Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Tobi Oluwole, former Shopify sales manager, employability coach, and a great human.

If there’s one person that exemplifies living life on your terms no matter what the world throws at you, it’s Tobi Oluwole.

Tobi immigrated to Canada against his will. As the first-born in a Nigerian home, he had to grow up quickly. This meant moving on after his dream of being a footballer didn’t work out.

Yes, Tobi the employability and communications coach once went on trials at Chelsea Football Club and West Ham United FC.

This meant quickly figuring out a way to live the life he’s always wanted to live.

And oh, I think he’s figured it all out.

In this conversation, we explored his move to Canada. We also chatted about:

* Why he’s relocated to France

* How to break out of societal conditioning

* Trying out as a footballer in London. I also share a crazy football trials story of mine I rarely talk about.

* His secret for hitting the ground running when he moves to a new country.

Here’s my biggest takeaway from this episode with Tobi: In life you get unlimited tries. As an immigrant, this is an important heuristic to adopt.

Keep going my friend, you’ve got this.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Tobi on LinkedIn

💌 Subscribe to the Life on Your Terms newsletter

🖊️ Apply for The Founder’s Blueprint

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Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking to Maryam Atoyebi, who moved from Nigeria to Canada in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a strange time. Loved ones falling sick. Then passing away. The lockdowns. The terror from not knowing who had the virus and who didn't. The social isolation.

And the subsequent breakdown of the first layer of trust that guides how a society behaves in public.

For immigrants like Maryam, this meant settling down into a new society was hard. 2X harder than it should normally be.

I moved in 2021, so I didn't fully experience what it felt like as everyone tried to navigate the new rules for societal interaction. But the little I experienced was emotionally tasking. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for Maryam and others who moved to a new country about that time.

In this conversation, we chat about all the feels while trying to settle down during the pandemic. We also chatted about:

* Her biggest mistakes

* How to use informational interviews to build your confidence when job hunting and interviewing

* Handling the loss of identity that comes with being put into a box when you move to a new society

* And intersectionality as a skill set.

I’ll leave you with this great piece of advice from Maryam: Understand that every piece of advice you get from other immigrants is contextual. It’s often coming from a good place, but its colored by their experience, their bias, and their perspective or view of the world.

Your job is to apply your context to what you hear.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Maryam on LinkedIn

📝 Learn more about makingTheMove

Did you read it?

Two months ago, Nelly Kawira shared a hilarious thread on Twitter about all she’s learned and achieved since moving to London two years ago.

Well, she’s published an updated version on The Newcomers, with some great images to boot.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Nwachukwu Edgar Onyeagba, the man who saw the future.

How do you deal with the fear of the unknown when immigrating? What does it feel like to be right about where Nigeria was headed?

After his daughter was born, he took one look at everything that was going on with Nigeria and decided to leave. In his words, “things were looking like they weren’t going to get any better.”

Sadly, he was right.

In this conversation, Edgar and I chat about what it’s been like living in Canada for the past eight years. We discussed:

* The mental exhaustion of code switching

* Dealing with the fear of the unknown

* Dealing with Canadian experience

* He also shares the two questions your resume must answer

Edgar works in Human Resources, so if you want to get the gist about resumes, you can find that from 28:00.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Edgar on LinkedIn

Survival mode can be a strength

The following is based on a recent episode with Kaveri Srivastava

As an immigrant, it's easy to feel stuck in survival mode. You need to focus on immediate needs, and it's hard to do that while identifying and pursuing longer-term growth opportunities.

What if your greatest asset was survival mode?

Here's Kaveri Srivastava's view of survival mode after 13 years as an immigrant:

* Embrace the blank slate. You've got nothing to lose. Take risks. Sensibly.

* Pay your future self first. Save 20-30% before spending, or find your number and save that first.

* Use your cultural strengths as an advantage. Were you raised to focus on education? Turn that into a passion for learning. Anything can be a competitive advantage.

You've got this.

Do you live in Calgary?

Join CRIEC for their annual THRIVE Calgary Conference for a day full of engaging sessions, expert speakers, and networking opportunities focused on how “One Yes” can affect a person, a company, a policy and more!

Use the Promo Code for THRIVE75 for 75% off ticket prices. Early bird ticket sales are now on sale. Secure your spot today and take advantage of special early bird pricing. 

📅Date: September 26, 2024📍 Location: Hotel Arts, 119 12 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB T2R 0G8🎫 Early Bird Pricing: $100

Register HERE!

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Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Kaveri Srivastava, Snr. Marketing Director at World Financial Group.

I’ve come to realize that the best way to hit the ground running as an immigrant in a new country isn’t necessarily the usual things people talk about—finding a job to keep you going while applying to 500 roles weekly and the like.

The most impactful things you’ll need to do when settling down are mindset-related.

Keep an open mind. Be adaptable. Drop any sense of entitlement. And be willing to reset and start from the beginning.

One caveat, though: don’t lose your identity in the process.

After 12+ years in Canada, Kaveri Srivastava is well-placed to speak about this mindset shift. In this conversation, we chat about:

* Her hit-the-ground running playbook

* Dealing with survival mentality as an immigrant

* Balancing the need to experience new things while saving for the future

* Her Indian heritage, and more.

My biggest takeaway: While it’s cool to experience new things, you should form the habit of paying your future self first.

Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Kaveri on LinkedIn

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Chris Ogunlowo, poet, adman, philosopher, and immigrant.

If you ask anyone planning to emigrate from Nigeria what country or city they plan to settle in as their new home, you would hear Canada, England, Australia, the United States, and even Germany.

