challenges, to reach where she is today.The Importance of Seeking Mentorship: Understand why mentorship played a crucial role in Pankhudi’s journey and how to approach potential mentors effectively.Contribution and Gratitude: Pankhudi’s philosophy of contributing to Canada and how it can lead to a fulfilling and successful life.Key Takeaways: Start Early and Network with Purpose: If you’re a newcomer, begin networking early and do it with a clear purpose in mind. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not have imagined.Be Proactive in Seeking Mentorship: Don’t be afraid to approach potential mentors and ask for guidance. Acknowledge your struggles, but also show that you’re willing to put in the effort to learn and grow.Use Survival Jobs as Stepping Stones: Survival jobs might not be glamorous, but they can be crucial stepping stones to your desired career. See them as opportunities to gain Canadian experience and make valuable connections.Contribute to Canada: Instead of dwelling on challenges, contribute to the community and country that has welcomed you. Your positive attitude and contributions can lead to a more successful and fulfilling life.Conclusion: Pankhudi Singh’s journey from a newcomer to a successful professional in Canada is an inspiration to us all. Her story reminds us that with resilience, networking, mentorship, and a willingness to contribute, newcomers can thrive in their new home. We hope you found this episode insightful and motivating. Where to find Pankhudi Pankhudi’s LinkedIn Profile Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile In this episode, we cover: 01:50 - Background and Decision to Move to Canada 05:54 - Challenges and Reality of Postgraduate Life in Canada 08:31 - Networking and Building Connections 12:31 - Mentoring and Networking 13:16 - Approaching Mentors 14:37 - Personal Growth and Networking 16:23 - AHA Moments 19:23 - Providing Value in Networking 22:19 - Balancing Mental Health and Success 26:53 - Advice for Newcomers in Canada 32:25 - Start Early, Network with Purpose 36:25 - Gratitude and Acknowledgment

Jessica Camborda, is a financial professional at Canada Mortgage Corporation (CMHC) and an immigrant from Peru. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, learning, and community support. Get ready to be inspired!   Episode Highlights: Embracing Change: Jessica discusses her immigration journey, the challenges she faced, and how she adapted to a new culture and environment.The Power of Specialization: Learn why specialization in your field and continuous learning are essential for success in Canada.Overcoming Job Market Challenges: Jessica’s advice on applying for jobs, building confidence, and the importance of a positive attitude.Financial Literacy: Discover the key role financial planning and homeownership play in achieving your goals.The Role of Mentoring: Jessica highlights the importance of mentors and supportive communities in your journey to success.Key Takeaways: Specialize and Learn: Continuous learning and specialization can make you stand out in the job market.Embrace Change: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and adapt to new environments.Confidence is Key: Have confidence in your abilities and don’t shy away from opportunities, even if you don’t meet all job requirements.Financial Planning: Plan your finances wisely to achieve your goals, including homeownership.Seek Mentorship: Find mentors and supportive communities to guide you on your path to success.Conclusion: Jessica’s journey from newcomer to project manager is an inspiring testament to the power of specialization, continuous learning, and a positive mindset. Remember, success in a new country is within your reach. Embrace change, stay confident, and keep learning. We’ll be back with more remarkable stories and insights to help you on your journey. Where to find Jessica Jessica’s LinkedIn Profile Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile Referenced: Housing Programs

