playground! And a huge thank you to Priyak for sharing his story with us.

Here are my top takeways from our chat:

At the end of Grade 10 you have to take an exam that will let you go on to Junior College where you could choose from Commerce, Art or Science background.

In a society with a heavy focus on STEM and commerce careers, more Arts-inclined people can get a BA in psychology/sociology.

When teachers have a passion for the subject they teach, this can have a huge positive impact on the lives of their students. Priyak loved taking German because of the passion of his German teacher.

Unlike many people, Priyak knew what he wanted to study after junior college. He was interested in joining the Indian armed forces, but he also had a love of food and cooking that he developed while helping his mother with her business. Inspiration comes from many places!

Priyak is someone with a strong growth mindset. His pivots have been many – from choosing catering arts instead of a career in the military (even though he had always been fascinated by the military life).

A big pivot was visiting Canada and falling in love with Thompson, Manitoba, followed by another pivot when he decided to focus on a career in the public service as a police officer (after a stint as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Manitoba Sheriff’s Office).

He took a very strategic approach to his career development, spending a lot of time thinking and reflecting on his next move.

While applying to join police forces throughout Ontario, Priyak also considered the role of air traffic controller. Big takeaway here – really spend time getting to know and understand your own strengths and interests in life. They are the clues you need to listen to!

Strategic and resilient are two words to describe Priyak’s attitude towards his career development. Even when things did not go the way he thought they were going to go with the Ottawa police services, he was able to reflect again and choose another path.

Even he was working at two part-time jobs that did pay the bills but did not align with his professional career goals, he was taking the time to think about ways he could grow. He also took the time to network with other people and learn more about other opportunities, like the Rideau Carleton Casino.

Priyak knew he was always interested in the military or para-military world, so applied for the position of security officer and was promoted. When he became a Canadian citizen in 2018, he started applying to the Canadian armed forces.

He was going through the application process when the pandemic hit. And although it really drew out the timeline, it also gave him the opportunity to learn that he was interested in emergency management.

He went to school, took the training while working and in 2021 started working as an artillery officer with the reserve’s unit of the Canadian armed forces.

Advice to younger self – and what I am taking away from the conversation – be strong. Gain strength. And the quotes – words that he lives by – evolve, and like the Marines say, observe everything, admire nothing.

Please do remember to visit the St. John’s Ambulance website for more information about organization and to learn more about emergency management. And remember to share the podcast with a friend!

Thanks again to Priyak for sharing his journey -and his strategies of career development! Please do join me and another fabulous mystery guest on the next episode of the Playground Project. Until next time, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. See you on the playground for the next chat, when we will jump into the future – together.

Links:

Saving Lives at Work, Home and Play | St. John...]]>A big thank you for spending your time with us on the

playground! And a huge thank you to Priyak for sharing his story with us.

Here are my top takeways from our chat:

At the end of Grade 10 you have to take an exam that will let you go on to Junior College where you could choose from Commerce, Art or Science background.

In a society with a heavy focus on STEM and commerce careers, more Arts-inclined people can get a BA in psychology/sociology.

When teachers have a passion for the subject they teach, this can have a huge positive impact on the lives of their students. Priyak loved taking German because of the passion of his German teacher.

Unlike many people, Priyak knew what he wanted to study after junior college. He was interested in joining the Indian armed forces, but he also had a love of food and cooking that he developed while helping his mother with her business. Inspiration comes from many places!

Priyak is someone with a strong growth mindset. His pivots have been many – from choosing catering arts instead of a career in the military (even though he had always been fascinated by the military life).

A big pivot was visiting Canada and falling in love with Thompson, Manitoba, followed by another pivot when he decided to focus on a career in the public service as a police officer (after a stint as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Manitoba Sheriff’s Office).

He took a very strategic approach to his career development, spending a lot of time thinking and reflecting on his next move.

While applying to join police forces throughout Ontario, Priyak also considered the role of air traffic controller. Big takeaway here – really spend time getting to know and understand your own strengths and interests in life. They are the clues you need to listen to!

Strategic and resilient are two words to describe Priyak’s attitude towards his career development. Even when things did not go the way he thought they were going to go with the Ottawa police services, he was able to reflect again and choose another path.

Even he was working at two part-time jobs that did pay the bills but did not align with his professional career goals, he was taking the time to think about ways he could grow. He also took the time to network with other people and learn more about other opportunities, like the Rideau Carleton Casino.

Priyak knew he was always interested in the military or para-military world, so applied for the position of security officer and was promoted. When he became a Canadian citizen in 2018, he started applying to the Canadian armed forces.

He was going through the application process when the pandemic hit. And although it really drew out the timeline, it also gave him the opportunity to learn that he was interested in emergency management.

He went to school, took the training while working and in 2021 started working as an artillery officer with the reserve’s unit of the Canadian armed forces.

Advice to younger self – and what I am taking away from the conversation – be strong. Gain strength. And the quotes – words that he lives by – evolve, and like the Marines say, observe everything, admire nothing.

Please do remember to visit the St. John’s Ambulance website for more information about organization and to learn more about emergency management. And remember to share the podcast with a friend!

Thanks again to Priyak for sharing his journey -and his strategies of career development! Please do join me and another fabulous mystery guest on the next episode of the Playground Project. Until next time, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. See you on the playground for the next chat, when we will jump into the future – together.

Links:

Saving Lives at Work, Home and Play | St. John Ambulance

Priyak Namjoshi | LinkedInge

Pune - Wikipedia

Gulab Jamun Recipe: How to Make It

City of Thompson - Home

TheQuality Inn and Suites in Thompson | Thompson, MB hotels

NAV CANADA Air Traffic Controller

Ottawa Horse Racing - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

Emergency Management Program ~ Algonquin College

Hajar was top of her class in Morocco, and although she had started the process to get her visa to immigrate to Canada, it ended up taking her six years.

A big takeaway for me was how global events like COVID, or the Canadian response to the Afghan refugee crisis can have a profound impact on people’s lives so far away.

But, Hajar definitely found wisdom in those six years – she finished her Ph.D., advanced in her career and had a son.

Like so many other newcomers, Hajar is adaptable, flexible, and resilient. And I love that she had the self-awareness to know what is the most important thing for her in making career decisions - freedom, honesty, courage and having the autonomy and ability to choose and make her own decisions in her life.

Hajar’s career journey since she has been in Canada has been so inspiring, and she is helping others reach their goals too. Seriously, she is such a wonderful person and I am so very grateful that Fathy introduced us back in 2023.

Please do check out WUSC to learn more about the important and life-changing work they do for so many people around the world. A link to the website is in the show notes.

And please do share the podcast and share the inspiration!

Links:

WUSC (World University Service of Canada) - Education Changes the World

(4) Hajar Lamhamedi, PhD | LinkedIn

Morocco | Culture, Facts & Travel | - CountryReports

Biography of Oscar Wilde

Link to episode 83 interview with Ledianis

Link to episode 73 interview with Amal Jerbi

A massive thank you to Holly for sharing your story and your journey with us. In a very inspiring episode, here is my key takeaway:

Authenticity is the key to living a happy and joyful life. That’s really it. When you live your authentic life, sharing your natural gifts with the world in a way that feels right, that is when you will feel joy. When you are not living your authentic life, being who you truly are, that is when you feel a sense of inner conflict between what you think you should be and who you truly are. Who you you KNOW you truly are.

Being secure in who you are, knowing and living by your values is essential to living an authentic life and I can’t thank you enough Holly for living your authentic life and sharing your gifts with the world. This chat really inspired me to make sure I continue to support people to live their authentic lives – because that is how I can live my own life with authenticity and security.

Remember to share the podcast with a friend so more people can join us on the playground!

Also, you can find more information on Pflag in the show notes it is an important organization making a huge difference to many people. Especially at this time.

Links:

Holly Jacobs | LinkedIn

Understanding Transgender People: The Basics | A4TE

Gender dysphoria - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Laverne Cox Biography

Pride Season - Canada.ca

50 Personal Values Examples & How To Live By Yours

For all Families - pflag Canada

My Big Take Away:

When you are new to a country, or a city or maybe new to the labour market, you need to be seen. Engage with others. Volunteer at different organizations. Find out about opportunities, and be visible. Don’t just stay at home. You need to be in places where other people can see you and think of you.

Okay, another timely tidbit – although you may not be able to control what people do and how they treat you, we can control our responses. So, even though the American administration has chosen to wage a trade war against us Canadians, their long-time friends and allies, there is nothing we can do to change that. What we can do, what is in our control is our ability to respond to these completely unnecessary and economically very dangerous tariffs. So, we are taking a Team Canada approach and keeping our elbows up.

Finally, I want to thank you all so much for keeping me company on the Playground Project for two years now! I remember when I was taking Frank, our dog, on his morning walks while listening to the MASH Matters podcast with Jeff Maxwell and Ryan Patrick. I really enjoyed it, and was inspired to finally start my own podcast that I had wanted to start for 10 years.

One day I started listening to Captivate’s instructional podcast about starting your podcast, I was hooked. Our first assignment was to decide on the launch date. What better date to launch than March 8th, International Women’s Day.

And now, close to 100 episodes later, we are celebrating our 2nd anniversary – woo hoo! This is awesome!

Links:

The Official Travel Guide to Cuba · Visit Cuba

Federal Skilled Worker Program

3rd edition of UNA BULLA: A Cuban Salsa Extravaganza Tickets, Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

elbows up

MASH Matters podcast

World Skills Employment Centre - Ottawa World Skills

Here is what I am taking away from today’s chat on the playground –

This was a conversation filled with power. We talked about the power of being exposed to multiple nationalities and religions at an early age – and the belief of Shamuna’s mother that all religions teach you good things. And of course, the lessons she learned through dance.

Shamuna had a global upbringing - Bangladesh, the Middle East, Virgina, Australia, finally settling down here in Ottawa, Canada. 

We talked about the power of feminism, learning how to think critically, how to listen to other people’s opinions, the power of quiet, of hearing, the power of tuning it to really pay attention to what other people are thinking and feeling.

As you can imagine, losing her mother was a significant pivot for Shamuna. And when we talked about joy, she said that something that brings her joy is coming home to her neighbors that feel like friends.

Shamuna has a truly positive attitude to life and the joy just bursts out of her. She shared a quote from Henry Miller - – to make living itself an art that is the goal.

Shamuna’s goals include publishing books, and I can’t wait to read them! She will definitely be back on the playground to talk about them when the time is right.

Links:

Shamuna Mizan | LinkedIn

Home - V-Day

Kuwait country profile - BBC News

Melbourne, Australia - visitmelbourne.com - Official travel and accommodation site

What is Feminism? Feminism Explained Simply

Ode to my STEM sisters

Video about Immigration

Thank you so much Adama, for sharing your story and your experiences, your trauma, and your thoughts and insights with us.

This has been such a moving and meaningful conversation, and I am confident her voice will continue to be heard, and that she will continue to be a positive agent of change in the world for many years to come.

My top 5 takeaways –

1. When all hell breaks lose and everything that you knew has been taken away from you, you are not focused on your future. You are focused on making it through each moment.
2. Even though her dad did not want his daughters to go to school, Adama was curious and would hang around school, not dressed in a uniform and her sister eventually registered her in school.
3. Adama moved from a bubbly, strong confident girl as she went through the trauma of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and was not allowed to speak about it or get help to deal with it. When she finally received the therapy for the sexual violence she experienced she never discussed the trauma from FGM. Only recently are the different pieces of the puzzle starting to fit together.
4. Finding her dearest friend, Askia, so many years later was a catalyst for Adama, and with his support and her trustees, she was able to take WHAN to another level.
5. Adama is a force of nature, and a strong advocate for other women to obtain support to work though the sexual violence they have experienced.

Her philosophy is to take things one day at a time and that tomorrow is another day. This conversation has changed my life, and I am so grateful to have connected with Adama.

Thank you Adama and Askia. I appreciate you so much.

Please join us next time for another chat with a fabulous mystery guest, and until then, please join the Playground Project group on FB.

Please do visit the WHAN website – the link is below.

Links:

Charity | Women's Health Advocacy Network (WHAN)

Female genital mutilation

(20) Facebook Live | Facebook

ADAMA NYAMA (SILLAH) BAH | LinkedIn

BBC Two - The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, Series 3, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone State House – The Republic of Sierra Leone State House

Sierra Leone | Culture, History, Maps, Languages, & People | Britannica

Humane Canada

Sexual violence and trauma – how the Women’s Health Advocacy Network can change the

world  

Here are my top 5 takeaways -

Mushama wanted to be a talk show host, and her favourite no-fear host of all is Wendy Williams.

In her life, Mushama has cultivated a strong sense of self-awareness. She knew that nursing was not for her and focused on communications. She is an exceptionally hard worker, and was able tosecure two jobs in communications plus participating in more than one mentorship program. I am tired just thinking of that!

But she knew that in order to find stability and keep achieving, she needed to find a place that gave her a good foundation. She was looking for that and has found it.

Faith is what brings her peace through the good times and the bad.

She has something percolating, but is not ready to share it with the world just yet….but when it is the right time, she will be happy to join us on the playground to tell us all about it.

So thank you so much Mushama for coming on and sharing your journey to this point with us. I am really looking forward to seeing your next step!

Just a reminder to download us where you get your podcasts, and check out P4H Global – a link is in below.

And I wanted to share some news with you.

As you may know, I started a position in the government last year. I am incredibly happy and humbled to start my career as a public servant. But, the reality is that for the next year at least this will be an important priority for me.

This means that I will be spending less time on the playground, and will be publishing one episode per month. So same amazing content, but just scaled down for the immediate future.

My guests will continue to inspire and delight you – so get ready for an awesome 2025!!!

So for now, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. Looking forward to next time when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Mushama Pierre | LinkedIn

Ottawa Tourism

P4H Global

| Training People To Transform Nations

15 Most Popular Daytime Talk Shows Ranked

Here are my top takeaways from our chat:

Prerna was born in New Delhi to parents whose careers as hoteliers meant moving around a lot.

During her early life, Prerna wanted to be many things including a Black Cat Commando and a police officer.

In university she took commerce but also English literature, political science and history.

She had the luxury of being confused about her path, and appreciated her cousin who was the first female role model who was able to leave and create her own life. We never know who is watching or how people are inspired by our actions and choices in life and in our careers.

The diversity she encountered at a socialist university allowed her to see the world, and she knew after she completed her masters that she wanted to join the public service.

Unforeseen things can happen in our lives, and we need to be resilient in order to get through them. We need to pivot – like Prerna did after her beloved dad had a heart attack and she had to look after his business.

There is no career graph – life is a series of ups and downs (like the up of getting married but the down of having a long-distance relationship.) Like the up of welcoming a baby to the world, but the down of being in a new country during a pandemic with no personal (or professional) network.  

Prerna finds joy in spending time with people and enjoying food together, and is most proud of having been able to say goodbye to her father in the way that meant most to her.

A meaningful quote - Love and compassion are necessities and not luxuries from the Dalai Lama

Thank you again Prerna for hanging out with us – it was so inspiring and wonderful!

Links:

What is P.O.S.H? - Cimmons Information Portal

National Security Guard - Wikipedia

Jawaharlal Nehru University

Official Website of Panjab University Chandigarh ਪੰਜਾਬ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ पंजाब विश्वविद्यालय चंडीगढ़ पंजाब यूनिवर्सिटी चंडीगढ़

Home | Chandigarh, The official website of the Chandigarh Administration

Gurdwara | Sikh Place of Worship, History & Significance | Britannica

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama | The 14th Dalai Lama

NAB India Centre for Blind Women & Disability Studies

Some take aways:

Simon is a third culture kid – he was born in Vancouver, then moved to Geneva and then afterwards moved to the Philippines. He and his brothers (they are triplets) lived there for 11 years where they were homeschooled for most of it.