But you would rarely hear someone say, Glasgow, Scotland.

But Chris is built differently. This xenophile decided to study in Glasgow because he was fascinated by its culture.

In this conversation, we chat about:

* Expectations vs. reality

* The need to make your new country work because you aren’t a tourist, and so you have no return ticket.

* Spotting opportunities as an immigrant

* Cultural integration and the work we need to do as immigrants to integrate, and more.

My biggest takeaway is that integration is a two-way street, with both the host nation and the immigrant responsible for fostering an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect.

Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.

Official Links

👌🏽 Follow Chris on Instagram

👋🏽 Read Chris’s Substack

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Komal Faiz, a UX researcher par excellence and founder of Wanderlite, the gear rental marketplace. Komal moved to Canada as a student more than nine years ago.

Once school was over, people told her it would be stupid to leave Canada after her MSc program, so she stayed back. And in her words, her immigration journey has been like fine wine.

I do love a good wine analogy.

In this conversation, Komal and I explore:

* The advantages of immigrating as an international student, even though you are always broke

* The Wanderlite origin story

* The immigrant’s existential struggle for belonging and a sense of identity

* Her biggest lessons, and more.

This was a fun one. But the best part for me was when she said:

“We set such high standards for ourselves. But give yourself some space. You are good. You are doing okay.”

You can find that from 31:58.

Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Komal on LinkedIn

🔗 Check out the Wanderlite website

Did you read it?

If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Mu Okonkwo, former basketball player now immigrant entrepreneur.

One random sunny day in Owerri, Nigeria, Mu’s friends convinced him to follow them to the basketball court. Their pitch? A scout was coming who would take promising prospects to the Ejike Ugboaja annual bootcamp — the biggest basketball camp in Nigeria.

Now, Mu only had eyes for soccer, or football as we call it back in Nigeria.

But a couple of months after that well-timed visit to the basketball court, Mu was actively scheming to move to the United States on a scholarship to play college basketball.

In this conversation, we chat about:

* Forging his Dad’s signature so the scout could formally keep working with him to secure his college scholarship

* Getting to the United States and discovering that his little knowledge of basketball was useless

* Going pro in 2019

* Adjusting to the social nuances of the American culture, and more.

Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Mu on LinkedIn

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Ann Iyke-Osuji, one of the bravest immigrants I’ve met.

After a pretty much shielded life during her undergraduate years, she decides she wants to run away from home to somewhere her parents have little or no influence (family).

Now, you would think she would pick a country where she had some friends. I mean, everyone needs some support, especially someone who has never really left the comfort of their home and loved ones. But not Angel.

She decided to move to Australia for her Master’s Degree.

And the universe decides, you wanna be independent, right? I’m gonna help you get there fast!

In this conversation, we explored:

* Struggling to settle in

* Learning how to make small talk and enjoy it

* Not realizing how fat Australia was from Nigeria

* Expecting to see more animals in Australia considering how the country is portrayed on social media, and more.

This is a must-listen. And here’s a great tip from Angel on integrating into your new culture — Integration is a two-way street. While you’re thinking everything and everyone around you is new to you, also remember that for the individuals you interact with, you are also new to them. So remember to give them the same grace you expect them to give you.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Angel on LinkedIn

🔆 Get Angel’s LinkedIn Profile Checklist and Guide

Did you read it?

If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Leslie Awasom, the anaesthesiologist who became a real-estate entrepreneur.

It’s said that whoever picks you up at the airport when you land can have an exponential effect on your perspective of your new country. And I agree.

Cheers to Uka and Adanna Osaigbovo. My family and I owe you both.

But back to Leslie Awasom, I’ve probably said this too many times, but he’s an immigrant rocketship. And this episode is chock-full of stories and lessons.

In this conversation, we chat about:

* Dealing with depression after the Y2K crash incinerated his computer science dream

* Getting into a serious car accident and switching to Nursing once he was able to stand on his two feet

* Meeting his business partners, Tenny Tolofari and Dr. Julius Oni

* Why they named the business XSITE Capital

* How he deals with failure, and a ton of other useful tips for immigrant entrepreneurs.

This was a good one. And if you’re an immigrant looking to start a business, here’s a tip from Leslie —> “Confidence comes with action.”

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Leslie on LinkedIn

💰 Get Leslie’s free passive income guide

Did you read it?

If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Areej AbuAli, Founder of Women in Tech SEO.

Areej talks about something we immigrants sometimes gloss over. The tendency to pause everything because we feel like we are on the clock.

We’ve got a deadline. We’ve got to get that Permanent Residency. We’ve got to get that citizenship.

And I don’t fault anyone. I’ve been guilty of this, too. Heck, I still am.

But maybe every now and then, take a pause. Breathe. Live.

Areej moved from Egypt to the United Kingdom as an international student. In this conversation, we explored:

* The advantages of immigrating as a student

* Dealing with the pressure of switching from a student visa to a work visa

* Dealing with the survival mentality that hits first-generation immigrants

* Cultural shocks

* Areej as a fresh-to-the-UK immigrant vs. Areej as an experienced immigrant, and more.

Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Areej on LinkedIn

🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 Support Women in Tech SEO

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Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Tunde Leye, author of over five books, including the critically acclaimed Afonja The Rise & Afonja The Fall. He was also a Consulting Partner at SBM Intelligence, an Africa-focused geopolitical research firm.

“I miss being part of the top 1%.” Let’s try to set some context.

Tunde was what you would call a high-flyer back in Nigeria. And then, as with most immigrants, he decided to leave all that and start afresh in England for his kids. And the financial tradeoffs and adjustments have been something.

