Smart Growth Rocket – Details, episodes & analysis

Eyewear is more than just functional. It’s personal, emotional, and transformative.

In this episode of the Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Monica So, a licensed optician, entrepreneur, and founder of Zoom Optical, a warm and stylish optical boutique redefining the customer experience.

🎧 ▶ In this episode, you’ll learn about:

✅ An optician’s unexpected pivot from toxicology to opticianry

✅ The leap of faith it takes to open that very first shop

✅ How she kept her business alive (and thriving) during the pandemic

✅ Why eyewear is about more than just vision

✅ What most people misunderstand about eye health

✅ Her biggest lessons as both a healthcare professional and a business owner

And for the students out there (or anyone figuring out their next step), we dig into advice for young people charting their own career paths.

Whether you're into eye health or small business, Monica’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of seeing clearly.

👉 About Zoom Optical

Website: https://www.zoomoptical.ca/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ZoomOpticalToronto 

👉 About Monica So

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-so-bsc-ro-97aa0b23 

👉 About Francesca Cadhit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescacadhit 

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Ever wonder why you forget the oat milk at the grocery store, even though you were thinking about it all day? 

In this episode of the Smart Growth Rocket Podcast, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Matthew Dougherty, a PhD Candidate in Psychology (Perception, Cognition, & Cognitive Neuroscience) at the University of Toronto, to explore the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) science of memory.

🎧 ▶ We dig into:

✅ What encoding and retrieval really mean (in plain English)

✅ Why some memories feel like time travel

✅ How memories get reorganized while we sleep

✅ What neuroscience tools like fMRI and EEG can tell us about how we remember

✅ Exploring research opportunities
Whether you're curious about the brain, interested in research opportunities, or just want to stop forgetting your grocery list, this episode is for you.

👉 About Matthew Dougherty

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/matthewdougherty.bsky.social The Duncan Lab: https://duncanlab.org/ 

👉 About Francesca Cadhit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

The Power of Art: How Creativity Fuels Resilience & Success

Art is more than just a creative outlet (although this is already a crucial benefit.)

It’s also about resilience, passion, and finding your purpose.

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit interviews award-winning artist and educator Sylvia Chan, who shares her incredible journey from struggling student to thriving entrepreneur and art teacher.

She reveals how great mentors shaped her path, why art matters for mental health, and the three key ingredients for success.

Whether you're a parent of an aspiring student artist or a young artist/art enthusiast just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights.

👉 About Sylvia Chan and Creative Genius Academy

Sylvia is an Ontario Certified Teacher and an award-winning artist who has created over 300 pieces of artwork. She creates art pieces that bring beauty and positivity into homes and business spaces. She has received several awards during her career, including the Top 150 Canadian Chinese Artists in Canada (2017) and the Aspire Award (2016), among many others.

She is motivated to create art that inspires others and aims to nurture the creative genius inside all of her students.

Besides running art works for the York Region District School Board in various elementary and high schools in the board, she also runs an art school in Downtown Markham called Creative Genius Art Academy. She currently works along with York Region District School board, helping to bring more arts-focused workshops into schools, as well as educating teachers on the benefits of art for students' overall well-being and health.

Sylvia Chan: https://www.instagram.com/sylviachanart/

Creative Genius Academy: https://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusacademy/

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ The Power of a Great Teacher

✅ Resilience & Overcoming Obstacles

✅ The Role of Art in Personal Growth & Mental Health

✅ Breaking the ‘Starving Artist’ Myth

✅ The Success Formula: Focus, Action, and Passion

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Transforming Medical Education: An Interview with Dr. Nicholas Talley

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit interviews distinguished neurogastroenterologist Dr. Nicholas Talley. 

They discuss the importance of good mentorship, the journey from general medicine to gastroenterology, and the critical skills needed for medical students to excel. 

Dr. Talley (or Nick, as he prefers to be called) shares insights into the future of medicine with AI and technology, the connection between the gut and brain, and the impact of lifestyle on health. He also provides practical advice for aspiring doctors and reflects on the ongoing evolution of medical training and patient care.

👉 About Dr. Nicholas Talley

Distinguished Laureate Professor Nick Talley is a world-leading neurogastroenterologist, educator, and researcher. He has published over 1,000 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is internationally recognized as a leading researcher in digestive health. Dr. Talley is currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle.

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-j-talley-ac-md-phd-024a5980  

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ The Importance of Mentorship in Career Development

✅ The Role of Research and Mentorship in Medical Careers

✅ Critical Skills for Medical Students and Practitioners

✅ The Connection Between Mind, Body, and Gut Health

✅ Future of Medicine: Changes and Challenges Ahead

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Meet Corey Formica, Senior Development Officer at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC).

Corey is a UTSC alumna who graduated from the Co-op Arts Management Program. During her time at UTSC, she was actively involved in many student clubs and activities. This ultimately led to a career in the arts industry before transitioning to education, where she has held roles in fundraising and alumni relations.

Corey’s mission is to positively impact the lives of those she engages with, both within her professional capacity and beyond.

I’m excited to share Corey’s insights about choosing a university, the value of a university education, and trends in education.

👉 About Corey Formica

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyformica/ 

🎧 ▶ Here are just some of the insights you'll discover:

✅ Tips to choose a university

✅ What a university education shows to potential employers and the world

✅ How the university you select impacts your life (even beyond academics)

✅ Trends in education

✅ 1 key piece of advice for university applicants

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Meet Dr. Chris Lozano, Neurosurgery Resident and PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto.

