In this episode, I’m speaking with Bryan McInnis, who moved from the United States to Kampala, Uganda with his wife and two daughters.

Every immigrant has felt the tension of the pull towards your people as you settle into the new country. The comfort of shared references, familiar jokes, conversations that don’t require any literal or cultural translation.

Bryan McInnis was no different. But he and his wife left the United States specifically to give their kids a more robust picture of the world. You can’t do that if you only hang out in the expat bubble.

And so 6+ months into life in Kampala, Bryan’s learning about cultural differences that only show up if you dig in.

Bryan and I chat about:

• What it’s like to move the United States to Uganda

• The trip that kicked off everything

• The Ugandan entrepreneurial impulse that defies the “Africa is slow” stereotype

• What it means to raise third-culture children

• Why he thinks his family is more intentional now than ever

In this episode, I’m speaking with Simon Trevarthen, who leads the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC). A big part of their work is helping helping immigrants see their skills through a different lens while helping employers access talent they desperately need.

And so the big question I hoped to answer with this episode is one I have been noodling on for a bit, which is:

"How do we help more immigrants see that their skills are exponential, not linear? And that the work you did in your home country can apply across multiple industries here.”

Simon and I also chat about:

• The hidden job market and how TRIEC helps immigrants access that pool of opportunities

• How informational interviews can help you land a job in Canada

• Why networking is non-negotiable for immigrants

• Why work connects to identity and how that complicates the immigrant experience when you have to take a role beneath your qualifications

In this episode, I’m speaking with Roy Ratnavel, a retired financial services executive and the author of the #1 Canadian national bestselling book Prisoner #1056.

Roy’s philosophy for life seems simple but I think it’s a hard one for most of us to adopt: fix yourself before you fix the world. If you’re a good husband, you raise good kids. Good households create good communities. Strong communities build strong societies. Strong societies make stronger countries.

And I think Canada needs a lot of this at the moment. Everything is ground up, not top down. The government can’t control what goes on in your head or within the four walls of your home. No regulation can stop that. So it comes down to individuals—not as a selfish notion, but as a recognition that you need to fix your flaws before pointing out others’ shortcomings.

Roy spent a decade after arriving in Canada blaming everyone else for his struggles. At 31, he realized he was the problem. He went to war with the man in the mirror, sought therapy for PTSD, and completely changed his approach to life.

Roy and I chat about my biggest lessons from reading his book. We also explore:

• Why the 2010 Winter Olympics was the most Canadian he’d ever felt

• How Canada can unite people across differences

• Why we need to lower the barrier but not the bar

• Moral exhibitionism vs. real solutions

• Lying to yourself versus being honest about mistakes

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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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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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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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 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

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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 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!

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Nisrine Maktabi, a trauma-informed coach and registered psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting newcomers, international students, and multicultural professionals in Canada and globally.

Nisrine usually works with newcomers and second-generation immigrants, helping them work through something most immigrants don’t recognize as trauma: people-pleasing.

Surprised? I was too. She says people-pleasing isn’t about being nice or accommodating. It’s a survival response called “fawning”—your nervous system’s way of keeping you safe by making others happy. For children of immigrants especially, people-pleasing becomes how they survive in families where belonging feels conditional.

Conditional on you operating within the rigid rules about behavior, identity, and cultural adherence.

Nisrine and I chat about why your nervous system adapts to keep you safe. We also explore:

• The coconut effect and why strict parenting backfires

• Canada’s systemic barriers for highly educated newcomers

• Why discrimination triggers old wounds, and how to process them

• How to connect your children to their roots without imprisoning them

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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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

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Kristina McPherson, who moved from Jamaica to Canada in 2014, and now runs As Told By Canadian Immigrants, where she’s the guide she wishes she had before she moved to Canada.

There’s a lot to unpack in this episode, but the part I can’t stop thinking about is when Kristina talks about “post-immigration stress disorder,” a term she coined to describe what many immigrants go through as they try to settle into their new home. I believe it’s also called Ulysses Syndrome.

There’s the constant anxiety. There’s the uncertainty that has you feeling unsettled. There’s the mental load of running two parallel tracks—getting through today while worrying if you’ll even be here tomorrow.

For Kristina, it was LMIA complications. Provincial nominee programs that wouldn’t work in time. Express Entry launching with 800-point cutoffs. Submitting her PR application two months before her work permit expired, then living on implied status for months.

During that time, Christina lived with two pots, two plates, two glasses. Everything she owned fit in a suitcase. Because if immigration forced her to leave, she wanted it to be easy.

Kristina and I chat about the emotional toll of living in limbo for years. We also explore:

• Living two and a half years out of a suitcase

• Why she started “As Told by Canadian Immigrants”

• Why we need to put boundaries around how one consumes immigration information on social media

• Being ‘in-betweeners’ caught between cultures

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

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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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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

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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

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In this episode, I'm speaking with Paul Bakhmut, who moved from Ukraine to Edmonton, Canada 15 years ago as an international student and is now running for mayor.

Paul is big on first impressions. And he still remembers his first impression of Edmonton: no bus from the airport to the city. You had to drive or find a cab. Even now, the bus only goes to the train station, not downtown.