In this refreshingly honest and raw conversation, Tunde and I chat about:

* The work needed to rebuild social capital as an immigrant

* The mental burden of code-switching

* Adjusting to the smaller houses you find in England

* Being a tourist vs. being an immigrant

* Writing his new book (Fireflies on the Lagoon) and the Western influence on the writing process

* Career adjustments, and more.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Tunde on LinkedIn

🎤 Follow Tunde on X

🎬 Tunde’s YouTube channel (African History Channel)

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Beatriz Zanatelli, co-host of the Find a Way podcast and founder of Smart Goose Academy.

Beatriz is such a warm soul and an experienced immigrant. Her Dad moved around a lot, which meant she had to up and settle down in different countries while growing up.

She gets what it means to pack one’s life into a suitcase or more and start afresh in a new country.

So, if you’re looking for a pick-me-up after a long week, this conversation with Bea (as she’s fondly called) is a great place to start.

In this conversation, we chat about:

* Choosing Canada (she has a fun story about the CN Tower)

* Her first day in an English-speaking school as a Brazilian immigrant kid

* Her husband’s journey to restart his career in Canada

* Our super-power as immigrants

* Starting a business in Canada, and more.

Enjoy! And remember…

Your accent and past experiences are superpowers. Embrace them and bring them along with you.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Beatriz on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen to the Find a Way podcast

📝 Learn more about Smart Goose Academy

Did you read it?

Looking to move to Canada? We’ve partnered with IMMPROVED to share monthly updates about immigration to Canada, including Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, family sponsorship, study and work permits, and everything in between.

If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Matt Adolphe, author of the seminal book on the Canadian workplace culture, Mastering the Unspoken Rules.

What is the Canadian workplace culture? How do we immigrants adjust to the unspoken expectations of our colleagues and bosses in an indirect culture?

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Thankfully, they haven’t been so costly yet. I hope. So, this conversation with Matt was God-sent.

Born in Calgary, Canada, Matt moved to Asia after university and lived there for years. After moving back to Canada with his family, he found it hard to re-integrate into the Canadian workplace. In his words, "It wasn't an easy transition."

This experience, plus listening to the stories of immigrants and others who were struggling to understand the Canadian workplace culture inspired him to write THE BOOK on mastering the unspoken rules of the Canadian workplace.

I think his book is a seminal piece of work. A must-read for anyone who’s looking to work in Canada. Immigrant or not.

In this conversation, we chat about his book and its impact. We also chatted about:

* Why the Canadian work culture won’t change dramatically despite immigration

* The differences between the Canadian and American workplace culture

* Steps to take to help you adjust to your Canadian workplace

* How to have hard conversations in Canada

* Why being culturally adaptable is a superpower

* And the concept of bringing our whole self to work.

This was such a good good episode. Jeez.

I’ll leave you with this: You don’t lose your sense of identity when you adopt a new culture. You become a much better and rounded individual.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Matt on LinkedIn

📚 Get a copy of THE BOOK: Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules

📚 Explore his second book: Would You Hire You?

Did you read it?

Two months ago, Nelly Kawira shared a hilarious thread on Twitter about all she’s learned and achieved since moving to London two years ago.

Well, she’s published an updated version on The Newcomers, with some great images to boot.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Aashni Shah, founder of HypeDocs.

Colored and black women entrepreneurs are among the Canadian market's most qualified, highly educated, and skilled entrepreneurs. But they still have to deal with systemic racism, bias, sexism, access to networks, mentoring, and sponsorship.

I could go on and on. But the point is that some people don't let that stop them.

Aashni is one of those people.

The two-time startup founder joined me to chat about:

* Her motivations

* Realizing her opportunities were different as a person of color

* Language as a bridge

* Putting in the effort

* Her Dad’s influence on her approach to business

Enjoy! And remember…

…Integration is a two-way street. You have to put in the work.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Aashni on LinkedIn

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Sebastian Cuervo, writer and copy strategist.

Moving to a new country can be a nerve-wracking experience. But that doesn’t mean you should allow the anxiety to hold you back. As Sebastian Cuervo puts it, you don’t do yourself any favors by staying put in your comfort zone while settling down.

For example, deciding to rent a home where most of your neighbors are predominantly from your home country.

Sebastian moved to Canada from Colombia due to what I call the noise - that steady, almost invisible hum in your head that keeps you on your toes, worrying about what could go wrong and what went wrong.

And I totally relate…cos that’s one of the reasons we left Naija.

In this conversation, we chat about:

* Misconceptions we often have about immigration

* Tradeoffs we have to make when we move to a new country

* His cultural heritage and what he hopes to pass on to his offspring

* The Colombian Sebastian vs. Canadian Sebastian

Enjoy! And remember…

…Don’t limit yourself.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Sebastian on LinkedIn

🖊️ Sign up for Sebastian’s Substack

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with the wonderful Eric Agyemang of Maple Bridge Ventures.

There’s so much to unpack in this episode. But if there’s one thing you should take from the conversation, it’s DON’T DIM YOUR LIGHT.

Eric and his team at Maple Bridge VC are investing in immigrant founders in Canada. And he joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about:

* Owning your narrative

* Tips for immigrant founders looking to raise funds

* Common challenges immigrant entrepreneurs face

* Why an immigrant is a natural for entrepreneurship

* And his journey from international student to venture capitalist.

Enjoy! And remember.

Don’t dim your light. You’ve got this.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Eric on LinkedIn

🔗 Check out Maple Bridge if you’re an immigrant entrepreneur

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Denys Smushko, international student turned community connector via his work at RBC Bank.