Mom had years of teaching experience and with triplets, homeschooling was an excellent option. His Dad who speaks many languages worked with the UN and then in the banking industry.

Simon speaks English, French, German. During our chat I learned in the Philippines they not only speak Tagalog, all of the islands which make up the Philippines have their own linguistic groups.

When Simon and his family were deciding where to live in Canada, they chose Montreal after learning about Nova Scotia’s Come from Away attitude. 

His parents are both musicians, Dad pivoted from viola to law school, mom is an accomplished flute player.

After finishing his secondary education, Simon very nearly went to Concordia for journalism, but a chance encounter with a journalist convinced him that was not his path.

At university he studied political science and possibly intended to perhaps become a lawyer. But he took some German classes – loved German and was even contemplating a career as an opera singer. Afterward he moved to Berlin and taught English and music for a year.

Due to university logistics, he changed the focus of his master’s thesis which he is currently working on right now.

He still really enjoys singing, playing tennis, meeting people, talking to people on the phone, leaving voice messages, crocheting (he needs to teach me!)

His motto - Always be a kid – let yourself be a kid again. Find joy and play. This made me think of a really cool museum I visited – the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy in Sarasota, Florida.

Thank you so much Simon – I am excited to see what happens next in your journey!

A shout out to the good folks at the Shepherds of Good Hope, and their team for the outstanding work they do.

Remember to please subscribe to the podcast – a new episode comes out every two weeks. Get ready for another fabulous mystery guest swinging by the playground in two weeks.

Until then, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. See you next time when we will jump into the future together.

Links:

Shepherds of Good Hope | Homes for all. Community for all. Hope for all.

Fascinating Yet Complicated: The Identity Of A Third Culture Kid. | by Fatimah Alayafi | Be Unique | Medium

Time for Atlantic Canadians to shed ‘come from away’ label for outsiders, Scott Brison says

Philippines Factsheet - The World Factbook

Cities | Switzerland Tourism

Home | City of Vancouver

Things to do | Tourisme Montréal

Links:

Sudan | History, Map, Area, Population, Religion, & Facts | Britannica

Omdurman - Wikipedia

City of Fredericton

The Oldest Cities in Canada - WorldAtlas

Kingdom of Kush - Wikipedia

The Nubian Queen Who Fought Back Caesar's Army | HISTORY

Civil War in Sudan | Global Conflict Tracker

We live the trauma of those who are living the war and displaced from the war - War and mental health: a brief overview - PMC

War and mental health –

The Immigration Syndrome – the collective changes all that happen in one capsule –

Financial, relationships, professional, educational,

Did not want to move – was rejecting the idea – but her husband was paying attention to the economic indicators and Sulafa was paying attention to the instability –

Hiba Rasheed performing “Mad Musings”

Air Liquide - Wikipedia

3 female employees among 150 men - Women in the Workplace 2024 report | McKinsey

Multicultural Association of Fredericton

During our chat we talked about Seza’s transition from political science to a career in political science. We learned about the faculty of political science at Ankara University, and the history of the cow as their mascot because it symbolized the hard-working student.

We discussed careers and the challenges of finding a job with no Canadian experience, even with years of post-secondary education, career experience and loads of accomplishments.

We also talked about the logistics involved in moving to Canada, what brings her joy and what her favourite motto is – not surprisingly for a woman who has extensive global experience in Turkey, Algeria, France and now Canada – I flourish wherever I go.

Yes, you certainly do Seza, and I believe Canada is flourishing because you and your family are here with us. Thank you so much for making this leap!

Please remember to visit UNICEF’s website and please do follow and subscribe to the playground project. It’s so much fun hanging out on the playground with you!

And please join me again next time, when I will be welcoming another incredible mystery guest to hang out with us.

Until then, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. Here’s to next time when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

(2) Seza Oktay | LinkedIn

Mülkiye Cow Fest – Siyasal Bilgiler Fakültesi

Ankara University - Wikipedia

Who we are | UNICEF, for every child

Thank you so much for spending your time with us today on the podcast, and thank you Urmi, for sharing your story with us today. I really appreciate your openness and honesty.

And here are my top 10 take aways – in no particular order:

1. Sometimes we don’t need to know the exact option – just knowing she takes a humanistic approach to life helped Urmi narrow down her choice, but she knew she wanted to study a branch of medicine, she just didn’t know which one.
2. Leadership is innate, and it shows up in the most interesting places – like when she became the leader of the Blue House.
3. When it comes to career development, a healthy dose of realism is important. Like knowing one path is not going to work for you, being open to learning about other paths who will help you achieve your goals and live by your values in life.
4. It’s important to know your strengths, but also know how much and where you can leverage them.
5. Throughout her life, Urmi has always made it her goal to bring people along with her. Just like her mother did when she was the only girl at her college.
6. Always go back to your values and what’s important to you – like work/life balance.
7. There are differences between physio and occupational therapists, and I have a feeling that Urmi’s description of occupational therapy may motivate some listeners to learn more about it as a possible career choice.
8. Urmi makes the important point that pivoting can also mean pivoting from societal or cultural norms.
9. It’s not about pride for Urmi, it is the unparalleled satisfaction of being a human being
10. Her words to live by – touch a life, in whatever way, in whatever capacity and know that who you are today is your contribution to the world.

Remember to please subscribe to the Playground Project podcast. I am all about creating community, and would love for you to be part of it.

Also, a shout out to the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada. Thank you for everything you do for our health care professionals.

Links:

(1) Urmi Sardesai | LinkedIn

Home (royalcollege.ca)

What Is a Physiotherapist? What They Do, When to See One, and What to Expect (webmd.com)

What is Occupational Therapy? - CAOTAnjali Joshi | LinkedIn

ummeed.org

(5) Sari Cantor | LinkedIn

Chutzpah Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Thank you so much dear friends for spending your time with us today! I am so glad you were able to meet Ibtissem. What a complete treat to hang out and chat – thank YOU so much Ibtissem for sharing your story with us, and inspiring us and really, for making us smile.

Here are the top 10 take aways from our chat in no particular order:

1. Ibtissem is an educator and life-long learner through and through.
2. She is so very proud of her parents (and her family) and being their daughter and sister to her siblings.
3. We were both surprised when she realized that getting married was such a pivot for her.
4. Constantine is known as the city of bridges
5. She is thankful her parents instilled in her a love of reading
6. She finds joy in having a coffee with a friend, ideally in nature
7. She would love to get her Ph.D – and knowing Ibtissem, she will find a way to make it happen
8. Her level of resilience and determination is off the charts
9. She has a very high level of emotional intelligence
10. Her name means smile – and I hope that you like, like I did, smiled during this chat.

Again, merci beaucoup mon amie, shukran. Thank you.

Remember to take a look at the CMHA or if you are joining us from another country please take a look at your local mental health association to see the important work they do.

Links:

Ecole Superieure normale - www.ensc.dz - Accueil

Why called Normal Schools - Normal Schools | Definition, Training & History - Lesson | Study.com

Canadian Mental Health Association - National l A Mental Health Charity (cmha.ca)

Algeria country profile - BBC News

Constantine, Algeria - The Historic City of Bridges - Mosaic North Africa

Ibtissem Belguedj | LinkedIn

Here are the top 10 takeaways from our chat:

1. Terre d’Asile – I had never heard about this before, but this is the organization that Amal worked with before migrating to Canada. The link will be in the show notes.
2. Cesaria Evora – Amal has expanded my musical knowledge, there are more musicians other than Bruce Springsteen in the world!
3. Africa is a stolen continent. She is so right.
4. We talked about the countries with armed conflict and poverty (like Nigeria, Congo, Mali, Somalia, Ivory Coast and the civil war in Sudan.
5. Immigrants and refugees are not the same thing, but most people may not know this.
6. For Amal, justice is the pillar of society
7. Amal is a passionate hard worker who never says no to learning
8. Asylum seekers need a loud voice and although this was a sad topic, we were both happy to start the conversation
9. She and her husband chose Canada because they wanted to move to a country that breathes freedom.
10. Grateful for everyone she has been dealing with over the six months, she believes people need to have respect for each other and find common ground, while at the same time respecting each other’s differences.

What a chat! Thank you once more – merci beaucoup encore mon amie.

Looking forward to connecting with you on Instagram – you can find me at puddlejumpcoaching001.

Show Notes:

Amal JERBI | LinkedIn

Mentorship - OCISO

World Skills Employment Centre - Ottawa World Skills (ottawa-worldskills.org)

Cesaria Evora: Cape Verde's barefoot diva (bbc.com)

France terre d'asile - Au service des demandeurs d'asile (france-terre-asile.org)

A first-timer’s guide to Tunisia - Lonely Planet

World Report 2024: Nigeria | Human Rights Watch (hrw.org)

A guide to the decades-long conflict in DR Congo | News | Al Jazeera

Mali is still unsafe under the military: why it hasn’t made progress against rebels and terrorists (theconversation.com)

Conflict With Al-Shabaab in Somalia | Global Conflict Tracker (cfr.org)

Côte d'Ivoire travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Civil War in Sudan | Global Conflict Tracker (cfr.org)

Thank you so much for listening, and big thanks to Tanjeeba for sharing your career journey with us, and introducing us to BRAC. You can check out the show notes for the link to their website to learn more about the way BRAC is changing the world!

So here are my top 10 takeways from our chat today –

1. Diversity means many things – including socio-economic status.
2. Growing up in a diverse environment with classmates from other places offers the opportunity to truly grow and step outside your bubble – something more important than ever in today’s society.
3. Leadership that starts in childhood needs to be nurtured.
4. We don’t necessarily to know our career goals, but it’s really helpful to know how we want to feel in life.
5. It’s important to be open to things happening TO you – like how education, non-profit and sustainable development happened to Tanjeeba.
6. Being able to meet people where they are is crucial. Like how Tanjeeba met the young children and helped them find their way back to school.
7. Always be the best you can be, because there is nothing else you can control.
8. In order to find freedom (or whatever you want to find), you need to be prepared to make sacrifices in life.
9. When you are starting something new and creating a new life for yourself, you need to remember the value in your previous accomplishments.
10. Remember to live each day and be kind to other people.

Quotes:

'Life is given to us, we earn it by giving it.' - Rabindranath Tagore

Tanjeeba Chowdhury on LinkedIn

BRAC: Creating opportunities for people to realise potential

Bangladesh | History, Capital, Map, Flag, Population, & Facts | Britannica

Mindset by Carol Dweck

Thank you so much for hanging out with Peggy and me on the playground today, and Peggy, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring, adventure-filled career with us.

Here are my top 10 take aways from our chat –

1. Sault Ste. Marie has a large Italian population – and a reputation for excellent Italian food!
2. Peggy was one of the lucky people who knew from a young age what she wanted in her life – she wanted to work internationally.
3. She got a job in the federal government and eventually took a job driving a tour bus in Western Canada.
4. She was able to parlay her degree in sociology-anthropology into a job in the funeral home industry – clearly she has always been an out of the box thinker. 😊
5. Her whole career trajectory was changed the moment the tsunami hit Sri Lanka in 2004.
6. The Gambia has always been known as the Gambia.
7. She was able to regroup, continuing her passion for lifelong learning and got her Master’s degree while teaching in the Philippines
8. Peggy is someone who truly lives by her values – when her mother was not doing well health-wise, she took time away from her career to spend time with her mom – the best mom in the world.
9. When she returned to work, even as a Canadian citizen, she found it challenging to look for work in Ottawa.
10. Her words of wisdom from Maya Angelou - “Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it.”

And of course please remember to check out For The Love of Dogs Ottawa to learn more about their organization and how they are changing the lives of so many beautiful dogs in need.

Thanks again Peggy! I am excited about hanging out with my next fabulous mystery guest.

And thank you my friend, for joining us today on the playground. It’s a really special place -and made even more special by you being here.

Until next time, please good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. See you soon – when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Peggy Kelly

World Skills Employment Centre

Sault Ste. Marie

Philippines

Sri Lanka

The Gambia

CELTA

Maya Angelou

For the Love of Dogs Ottawa

A big thank you to Andrea and to you for hanging out on the playground today!

I loved our chat. I loved how we talked about everything – we tackled sexism, racism, intersectionality, misogyny, lack of Canadian experience (from a Canadian’s perspective!). We didn’t shy away from anything…and we also talked about love, kindness, compassion, empathy, relationships, joy, and even stand-up comedy!

We talked about the role of mentorship in our lives and careers, and the importance of saying thank you to our mentors. She spoke about what it means for a mentor to not just believe in you, but to also give you opportunities and to sponsor you.

Andrea shared her pivots with us, as well as her dedication to entrepreneurship. As you heard, there are a lot of initials behind her name, so please read the show notes to learn what all of them mean!

Leadership, inspiration, believing in yourself and living your true life. As I listened to her words, I reflected on them. She does not have to mute herself anymore. She does not have to live smaller than she is.

We spoke about security and that when people feel secure, they don’t feel threatened.

And what is she most proud of? Her relationships with people, and the fact that she leaves things (her work and people) better than when she found them.

Her credo – if I can’t help people, at least I try not to hurt them. She walks in love and speaks the truth in love.

Links:

Andrea Pierce, M.B.A, PMP, CRM, LEED AP BD/C, CEM, RCIC | LinkedIn

PMP – Project Management Professional

CRM – Certified Risk Manager

LEED AP BD/C - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction.

CEM Certified Energy Manager

RCIC – Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant

Prevent and Address Gender Based Violence (pagbv.org)

Hanging out with the amazing Tatanisha Riggan, an entrepreneur, inspiration-drive human lighting up the world

Thanks so much for listening to our chat, and many thanks to Nikita for sharing your thoughts, insights and inspiration.

Here are my takeaways from our chat today –

Even though she was a shy person, her involvement with music and leadership helped her to shine when she was a student in Delhi.

And like many, many of us, she did not know what she wanted to do after she graduated from secondary school. She attended the University of Delhi and in June of 2018 graduated with a BA in English (Honours), and wanted to pursue further education outside of India.

Only three months later armed with a study permit, she found herself alone in Halifax, Nova Scotia ready to start studying psychology.

No matter what comes next for her, she knows her next step will involve helping people and impacting others in a positive way.

In her life she had been bullied and felt down, and never wants other people to feel that way. She is happy when she is making other people happy.

She clearly remembers what life was like for her when she landed and knew no one. She wants to support newcomers as they make Canada their new home, and always reminds them that it is their time to shine.

Thank you so much Nikita for sharing your sparkle with us – we really appreciate it. And thank you for introducing us to Redemption Paws – a foster-based rescue organization saving dogs from natural disasters, climate change and overpopulation.

Just a reminder – please drop me an email at theplaygroundprojectpodcast@gmail.com. I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for future fabulous mystery guests. Really looking forward to hearing from you!

Redemption Paws | Dog Adoption & Foster | Change a Dog's Life Forever

Nikita Kundra | LinkedIn

Delhi | History, Population, Map, & Facts | Britannica

Discover Halifax | Places to visit and things to do (discoverhalifaxns.com)

Theplaygroundprojectpodcast@gmail.com

Thank you so much for listening to my chat with Karlla, and Karlla, thank you so much for sharing your life and career journey with us on the playground.

Here are my take aways from our chat:

Karlla grew up in a small village surrounded by a dam in South West Brazil; a very unique situation. She loved her childhood where the social club was her social network and the streets were the web – kind of like her version of the internet!