Mehrnoosh Jalilian, is an immigrant to Canada who turned her dreams into reality through the power of networking and unwavering passion. If you're a newcomer looking for inspiration and guidance on your own path to success, you won't want to miss this episode. Episode Highlights: The Networking Journey of a Newcomer to Canada: Mehrnoosh shares her immigration journey to Canada and how networking played a pivotal role in her success. Learn how she built connections that transformed her career.From Corporate to Passion Pursuit: Explore Mehrnoosh's transition from a corporate job to passionately educating Canadian families about financial principles. Discover how following her heart led to profound fulfilment.Inspirational Tips for Newcomers: Mehrnoosh offers actionable advice for newcomers, emphasizing the importance of a relentless mindset and the development of effective communication skills.The Role of Gratitude in Success: Discover how Mehrnoosh's gratitude towards everyone who contributed to her journey has shaped her success. She highlights the significance of appreciating support systems, including her husband. Key Takeaways: Networking is about building genuine connections, not just finding jobs.Pursuing your passion can lead to a fulfilling and successful career.Develop a relentless mindset, focusing on self-improvement and value creation.Effective communication skills and confidence are critical for career success.Express gratitude for those who support you on your journey.Conclusion: Remember that your path to success begins with the connections you make. Stay inspired, keep networking, and never stop pursuing your passions. Where to find Mehrnoosh Mehrnoosh's LinkedIn Profile Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile Referenced: Jim Rohn In this episode, we cover: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:37 - The Importance of Networking 09:50 - Adapting to a New Culture 12:45 - The Go-Giver Mentality 21:42 - Evolution of Networking Skills 25:35 - Shifting from Self-Centered to Value-Centered Networking 26:19 - Becoming Skilled at Networking 30:05 - The Value of Networking 32:04 - Shifting from Self-Focused to Value-Focused Conversations 34:30 - Pursuing Passion and Career Transition 43:16 - Expressing Gratitude 46:50 - Final Words of Inspiration

Welcome to the very first episode of Newcomers ON FIRE! I'm your host, Miguel Abascal, and today, we're diving into the journey of finding your dream job as a newcomer. I'll share my personal experiences and the 5 essential steps that helped me succeed in Canada. So, whether you're a recent immigrant or someone looking for a fresh start in a new country, this episode is for you.   Episode Highlights: Step 1: Confidence: Discover the critical role confidence plays in your job search and learn strategies to boost your self-assurance. Confidence is the foundation of your success.Step 2: Clarity: Find out why having a clear understanding of your career goals is crucial. I’ll share my mistakes and how to avoid wasting time and energy on the wrong paths.Step 3: Communicate Your Value: Learn the art of showcasing your true potential and making sure others recognize it. Your value is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.Step 4: Connections to Relationships: Understand the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships, not just with influential figures, but with those who hold valuable insights into your desired field.Step 5: Consistency: Discover the secret ingredient to maintaining momentum even in the face of adversity. I’ll introduce the 100-Point System, a game that keeps you focused and motivated on your journey.Bonus: Coach/Mentor + Community: Gain insights into the power of seeking guidance from coaches and mentors, and the importance of finding a supportive community to keep you inspired and accountable. Key Takeaways: Confidence is your number one job; guard it fiercely.Clarity in your career goals is essential to avoid wasted efforts.Communicate your true value and let your unique story shine.Build genuine relationships and don’t underestimate the influence of unexpected allies.Consistency is your guiding light; embrace the 100-Point System to stay on track.Seek guidance from coaches, and mentors, and find your supportive community to accelerate your success.Conclusion: Your dream job as a newcomer is within reach. It’s a journey that requires confidence, clarity, effective communication, building meaningful relationships, and unwavering consistency. Remember, you’re not alone in this pursuit. Stay motivated, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. Where to find Miguel Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile Referenced: Email Miguel for confidence-boosting strategies -> Request it here Hello@OnFire.showTool for unpacking your professional experiences ->Request it here  Hello@OnFire.show100-Point System -> Request it here Hello@OnFire.showPearls Before Breakfast: Can one of the nation’s great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour? Let’s find out. In this episode, we cover: 00:01 – Introduction and Background 02:21 – Step 1: Confidence 06:10 – Step 2: Clarity 08:08 – Step 3: Communicating Your Value 11:18 – Step 4: Connections and Relationships 13:27 – Step 5: Consistency 16:36 – Bonus Step: Seek Mentorship and Find Your Community 17:32 – Conclusion and Future of the Podcast

Every week you will hear stories from people who've been where you are. We'll chat about finding jobs, getting used to a new culture, the importance of your mindset and mental health, how to do networking, recovering your confidence, and taking care of your family and yourself so you can create the future you want. The Newcomers On Fire show is more than just a podcast. It's a lighthouse, a community of support, and a platform to empower you. Together, we'll tackle the fears that keep you up at night and share the secrets to succeed in your new country. So, if you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, and a place to find awesome people like you, subscribe to this show, and share it with your friends. To your success, see you soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/newcomers-on-fire/message