Denys moved to Canada within six months. He then spent one year in Olds, a town in Central Alberta, working with a group of Ukrainians at a hardware store.

Talk about a soft landing.

But things got hairy once he decided to go to school.

It even got more complicated when it was time to get a job. Denys describes struggling with self-doubt, questioning himself, and thinking he wasn’t good enough.

Today, Denys helps other immigrants settle in via the RBC Newcomers program. He joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about:

* His honeymoon phase and the subsequent reality check

* The stuff he sees immigrants get wrong when trying to settle in

* His how to hit the ground running playbook

* Job hunting in Canada vs. back home in Ukraine

* The RBC Newcomers program, how they help immigrants, and more.

Enjoy!

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Denys on LinkedIn

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Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Tosin Thomas, Head of Marketing at Financial Cents.

“I thought it would take 3 - 4 months to get a job when I started applying. But I got my first offer within two weeks and the second offer by the third week.”

This episode with Tosin was a masterclass on getting hired as an immigrant before you set foot on Canadian soil.

In this conversation, Tosin and I chat about:

* Getting the first job offer (she thought it was a scam when the email came in)

* How she set up her resume

* Her approach to upskilling herself

* The importance of prepping for your career switch early

* And how to handle the interviewing stage.

I’ll leave you with this quote from the interview:

“Be confident to accept yourself for who you are. The fact you have an accent doesn’t make you any less. If the individual on the other side sees you any less, its on them, not on you. And that’s somebody you probably shouldn’t be working with.”

I know the above quote can be a problematic heuristic when one is desperate for a job to cover the mounting bills. But keep your chin up. You’ve got this.

Enjoy!

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Tosin on LinkedIn

🖊️ Book Tosin for a personalized career review and guidance coaching session

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If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Smithe Sodine, former elementary ESL teacher, college instructor, mother, and founder of the handcrafted decorative pillow company Smithy Home Couture.

Smithe is an Amazon. She reminds me so much of my Mom, who passed away five years ago.

Smithe moved to Florida from Haiti as a 16 year old and couldn’t really speak English at the time. She remembers sleeping off in class because there’s only so much stress the teenage brain can take when trying to learn Math or any other subject in a new language.

So it was heartwarming to see that she went on to become an elementary English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher.

In this conversation, Smithe and I chat about:

* The danger of ignoring acculturation

* Dealing with the negative perception of Haiti

* Her Haitian heritage

* Her approach to dealing with cultural differences

* Moving as a teenager, and more

Enjoy!

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Smithe on LinkedIn

🛏️ Check out Smithy Home Couture

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Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Nkechi Runsewe, who moved from Lagos, Nigeria to Amsterdam, Holland for work.

Imagine for a moment you are on the metro headed to work. Suddenly, the bus lurches to a stop, and the driver makes an announcement in Dutch. And everyone hurriedly gets down.

You try to ask them, but everyone seems to be in a hurry to get off the bus.

What would you do? I would probably get off the bus scared and all. Nkechi was no different.

“They say everyone in The Netherlands speaks English. But the system is designed for those who speak or can read Dutch.”

In this conversation, Nkechi and I chat about:

* The overwhelming supermarket moment

* Going to a country as a tourist vs. going there as a local

* Dealing with change

* The amazing Nigerian community in Amsterdam and how they helped her settle in

* The tradeoffs when choosing between putting her kids in the Dutch school system vs. the International school system

* The importance of replacing the traditions you took for granted back home with new ones

Enjoy!

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Nkechi on LinkedIn

Did you read it?

If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Kateryna Makysmenko, who’s lived in four countries since she turned 16.

I agree that the immigration journey changes you. I like to call immigrants “the in-betweeners.” We are always in between cultures.

In this conversation, Kateryna and I explore:

* The legendary Canadian kindness

* Moving as a tourist vs. moving as an immigrant

* How moving often means she’s built an automated settling-in routine

* Her first night as a student in Poland vs. her first night as a working professional in Canada

* Why your first month is crucial to easing into your new country

Enjoy!

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Kateryna on LinkedIn

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Ann shares her experience of moving to Finland and the challenges she faced in integrating into Finnish society. She discusses the overwhelm that led her to start a YouTube channel and the reasons she chose Finland as her destination. Ann talks about the culture shock she experienced and the difficulties in making Finnish friends. She also highlights the importance of learning the Finnish language and the impact it has on building relationships. Ann reflects on what she misses about Nigeria and the cultural differences between the two countries. She concludes by emphasizing the need for long-term goals and planning when considering immigration to Finland.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Ayo Owodunni, Kitchener City Councillor - Ward 5, Associate Professor at Conestoga College, and author of Inclusive Leadership - The Immigrant View.

I had goosebumps listening to Ayo as he told me the story of Election Day…Gosh. Yes, it was an experiment. Yes, he didn’t expect to win. Yes, they had no idea what they were doing.

But listening to his backstory, this win was years in the making.

In this conversation, Ayo and I chat about:

* Overcoming his fear of knocking on doors

* The power of systems

* The value of building immigrant communities

* Stamping out the suffering Olympics mentality of older immigrants

* The four types of networks you need to succeed as an immigrant, and more.

Ayo Owodunni is an inspiration. Nuff said.

Official Links

📚 His book on Inclusive Leadership - The Immigrant View is a great read on helping immigrants thrive in any organization.

👋🏽 You can follow him on LinkedIn here.

📚 He also has a new book coming out soon titled “Dear Immigrant, Soar!”