She developed her soft skills in school, where she loved singing and playing guitar for her local community.

Although she dreamed about becoming a musician, she also realized the need to move to a bigger city. She was confused, and had to grow up very quickly when she and her siblings moved to a much bigger city. Growing up in Brazil, she knew that university was the path she needed to take.

Her parents wanted her to become an engineer, a lawyer or a doctor. Karlla wanted to avoid conflicts, so she researched different career options. She wanted to become an architect to help people achieve their dreams of home ownership. 

Helping people has been a consistent thread throughout her career, and life. She needs to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

As a professional business and executive coach, she focuses on helping others to establish a road map to further develop their careers.

Karlla describes her life and career as tough, challenging and wonderful where everything is possible. She is a planner, and when plan A does not work out, she always has plan B, C, D and E at the ready.

She is always looking for ways to increase her knowledge and is most definitely a life-long learner. She created a plan to move to Canada – she improved her level of English, saved money and organized a budget. The rest, as they say, is history.

When asked what she is most proud of, she immediately replied for making a difference to the community in northern Brazil, and for improving the lives of many people.

What brings her joy? Deep relationships, singing, playing guitar, reading a great book and enjoying coffee with friends.

So that’s Karlla – she is all about sharing her knowledge and experience to help other people make a positive difference in their own lives. She is people-oriented, but with exceptional project management skills as well.

Her words of inspiration – dream, believe, plan, act. Visualize your journey. Explore your talents. Pivot! Invest in people and creativity. Be flexible. Adjust. Go for your life and be happy.

Create a road map – what kind of life do you want?

I feel so lucky to have met Karlla and am looking forward to learning more about the next step in her career journey.

Thank you for your commitment to others – World Skills and BRINCA. You continue to make a difference in so many people’s lives.

Links:

Karlla Alvares | LinkedIn

World Skills Employment Centre

Brinca.ca

Ryan Reynolds says Brazil is ‘not just a place’ (jang.com.pk)

Brazil Maps & Facts - World Atlas

Brazil | History, Map, Culture, Population, & Facts | Britannica

I am back, and I apologize profusely for not posting an episode for the past few weeks.

My husband and I booked a trip to see my sister in Spain and then celebrate his 60th birthday in Paris. I tried to get everything done before our trip, but I ran out of time.

We had a fantastic trip and visited Malaga, Nerja, Torre del Mar, Frigliana, and of course, the city of lights and love, Paris.

Unfortunately, I got sick near the end, and then when we got home, both of us were sick and continue to be sick. Apologies for the sound of my voice - it is very reminiscent of my Covid voice. :(

On the trip I did a lot of thinking, and after a few chats with my husband and yet more personal reflection, I have some exciting news!

From now on, I will be airing a new episode of the the Playground Project every two weeks. Tune in bi-weekly for fresh content, engaging conversations, and valuable insights. Stay tuned and thank you for your continued support!

Stay healthy and see you soon when we will jump in to the future together - again. :)

Thank you so much for listening to my chat with Ali. I told you, he is simply awesome.

And thank you so much Ali for sharing your career journey and rich insights with us on the playground today.

Here are my takeaways:

At 16, moving to a different country, learning a new language and having to say goodbye to all your friends, your family and everything familiar can lead to struggles getting through high school.

The Ontario school system and the structured learning environment is not designed well to welcome and help nurture newcomer youth.

A creative soul Ali’s choices were architecture, film studies and photography. He studied photography in university and graduated with a BA. He wanted to do what he loved and make money, but soon realized that photography is an intensely competition field.

While traveling in South Asia he fell in love with teaching, and returned to Canada to get his B. Ed and then his M. Ed.

He values the “accidental discoveries” that can happen once we get past our fears.

His journey took him to Pond Inlet in Canada’s north where he discovered how the beauty of the Inuit people.

He is proud of his friendships with his Inuit friends, and proud of his choice to follow a vegan diet out of respect for animals. He is proud of being service to others, and after realizing that he was starting to lack the energy needed to be an elementary school teacher, decided to work in the non-profit world – all while getting his Ph.D.

Ghandi is his role model and a motivational quote “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others”.

See, I told you – he is a lovely human being. And I am so lucky to work with him, and also his beautiful wife Pantea.

Ali, thanks again for your commitment to helping others – including that raven that you rescued. And again, a huge thank you to the incredible team at Ottawa’s Wild Bird Care Centre – keep up your excellent work!

Ali Shaker | LinkedIn

World Skills Employment Centre - Ottawa World Skills (ottawa-worldskills.org)

Pond Inlet - Travel Nunavut

Mahatma Gandhi summary | Britannica

Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre | wild bird rehabilitation

The Wild Bird Care Centre (@wildbirdcarecentre) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook

Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre - YouTube

And thank you so much Malaz for sharing your insights and life pivots with us today.

My key take aways from our chat:

Although Malaz originally wanted to be a lawyer and then became a business person and moved from Syria to Dubai and Saudi Arabia, he always had a passion for chocolate.

What started out as a hobby with his family and friends became a home-based business when he and his family moved to Canada. He built on his love of chocolate and took courses to learn more.

So far he has learned – dealing with people is very enjoyable and when you do something from your heart, people will recognize it. When you are doing something you love, you will be more energized and motivated to continue. There is a special kind of power that resides in you when you are doing what you love.

He went from working in the automotive industry to becoming Ottawa’s Willy Wonka – and he knows that everything – from cars to chocolate is about customer service.

He had a lot of fun choosing the names of his exquisite chocolate treats, and was especially busy during Ramadan, Easter, graduation and wedding seasons.

What’s next for him – stores in Toronto, Montreal and I hope, all over Canada.

His motivational words – Believe in Yourself. He wakes up in the morning very excited to get to the store – that is what happens when you are doing something you love.

Thank you Malaz for this exceptionally mouth-watering chat! I can’t wait for my next visit to your delightful store at 1666 Bank Street by Alta Vista. It’s such a very special place!

I am excited to welcome you to the Playground Project group on FB – the link is in the show notes.

Please join me again for next week’s episode with another fabulous mystery guest!

Thank you to the amazing team at Ottawa Food Bank! The link is in the show notes as well.

Looking forward to hanging out again next week. Until then, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

Have a great week and see you again next week, when we will jump into the future together!

Show Notes:

Pistachio Choco – The Tasty

(8) Facebook

pistachio Choco (@pistachio.choco) | TikTok

Pistachio Choco (@pistachiochococanada) • Instagram photos and videos

A chocolate shop is born on Bank Street (capitaleats.ca)

Malaz Alfara Reunites With His Family - YouTube

Home - Ottawa Food Bank

Thank you Shrouk for hanging out with us on the playground and sharing your career story with us.

Here are my key take aways from the chat:

Values. Shrouk is the product of the love and resilience she brings with her from her family and community in Egypt.

Options. Earning a GPA of 99.6% allowed her to choose any path – she chose to study pharmacy so she could support others and make a difference in people’s lives. She married her academic background with her goal of contributing to the well-being of others.

Enthusiasm and determination. She has always been and is still focused on professional and personal development – whether in Egypt or now at home in Canada.

Resilience. She and her small family moved to Kelowna when her husband was accepted for his Ph.D. at UBC. They knew no one, and she found a position as a pharmacy assistant. In this role she encountered many immigrants and refugees with immense challenges.

Volunteer. She made a career pivot when she transitioned from pharmaceutical career to become a settlement worker. Through her initial volunteer work, she learned that supporting newcomers is not just a job, but a life-long commitment.

Setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care and advocating for clients is imperative for Shrouk. Her next goal – a Master’s degree in Social Work.

You can discover yourself and your skills in another country. Family is her backbone, and she could not do anything without their support.

Her favourite words – never give up. Face challenges with determination and resilience, obstacles are an opportunity for growth and every set back is a stepping stone towards success.

A positive way to end a magical and motiving chat! Thank you so much for sharing YOUR experiences my dear Shrouk.

Please remember to join the Playground Project group on Facebook for more inspiration and elevation!

Please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. See you on the playground next week, when we will jump into the future together!

Show Notes:

(5) Shrouk El Feshawy | LinkedIn

Welcome - KCR Community Resources

OCISO

Experience Egypt - Home

Kelowna, BC | Hotels, Things To Do, Restaurants | #exploreKelowna (tourismkelowna.com)

Thank you Deirdre for joining me on the playground and sharing your career story with us.

Here are my take aways from the chat:

She studied to be a travel agent, but she discovered that this did not align with her values. A big clue – her friend who was also a travel agent got very excited about the trips and all the accoutrement of being in the travel agency world. Deirdre did not share this excitement.

People noticed leadership skills before she did, and she learned – find people who want to and are willing to invest in you.

The Shepherds of Good Hope runs a kind of mini-hospital providing healthcare for people who are experiencing homelessness and other challenges.

Being able to sit in discomfort has been a key skill for Deirdre throughout her career, and I loved how she said, after starting her position at Shepherds of Good Hope – “I am not filling anyone’s shoes. I can only walk in mine. “

She tries to be better each day and has a positive attitude. She is living her purpose when she is able to help other people.

Her favourite quote – LL Cool J –“ Dreams don’t have deadlines.”

Deirdre, thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts and gratitude with us today – we appreciate you!

Thanks again for being here, and I would love for you to join the Playground Project on Facebook for more inspiration and community.

Please remember to check out the important work of both the CNIB Guide Dogs and Matthew House – links below.

Please join me again next time for another inspiring chat with another fabulous mystery guest.

Until then, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

See you on the playground again next week, when we will jump into the future together!

Show Notes:

(1) Deirdre (Coughlan) Freiheit | LinkedIn

Shepherds of Good Hope | Homes for all. Community for all. Hope for all. (sghottawa.com)

Home - Destination Nackawic

Living the dream with Adam Joiner, the awesome CEO of BGC Ottawa

LL Cool J | Biography, Songs, Movies, & Facts | Britannica

CNIB Guide Dogs

Matthew House

Here are my take aways from the chat:

Even if your life takes a drastic turn – like moving to a new country, speaking and new language and experiencing a completely new culture – you can do it.

You can be scared but still hopeful at the same time. And even if you have to start at the bottom – like Mouhamad started in Grade 8 – there are resources available to help you. You just need to know what they are and be able to take advantage of them.

Persistence, motivation, showing up (even if you don’t understand everything), and asking questions are all key in creating the future you want for yourself.

Be around people who encourage and support you – like his teachers. Have a goal in mind and adopt a positive attitude to whatever you are doing.

Don’t complain – instead feel gratitude. And in Mouhamad’s words – if you see something great from me, it’s coming from my parents.

Find inspiration in others. Benefit for informational interviews.

And finally – ask questions. As Confucius says “The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

Show Notes:

Mouhamad Al Aarab | LinkedIn

Talking about Love with Zein Abboud, an experienced and dedicated Community Worker.

youthottawa.ca

Carleton University Aerospace Engineering program

Marian Dewar Scholarship Fund - OCISO

Confucius Quotes

Deborah Ayis | LinkedIn

Philanthrophy | Valiant Scribe

UNICEF

Nigeria Archives - Humane Society International (hsi.org)

The Playground Project FB Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/883794396851032/

The Playground Project on Instagram:

Puddle Jump Coaching (@puddlejumpcoaching001) • Instagram photos and videos

 (2) 💠 Bill Benoist | LinkedIn

Bill Benoist CPC - YouTube

Career Strategistand Executive Coach for individuals in mid-to-late career (billbenoist.com)

Bill’s Career Coaching (@bill.benoist) • Instagram photos and videos

International Coach Academy - Coach Training School (coachcampus.com)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/883794396851032/

Urgent Need for Pet Adoption - Find Dogs & Cats & More | Petfinder

Big thanks to Bill for hanging out with us on the playground and to you, for spending your time with us. Thank you and see you again next time. 

Thank you so much for spending this time together with Sumyia and me. I really love being able to just hang out on the playground.

To wrap up, here are a few takeaways from today’s chat with my fabulous guest, Sumyia Sheikh

 In Saudi Arabia, your residency status is tied to your job.

 When you come to Canada, the barriers and obstacles to getting licenses forces people to rethink and reinvent themselves. Think about the medical system. 

 If you are thinking about coming to Canada, it is a good idea to get your university degrees recognized before you get here.

 It makes me feel good to know that Sumyia and other Muslim women are choosing to immigrate to Canada because they feel it is more accepting and more tolerant of their religion – and how they choose to wear a hijab.

 The point system for immigration means that people get more points based on their youth, their educational accomplishments, and their ability to speak one or both of the official languages. The immigration process is definitely not black and white, so  in my mind, the resiliency that many immigrates have starts to develop during the immigration process.

 COVID meant more opportunities, and Sumyia seized them! Her source of joy includes being with people she loves and making a difference in someone’s life.

 Her advice to others – nothing is the end of the world, and this too shall pass.

 Please remember to check out the Riyadh Animal Shelter – and a big shout to them for all of their amazing work!

 Thank you for listening to this episode from start to finish! I just created a Playground Project group on FB, so if you have any questions about the things  covered in the show or would like to connect, please join the group, or you can find me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and on LinkedIn. I answer all messages, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

 I really hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and share this episode with your friends! And if you would like to share your pivots on the playground, I would love to have you on the podcast one day.

Until next time, be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. I am really looking forward to hanging out you again as we jump into the future together. 

 Links:

(2) Sumyia Sheikh, MBA | LinkedIn

Savvy Business Plans

Home - ONE Hub (onehubottawa.ca)

From a Ph. D in chemical engineering to Asma's Table, please join me for a tasty talk with Asma Tahlawi.

Hanging out with the amazing Tatanisha Riggan, an entrepreneur, inspiration-driven human lighting up the world.

Riyadh Animal Shelter on Facebook

The Playground Project FB group

Eliakim shared his journey from Kenya to Canada – and his commitment to building a wonderful community.

Here’s what we talked about:

From a 2-year-old growing up in Kenya, Eliakim knew he wanted to be a journalist. He has always wanted to tell stories through photographs.

Although things did not always go the way he thought they would (isn’t this something we can all understand), he has always taken a positive attitude and approach to life. He sees the positive and the possibilities in everything – including having to change his entire life within a 24-hour period when he and his wife moved to Canada.

He met his wife at a conference; talk about a pivotal moment!

His favourite quote is a favourite of mine as well, from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel when the character Sonny says “Everything will be alright in the end. So, if it's not alright, it is not yet the end." I absolutely love that quote!

 Please remember to check out the Gaïa Fodoulian Association and all the amazing things they do.

See you on the playground next time, with another fabulous mystery guest!

 Eliakim Hawi | LinkedIn

SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF

OTTAWA - SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF OTTAWA (spcottawa.on.ca)

Cultural Heritage & Documentary Photography (hawiphotography.com)

Kenya | People, Map, Flag, Religion, Language, Capital, & Election | Britannica

About Us - Gaia Fodoulian Association

Here are some insights that I am taking away:

• The power of intention.
• Consider different ways to reach your goals.
• Be open to new experiences.
• Even if you don’t know anyone else, make sure you really know yourself.

What are your values? What is most important to you?

• When it comes to looking for a job, try something new -instead of just relying on the methods you usually do (and everyone else does as well).
• Live with intention. Focus on what you need and what you can give. Jobs can change, but living your best life means making choices. And getting out of your comfort zone.

And most importantly, you don’t know until you try…so go for it!!

Andrea, this was so much fun – thanks again for hanging out with us today.

Please join us for next week’s chat with another inspiring fabulous mystery guest, and please do check out Sit with Me if you are looking to adopt or become a foster or to support a really special organization.