His research interests lie in spine surgery, with a focus on traumatic neck injuries and their unique impact on elderly people. Beyond that, he enjoys powerlifting, travelling, and trying out new food around Toronto.

I’m excited to share Dr. Chris Lozano’s insights about pursuing a non-traditional path to medical school, getting research experience, persisting in the face of obstacles, and what he believes the next generation of doctors should know.

👉 Connect with Dr. Chris Lozano

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-lozano-468b0b37/

🎧 ▶ What you’ll learn from this episode:

✅ The challenges of getting research experience as an undergraduate student

✅ 3 tips for getting into medical school

✅ Non-traditional pathways to a career in medicine

✅ Handling rejection

✅ 1 key piece of advice for aspiring doctors

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

In today’s podcast, Francesca Cadhit interviews Josh Broun, Co-founder of Impact Kitchen, about his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. 

From his background as a fitness trainer to establishing a successful fast-casual food business in Toronto, Josh discusses the importance of passion, resilience, and dedication in pursuing entrepreneurship. He highlights Impact Kitchen's commitment to quality, nutrient-dense food, and plans for future expansion, including new locations in the U.S.

🎧 ▶Tune in to listen to Josh talk about:

✅ The challenges of starting a business

✅ The value of building a strong team

✅ Essential business skills

✅ Habits for success in entrepreneurship

📝 Outline 📝

[00:49] Meet Josh Broun: Co-Founder of Impact Kitchen

[01:54] The Genesis of Impact Kitchen

[04:35] Overcoming Challenges in the Restaurant Business

[06:38] The Importance of Team and Leadership

[11:36] Building Habits for Success

[15:18] Impact Kitchen's Philosophy on Nutrition

[18:51] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

[21:27] Future Plans for Impact Kitchen

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

In today’s podcast, Francesca Cadhit interviews Canadian Minister of Small Business Richie Valdez about Education and Entrepreneurship in Canada.

Minister Valdez is a Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and community advocate. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet and is committed to ensuring the diverse voices of her community are heard.

She has been a member of various parliamentary committees and associations, including the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, as well as the Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.

🎧 ▶Tune in to listen to Minister Valdez talk about:

✅ How YOU can make a difference in Canada

✅ Big ideas coming from students

✅ What’s the plan for improving Education

✅ What’s being done to support Canadian entrepreneurs 

✅ Gaining access to capital as an entrepreneur/startup

✅ Investments in artificial intelligence and innovation   

✅ Support for marginalized groups, including women, Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs

📝 Outline 📝

[01:08] Introducing Minister Rechie Valdez

[02:11] Education and Entrepreneurship in Canada

[04:58] Minister Valdez's Educational Journey

[08:44] Challenges and Successes in Entrepreneurship

[11:46] From Entrepreneurship to Political Leadership

[14:16] A Day in the Life of a Small Business Minister

[16:44] Key Elements of Budget 2024

[20:01] Charity and Community Involvement

[21:04] Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

In today’s podcast, Francesca Cadhit interviews Shiv Gaglani, the Co-founder & CEO of Osmosis.org, a leading health and medical education platform, which was acquired by Elsevier. 

Shiv is passionate about creating scalable solutions in healthcare and education. He completed his undergraduate degree and an MBA at Harvard. In 2018, Shiv was also named one of Forbes’ Top 30 Under 30. He is currently a medical student at Johns Hopkins.

🎧 ▶Tune in to listen to Shiv talk about:

✅ His unique journey from aspiring young doctor to successful entrepreneur and back to medical school at Johns Hopkins.

✅ How a nonlinear career path helped him build and scale a medical education platform used by millions

✅ How prioritizing sleep and exercise are critical for optimal function

✅ The impact of diverse experiences on personal and professional growth

✅ The potential of AI in healthcare

✅ Tips for future doctors and entrepreneurs.

✨ Links ✨

Learn Medicine with Osmosis: https://www.osmosis.org/

Shiv on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shivgaglani/2023/05/24/why-im-going-back-to-medical-school/

📝 Outline 📝

[02:21] Shiv's Nonlinear Educational Journey

[03:44] Founding and Scaling Osmosis

[07:48] Work Ethic and Balancing Life

[10:19] Advice for Med School Hopefuls

[18:56] Burnout in Healthcare

[21:38] The Role of AI in Healthcare

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

In this episode, Francesca Cadhit interviews Jeremy Choi, CEO of LPS Athletic, about the parallels between elite athletic training, life, career, and entrepreneurship. 

Jeremy shares his journey and insights about what future athletes and entrepreneurs need to know for peak performance.

🎧 ▶Tune in to listen to Jeremy talk about:

✅ The qualities athletes and successful individuals need to be at the top of their game

✅ A unique training approach that helps athletes dominate 

✅ How lessons in athletics translate to leadership and corporate success

✅ What golf and entrepreneurship have in common

✅ The importance of supporting aspiring athletes

✅ Tips for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in personal growth and success

✨ About Jeremy Choi ✨

Jeremy is a husband, father of two, and entrepreneur who has built and sold multi-million dollar businesses. He served on the local, regional, and global committees of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. Currently, he's the CEO of LPS Athletic and serves as a director on a few corporate boards. 

LPS Athletic: https://lpsathletic.com/

Raise the Bar: https://rtb.foundation/

📝 Outline 📝

[01:04] Meet Jeremy Choi: Entrepreneur and Athlete

[01:48] Jeremy's Personal Fitness Journey

[04:01] The Birth of LPS Athletic

[07:01] Training Philosophy and Athlete Development

[12:59] The Raise the Bar Foundation

[17:37] Entrepreneurial Insights and Lessons

[24:05] Future Goals and Vision for LPS

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!