Enjoy!

Did you read it?

If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Helen Agbonison, founder of Africans & African Descendants in St. Albert.

Where is home? Your place of birth? Or where you feel loved and at peace?

I prefer to think it’s the latter.

And for Helen, it's the same. She's never felt a strong attachment to any place, but since moving to St Albert, she's found her calling. Her home. Her community.

In this conversation, Helen and I chat about moving to Canada 14 years ago, using Yahoo Answers to find friends in Canada as she and her family prepped for the big move. We also chat about:

* What it felt like to move to Canada 14 years ago

* Why St. Albert is HOME

* Why African immigrants struggle to integrate

* Why she launched the Africans & Africans Descendants in St. Albert community, and more.

It was so good to hear her talk about all the work the community is doing to preserve the African culture.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Helen on Instagram

👌🏽Learn more about Africans & Africans Descendants in St. Albert

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Anna Otroshchenko, COO of Otrofy Inc, who moved from Ukraine to Canada.

The Canadian wait time for almost anything is the stuff of legends. But despite how frustrating it can be, I love how Anna deals with hiccups like this. Talking to her felt like I had booked a session with a therapist on the mindset an immigrant needs to adopt when trying to settle into a new country.

In this conversation, Anna and I chat about:

* Feeling at home in Canada

* How to settle in quickly

* Canadian culture vs. Ukrainian culture

* Her views on the meaning of “home.”

This was a fun one. If there’s one thing you should learn from Anna as an immigrant, it’s always to remember that we are in control.

No matter how chaotic things might feel, focus on what you can control, take baby steps, and you’ll find your way to the sunlight.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Anna on LinkedIn

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If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant

There are a ton of reasons we, as immigrants, feel compelled to work all the time.

* You just spent all your savings moving to a new country

* You probably took a couple of steps down the career ladder

* You’ve got black tax to remit every other month.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Lola Oduwole, the founder of Afroedmontonian, who is on a mission to change this notion and inspire immigrants to pause, open up a bit more, and enjoy their new home.

In this conversation, Lola and I chat about:

* The ‘Deadmonton Myth”

* One of her most embarrassing moments during her first week in Edmonton

* The abrupt end to the honeymoon phase of her immigration journey

* Launching the Afroedmontonian during her maternity leave

* Inspiring immigrants to let loose and enjoy themselves

This was absolutely insightful. If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, Lola dropped some gems like reasons you should move to Edmonton and more.

Enjoy!

Official Links

✅ Connect with Lola on LinkedIn

✅ If you’re looking to visit Edmonton sometime this year, we’ve collaborated with Lola to curate a calendar of events happening in Edmonton through the rest of 2024:

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If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Siamak Riahi, Founder and CEO of Riahi Patents, who has moved a whopping 14 times across different cities and from the United States to Canada.

Siamak likens the early days of his immigration journey to standing in the middle of a tornado and being thrown from one place to another by the strong winds. However, despite feeling that way in the early days, it’s inspiring to see how Siamak turned these adversities into adventures. This conversation talks about the power of a support system and community as an immigrant, and I learnt fresh understandings about surviving, living, and thriving in a new country.

In this conversation, Siamak and I chat about:

* Underestimating our support system

* The importance of community

* How each move changes us

* Switching from an academic career path to entrepreneurship

* Dealing with the immigrant survival mentality, and more.

This was a masterclass on how to approach immigrating mentally, especially if you are moving to a new country at a much older age.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Siamak on LinkedIn

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If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Dotun Bamisaiye, who moved to Canada long before moving to the Great White North became a thing.

I learnt that back then, he would be the only one speaking Yoruba on his train ride to work. Today, he says the train ride hosts a medley of Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, and other African languages. This episode was an unforgettable trip down memory lane and a masterclass in job hunting as an immigrant and ways to live through tax season.

In this conversation, Dotun and I chat about:

* Leaving Nigeria reluctantly

* The black nod

* The danger of a single story

* Finding a job when most Canadian employers weren't looking to hire Nigerians

* How best to prep for the Canadian tax season and more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Dotun on LinkedIn

✅ If you’re looking to do your taxes, Dotun is a great guy to speak to about the best tax planning and compliance approach.

✅ He also offers a personal tax course, Canadian Tax in 60 Mins, for people new to Canada who want to understand Canadian taxation and how to plan for income tax.

Did you read it?

We launched a new section called Restart, which features long reads about the good, the bad, and the human side of starting afresh in a new country.

We’ve also launched a section called The Pantry, a collection of tips, how-tos, stories, and jokes about the immigrant experience.

If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Mo' Ekujumi, Founder & CEO of SkillHat, who moved from Nigeria to Canada.

Not a lot of people get to move to a new country like Canada at an age as young as 16. For Mo, his community played a major role in navigating Canada as a young immigrant. From studying in Canada, having a smooth transition, and returning to Nigeria to establish Andela, our conversation didn't disappoint at all.

In this conversation, Mo and I chat about:

* Moving to Canada as a 16-year-old

* The Canadian Uber joke

* Then, moving back to Nigeria to help set up Andela

* Launching the first online MBA in Nigeria

* The beauty of the Nigerian hustle

* And the three skills he thinks every immigrant needs to succeed.