Please tell a friend about the Playground Project and remember - whatever you have been thinking about or mulling over but you are just not sure – you don’t know until you try. You never know what awesome things could come your way!

So, until next time, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. Looking forward to next week’s episode when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Andrea Knapp | LinkedIn(1)

The Power of Intention (drwaynedyer.com)

Y Combinator

On the playground with Tatanisha

Home – Sit With Me

Here are some key nuggets I am taking from our chat - 

It takes a village. For real. You don’t need to go through the whole job searching process on your own. Or life on your own.

Self-awareness – even from a young age – is incredibly important, and we need to make our decisions based on our own values and reality. Self-awareness is a skill that we don’t appreciate.

When one door closes, another opens and bring you joy in different ways.

The importance of aligning ourselves with work and companies that share our values.  This will feed your soul.

Being able to reflect on our “why” is incredibly important and helpful throughout our careers.

As career coaches we are able to reflect on our own experiences – career transitions, restructuring, job loss, and the way these things impact us physically, mentally and emotionally.

Listen to the clues the universe is sending you – you need to pay attention. Need the courage to admit this to yourself and go for it.

What is your word of the year for 2024? Michelle’s is health – physical, mental, emotional and business (or we can say career) health. Mine is inspiration.

Michelle’s book will be coming out soon and I can’t wait to purchase a copy!

Finally, remember to check out the Ontario SPCA to learn more about what they are doing to help animal. A big shout out to everyone who works and volunteers with them to make the world better for animals.

Please follow me on IG at puddlejumpcoaching001 or on LinkedIn!

Michelle Schafer | LinkedIn

Home - Michelle Schafer Coaching (mschafercoaching.ca)

Simon Sinek “Start with Why Ted talk”

Gretchen Schmelzer

Lydia Di Francesco

The Holland Code

Tonya’s word of the year, 2024

Who We Are - Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The importance of a positive mindset and attitude.

When it comes to learning languages, immersion is the most effective way of truly absorbing the language.

The significance of diversity in people, thoughts and mindset.

There was a time before smart phones, when the internet was available but not necessarily in our pockets like it is today - when we could really focus on conversations, people and the real world, instead of our phones.

He also reminded us of the value of artificial intelligence, but to always continue to nurture our own intelligence.

Fatih and I share an appreciation of Rumi, the poet and philosopher, and he shared an inspiring Rumi quote- “walk and the path will appear”. I hope you too fall in love with Rumi!

It was just a wonderful chat, and it reminded me of our very first conversation together. It was real, open and authentic. Just my kind of connection. Thanks again my friend!

And of course, I want to give a shout out to the team at Melez Dog Resue – transforming the lives of Turkish strays.

FATIH OZTURK | LinkedIn

Home | Melez Dog Rescue

The Forty Rules of Love - Wikipedia

Rumi | Biography, Poems, & Facts | Britannica

Tonya Pomerantz (she/her/hers) | LinkedIn

https://www.tydac.ch/en/about-tydac/  (It's been a long time, but I still remember some of those folks!)

https://www.gilmoreglobal.com/

https://www.spicers.ca/ (the paper company which used to be Graphic Resources where I met Gary, my husband - yes, we are the original Jim and Pam from the Office :) )

https://ewc-rdc.ca/  (where I met Marg)

https://www.cve.ca/ (where I met Sue and Carol Ann, and the lady we bought our house from back in 2005)

https://www.calian.com/ (the job I got from a lead from the colleague whose house we bought - clearly a big part of my pivots)

https://www.cercottawa.ca/ (where I met Sue, Lisa, Diana, Adam, Breanna, and countless incredible people - both clients and colleagues)

https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca (where I was working with Carol Ann again)

https://www.cegep-heritage.qc.ca/ (where I learned I wanted to go back to school and take the Teaching and Training Adult Learners program at Algonquin College)

https://ociso.org/ (where I worked for almost six years and have been a volunteer mentor in the career mentorship program since 2010 and where I met Fabrizio, Victoria, Ki Jung, Ben, Daphné (and then Ayo), Michael, Kristina, Joycelyn, Zein, Jayshal, Mahmoud, Leonard, Camille, Anamika (and then Dee), Rodrigo, Swami, Maryna,  Tatanisha, Alexis, Mona, Mohd Khalid, Zahra, Connie and other awesome people)

https://ottawa-worldskills.org/ (where I met Anu, Rocky, Joanne (although Breanna had introduced me to her back in 2021) 

I feel exceptionally grateful to have worked with the most amazing people throughout my career. 

And in between these workplaces, I was doing my own thing with Puddle Jump Coaching, writing my book and creating my podcast, and of course, dealing with my other pivots! 

Here is the link to DAVE - another way to talk about ADHD https://www.facebook.com/reel/552477715748281

The school Em was talking about - https://t.ly/6BgRW

Em's beloved Peter Pan - Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie | Goodreads

Home - Ottawa Humane Society

Humane Society International (hsi.org)

Jocelyne shared her career development story with us, and her love of all things politics. She talked about how she made her way to Canada, and how happy she is in Canada, her adopted home.

We learned about Jocelyne’s dedication to service, and I don’t know about you, but after hearing about Jocelyne’s near-death experience, I am even more focused on living in a state of perpetual gratitude.

She is a mom, a grandmother and a lifelong learner dedicated to continual self-improvement, and she sums up her attitude in the phrase -  I don’t believe in mistakes, I believe in lessons learned.

With such a positive attitude towards life and always seeing the good in people, Jocelyne is one of those fabulous people who really is making the world a better place.

Remember to check out Haiti Street Dog Project to learn how you too can make the world a better place for the street dogs of Haiti.

A special shout out to the international listeners in Ireland, India, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Finland, Nepal, the US and Russia – I love that we are here together! Please do follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001, and please do join me again on next week’s episode with another fabulous mystery guest.

Until next week, I hope you too can see the lessons learned, and remember to be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

Looking forward to hanging out on the playground next time, when we will jump into the future together.

Show Notes:

Haiti

Haiti Street Dog Project

https://blackottawascene.com/in-conversation-with-jocelyne-constant/

https://blackottawascene.com/anti-racism-award-for-jocelyn-constant/

https://blackottawascene.com/jocelyn-constant-happy-150th-canada-but-where-do-we-fit-in/

https://www.uottawa.ca/en

I found

this wonderful piece that was written about Carol Ann a few years ago and

wanted to share. 

#OttawaON

Meet Carol Ann Cameron from March Of Dimes Canada, Employment Services office in Ottawa. She is the driving force behind the Ottawa Employment Services Job Development Team. Carol Ann is a valuable and dedicated resource that offers ongoing support to the ES team.

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Professional, Carol Ann has spent 27 years of her career in Employment Services where she has secured hundreds of jobs for our clients and changed the lives of many for the better. Carol Ann is devoted to helping others succeed, and finds great joy in helping businesses find the right candidate for the job. Carol Ann is also heavily involved volunteering in her Church and playing sports in the community. Her warm smile and calming presence brings comfort to all around her. Carol Ann is a proactive member of the Ottawa EARN committee and she continues to advocate the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Contact Carol Ann today to discuss your hiring needs!

#InclusiveEmployment

#MyOttawa

Carol Ann Cameron RRP | LinkedIn

March of Dimes Canada

Home - Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (ocdsb.ca)

Home - Ridgemont HS (ocdsb.ca)

Home - Centretown United Church

https://ccc-ccc.ca/

https://www.petsmart.ca/pet-adoption/

Music was my first love

What an awesome way to celebrate 50 episodes! A chat full of joy, love, gratitude and well...magic. 

Remember to spay and neuter your pets, and please follow me on IG at puddlejumpcoaching001. 

Please join me and my next fabulous mystery guest on next week's episode. 

Thanks so much for hanging out with us today on the playground!

Links:

(17) Suzanne Turpin | LinkedIn

https://quotefancy.com/quote/26132/Leonardo-da-Vinci-Every-now-and-then-go-away-have-a-little-relaxation-for-when-you-come

What a journey it has been – and continues to be! You made it your goal to leave the tiny Northern Ontario village of Earlton. You left behind your boyfriend and everything you knew so you could start a new life in Ottawa.

Your career journey was not necessarily a linear trajectory. You had a lot of different experiences which led you to where you are now. For you, working part-time selling advertising in a local newspaper is pure joy.

That young woman who wanted to be Nancy Drew or Peter Parker or Clark Kent has become her own super hero. It may not be the Daily Planet, but the newspaper environment she gets to work is affording her the opportunity to help others – something she finds extremely gratifying.

At 60 years old she is an inspiration to me. She lives a balanced life – listening to the clues the universe and her body are sending her.

Talking with a fellow career coach completely energized me and got me thinking about my own job description. What does it say? What does yours say?

As a woman in menopause, Joanne is embracing this new phase of her journey, and is eager to keep doing one thing a day that her future self will thank her for. She is creative, industrious, resourceful, dynamic and engaging. And in the spirt of the words of Marie Forleo, she is helping her clients with that special gift that only she has.

I am so excited about what she will be creating next and am looking forward to further collaborations.

So thank you once again Joanne. Merci beaucoup mon amie!

I am looking forward to next week’s fabulous mystery guest for a very special 50th episode celebration! Woo hoo!!

And remember to check out R.E.B.E.L Dog Rescue to see how these incredible women are sharing their unique gifts with the world – both human and canine. Thank you so much to all of you!

Until next time, remember to do something today that your future self with thank you for. Be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

See you on the playground next week, when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

(8) Joanne She/Her/Elle) Savoie Malone | LinkedIn

Empowering Career Transitions and Self-Discovery (powerplaycareer.com)

Marie Forleo | Host of MarieTV, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

Rebel Dog Rescue

Your dedication to learning, and working hard to make up for the time in your life where you were felt lacking in focus, is inspiring.

You spoke about your pivots. Your journey from India, to Canada, with stops along in the way in the US and back to India is exactly what life is all about. It’s not the linear progression many people think it is or should be. It’s interesting, challenging, difficult, joyful and mysterious.

The skills you gained from your communications training and throughout your career are an integral part of your role with Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Where you were once a mentee in the FIN mentorship, you are now giving back yourself by mentoring other newcomers.

I love that you find Canada to be a warm place – not the climate, but the people. That makes me happy.

You shared a Sanskrit quote – the world is one family. You shared the power of believing that everyone is on the same platform – regardless of race, colour, international boundaries or religion. You are proud of your family, and the person you have become – thanks to the people you have met along your journey, your education and throughout your career. You reminded us that when we open up our thoughts, we widen our mindset.

You adopt a holistic approach to life, understanding that we thrive, not just survive, when we have balance in our lives.

I am inspired by your dedication to communication, learning, and family. And I am so grateful that our paths crossed through the FIN program, and that we have stayed in touch through the years.  

Jayshal, you are awesome!

And speaking of awesome, let’s give a shout out to the awesome team at Save Our Scruff! Their website will be in the show notes.

Please do follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and feel free to send me a connection request on LinkedIn!

Until next week’s episode with another fabulous mystery guest, remember that the world is indeed one family. Please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

And please join me next week, when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Jayshal on LinkedIn

The Female Brain

The World is One Family – Sanskrit, Hindu

Save Our Scruff

From going down to the river in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica’s fourth largest parish, to studying project management at Algonquin College, Daron’s journey includes military service, hosting a radio show and writing his book, Ready to Rise.

For Daron, pivot means maneuvering through challenges. He saw how his mother sacrificed everything for her sons, and adopts her strong work ethic. For him, it does not matter what the problem is, he is going to get up and keep going.

Daron shared his journey with grief after his parents’ death, and how his faith in God gave him the strength and direction to go on.

After losing his mother during COVID, Daron was discombobulated and devastated.

He believes God gave him the courage and strength to make it through 2021. Faith is Daron’s north star and has helped him get through these last years.

For Daron, inspiring other people to always keep going and never give up is what helps sustain him. He is someone who gives of himself to support and nurture others.

He is experiencing his first winter here in the cold Canadian climate, and with his quintessentially joyful personality, is able to see the good in everything – including our harsh winters.

I can’t thank Daron enough for his creativity, his thoughtfulness, kindness and joy. We definitely need more people like him in the world, and I for one hope he is able to make Ottawa his new home.

Thank you so much Daron!

Please join me next week for another inspiring chat on the playground with another fabulous mystery guest.

Remember to check out the Jamaican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to learn more about the good things they are doing for the animals in Jamaica.

And please follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001.

I am really looking forward to hanging out with you on the playground next week. Until then, remember to never give up and always keep going. Be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

And see you next time when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Ready to Rise

Daron Smith | LinkedIn

Project Management (Co-op and Non Co-op Version) - School of Business & Hospitality

(algonquincollege.com)

Parish Profile: St. Catherine – Jamaica Information Service (jis.gov.jm)

Stop Animal Cruelty, Animal Care in Jamaica | JSPCA

He shared his career journey which took him from an IT career in the Middle East to studying political science at Carleton University.

His focus on helping other people informed his choice of university major and is also a source of joy for him.

My chat with Mahmoud really gave me a lot to think about and reflect on. Things like how in Canada we take for granted that we are not at risk of being kidnapped, or murdered, simply for leaving our homes and going to university or work.

We are incredibly blessed to live in a country where people have the opportunity to study which ever subject they are interested in.

Mahmoud shared what it was like to go to school in Syria, and showed us what success means in that society. He also shared how he had to leave Syria and start all over again in Lebanon. And he also told us how instead of trying to fit into the mold of a political party here in Ottawa, he prefers to create community and support others.

We got an insight into how he was able to build community by organizing and hosting different events and how much he loves attending different festivals in the Ottawa area. Take a look the show notes for more about the vendors who helped create a fantastic event and a link to the video and the Instagram account.

I love his philosophy of this too shall pass, and  how he is able to consistently take a positive and optimistic approach to life even during the most challenging of times.

A truly lovely person, Mahmoud is caring, thoughtful and exceptionally generous. Ottawa is a better city because he makes a difference in peoples’ lives.

Please join me on the playground next week when I will be joined by another fabulous mystery guest with his own inspiring story.

Until then, please remember to visit Betalebanon.org for more information about Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. And follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 or say hi on LinkedIn!

And until we meet on the playground again, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

Looking forward to next week when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Mahmoud Sami Eid | LinkedIn

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtoKgv7A3gytgKWwQj-wzu5htGg2IHzq/view?usp=drivesdk

(the big event – love the dancing and the celebration!

The Syrian Community in Canada (@syriancommunityincanada) • Instagram photos and videos

BETA Lebanon – Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

And the vendors who helped make the event a success –

Party logistics:

https://www.fiestaottawa.com/

Chicken, rice, salad etc:

https://www.instagram.com/cuisinetutu?igsh=MThicTZneWJ2Ym1q

Sweets and delights:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gp7g5K3DXw1ExPL1A

Children toys and snacks:

+1 (613) 710-7507

Music:

https://www.instagram.com/cello_event?igsh=M3hzcXozMTV5Yzlz and  Ozzie  +1 (438)...]]>Thank you so much Mahmoud for hanging out with us on the playground today.

He shared his career journey which took him from an IT career in the Middle East to studying political science at Carleton University.

His focus on helping other people informed his choice of university major and is also a source of joy for him.

My chat with Mahmoud really gave me a lot to think about and reflect on. Things like how in Canada we take for granted that we are not at risk of being kidnapped, or murdered, simply for leaving our homes and going to university or work.

We are incredibly blessed to live in a country where people have the opportunity to study which ever subject they are interested in.