His vision for Edmonton in two years if he wins? A city that looks and feels alive, not one littered with "for lease" signs. A place that feels safe, not just in police statistics but in actual lived experience.

But Paul is practical in how he expects to achieve all these goals. He accepts that Edmonton needs to get more competitive with business taxes and become an open, smart, and fun city that attracts businesses and sets a cultural tone that values what newcomers bring.

In this conversation, Paul and I chat about how his view of Canada has changed over the past 15 years. We also explore:

• Why Alberta’s immigration boom creates challenges and opportunities

• Why the city’s own hiring practices matter for the broader market

• Why he still believes in the promise of Canada after 15 years

• The importance of judging newcomers on merit, not credentials

• The city’s role in setting the cultural tone on hiring newcomers

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

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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

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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

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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 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

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Discover real-life immigrant stories on The Newcomers Podcast! Hosted by Dozie Anyaegbunam, each episode will feature a guest sharing their journey of moving to a new country — from their struggles to lessons to inspiring moments. Join us for a raw and emotional exploration of the determination, resilience, and hope that drive immigrants to chase their dreams.

Please forward this to ONE friend today and tell them to subscribe here.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Keely Cronin, Co-Founder of WorkSpark, where they support professionals who have migrated to Canada as well as anyone looking to make a mid-career transition.

One conversation she has over and over again with the folks she coaches is the gap, or more like valley between your qualifications, experience, skillset, and the infamous first survival job most newcomers have to start with in Canada.

Keely’s point of view is even if you’re a deep-sea engineer working at Tim Hortons, you should see that time as valuable Canadian experience. And as roles that immerse you in everyday Canadian culture.

Which means you should put them on your resume and frame them as work experience that shows you have soft skills to fit into your potential new job like a glove.

In this conversation, Keely and I chat about the soft skills you develop in such jobs. We also explore:

* Why she thinks Canada’s immigration narrative doesn’t match reality

* Culture and self-promotion

* Why moving countries makes you a baby again (but with baggage)

* Why it’s a good idea to experience Canada before job hunting ( but them bills don’t wait though)

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* During the immigration process, the focus is usually on what the immigrant brings to Canada. However, once we land, the narrative seems to shift to all Canada is giving you. This weird shift seems to be creating an environment where the public doesn’t recognize the talent or contributions of immigrants to the economy and the country.

* Structural barriers need policy solutions, not resilient individuals. We should celebrate resilience. But…individual resilience and networking can only go so far. Issues like inconsistent credential recognition across provinces and unclear processes need government fixes.

* Moving to a new country literally resets you to ground zero. You are like a baby experiencing the world again. Except this time around you carry the burden of your previous life’s experiences and expectations. Accept this reality. That’s the first step towards turning this mental burden into a strength.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Keely Cronin on LinkedIn

✅ Schedule a free career assessment

One Ask

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

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

Please forward this to ONE friend today and tell them to subscribe here.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Mher Mardoyan, a career coach who's been helping newcomers to Canada find jobs with a 90%+ success rate.

With the rise and rise of AI in job applications, it's beginning to seem like traditional online job applications are a losing game for newcomers to Canada. Because for every job posting, there are thousands of applicants and only a tiny weeny number get called in for interviews. Mher thinks its about 2%.

The way out, Mher believes, is the hidden job market. This is where majority of the hiring happens. And the only way to access these opportunities is through networking and referrals.

Because people help people they know and trust, not strangers asking for favors.

In this conversation, Mher and I chat about his seven-step coaching process. We also explore:

* Why applying for jobs should be your last resort, not your first

* The importance of celebrating small wins during your job search

* His one tip for standing out in today's competitive job market

* Why investing in your career pays off faster than waiting for free help

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* Networking is like banking; you first deposit then you withdraw. That someone accepted your connection request on LinkedIn doesn’t mean you should ask them if they can help you find a job immediately. I personally think it’s cringe. Spend some time investing in the relationship. And in due time, you’ll build up enough social credit that allows you ask for help with your job hunt or a referral.

* Tell your story. Mher thinks if your story demonstrates how you save employers time, money or increase profit, you’ll be in demand. Methinks same too.

* Job hunting in today’s market is emotionally exhausting. Take breaks. Celebrate small wins. Ask for help.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Mher Mardoyan on LinkedIn

✅ Book a career consultation

One Ask

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

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

Please forward this to ONE friend today and tell them to subscribe here.

In this episode, I am speaking with Ben Joffe, a French native who's lived and worked across Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, United States, Germany, and currently Portugal. Ben also speaks fluent French, English, Japanese, pretty bad Korean and Chinese, and average Portuguese (thanks to high school Spanish classes).

Talk about being a global citizen. This lived experience means Ben has developed a great understanding of how much our default cultural programming defines how we see and interact with the world.

Having your default cultural programming turned on is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it’s important we recognize that we all have these underlying prompts which influence our language structure, our views on material success, personal relationships, and more. Especially when we move to a new country.