Some resources he shared during the conversation:

* Tobi Oluwole’s LinkedIn storytelling course

* $100m Offers by Alex Hormozi

* The Millionaire Fast Lane by MJ Demarco

* The Power of Self Discipline by Brian Tracy

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Mo on LinkedIn

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Suhas Pai, the Co-founder and CTO of Hudson Labs, who moved from India to the Netherlands as a student, and then, 8+ years later, he moved to Canada

Have you ever heard of the honeymoon phase of immigration? The phase of your immigration journey where everything seems rosy and romantic? And then reality hits you like a truck loaded with sourdough flour. From learning how the pressure of home ownership in North America affects how we approach money, to handling credit in Canada, there’s so much to unpack in this conversation.

In this conversation, Suhas and I chat about:

* Canada’s diversity and its approach to immigration

* The cultural differences between Canada and The Netherlands

* The European approach to credit and how that’s defined him

* Why he doesn’t want to own a car or a big house, and more.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Suhas on LinkedIn

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Gülsün Demirezen, a Mechanical & Industrial Engineer who specialises in Machine Learning and Advanced Analytics.

Being an immigrant means we always feel we are on the clock. We have goals we need to hit within specific time frames. And if you're African, you also have black tax playing a harmonic orchestra in your head all the time. From the struggle of levelling up as an immigrant to never feeling settled in a new country, I’m reminded of so much in this chat with Gulsun.

In this conversation, Gülsün and I chat about:

* Dealing with grief when you’re far away from home

* How being on a work visa can have you feeling like you’ve got a return date

* Her lessons after six years as an immigrant, and much more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Gülsün on LinkedIn

One Ask

If this episode inspired you, please do me a huge favor and tell one person to subscribe. Or share with an immigrant who might find it helpful.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Sahar Rahmani, the former data science leader at RBC and Shopify, who moved from Iran to Canada.

Sahar Rahmani could run rings around you all day if you both talked about cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and data science. But that didn’t stop her from feeling overwhelmed by the milk aisle on her first visit to a supermarket in Canada.

She ended up calling a friend to ask which one was closest to what they had back home in Iran.

I had a similar experience - only mine was with Benylin, the cough expectorant.

It’s wild how the things we take for granted back in our home countries suddenly become tripwires as we go through the motions of settling into our new country.

In this conversation, Sahar and I chat about:

* The importance of finding your community

* Passing on the beauty of your culture to your kids

* Her saddest moments as an immigrant in Canada

* The one thing she would have done differently

* The tradeoffs she has had to make, and much more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Sahar on LinkedIn

One Ask

If this episode inspired you, please do me a huge favor and tell one person to subscribe. Or share with an immigrant who might find it useful.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Tunde Omotoye, the founder of SchooliplyHQ, who moved from Nigeria to Canada as an international student.

Grit: that's the feeling you leave with when you speak with Tunde. When Tunde first moved to Canada, the first few months he spent as an international student were particularly challenging. From packing sausages in a factory line to an encounter with a $300 per week tuition scam, chatting with Tunde highlighted lessons in resilience, adaptability, and self-motivation.

Chatting with him reminded me how much going the extra mile is crucial for immigrants to overcome the lack of social networks, cultural understanding, and community support that natives take for granted.

In this conversation, Tunde and I chat about:

* Settling into Canada as an international student

* Launching a startup focused on helping international students

* Red flags to look out for when hiring an immigration consultant

* Life-changing moments as an immigrant, and much more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Tunde on LinkedIn

One Ask

If this episode inspired you, do me a huge favor and tell one person to subscribe. Or share with an immigrant who might find it useful.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Grand Komanda, a Nigerian comedian who moved to Canada in 2019.

Community is everything. And Grand Komanda is no stranger to the beauty of tapping into your community as an immigrant. Grand shares his journey into comedy, highlighting how he misses his home country, and he expresses his immigrant experiences on stage. I learn how his role as a comedian lets him pass social commentary on immigration, and how comedy is important in coping with hardships.

In this episode, Grand Komanda and I chat about:

* The origins of the Nigerian-Canadian comedy club

* The things he misses most about Nigeria

* Tips for Nigerian/African acts looking to immigrate to Canada

* Using his immigrant experience as fuel for his jokes.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Grand Komanda on Instagram

✅ Watch him on YouTube

✅ Reach out to him on Facebook

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant..

In this episode, I’m speaking with an OG of Canadian immigration, Olufemiloye — known as Olú of Canada in the immigration circles.

The past few weeks, probably months, have been an interesting one for international students looking to immigrate to Canada for their studies.

Nothing is as it seems.

And while this can leave you feeling panicked. And tempted to do anything to get into the country before the "doors close on you," Olufemiloye thinks otherwise.

Olú moved to Canada as an international student over nine years ago, and has since dedicated himself to helping people find their way to Canada. Legally!

In this conversation, we chat about moving to Canada before japa (Nigerian slang for ‘to migrate’) became japa. We also talked about:

* Three plans you MUST have in place before immigrating as an international student

* The downstream effects of the Canadian system of governance on international students such as:

* The school in Atlantic Canada that took in so many students they had to start taking lectures in a cinema hall

* Tips for international students looking to move to Canada

* Why you should immigrate with a clear plan of action, and more.

Folks, I get it. Things look crazy right now. But be kind to yourselves. Look before you jump.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Olú on X

🔗 Get free immigration resources

🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏿 Join the OJC Telegram community

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Osibo Imhoitsike, an experienced adman who moved his family from Nigeria to Canada.

Osibo talks about the sacrifice of leaving a career on the up, shuttling between Nigeria and Canada, and the stress of living apart from family. I also learn about what it took for him to settle in Canada, his biggest cultural shocks, and adjusting as a family in a different culture.

In this conversation, Osibo and I chat about:

* The various triggers that led to migrating to Canada

* Dealing with the stress of living apart from his family

* Walking away from a career on the up

* His biggest cultural shock.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Osibo on LinkedIn

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Ingrid Polini, CEO of SafetyDocs Global.