Mahmoud shared what it was like to go to school in Syria, and showed us what success means in that society. He also shared how he had to leave Syria and start all over again in Lebanon. And he also told us how instead of trying to fit into the mold of a political party here in Ottawa, he prefers to create community and support others.

We got an insight into how he was able to build community by organizing and hosting different events and how much he loves attending different festivals in the Ottawa area. Take a look the show notes for more about the vendors who helped create a fantastic event and a link to the video and the Instagram account.

I love his philosophy of this too shall pass, and  how he is able to consistently take a positive and optimistic approach to life even during the most challenging of times.

A truly lovely person, Mahmoud is caring, thoughtful and exceptionally generous. Ottawa is a better city because he makes a difference in peoples’ lives.

Please join me on the playground next week when I will be joined by another fabulous mystery guest with his own inspiring story.

Until then, please remember to visit Betalebanon.org for more information about Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. And follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 or say hi on LinkedIn!

And until we meet on the playground again, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

Looking forward to next week when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Mahmoud Sami Eid | LinkedIn

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtoKgv7A3gytgKWwQj-wzu5htGg2IHzq/view?usp=drivesdk

(the big event – love the dancing and the celebration!

The Syrian Community in Canada (@syriancommunityincanada) • Instagram photos and videos

BETA Lebanon – Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

And the vendors who helped make the event a success –

Party logistics:

https://www.fiestaottawa.com/

Chicken, rice, salad etc:

https://www.instagram.com/cuisinetutu?igsh=MThicTZneWJ2Ym1q

Sweets and delights:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gp7g5K3DXw1ExPL1A

Children toys and snacks:

+1 (613) 710-7507

Music:

https://www.instagram.com/cello_event?igsh=M3hzcXozMTV5Yzlz and  Ozzie  +1 (438) 922-1337

Venue booking:

https://ccn-ncc.gc.ca/endroits/parc-vincent-massey

At the last minute I had to change direction, and Gary was there for me. He has always supported me – even when I was doing something that did not make a lot of sense to him. But today’s interview was just the ultimate example of that kind of support. And by the way, he still has not listened to any of the episodes and it is doubtful he will be listening to this one.

I take a very holistic approach to life and career development, so while we did not talk about careers, we did talk about life. And what it is like to live with someone with a very different personality, and what the five love languages are. And what he did for me by being a guest on my podcast, that was a very thoughtful act of service. And I love that finally, after being together for so many years, we talked about the love languages!

I also appreciate being able to talk about his role in my book and of course, my life. I am so grateful for him to be so open to that idea.

Colour-wise, we are definitely not the same. He is really Green – logical, process-oriented, slow to make decisions and I am very Blue – emotional, intuitive, with a need to live authentically. But, our second colour is Gold so it feels like that is kind of a bonding element.

I also appreciate his advice that he would give couples – get professional help. It’s so true – and I love what he said – don’t up on the process. The first professional you find may not be the right one for your situation, but keep looking. You will find the right one and it will be worth it.

Next week’s episode will be back to the regular format – thank you for letting me pivot a little with this one!

Remember to connect with me on LinkedIn or on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001. And do check out Homes for Paws Dog Rescue – adopt, don’t shop.

Until next time, be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. Looking forward to next week’s episode when we will jump into the future together.

Links:

Homes for Paws Dog Rescue

What are The 5 Love Languages?

Gary Pomerantz | LinkedIn

Here are the top 10 things I learned from our hang on the playground –

In no particular order –

1) A university education is

exceptionally important in Brazil and can open a lot of doors

2) A background in law does not necessarily mean a career as a lawyer

3) Leonardo wanted to be a diplomat – and for the record, would have been an incredible one!

4) The importance of planning

5) Being able to experience the four seasons is a reason some people want to move to Canada

6) Leonardo loves Madonna and loves listening to her songs because they take him back to his adolescence – and it’s nice to remember those times

7) Public administration is an excellent pathway to explore

8) Leonardo enjoys philosophy

9) A strong work life balance is very important for Leonardo because it gives him the opportunity to volunteer with organizations he cares about – like helping immigrants

10) Ghandi’s quote – adaptability is not imitation. It means the power of resistance and assimilation – I don’t know about you, but I had never heard that quote before and I appreciate learning it.

So thank you Leonardo for sharing your career story with us, and inspiring us by showing what you can accomplish when you plan!

Speaking of planning, please plan on joining me and my next fabulous mystery guest on next week’s episode.

And if we are not yet connected on LinkedIn – let’s connect!

Finally, please check out the rescue organization Dogs in Brazil – they are changing the world for so many dogs (well, really animals) and their families.

Thanks again for being here and until next time, be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment – and let’s plan on jumping into the future together.

Links:

 Leonardo Ferreira Di Pietra, MPA | LinkedIn

Environment and Climate Change Canada - Canada.ca

Dogs in Brazil

Brazil country profile - BBC News

Top '80s Songs from Pop Superstar Madonna (liveabout.com)

Bruce Springsteen Racing in the Street

Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) program

Who said, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”?

Here’s what I learned - after growing up in North Bay, Ontario, Dee moved into a career in the culinary arts as a sous-chef – there were challenging hours, split shifts, not what they wanted to do for the rest of their life and a result decided to go to university.

But to get the credits needed to apply to university Dee had to go back to high school at the age of 24. Pivoted back onto the path of academics, what Dee always thought was the right path for them.

Like many young people (or quite frankly people of any age), Dee was unfocused, thinking of a lot of different options, but their experience in high school reminded them of how much they loved academics. Dee considered pursuing career in law, and after their mother passed away, decided to move to Algonquin territory (Ottawa, Ontario), driven to discover the why – colonialism, residential schools, the reserve system.

A healing journey guided Dee to Algonquin territory, made they made the decision to join the government and quickly succeeded in this goal.

Their storytelling abilities provided Dee the opportunity to get into the government and they have always focused on working through and for the lens of indigenous rights.

Dee thought they were going to end up in Toronto – from North Bay people usually went to the GTA – through experience in the federal public service Dee gained knowledge about the perspective of the crown but having lived life as an Indigenous person.

We had a discussion of colonialism, power and control, truth telling, people first, not process and policy.

Dee's pivot was to be less judgmental, more discerning. To start operating from their heart, not just from logic.

A pivot does not have be a concrete movement – for instance changing one’s job or moving to another country. Sometimes the biggest changes in our lives can come from making an attitudinal shift or pivot.

Grandmother Barbara – shared that you need to take the fear out of your heart – it was not meant to be there, and Dee shared some words to live by – "there’s always more" – and integrity is not something that should be bought or sold.

Dee has become part of my story, and I have become part of Dee’s story –

From my heart to yours

Chi migwetch. <3

And a big thank you also to you for hanging out with us on the playground today! Get ready for next week’s mystery guest – and another very cool career chat.

Please remember to connect with me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and visit Pet Save Sudbury to learn more about that amazing rescue organization.

Until next week, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. Here’s to living without fear and with integrity.

Thank you for being a part of my story…from my heart to yours.

I am really looking forward to jumping into the future together.

Links:

Dylan (Dee) Jenkins | LinkedIn

Indigenous Services Canada - Canada.ca

City of North Bay

Petsave (petsavesudbury.com)

Most importantly, thank you for sharing your achievements and accomplishments.  It was hard for you to narrow down your career choices, but with a lot of self-awareness and information about the different subjects, you were able to make a well-informed decision about your future.

We talked about immigration, what that means and sounds like to Canadians and to the immigrants themselves. We discussed the untapped talent that is being ignored by Canadian employers who don’t seem to understand the resilience, determination, focus, adaptability, commitment, and sheer grit needed for people to leave their home countries, their family, friends, their networks and their entire lives behind.

It was a crazy year for her, but she is happy that she finally got to do something she really wanted to do. She is a life-long learner determined to continue learning and growing.

We chatted about what it was like for her to be the oldest student in her project management program at Algonquin College, and what she is looking for in an employer – flexibility, a great team environment, and lots of vacation time.

Our conversation covered a lot – two bold, direct women talking about COVID, working from home/remotely, the fact that her house is a Chilean embassy, and favourite quotes. One of her favourite quotes encompasses honesty – to thine own self be true. Be honest with yourself – it will be easy to find your way.

I am delighted that she found her place here in Ottawa, and that she hung out with me on the playground.

Please remember to follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and visit www.soidog.org for more information about this incredible rescue organization.

Please do join me and my next fabulous mystery guest on next week’s episode, and until then, please be good to yourself, to others, animals, and the environment.

I am really looking forward to next week when we will jump into the future together.

Links:

Melissa Stavelot on LinkedIn

Chile

Algonquin College – Project Management certificate program

Soi Dog Foundation

Mom fell sick and while they were trying to leave Kenya to get to the USA, their mom was fighting for her life and the American officials denied their claim. Afterwards the boys had to start the entire process over again. What they were originally told was going to take 2 weeks was now taking significantly longer.  

They had friends in Ottawa, and even though they knew it was the coldest place in the world, they wanted to give it a try.

After they came to Canada, Camille enrolled in a French high school, and then was overwhelmed by the options he had after he graduated. When he was younger, he wanted to be a journalist. He had a passion for telling stories. He graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in social sciences, and a desire to be the change he wished to see in the world.

He created Burundi We Want, and as it says on their website – which was inspired by the theme “The Africa We Want” of the 2014 African Development Bank Annual meeting which reflected a vison for Africa based on the aspirations of African countries and their people in 2063. BMW wants to be an international movement of Burundian youth aware that the future of their country lies in their hands.

His next step is to branch out to bigger Canadian metropolitan cities like Toronto and Montreal. Eventually he would like to work and live back in Africa – at least during our freezing Canadian winters.

His favourite quote – when someone shows you who they are, believe them.

And believe me, Camille is a caring, kind, thoughtful, warm and committed person, dedicated to making world a better place, and focused on welcoming and supporting the Burundian community reach their potential as they make Ottawa their new home.

A big huge thanks to Camille for sharing his story, and shedding a spotlight on the very human reality that so many refugees are facing in our world today.

Please join me and my fabulous mystery guest on the playground next week for another insightful career chat.

Remember to follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and please check out the wonderful rescue organization Paws Across the Water to learn more about sweet Chencha and their other adorable adoptables!

Thank you so much for spending your time with me on the playground, and until next time, please be good to yourself, your community, the animals and the world. Looking forward to seeing you next week when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Camille on LinkedIn

https://www.burundiwewant.org/

Burundi We Want on Facebook

Camille Kamanzi Foundation

Burundi

Paws Across the Water

Her career chat made me think of the saying “when man makes a plan, God laughs” – or one may want to say the universe laughs.

Jane had it in her mind that she was going to be a nurse, specializing in midwifery. But during her adolescence discovered there were some things about being a nurse that did not sit well with her. So she took a pause and really explored what she had a natural affinity for – children. She thought about this as a possible career focus and she made well-informed decisions that would continue to move her closer to her goal of becoming a teacher.

She spoke about the importance of demonstrating strong emotional intelligence in positions of leadership, and she shared a message that drives her – work to live, don’t live to work. She believes in a healthy work/life balance as well as the need to treat others as we would like to be treated.

The listener may recognize this is the same Golden Rule that my colleague Rocky explained was important to him.

What I love about the Playground Project is that we are all here on the playground together. It does not matter where we are or where we started or anything else. I wanted to create this podcast to inform, to showcase and to inspire. I also want to share humanity’s connections with each other, and I love seeing that people from all over the world share so many things in common – like humanity.

Jane’s next stop in her career journey is executive coaching. She experienced the value of coaching as an effective tool for leaders within the school system and is eager to see more institutions embrace the impact of coaching.

Like she designed her teaching career, she is continuing to make well-informed decisions that will help her as she moves towards a full-time coaching role.

Thank you so much Jane – I totally owe you one- or rather, two!!

Thank you for your generosity and your thoughtfulness.

Please join me on the playground again next week – and I promise I will press record – for my next fabulous mystery guest and another insightful career chat.

If we are not yet connected on Instagram, please follow me at puddlejumpcoaching001. Please remember to check out the beautiful animals at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London – the website is in the show notes and those wonderful souls are looking for a forever home.

Until next week, please be good to yourself, to others, the animals, and the world. Looking forward to the next episode when we will jump into the future together.

Links:

Jane Woods | LinkedIn

Home - The Lazarus Consultancy

〰️ Mildred (Visible Woman) Talabi MCIPR | LinkedIn

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

All About Black Dog Syndrome (thesprucepets.com)

Victoria brings that same dedication, knowledge, and commitment to both her architectural design business and now to her hypnotherapy training and practice.

From Ukraine with stops in Cyprus and Saskatchewan along the way, Victoria is now happy to be living in Ottawa with such natural beauty around her.  

I appreciate learning about hypnotherapy as a solution for unlocking potential for self-discovery and understanding the difference between stage hypnosis where you see someone clucking like a chicken and what it really is – an important opportunity to access the subconscious mind, where traumas and issues can lie dormant.

Victoria’s quote - What does not kill you makes you stronger is all about resilience and reinvention. Powerful words that can offer strength and courage during the most difficult of times – including during our pivots.

Big thanks to Victoria and please stay tuned for next week’s fabulous mystery guest for another inspiring and insightful career chat.

Please remember to follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and check out Ottawa Dog Rescue to learn more about Lizzy and other beautiful adoptable souls. Happy Birthday Ottawa Dog Rescue!

Until next week, find joy in your moments and be good to yourself, to each other, the animals and the world.

See you again next week when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Home | VDesignZ // Victoria Zamchevska Designs

Holland's Theory of Career Choice — Career Advice | Career Key

InnerRealm Hypnotherapy | hypnotherapy

www.freefromlimerence.com

Canadian Hypnosis Association

Cyprus

Ukraine

Slava Ukraini

Ottawa Dog Rescue: Homepage - Ottawa Dog Rescue (otowndogrescue.com)

Getting to work with Rocky with the Empowering Newcomer Women (ENW) program at World Skills is a joy. He is kind, thoughtful and really knows his stuff.

Rocky grew up and went to school in Nigeria and shared his appreciation of boarding school and his town of Warri. We learned of his journey to university and what his career was like after he graduated.

We spoke about the value of having an effective teacher, and the significance of being in the right headspace when it comes to making decisions.

As it is Rocky’s first Ottawa winter, I could not help but give him some cold weather fashion advice. 😊

He lives by the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have done unto you. Deliberate, analytical, and with a strong dedication to providing exceptional customer service, I am really glad he found his first job in Canada at World Skills.

Thank you so much for hanging out with us Rocky – and sharing your story.

Please join me and my fabulous mystery guest on next week’s episode and if you have not yet connected with me on Instagram please follow me at puddlejumpcoaching001.

Remember if you are looking to adopt a wonderful dog, please check out BARK to see which beautiful souls may be ready for adoption on their website.

Until next time, please be good to yourself, to others and the planet. See you next week when we will jump into the future together.

Links:

Nigeria

Warri

Rocky Ehoh on LinkedIn

B.A.R.K. Ottawa

Anu’s story from India to the US back to India and finally to Ottawa, Canada is a tale of people, culture and food.

We learned what it was like to leave her support system and move to a new country with no idea of what is happening around you. Could you imagine – leaving everything behind and not knowing how to manage your new life in your new home?

But as Anu shared, the key is to take one challenge at a time, and to always keep moving ahead.

When she and husband realized that living in the US was not working for them at the time, they made the decision to go back to India as it was the right move for their young family.

She consistently demonstrates the importance of self-awareness, and when they moved back to India they felt it was not the right place for them and made the decision to move to Canada. Like many immigrants, they chose Canada to provide a better opportunity for their family.

