Newcomers ON FIRE!
Welcome to The Newcomers ON FIRE! Show, hosted by Miguel Abascal. Get ready to be inspired by the stories of people just like you – newcomers who have faced tough times, embraced challenges, and found their way to success. Join us as we dive deep into the journeys of our guests, sharing their amazing stories, the tough times they’ve been through, and the moments when they overcame big challenges. Listen in to learn how they used their inner strength to take control of their time, build strong careers, manage their money, and create the futures they wanted.
Episodes
Episodes
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
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/
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
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/
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
My Thick Accent is My Superpower with Gurasis Singh (NOF#14)
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
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/
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Lessons from 500 No's: How to Land Your Dream Yes with Joco Amante (NOF#13)
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
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/
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
How to Land 4 Jobs in 3 Years as a Newcomer with Maria Becerra (NOF#12)
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
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
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Speak Up to Rise Up: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Nazia Iqbal (NOF#11)
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
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
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Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
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
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Make your Intercultural Competence your Superpower with Sabina Michael (NOF#9)
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
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
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Welcome to The Newcomers ON FIRE! Show
Listen to people like you sharing their journeys, struggles and their breakthroughs. Be ready to be inspired to take control of your time, career, finances and future. Fulfill your potential, become the person you are meant to be and make your dreams a reality.