Ingrid embodies what it means to embrace your uniqueness as an immigrant and hone it as a superpower. As a startup mentor, business owner, and podcast host, Ingrid understands what it means to be an immigrant founder.

In this conversation, Ingrid and I chat about:

* Dealing with Canadian Experience as an immigrant founder.

* People thinking you know less because you speak in a different accent.

* Collective vs. individualistic cultures.

* How culture influences business.

* Her secret sauce for networking in Canada.

This episode was short and sweet.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Ingrid on LinkedIn

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Folasade Daini, a vlogger, content strategist, and agency owner.

Folasade is a former veterinarian turned brand storyteller and is one of the most authentic and enigmatic personalities I have interviewed on this pod. We talk about the processes of immigration, differences in policing culture in Canada, the tax system, and raising a toddler in a new country.

In this conversation, Folasade and I chat about:

* The tax system

* Missing her siblings and Naija food

* The different phases of settling into a new country

* Cultural differences that an immigrant has to adjust to

* Her sweet daughter

* And the one thing she would have done differently.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Folasade on LinkedIn

✅ Watch Folasade share her journey on Youtube

✅ Read Folasade’s work on Medium

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Kamil Rextin, a B2B marketer who moved from Pakistan to Canada.

Kamil is not just a badass B2B marketer. He’s also a beautiful mind and a straight shooter. One you can trust to tell you as it is all the time. We chat about resigning from P&G to move to Canada as a student, missing Pakistan, and raising biracial kids in Canada. This conversation had me smiling all through while editing.

In this conversation, Kamil and I chat about:

* Raising biracial kids

* Parenting in Canada vs. parenting in Pakistan

* The advantages and disadvantages of collective and individualistic cultures

* The advantages you get by immigrating as a student

* Never fitting in as a kid in Pakistan

* And missing home, and how we carry a romantic memory of our home country around

Official Links

✅ Connect with Kamil on LinkedIn

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Bolaji Oyejide, a griot, author, podcaster, and an all-around amazing human.

After moving from Nigeria to America, attending a historically black college as an immigrant challenged preconceived notions about African-Americans, exposing Bolaji to brilliant scholars from diverse backgrounds. We talk about systemic racism, studying in America, and how his immigrant experience inspired him to write 50 superhero storybooks.

In this conversation, Bolaji and I also chat about:

* Losing cool points on his first night in college

* Finding his confidence through dancing

* The advantages of going to a historically Black college

* Being the “other” as an immigrant

* And seeing your dual identity as a strength.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Bolaji on LinkedIn

✅ Listen to Bolaji’s Discover Your Talent podcast

✅ Watch Bolaji on YouTube

✅ Buy Bolaji’s books on Amazon

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Sam Badoo, the Founder and CEO of Fleri Health, who moved from Ghana to Columbus, Ohio.

Thriving as an immigrant requires defining one's identity in the new environment, focusing on relationships, integrity, and interactions rather than mere survival. I learn about how in the U.S., outcomes directly reflect choices, necessitating immigrants to believe they can "own their town" through hard work instead of settling for low-paying jobs.

Sam talks about how joining the military offers immigrants a pathway to citizenship, the unique challenges faced by immigrant parents in the U.S, and how Fleri Health aims to revolutionize immigrant family care by providing transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

In this conversation, Sam and I also chat about:

* His journey from New York to Columbus, Ohio, to the United States military

* Empowering immigrants to thrive and why he launched Fleri Health

* Dealing with the identity of work as an immigrant and why jaiye can be much more fun when we are back on our continent

* The immigrant’s tendency to glorify hardship

* Raising kids and dealing with the effects of watching police brutality on your kids’ psyche.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Sam Badoo on LinkedIn

✅ Check out his content on Instagram

One Ask

If this podcast left you feeling inspired, do me a huge favor and tell one person to subscribe.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Bona Adogamhe, a Technical Recruiter with Emerson, who moved from Nigeria to Canada.

From learning more about the Canadian work experience to debating whether moving your family to Canada and staying back in Nigeria is a wise move, this chat is packed with a lot of insights for anyone looking to move to a new country with their family.

In this conversation, Bona and I also chat about:

* Why he chose Canada?

* How Canada makes you a hands-on parent

* His first day in Calgary, and more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Bona Adogamhe on LinkedIn

✅ Learn more about Boma on X

✅ Reach out to him on Instagram

One Ask

If this podcast left you feeling inspired, do me a huge favor and tell one person to subscribe. Or share with someone who might find it useful.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Amir Feizpour, the co-founder & CEO of Aggregate Intellect.

In one of the most vulnerable episodes I have recorded so far, Amir and I try to explore some of the existential feelings we immigrants face or deal with while settling into a new country.

In this conversation, Amir and I chat about:

* The immigrant’s concept of home

* Dealing with an identity crisis as you shed your old self and adapt to your new society

* Rebuilding self-confidence as you struggle to fit in

* Dealing with the feeling of being culturally completely out of place, and more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Amir Feizpour on LinkedIn

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Nino Melikidze, the co-founder & CEO of Immitracker, who moved to the United States as a 17-year-old.

“Everywhere I go, I’m a foreigner.” I still can’t stop thinking about this statement by Nino. It perfectly captures an emotion immigrants struggle with - always feeling out of place.

Nino is an experienced immigrant. Her first experience with immigration was as a five-year-old. Since then, she’s moved to the United States, Colombia, and now lives in Canada.