After she arrived her in Ottawa 6 years ago she went about to find her place and began adjusting to life as a newcomer. She was finding her place, integrating and adjusting.

With no connections nor resources, she found herself at a local community resource centre. She discovered a network of people focused on providing dignified solutions to food insecure people in the community. Once again she learned that food connects people, and it has no borders.

Even while working at her survival job, she was a dedicated volunteer who was committed to joining others in giving back and helping make a difference in the community.

Her passion to help others fueled the creation of Nutrition Blocs, a social enterprise whose mission it is to design, develop and deliver food programs that directly address food insecurity needs in our communities by increasing access to fresh, nutritious and culturally-appropriate meals to all Ottawans. This is like a second child for Anu and her husband, Abhijit Potdar.

Anu is most proud of being to set an example for her son and the next generation of newcomers. Her advice – never give up, and at the same time be rooted.

We share a love of the Rumi quote – that which you are seeking is seeking you, and she embodies another favourite quote from Ghandi – be the change you wish you see in the world.

And if Anu’s volunteerism has whet your appetite for volunteering, some important organizations are included in the show notes.  

Anu really IS the change we all wish to see in the world, and I could not be happier that her journey has brought her and her family to Ottawa.

Thanks so much Anu for hanging out with us on the playground today, and I am looking forward to welcoming another fabulous mystery guest on the next episode.

Just a reminder to follow me on IG at puddlejumpcoaching001 and to check out @rockroadresuce for more information about Pie and Pumpkin and other wonderfully adoptable souls.

Until next time, be good, be kind and always be the change you wish to see in the world. See you on the playground again next week, when we will jump into the future together.

Home - Ottawa Food Bank

Help Feed Ottawa Families in Need I Donate or Volunteer - Food For Thought

Anupama (Anu) Potdar | LinkedIn

Nutrition Blocs

Founder and President of Food for Thought – Sylvain de Margerie

Thank you so much for sharing your journey of experiences with us Anu!

Anu’s story from India to the US back to India and finally to Ottawa, Canada is a tale of people, culture and food.

We learned what it was like to leave her support system and move to a new country with no idea of what is happening around you. Could you imagine – leaving everything behind and not knowing how to manage your new life in your new home?

But as Anu shared, the key is to take one challenge at a time, and to always keep moving ahead.

When she and husband realized that living in the US was not working for them at the time, they made the decision to go back to India as it was the right move for their young family.

She consistently demonstrates the importance of self-awareness, and when they moved back to India they felt it was not the right place for them and made the decision to move to Canada. Like many immigrants, they chose Canada to provide a better opportunity for their family.

After she arrived her in Ottawa 6 years ago she went about to find her place and began adjusting to life as a newcomer. She was finding her place, integrating and adjusting.

With no connections nor resources, she found herself at a local community resource centre. She discovered a network of people focused on providing dignified solutions to food insecure people in the community. Once again she learned that food connects people, and it has no borders.

Even while working at her survival job, she was a dedicated volunteer who was committed to joining others in giving back and helping make a difference in the community.

Her passion to help others fueled the creation of Nutrition Blocs, a social enterprise whose mission it is to design, develop and deliver food programs that directly address food insecurity needs in our communities by increasing access to fresh, nutritious and culturally-appropriate meals to all Ottawans. This is like a second child for Anu and her husband, Abhijit Potdar.

Anu is most proud of being to set an example for her son and the next generation of newcomers. Her advice – never give up, and at the same time be rooted.

We share a love of the Rumi quote – that which you are seeking is seeking you, and she embodies another favourite quote from Ghandi – be the change you wish you see in the world.

And if Anu’s volunteerism has whet your appetite for volunteering, some important organizations are included in the show notes.  

Anu really IS the change we all wish to see in the world, and I could not be happier that her journey has brought her and her family to Ottawa.

Thanks so much Anu for hanging out with us on the playground today, and I am looking forward to welcoming another fabulous mystery guest on the next episode.

Just a reminder to follow me on IG at puddlejumpcoaching001 and to check out @rockroadresuce for more information about Pie and Pumpkin and other wonderfully adoptable souls.

Until next time, be good, be kind and always be the change you wish to see in the world. See you on the playground again next week, when we will jump into the future together.

Home - Ottawa Food Bank

Help Feed Ottawa Families in Need I Donate or Volunteer - Food For Thought

Anupama (Anu) Potdar | LinkedIn

Nutrition Blocs

Founder and President of Food for Thought – Sylvain de Margerie

World Skills Employment Centre

Rocky Road Rescue

I am thankful she is here, and I am so happy that she felt Canada was the place for her to raise her son in  safety and stability.

I usually recap the main points from the chat, but honestly I can’t do her story justice. She is truly an inspiration and I channel my inner Inanna whenever I am too exhausted or feeling really low. I think about everything she has accomplished in her life – even and especially through living in and escaping from not just one war-torn country.

Our chat was intense and shed a light on the realities that millions of people are living through at this moment. So next time you hear the word refugee, think of living in insecurity and instability. Think of being forced to flee your home country, your house, your friends, and maybe every your family.

Think of the fact that for many refugees they don’t choose Canada. They are just thankful to escape the dangers which could even lead to imprisonment or death.

Inanna is articulate, determined, focused and intelligent. I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her. One thing is for sure – I am really glad she is here in Canada with us.

Thank you so much my dear!

Like Swami in his interview a few episodes ago, Rodrigo takes us on a history and geography lesson of his country.

We learn about the school system in Bogota, and his decision to study political science and not law. We  also get a look at his foray into the publishing world.

Faced with the dilemma of continuing to publish a non-revenue generating paper or finding a job, Rodrigo was offered a teaching opportunity as an assistant professor.

He took another opportunity to get his master’s degree in journalism, and the transition from writing more academic papers like policies to journalism. He quickly discovered why his newspaper failed. He was in his 20s and while studying to get his master’s, he was working at the university, then a magazine, and the found a job as a journalist.

In addition to all this work in his 20s, he was also getting to party with his friends, and when he met his wife. And even though he was working exceptionally long hours, he really loved that time of his life because he was loving what he was doing, eventually leaving journalism and focusing on a career in public policy.

Before they had started dating, his wife had applied to come to Canada on a skilled workers permit. For Rodrigo, he was happy in Colombia. Plans changed when his wife became pregnant. He realized he did not want to live there with his child, instead preferring to raise his family in Canada, a more stable and secure country.

He tells us that after moving to Canada in 2018, he and his family were shocked by the tornado that hit the national capital area just two weeks later.

Determined to find work in political science, he was discouraged by fellow Latin immigrants from pursing this goal. He explained that he is an office guy and does not have a natural inclination or aptitude for a job in construction.

He recognized that he would only be happy if he got to do what he wanted. We spoke about the different reasons people would be advising him to get a survival job, and the opportunities that newcomers have when it comes to reinventing themselves by changing their careers to something that offers them more satisfaction.

The advice he gives other immigrants is that yes, it is hard, starting over is not impossible, and that they can also follow their dreams geographically. He also shared the importance of having his English level assessed through IELTS so he could study project management at Algonquin College.

He became a mentee in OCISO’s career mentorship program, and his mentor showed him the link between project management and both the public sector and non-government organizations (NGOs) that work with the government.

His mentor, Leonore Evans, also suggested that getting a project management certification may move him closer to his goal of finding a job in his field, rather than getting another master’s degree. He is grateful for that new perspective.

With her support, he found his first non-survival job with OC Transpo where he was able to meet a lot of people who worked in the city of Ottawa. It was his training in project management that led him to secure the project coordinator position with the Community Economic Development team at OCISO, where we were colleagues.

But then a year after working at OCISO he found an opportunity in public policy. He shared what he loves about his career, and we had a good chat about the types of governments there are in the world, and what would happen if more women were in positions of power.

His motivating words – from Thomas Aquinas are – I fear the man of a single book. This means our education needs to be well-rounded, and we need to have a broader range of perspectives than a more narrow mind. Essentially the world is not black and white, it is full of grey and we need to be comfortable navigating this....]]>Thank you so much Rodrigo! I loved this introduction to Bogota, Colombia!

Like Swami in his interview a few episodes ago, Rodrigo takes us on a history and geography lesson of his country.

We learn about the school system in Bogota, and his decision to study political science and not law. We  also get a look at his foray into the publishing world.

Faced with the dilemma of continuing to publish a non-revenue generating paper or finding a job, Rodrigo was offered a teaching opportunity as an assistant professor.

He took another opportunity to get his master’s degree in journalism, and the transition from writing more academic papers like policies to journalism. He quickly discovered why his newspaper failed. He was in his 20s and while studying to get his master’s, he was working at the university, then a magazine, and the found a job as a journalist.

In addition to all this work in his 20s, he was also getting to party with his friends, and when he met his wife. And even though he was working exceptionally long hours, he really loved that time of his life because he was loving what he was doing, eventually leaving journalism and focusing on a career in public policy.

Before they had started dating, his wife had applied to come to Canada on a skilled workers permit. For Rodrigo, he was happy in Colombia. Plans changed when his wife became pregnant. He realized he did not want to live there with his child, instead preferring to raise his family in Canada, a more stable and secure country.

He tells us that after moving to Canada in 2018, he and his family were shocked by the tornado that hit the national capital area just two weeks later.

Determined to find work in political science, he was discouraged by fellow Latin immigrants from pursing this goal. He explained that he is an office guy and does not have a natural inclination or aptitude for a job in construction.

He recognized that he would only be happy if he got to do what he wanted. We spoke about the different reasons people would be advising him to get a survival job, and the opportunities that newcomers have when it comes to reinventing themselves by changing their careers to something that offers them more satisfaction.

The advice he gives other immigrants is that yes, it is hard, starting over is not impossible, and that they can also follow their dreams geographically. He also shared the importance of having his English level assessed through IELTS so he could study project management at Algonquin College.

He became a mentee in OCISO’s career mentorship program, and his mentor showed him the link between project management and both the public sector and non-government organizations (NGOs) that work with the government.

His mentor, Leonore Evans, also suggested that getting a project management certification may move him closer to his goal of finding a job in his field, rather than getting another master’s degree. He is grateful for that new perspective.

With her support, he found his first non-survival job with OC Transpo where he was able to meet a lot of people who worked in the city of Ottawa. It was his training in project management that led him to secure the project coordinator position with the Community Economic Development team at OCISO, where we were colleagues.

But then a year after working at OCISO he found an opportunity in public policy. He shared what he loves about his career, and we had a good chat about the types of governments there are in the world, and what would happen if more women were in positions of power.

His motivating words – from Thomas Aquinas are – I fear the man of a single book. This means our education needs to be well-rounded, and we need to have a broader range of perspectives than a more narrow mind. Essentially the world is not black and white, it is full of grey and we need to be comfortable navigating this.

Thank you so much Rodrigo for sharing your journey with us on the playground today, and I am very much looking forward to what’s next in your career!

Links:

Rodrigo Barbosa | LinkedIn

Career Mentorship - OCISO

Best places to visit in Colombia - Lonely Planet

We're hiring! | OC Transpo

Saint Thomas Aquinas: Biography, Life, Philosophy & Theology

A self-declared nerd, Asma told us about her focus on getting good grades and her desire to obtain her Ph.D., switching her major to engineering, even with all of the people around her telling her that engineering is not for women, and questioning what she was going to do afterwards.

She shared that even though she graduated with top marks, it was challenging (to say the least) to be looking for an engineering role as a woman. She started her career with Aramco and was there for almost 20 years.

We learned about the importance of having a sponsor, someone who can be a mentor and vouch for you, and we learned that Asma was the first female engineer to work in a refinery in Saudi Arabia. Thankfully, she opened the doors for many women who followed in her footsteps.

She spoke of creating Asma’s Table, a cooking experience all about creating community. After a successful 6 years in Saudi Arabia, she has brought Asma’s Table to Ottawa. As someone who always enjoyed cooking and experimenting with food, Asma pivoted in the most delicious way!

Big thanks to Asma for inspiring us with her journey and her amazing cooking experiences with Asma’s Table.

Links:

asma's table (asmastable.com) – please check out her website for more information about her upcoming October 28th cooking experience highlighting the humble pumpkin.

Asma Tahlawi, PhD. | LinkedIn

Imperial College London

Visit Saudi - Visit

Saudi Official Website

We tackled the big topics – systemic racism, DEI programs, fear, parenting. I shared a truly life-changing conversation that not only changed my life but informed my present and my future. We talked about the importance of seeing colour – and the reality of what “not seeing colour” means and how that mindset needs to change. We do need to see and acknowledge colour – and we need more of these kinds of conversations.

While we both realize we can’t revolutionize the world we can both do what we can to dismantle the system so that it can be re-created in a way that is truly equal and equitable for everyone.

She spoke about burnout and how her mid-life crisis was critical in her need to slow down, take a step back and realize she did not have to go along with what society projects for her.

Apart from being very proud of her daughters and giving them the freedom and autonomy to find their way in the world, she is proud of herself for finding her own voice and listening to her intuition.

She describes herself as a human being with a soul operating in a body with African mixed with European heritage. We spoke of what it is like to be feminine within a masculine system.  

Daphné is discovering she is an artist, loves human history and learning about peoples’ stories.  She spoke of Africa’s rich history that predates colonization and uses history as a story line in her workshops to facilitate a better understanding of the history behind the concept of diversity, equity and inclusion.

What’s next for Daphné? Psychology, helping find themselves, teaching, the French language. The bottom line is that she wants to be able to create a better life for the generations following her.

One for thing is for sure – if we had known each other as when we were girls, Daphné and I would have been friends, and it is awesome that we get to hang out on the playground together now. Both of us have always sought salvation and comfort in books and appreciate the human condition and journeys.

I am so grateful for this time we spent together, and our chat made me think of a favourite quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience.”

My big thanks for Daphné for sharing her thoughts and feelings with me – with us – and I am looking forward to welcoming my next fabulous mystery guest on next week’s episode.

Meanwhile, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001, and if you would like to read my book “Sex, Self-Esteem & Sheer Stupidity  Surviving Your 20s and Beyond” to learn more about what Daphné was talking about, you can find it on Amazon.

Wishing you a week of security, authenticity and following your intuition. See you on the playground next time, when we will jump into the future together.

Links:

Marie-Daphné on LinkedIn

Afro-Queen Consulting

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

The Guide on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; An Essential Tool

Thank you so Daphné for joining me on the playground today and bringing your beautiful, open and authentic self.

We tackled the big topics – systemic racism, DEI programs, fear, parenting. I shared a truly life-changing conversation that not only changed my life but informed my present and my future. We talked about the importance of seeing colour – and the reality of what “not seeing colour” means and how that mindset needs to change. We do need to see and acknowledge colour – and we need more of these kinds of conversations.

While we both realize we can’t revolutionize the world we can both do what we can to dismantle the system so that it can be re-created in a way that is truly equal and equitable for everyone.

She spoke about burnout and how her mid-life crisis was critical in her need to slow down, take a step back and realize she did not have to go along with what society projects for her.

Apart from being very proud of her daughters and giving them the freedom and autonomy to find their way in the world, she is proud of herself for finding her own voice and listening to her intuition.

She describes herself as a human being with a soul operating in a body with African mixed with European heritage. We spoke of what it is like to be feminine within a masculine system.  

Daphné is discovering she is an artist, loves human history and learning about peoples’ stories.  She spoke of Africa’s rich history that predates colonization and uses history as a story line in her workshops to facilitate a better understanding of the history behind the concept of diversity, equity and inclusion.

