Newcomers ON FIRE!

From Immigrant Teen to Career Mentor: Felisha’s Journey (NOF#21)

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.

From Doctor Dreams to Redefining Success in Healthcare with Anish Kaushal (NOF#20)

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 experience
What 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 apart
Listen now and discover how resilience, clarity, and human connection can lead you to a completely new version of success.

Richa Moved 5 Times and Here's What She Learned About Reinvention (NOF#23)

Why This Banker Quit to Make People Laugh – Stephan Dyer’s Reinvention (NOF#19)

From Refugee to Corporate America: Andres Gutierrez's Inspiring Newcomer Story (NOF#18)

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.

The Power of Volunteering: Insider Secrets with Jessica Pang-Parks (NOF#17)

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/

From Newcomer to Mompreneur: The Journey of Creating a Healthier Baby Food Alternative with Carmen Bautista and Luis Medina (NOF#16)

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/

Winning the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition: Secrets of Success from Sanaz Bahadori and Livia Barbosa de Oliveira (NOF#15)

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/