In this conversation, Nino and I talk about:

* Why moving abroad is probably done best as a student

* Dealing with cultural differences as you move across different countries

* The exact moment she realized she wasn’t in the comfort of her home anymore

* Dealing with the existential immigrant question - will I ever stop feeling like an immigrant?

* Why fellow immigrants make the best friends, and more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Nino Melikidze on LinkedIn

✅ Reach out to her on Instagram

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Oyin Ajibola, who moved from Nigeria to Canada before it became very sought-after.

Oyin is a multi-hyphenate. She’s co-published a book (Courage, Change, Faith & Leadership: Inspiring Narratives of Black Women Leaders), runs an immigrant magazine (The Immigrant Muse), actively advocates for the Canadian immigrant community, and works as a Senior Operational Policy Analyst with the Government of Saskatchewan.

In this conversation, Oyin and I talk about:

* Dealing with the fear of things not going as she planned after uprooting her life in Nigeria

* The benefits of starting afresh where you have a community

* Dealing with covert racism

* Adjusting to the Canadian credit system

* Her motivations for launching the Immigrant Muse, and more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Oyin Ajibola on Linktree

✅ Get Courage, Change, Faith & Leadership: Inspiring Narratives of Black Women Leaders on Amazon

✅ Check out the Immigrant Muse

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I am speaking with Rotimi Fawole, lawyer, immigrant, writer, and DJ.

When we talk about immigrating to a new country, we often focus on how to get a job ASAP, finding a house, and all the other similar issues we have to deal with as we feel our way into the new society.

But we seem to forget or rather, we seem to gloss over understanding and adapting to the spoken and unspoken cultural nuances that guide social and professional interactions.

Code-switching. Adapting to the communication style and tone of the new country. Same thing.

And it’s not about learning to speak with the accent. Because you can speak phoneh, and still end up not passing your message across when it matters.

Code-switching isn’t about speaking with the accent. It’s you adapting your communication style to suit your new environment. And it’s a necessary skill.

One you’ll need to survive, especially at work. You can't play it by the ear. You MUST invest time in learning how to communicate or else you are always going to feel frustrated.

However, the fact that you are code-switching doesn't mean you should lose yourself in the process. Or allow everyone and anyone run roughshod over you.

In this conversation, we chat about code-switching, and how it’s a key element of settling down.

We also chatted about:

* Moving to the UK as a student, heading back to Nigeria because of the lure of Africa rising, and then moving back to the UK

* Managing your communication style at work as an immigrant

* Why it’s crucial to build a community of people who are an example of who you want to become in your new home

* Why it’s so hard for immigrants to bring their full selves to work

* Tips that can help you improve your communication style, and more.

Remember, we are products of how we are raised, so spend some time learning how things work.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Rotimi on X

🎶 Listen to Rotimi’s DJ mix

Did you read it?

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Chika Offiah, a Senior Business Systems Analyst who moved from Nigeria to Canada.

Chika Offiah's prior experiences in the US and UK for nearly 4 years provided a head start in understanding Western culture and parenting styles before moving to Canada. I learnt a lot about topics like the Western education system and balancing work and family responsibilities in Canada. Assured, upbeat, and cheery, chatting with Chika Offiah was a dose of fresh air.

In the conversation, Chika and I also chat about:

* Not missing Nigerian food 🫡

* Taking advantage of immigration platforms, organizations, and YouTube videos to ease her and the family’s settling down into their new home in Calgary, Canada

* Cultural systems and how they affect our approach to parenting

* Building confidence as an immigrant, and more.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Chika Offiah on X

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Ukwori Ejibe, the founder of Numa Immigration, who moved from Nigeria to Canada.

How do you keep a piece of home with you when moving to a new country? For Ukwori, it meant shipping her favorite Aso oke woven chair to her new home in Calgary. Surviving as an immigrant in Canada requires looking for hope in familiar things, and it comes in many ways.

These and more are what Ukwori and I chat about, including:

* Raising kids in Canada

* Job hunting and her way around the “Canadian Experience”

* Launching her immigration consultancy business, Numa Immigration & Citizenship Services

* The first night feels, and more!

Official Links

✅ Connect with Ukwori Ejibe on LinkedIn

✅ Reach out to her on Instagram

✅ Check out Numa Immigration

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Nishila Babu about being a new immigrant in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nishila Babu quit her job and moved to Canada to start a new life. What she didn’t prepare for was immigrating at a time when the world was unsure of its fate. Juggling the loneliness of being new to Canada, with the pandemic restrictions, was an altering experience for most immigrants, including Nishila.

In this conversation, Nishila and I chat about:

* Missing home

* Dealing with the fear of starting afresh

* Settling into a new country while the world grappled with the pandemic

* The differences between the Indian and Canadian educational system

* Treating immigration as a second chance in life

Official Links

✅ Connect with Nishila Babu on LinkedIn

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Dapo Ajeniya, who moved with his family to Calgary, Canada, just before the world went into a COVID-19 lockdown.

We chat about his experience settling into Canada, adjusting to the new demands of parenting, Canada's newcomer benefits, the teaching style of Canadian schools, the culture shock and how the children of immigrants adjust faster to life in Canada.

In this episode, Dapo and I chat about:

* His first night

* Opening up one’s mind to new cultures

* Pressing the reset button with his kids

* Adjusting to the demands of parenting in the West

* Parenting in Naija vs. parenting in Canada

Official Links

✅ Connect with Dapo Ajeniya on LinkedIn

✅ Check him out on Instagram

✅ Read Dapo’s works on Medium

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.