What’s next for Daphné? Psychology, helping find themselves, teaching, the French language. The bottom line is that she wants to be able to create a better life for the generations following her.

One for thing is for sure – if we had known each other as when we were girls, Daphné and I would have been friends, and it is awesome that we get to hang out on the playground together now. Both of us have always sought salvation and comfort in books and appreciate the human condition and journeys.

I am so grateful for this time we spent together, and our chat made me think of a favourite quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience.”

My big thanks for Daphné for sharing her thoughts and feelings with me – with us – and I am looking forward to welcoming my next fabulous mystery guest on next week’s episode.

Meanwhile, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001, and if you would like to read my book “Sex, Self-Esteem & Sheer Stupidity  Surviving Your 20s and Beyond” to learn more about what Daphné was talking about, you can find it on Amazon.

Wishing you a week of security, authenticity and following your intuition. See you on the playground next time, when we will jump into the future together.

Links:

Marie-Daphné on LinkedIn

Afro-Queen Consulting

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

The Guide on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; An Essential Tool

Sex, Self-Esteem & Sheer Stupidity   Surviving Your 20s and Beyond

Our career chat included a lot. Ben spoke about belonging, culture and identity, and what it was like being typecast as the Asian kid in his cohort. We talked about the smart vs sexy Asian stereotypes, and what it meant to suppress your feels.

He spoke candidly about his mental health crisis, and his need to leave home as a result of disagreements with his father. And he also spoke about how his future career was impacted by his financial challenges, and how he closed doors to his future by turning down archeological opportunities.

We talked about what it was like to be living someone else’s dream, not his own, and what it was like to be motivated by fear. I shared one of my favourite quotes from the character Robert California in the American version of The Office – “Fear plays an interesting role in our lives. How dare we let it motivate us? How dare we let it into our decision-making, into our livelihoods, into our relationships?”

Speaking of fear, Ben also spoke about the role of anger in his life, and how it masked the presence and the motivation of fear.

We also touched on the reward that came for being his authentic self during his job interview with the government, and the ensuing leave without pay he took for his self-imposed exile.

We discussed the imposter syndrome, and his motivating words “it was in the unlearning that I learned the most”.

Thank you Ben for giving me a lot to think about, consider and reflect on. I appreciate your honesty and openness in sharing your career and life journey, and wish you the very best as they continue to unfold.

Speaking of the very best, I am so excited to invite you to hang out on the playground with me again next week. My mystery guest is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to introduce you to her.

Please remember to tell a friend (or more) about the podcast. And if you would like to share your story on the playground, please do send me an email at tonya@puddlejumpcoaching.com.

Until next time, I wish you a beautiful week of learning and unlearning. See you again on the playground next week, when we will jump into the future together.

Ben Park on LinkedIn

David and Mary Thompson Collegiate Institute

Scarborough

unassuming grace: Lessons from the Little Things in Life by Richard D. Patterson

One thing that really resonated with me was the importance of travel, growth and getting out his comfort zone.

By going to university in Australia he was able to meet people from all over the world, learn about different cultures and discover different ways of doing things.

His Australian experience prepared him for making the leap to Canada, and knowing that although it would be hard, it would not be impossible.

I love to hear that while he was developing his career (isn’t that much better than “looking for work” or “job searching”) he was getting out and meeting people. I would have never thought of recommending Invest Ottawa to people who are not entrepreneurs, but what a fantastic idea!

His positive and helpful nature is infectious, and he brings a lot of value to the CRA and the Canadian government. I loved his Hindi phrase – let’s see whatever happens. Just go for it, and let’s see what happens!

I am excited for his future and will be watching as his career continues to develop right here in his new home of Ottawa, Canada.

My thanks to Swami!

I am also excited to invite you to meet me on the playground again next week for another insightful career conversation with another awesome mystery guest.

Please remember to connect with me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001, and like Swami says, let’s see whatever happens.

Have an adventurous week, and see you on the playground, when we will jump into the future together.

Show Links:

Swaminathan Krishnamurthi | LinkedIn

Murdoch University

India - The World Factbook (cia.gov)

Lead Economic Development Agency | Invest Ottawa

I really appreciate her sharing her career journey with us – and seeing how her leadership skills were identified and appreciated at an early age by her teachers, and when she did not get into the Ukrainian parliamentary internship program, she decided to apply to the international relations program at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine.

I was going to say she found herself working at the UN Refugee Agency, (UNHCR) but that’s not the case. She did not FIND herself doing that. She intentionally and purposefully created this opportunity for herself. She worked hard throughout her life, focusing on the positive things that she experienced, and felt (feels) gratitude for everything she has. She does not take anything for granted.

I love that it was her dream, her purpose, her everything to get back to Canada, and she never gave up her dream. She also did not waste her waiting time – she took that time to gain valuable experience to help build her future career in Canada.

She found a quote from Arthur Ashe that she feels best sums up her attitude – start where you are, use what you have and do what you can.

She is doing just that in her in role as Program Officer with the Canadian government. She is making a conscious contribution to the Canadian family by using her skills, experiences, and strengths to make a difference every day.

You can feel her positive attitude, the joy and gratitude she exudes throughout the conversation and you can see why I wanted to have a career chat with her on the playground – because she’s amazing!

Big thanks to Maryna!

And remember, if we are not already connected, I invite you to become a Puddle Jumper and follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001!

Please join me on the playground again for next week’s inspiring mystery guest, and until then, I wish you a beautiful week. Remember to start where you are, use what you have and do what you can. Until next time, when we will jump into the future together!

Links

Maryna Pavel on LinkedIn

Slava Ukraini!

Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine

Arthur Ashe (the author of the quote)

Amidst much laughter, there was a lot of sharing stories of career decisions, the role of luck and privilege in constructing our careers, and while no real motivational quotes were shared, Fabrizio did explain his concept of values.

I love how Fab shared not just the subjects he studied, but his reasons why he chose them.

He reflected on perhaps the “wrong” reasons he chose that particular path and how a lucky twist of fate helped him create a career he loves and finds meaningful.

His pivots included graduating with a master’s degree into a world in recession, which makes me think of the students who graduated during the pandemic years – also a very challenging time for many people.

He took that opportunity to expand on his thesis and graduated with his Ph.D. A recurring theme throughout his career – why not?

Not, as we discussed, because of a specific passion.

But he had been active throughout his university years, travelling across Europe with the organization he was part of.

He met a lot of people throughout his career, moved VERY far out of his comfort zone, and as his career developed, was able to understand the meaning of everything he had studied because it mattered to people (in developing countries especially) in a very profound way.

Although (and not surprisingly) he did not have a motivational quote or words that he lives by, he did share his trifecta of overarching values – do good for others, do good for yourself, and use your brain.

And what is he most proud of in his career? Connections.

I thank Fab for connecting with us today and for always being open to connecting with the people I introduce him too.

Please do join me for next week’s mystery guest and once again, get ready to be inspired! Until then, please follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 so that WE can connect!

Wishing you a wonderful week – and remember to do good for others, do good for yourself and use your brain. Until next week, when we will jump into the future together.

Links to what we talked about today:

Fabrizio Valenti on LinkedIn

KSAR Consulting Group

Sierre Leone

Rome

Bangladesh

Jakarta

United Nations Development Program

International Labour Organization

Save the Children

International Development Research Centre

Delhi

Like many newcomers, Ki arrived in Canada with a strong academic background, but still found it nearly impossible to find employment. Even with Canadian academic experience, and even after sending out over 300 resumes, he took the only job opportunity he was offered – in a province about 1,500 km away from where he was living.

When he returned to Ontario, with a short stint of Canadian experience on his resume, he applied to 20 jobs and heard from 10.

He spoke about the importance of loving yourself, and being patient, brave and positive. He also spoke of the need to be open to change and maintain a sense of openness.

He has a family and a full-time job with the CRA, and on top of this, Ki is a lovely man. Thanks so much!

Please remember to share the podcast with a buddy who may be looking for some inspiration, and please join me and my next mystery guest on the next episode of the Playground Project.

Links we spoke about today:

South Korea

Ki Jung on LinkedIn

Indiana University Bloomington

Canadian Revenue Agency

Giant Tiger

Here’s what I am taking away from our career chat:

1)  Die empty – we need to truly live so that when

we die, we have nothing left. Everything we have, everything we are, has been shared with the world, to make the world a better place for us have been here.

2)   Life is best understood looking at it backwards, but we must live it looking forward. We may not understand the lessons we are being taught at the time, but over time things will make sense.

3)   Life – and our careers – needs focus, consistency, commitment, structure and a sense of maturity.

4)   Being a leader means knowing when you need to be structured and when you need to pivot to stay alive or ahead of the market.

5)  Service. Leadership. Education.

I really appreciate Ayo spending his time with us today, and I invite you to spend some time with me on the playground next week as I welcome another fabulous mystery guest. You know by now that I have incredible guests because I have awesome people in my world. I want to listen and share their stories so to inspire, educate, motivate and maybe even change some lives.

Thank you for spending your time with me on the playground, and I invite you to follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 if you have not followed me yet! And please connect!

Until our next visit on the playground, I wish you a week of beauty, love, and positivity. See you next week when we will jump into the future together.

Here’s what we talked about on the podcast today:

Lagos,Nigeria

Rider University

Ayo Owodunni on LinkedIn

Conestoga College

Councillor Ayo Owodunni

Inclusive Leadership - The Immigrant View- Ayo’s book!!

We learned the importance of compassion in leadership, leading by example, the power of resilience and the need to embrace solutions, not problems.

Michael spoke of his newest gig, Professor of Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs at Sheridan College. Lucky students! He also shared with us his feelings of not having everything figured out yet, to which I say – I hear you.

Michael is one of the most generous people I know. Whenever I ask if I can introduce him to a mentee, a student, a newcomer or a fellow colleague, he is always open to this and very gracious. He is an amazing mentor and I had a fantastic time supporting him and his mentees through the years.

As a tax payer, I am confident that Health Canada is heading in the right direction with Michael Giosefffi as part of the team. I am excited for his future because I know he has so much to contribute, and when it happens, his team will be exceptionally lucky to have him as their manager.

So, thank you Michael, for your honesty, authenticity and being real with us on the playground today.

And you know, I am really looking forward to welcoming my next mystery guest on next week’s episode. We are going to have a lot of fun just hanging out on the playground, so please do join us!

Please remember to follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and do subscribe or follow the podcast!

I love hanging out with you, and until next time, when we will jump into the future – together!

 Michael Gioseffi, MScHQ | LinkedIn

Sheridan College

Health Canada

Charity Village Career Assessment Tool

She shared her career journey in such a wholehearted and authentic way, and I appreciate her honesty and thoughtful answers.

We learned about her positive attitude to life, her dedication to being present in her life, and what that means to her.

She spoke about the challenges she experienced throughout her career, and how everything led her to where she now – the owner of Talk Tools Training and Psychotherapy here in Ottawa, Canada.

She really is an amazing person, and I am so thrilled she was able to spend some time with us.

I am super excited about next week’s mystery guest, and I am looking forward to having a fantastic chat together.

Until then, please have a wholehearted week filled with growth and gratitude. Please do follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 and until next week, when we will jump into the future together!

Links

Talk Tools Training and Psychotherapy

Breanna Pizzuto on LinkedIn

Yorkville University

Community Employment Resource Centre (CERC)

University of Ottawa

How to use a vision board

Canva – how to make a vision board

During our conversation we learned of Mona’s journey to Ottawa and the challenges of being a child of new immigrants who were doing their best to navigate a new life in an entirely new country.

She spoke of the teachers who supported her and the one who questioned her ability to succeed.

Mona shared with us how transitioned from high school to playing house, and how she eventually became a single parent of three kids.

She spoke of her academic training which took some time and how she created her life as a director of the Y Employment Services.

She shared the difficulty and realities of having numerous side hustles and the ultimate exhaustion her body felt.

She told us about the sacrifices she made along the way – like selling her home which actually offered her the freedom to pursue her dream of helping people reach their entrepreneurial and life goals.

Her motivational quote is by Rumi – What you seek is seeking you.” It has inspired Mona to go after her dream and create the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub - the ultimate resource hub for all Black entrepreneurs in Ottawa.

I have heard such amazing things about Mona over the years, and getting to have a chat with her on the playground is just the beginning. Thanks so much for being part of it!!

Please remember to follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 – and get ready for next week’s chat on the playground. I think I am the luckiest woman in the world to be surrounded by such an amazing community. Please join me on the playground next week for another fabulous career chat with an awesome mystery guest!

Wishing you a week filled with freedom, authenticity and grace. Until next week, when we will jump into the future together.

Resources we talked about:

Mona Abow on LInkedIn

Chnge Mker Hub | We Support Local Black Entrepreneurs

Employment | The Ottawa YMCA

We talked about so much - like we usually do. 

We talked about what it is like being a member of a racialized community, and her values of balance, integrity and compassion. 

She also shared with us two very important questions she asks herself - 

1) What if things went well?

2) What if you succeed, even in the midst of fear? 

I hope you are feeling inspired and excited about my career conversation with Tatanisha, and here are links to the many different things we spoke about:

Tatanisha Riggan on LinkedIn

Charter for Compassion

Happier Kinder Together | Action for Happiness

Algonquin College

Home | University of Ottawa (uottawa.ca)

Home - ONE Hub (onehubottawa.ca)

Online Assessments (truecolorsintl.com)

Tatanisha Riggan, RSSW, B.Sc. (@usawamindfulness) • Instagram photos and videos

Looking forward to next week's mystery guest - and even more inspiration!

We learned about his master’s project which focused on helping newcomers to develop communication skills to help them integrate more effectively into the labour market. Learning English allows newcomers to have more meaningful conversations with their coworkers, have effective communication with their managers and customers.

The transition from his master’s project to working at the Community Economic Development department at OCISO, an immigrant serving organization in Ottawa.

Back in the day, Alexis did not know what he wanted to be when he grew up, but he found inspiration in his father. Although his dad was a teacher and a musician, Alexis himself was a bit unfocused with a few competing priorities in his life.

He shared the joy he gets from being a rockstar in the classroom (because he is!) and by being able to help teach his students.  He also learned that you can always change professions in your life. You can always pivot.

We talked about what motivates him, and what he values. He also told us that espouses the idea that life is too short to be excellent at everything, you can try things and don’t have to perfect.

He is a dj, a photographer, a musician, a teacher, a husband, a dad and one very cool guy!

Thanks for sharing your journey and hanging out with us on the

playground Alexis!

Until next week, when we jump into the future together.

Links to resources mentioned in the podcast:

Alexis Domínguez Ochoa | LinkedIn

Carleton University - Ottawa, Canada

We learned of his journey from Lebanon to Ottawa, and how he discovered his purpose, created his plan, and has been able to pivot.

He shared his values, his motivation and his desire to always be learning. He also shared a favourite quote from Carl Jung - "No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell."

Zein is a wonderful person, and the world is a better place because of him. 

Thanks so much my friend!

Links:

Zein Abboud | LinkedIn

Lebanese American University (lau.edu.lb)

Department of Criminology | Faculty of Social Sciences (uottawa.ca)

Victimology - Police & Public Safety Institute (algonquincollege.com)

OCISO

We learned about what drives Adam, right now as the CEO of BGC Ottawa and has since he was a young person. He loves what he does, and believes he has his dream job.

Being able to provide a source of support/advice/safety/fun and friendship to young people has been a passion for Adam essentially all his life.

He has taken this drive and passion and created a wonderful environment that both staff and clients want to be part of.

He is intentional, authentic, emotionally intelligent, reflective, and inspiring.

He believes that we stand on the shoulders of the people before us, and the need to elevate others. His advice in finding your purpose and your passion is “find something that makes you feel good but also makes others feel great.”

Adam, mission accomplished!

Thank you so much for this honest and insightful career chat. :)

Links to Resources:

BGC Ottawa

Algonquin

College Social Service Worker program

CERC (formerly the

Youth Employment Resource Centre)

Homework Club at the BGC

BGC Canada

Forty Under 40 (check out 27:10 when they announce Adam – it’s so cool!)

In today's career chat, we learned about the many pivots he has had to make throughout his educational life in Afghanistan, and once he immigrated to Canada with his family.

I am struck by his intelligence, transferrable skills, determination, focus, resilience, positivity and motivation.

Working with Mohd Khalid was always a treat, and whenever we got to connect, he made me feel so respected and appreciated.

I am so glad he and his family are now able to call Canada their new home. We are a better country because of this!

Links to things we talked about:

Afghanistan

Kankor

Becoming a Canadian citizen

World Education Services

Carleton University International Affairs

Persian language

Pashto language

Settlement at OCISO

Rumi

After hearing him talk about it, I realize that he has been so strategic over the years, so resilient, dynamic and has always kept moving forward.

If you too are interested in pursuing a career in the high tech field - you are going to love this career chat!

Thanks for joining Garry and me on the playground!

Links:

CNIB

Canadian Blood Services

Nortel

McGill University

Carleton University

What happens when you found your purpose, created a plan and then had to pivot? 

Join our guests on the playground as they talk about their career journeys and what's coming next for them. 

Loreto (Ortiz) Cheyne | LinkedIn

Printed greeting cards by Loreto Cheyne (@sassygreetingcards) | Instagram

That which does not kill us, makes us stronger - Friedrich Nietzsche

Advice for young people – just try something, and you don't have to be dedicated to one career.

It was great to hear about Kristina’s career journey, going from retail management to a position in the federal government.  

We heard about her desire to give back and help other people find their way in and through the government.

The benefits of adopting a growth mindset and always being open to a challenge. :)

Thank you so much for sharing your career journey, Kristina!

Learn about her journey from Iran to Ottawa (with a couple of stops in between), and her career development journey to employment counsellor and job search workshop facilitator. 

Hear about the challenges and realities of being a newcomer to Canada when literally everything is foreign to you.

Having employment counsellors like Zahra truly make a difference to the people who choose to make Ottawa their home.

They, and all her colleagues, are very grateful for her!

Resources discussed on the playground today:

Zahra Karimi | LinkedIn

OCISO

McGill University

Home | University of Ottawa (uottawa.ca)

Home Page: Y Employment Services | YMCA of the National Capital Region (ymcaottawa-eac.ca)

John C. Maxwell quote: When values, thoughts, feelings, and ... (libquotes.com)

Chats like this completely nurture my soul, and here are some key takeaways from today's episode:

You know the feeling of confidence, when your body just stands taller, and you feel invincible? That’s the idea behind Strut 4 Success.

Confident and capable to navigate the twists and turns of a career. Careers are not necessarily linear – not everyone navigates towards a career occupation like a doctor, engineer, lawyer etc.

It's not about comparing yourself or your career to other people. It's about having conversations and connecting with others and yourself. It's trying things out, respecting your magic, listening to your journey and being open. Being open to evolution and transformation, and different ways of doing things.

Remember the chat with Diana Montgomery where we learned about the 3 ps - purpose, plan and pivot.

What's next for Anna?

Whatever it is, she is along for the ride, and is deliciously excited. :)

Resources:

HOME (strut4success.com)

(1) Anna Gordon | LinkedIn

Home - Project Neutral

Talk Tools Training

(2) Breanna Pizzuto | LinkedIn

HOME - canfitpro

Zumba - Classes, Instructor Trainings, and Apparel

During our chat Dan spoke about his desire to try to marry his passion with his livelihood, and how he was able to create a 12-year career selling Ferraris and getting a master class in what true success means to him.

He identified early on that he wanted a healthy work/life balance, something that people never talked about when he started his career. He knew his priorities and build his personal and professional life around them.

Dan defines what happiness means to him, and why running around with dogs instead of selling Ferraris is just as meaningful and important to him.

Spend a day with Dan and learn how he uses his understanding and knowledge of dogs to create a wonderful experience for both the dogs and the people who love them.

Much appreciate his time and his thoughtful words.

Links:

http://www.bunkerhillkennel.com/

Dan Kizner on LinkedIn - Daniel Kizner | LinkedIn

She loved this experience and created a family-atmosphere in the workplace. But as can happen in life, one person came and essentially destroyed everything that Sharon had built throughout her career.

Remember the theme of the last episode? Purpose, plan and pivot.

Today's magical words:

1) Leadership - it is innate. You can hone it, but it is something that is naturally there.

2) Believing in yourself.

3) Creating confidence/inspiring loyalty/demonstrating dedication.

4) Reliability - people believing in you.

5) The importance of communication.

6) People trusted her/she is relatable.

7) She sees the goodness in people.

8) She is authentic and genuine.

9) She has a strong belief in helping others.

10) Building community is essential to her, and she knows how to do it.

11) She has always been intentional in making a difference - no matter how young she was or how small the act.

Life is short - do what you can to help others and make a difference.

We need to develop our own careers, and not follow everyone else's. You do you. :)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

One Hub - Home - ONE Hub (onehubottawa.ca)

OCISO - OCISO

Hunt-Club Riverside Park Community Centre - Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre | City of Ottawa

LinkedIn profile - (6) Sharon Moore | LinkedIn

Here are the resources mentioned in the episode:

Diana (Peglar) Montgomery

| LinkedIn

Career Development Practitioner Program (Postgraduate) C406 | George Brown College

Toronto Metropolitan University Home - Toronto Metropolitan University (torontomu.ca)

Home | Canadian Armed Forces

14 Wing Greenwood - Royal Canadian Air Force - Canada.ca CFMWS | MFRC |

Greenwood | CFMWS

You’ve Got It – Bruce Springsteen

I absolutely loved this chat with Diana, and here are some gems she shared with us:

• Be where you are in the moment. Learn as much as you can from the role you are in.
• Create your own luck, be open to opportunities.
• Look towards the future, be present in the moment.
• Recognize when you are being called towards something.
• Network.
• Ask for informational interviews.
• Volunteer.
• See what things are like.
• Tailor your resume.
• Say yes. Take career inventories. Personality tests. Assessments. Everything you do will bring you closer to your goal. Do the work – it will be worth it.

Remember, it’s all about figuring out your purpose, planning your life around that, and being able to pivot when you need to.

It’s also about surrounding yourself with fantastic people!

Please say hi at tonya@puddlejumpcoaching.com – I would love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for spending your time with me on the playground!

We met when he was our rabbi at Jewish Life Happens Here - Temple Israel Reform Judaism Congregation (templeisraelottawa.ca)

He spoke about the vibrant Jewish community in Cuba Community in Cuba - World Jewish Congress, and the different characteristics a rabbi should possess - Ask the Rabbis // What Makes Someone a “Real” Rabbi? (momentmag.com)

With much gratitude for a really interesting chat!

Looking forward to next week's mystery guest - please join me on the playground! :)

Talk about valuable information! Thank you to Jarrod for sharing such helpful resources:

(2) Jarrod Goldsmith | LinkedIn

On YouTube –

eSAX Virtual Events Platform - eSAX

Sax Appeal – Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble

eSAX Networking - YouTube

The Making of Sax Appeal Ottawa - Behind the Music (a short documentary) - YouTube

Sax Appeal Ottawa | Ottawa ON | Facebook

Jarrod Goldsmith (@jarrodgoldsmithentrepreneur) | Instagram

Sax Appeal Ottawa (@saxappealottawa) | Instagram

eSAX Virtual Events (@esaxnetworking) | Instagram

Helpful career advice (for entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs alike):

Follow your passion.

Be authentic.

Develop your brand.

Network to get work.

Find your tribe, build your community.

Connect meaningfully with others.

Make a difference.

Thanks so much for joining us on the playground. :)

You can connect with Lisa on LinkedIn at (4) Lisa Manwell | LinkedIn . She mentioned OREA - OREA - Ontario Real Estate Association

Lisa and I chatted about her path from high school to real estate agent, with extensive experiences in social services in between the two.

We agree that the struggle is real for young people (and quite honestly, people of all ages), and we spoke about the importance of co-op programs at college and the value of finding your people.

She shared her experiences and the surprising benefits of an unexpected detour. Everything starts with a thought, and with an interest in real estate, she laid the foundation for the next step in her career journey.

Lisa spoke of the importance of relationship building and the power of connection and the growth that occurs when you able to step out of your comfort zone.

What's next for Lisa? Lots of great opportunities, possibilities and potential at this next stage of her life. :)

A big shout out to Algonquin College for being an amazing educational institution that has changed the lives of so many people over the years.

Speaking of connections, I am really looking forward to next week's Career Connection with a wonderful mystery guest.

Here's to jumping into the future together!

She spoke about the challenges she faced in high school, her decision to move to Canada, studying at all three English post-secondary institutions in Ottawa, the gratitude she feels towards everyone who has helped her throughout her career and ultimately the importance of life-long learning when creating her career and life.

What’s next for Connie? Being open to whatever may come her way and using the knowledge and skills she has developed throughout her career to continue to always do her best.

In next week’s Career Connector chat, I will be speaking with a real estate agent who is all about building relationships based on always being authentic, genuine and her very kind self.

Have a fabulous week! See you next time when we will jump into the future together. 😊

Links to different people and institutions mentioned in the episode:

Connie Yuan, MBA, PMP, PRINCE2, ITIL | LinkedIn

About Carleton

Algonquin College

Executive MBA - Telfer School of Management (uottawa.ca)

You can connect with Sue on LinkedIn at Sue MacGregor | LinkedIn and visit her website at Textual art wood decor – Crafting Owl Co.

Sue and I talked about choosing college rather than university as well the importance of having a mentor and the impact of having an effective guidance counsellor at high school.

She shared her career from her first job after graduating from college, and the decision to motivate her as she moved from opportunity to opportunity throughout her career.

If I may, I would like to mention the significance and often good luck at losing one's job. Years ago, when I lost my job at the paper company, my boyfriend wished me mazel tov. Congratulations!?! I was dumbfounded. How could this be a good thing?

Trust me, it WAS. :)

Sue also talked about listening to the clues that give her joy (yes, we talked about the value of Marie Kondoing one's life) and choosing to go all in on her hobby to start her own business.

We ended the chat talking about what's next for her and sharing appreciation for our friendship which we both value very much.

Looking forward to my next Career Connection with one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

Here's to jumping into the future together!

You can connect with Marg on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/marg-miedema-00a37329 and visit the Canadian Blood Services website - Financial donations to Canadian Blood Services - to learn more about the amazing things Marg and her team are doing to help save lives and make the world a better place.

Remember, blood...it's in you to give!

Please join me and listen to learn more about yourself, the people in your world, and how you can become a more effective communicator. It's an amazing career development tool and can be a really important part of your self-awareness journey.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction

[01:24] - Introduction to the True Colors

[03:32] – Blue

[05:50] – The relationship with RIASEC/Holland Code

[09:07] – Gold

[13:21] – Green

[17:46] – Orange

[21:58] – Careers

[27:21] - Rewards and motivators

[30:50] - Wrap Up

[33:13] - Coming up next time

Resources:

Living Your Colors: Practical Wisdom for Life, Love, Work, and Play by Tom Maddron | Goodreads

Coming up next time, we will be having a chat with a mystery guest who will be sharing her non-linear career journey in the Career Connection part of the podcast.

Afterwards, in the What's Next segment, we will be talking about the different skills, values and interests of the different colors. This is so helpful when you are developing both your career and your life.

Thanks so much for spending your time with me!

Timestamps:

● [00:00] - Intro

● [00:40] – Introduction to Lynn Thompson

● [08:02] – You don't have to decide what you are going to do for the rest of your life

 ● [10:00] – The editing journey with her dad

● [15:02] – How did your educational training lead you to this job?

● [16:55] – The pandemic pivot

● [17:56] – Collaborative editing

● [19:33] – Embracing AI

● [21:00] - Personal characteristics needed to be an editor

● [23:49] – The creative process of getting a book published

● [27:15] – The post-published book journey

● [28:16] – What different jobs can a person do with the transferrable skills you have gained?

● [31:45] - Starting the podcast journey

● [35:45] - Introduction to the On Purpose podcast

● [36:11] – How to get in touch with Lynn

● [36:37] – Reminder of the value of self-assessment

Links:

 The On Purpose Podcast | a

podcast by theonpurposepodcast (podbean.com)

Lynn’s website that encompasses both her podcast and her Living

on Purpose Communications information

www.puddlejumpcoaching.com

Instagram - Puddle Jump Coaching (@puddlejumpcoaching001)

Join me next time as we explore the True Colors personality assessment. Learn how this tool can help you understand yourself, people in your life and the world around you. A fantastic resource to help strengthen your relationships - with yourself and your loved ones.

In this episode, we're going to look at how to take a strategic approach to building

your career – and your life.

Self-Assessment questions to ask yourself:

What is your personality like? What are your personality

characteristics and traits? What are your skills? What are you interested in? How

do you think that other people would describe you?

Online Holland Code Quiz I use:

Holland Code Quiz (roguecc.edu)

Questions to ask during an informational interview:

When did you know you wanted to pursue this career? How did

your educational training lead you to this job?

What personality characteristics are needed for someone to

succeed in this role?  

How much security is there for someone in this field?

Could you tell me about the different jobs someone could do

with the skills you have gained through your education and your employment

history?

What does the future look for people in this field, and what

advice would you give to someone who is thinking about pursuing a job in this

field?

Questions from The Pathfinder, by Nicholas Hoare:

• What am I good at?
• What do I most enjoy?       
• When do I feel the best?         
• When do I feel the worst?
• What am I most proud of in my life?
• What would I change about myself?
• What do I love about myself?
• What do I like in others?
• Where would I like to work?
• Where would I hate working?

 Timestamps:

● [00:00] - Intro

● [03:30] – Self-assessment

● [03:42] – The Holland Code

● [06:50] – Informational Interviews

● [09:18] – Steps 1 to 5

● [15:00] – Follow up

● [16:05] – Next week’s guest

● [16:30] – What’s next?  – career coaching

● [18:17] – Takeaways

 Takeaways:

• Self-assessment is the foundation of a meaningful career
• RIASEC – the Holland Code
• Informational interviews are a crucial element in your career development
• Make sure to follow up when someone refers you to another colleague
• Use the resources that are available to you in employment centres       
• You can do this – one step at a time

Join me next time for a great chat with Lynn Thompson of Living on Purpose Communications, a woman whose Holland Code is probably ARE (Artistic, Realistic and Enterprising). Learn how careers are not necessarily linear and come and see if I guessed her Holland Code correctly!

I love talking about career development and helping people reach their goals. 

I am so excited to be sharing this podcast with you - thank you for being here! 

I’m your host, Tonya Pomerantz, career coach with Puddle Jump Coaching, mentorship facilitator and author of Sex, Self-Esteem & Sheer Stupidity Surviving Your 20s and Beyond.

This podcast releases every Thursday, with helpful career advice and interviews with various professionals in many different occupations.

You can find this podcast on many podcast apps, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. And if you would like more information, you can do so by visiting www.puddlejumpcoaching.com

Looking forward to helping you find your place in the world and helping you jump into your future. This is The Playground Project.