In this conversation, Ben and I explore why some cultures lead with “what do you do?” while others consider that question rude. We also chat about:

* Local comedy and why it’s a great way to understand cultural nuances and codes

* Why he’s more focused on teaching his kid curiosity than nationality

* The phone call that changed his understanding of Korean culture

* Why he doesn't identify as an immigrant or expat despite living in 7+ countries

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* The same word can mean different things depending on where you are from. A major barrier to cross-cultural understanding isn’t a lack of shared language but the hidden cultural codes behind words. A term like “friendship” or “car” has a completely different meaning in Korea, the U.S, or France. Learn to ask “What do you mean?” whenever possible.

* Cultural fluency which then leads to proper integration is an everyday activity. To truly understand a new country or society requires deliberate effort. Learn the language, watch local stand-up comedy, volunteer, engage in local activities. Being a passive observer rarely helps.

* Your multicultural identity is additive. A multicultural identity is not about losing a piece of one culture to gain another. Instead, it’s you adding new layers to your identity that end up creating a human that’s more than the sum of their parts.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Ben Joffe on LinkedIn

✅ Check out Ben’s vibe coding course

✅ Consider reading The Culture Code by Clotaire Rapaille

One Ask

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

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

Please forward this to ONE friend today and tell them to subscribe here.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Gabriela Casineanu, author of Job Fairs: How to Get the Most of Your Participation, and founder of Introverts Academy.

A big part of why I wanted to chat with Gabriela is because I believe that when you move, you temporarily become an introvert. She did disagree with my theory. She thinks immigrants or newcomers become quiet or withdrawn because when you face a lot of rejection while job hunting, you become shy or afraid to speak up.

There's more. And she breaks it down in great detail. But you have to listen to the episode.

In this conversation, Gabriela and I chat about detaching your identity from your profession. We also explore:

* Why immigration is an opportunity to ask yourself what you really want to do

* Her one-word advice for immigrants struggling to integrate

* How to focus on what you can control in the job search process

* The importance of bringing your “human side” to the job search, not just your diploma or degree

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* A lot of us move physically but don’t move mentally. In that case, you really haven’t immigrated. Integration starts when you become curious and adopt a beginners mind. That’s how you start learning the rules of your new home.

* Proactive connection beats passive application. Sending resumes are great but they can only get you so far. Reach out, book informational interviews, volunteer at conferences. These tactics help you build visibility, trust, and launches you into the hidden job market where there's less competition.

* "Reframing" is the ultimate immigrant hack. Learn to reframe your challenges. By changing a negative statement (I hate networking) into a curious question (Who can I ask for information?), you alter your energy state, your actions, and the outcomes.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Gabriela Casineanu on LinkedIn

✅ Learn more about Introverts Academy

✅ Get the Job Fairs: How to Get the Most of Your Participation book for FREE to learn more about reframing

One Ask

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

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

Please forward this to ONE friend today and tell them to subscribe here.

In this episode, I'm speaking to Sweta Regmi, who's lived in Canada for over two decades.

Two decades is a while, and Sweta says if she were to compress all she's learned over those years into one piece of advice for new immigrants, it would be "ASK FOR HELP."

I agree. I learned this the hard way. And maybe someday I'll tell that story. But yes, ask for help. Don't try to figure it out all on your own. But there are caveats here. As Sweta puts it, "Watch out for folks who who project their own limitations onto you, like someone who tells you that making six figures is impossible."

I think the key message Sweta is passing on here is find people who have lived the life you want to live. This isn't about finding someone with a PhD or a fancy title, but someone with relatable, lived experience who can offer genuine guidance.

In this conversation, Sweta and I chat about the importance of finding mentors who are honest about their struggles. We also explore:

* Why she sees her 25-year journey in Canada as beautiful

* The origin story behind her business, TeachnDo

* Why she resisted celebrating Canadian holidays at first, and what changed her mind

* Why you shouldn’t compromise your identity just because you want to fit in

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* Not judging anyone, but those little compromises you make to fit in can often backfire. Integrate all right, but don’t erode your sense of self in the process. You have a heritage that’s beautiful in its own right.

* Continuing from above, moving means you can curate the culture you want to uphold or live by. You can choose to discard the negative aspects of your heritage or home culture (like gender biases in Sweta’s case) and replace them with the positive elements from your new culture. The result is a new personalized way of life. Sounds utopian, but it’s doable.

* The source of your advice can make or break you. I would go further to say the folks you speak to within the first two weeks in the country can limit or propel you forward.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Sweta Regmi on LinkedIn

✅ Check out the free career resources on the TeachnDo website

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In this episode, I'm speaking with Shriya Ghate, who moved from India to the UK, back to India, and finally to Canada.

Shriya and I explore a theme that's often ignored; the starting line is different for immigrants. And for immigrant women, it's often miles behind everyone else.

She talks about being seated at a networking event for women, and as she listens to the challenges faced by women who grew up in Canada, she realizes that before she can even think about networking or getting better at small talk, she has to first figure out the basics:

* Where to buy food

* How to pay for the bus

* How to feel safe in a new place

But it's not all gloomy. Shriya believes starting over is also a chance to build a new life with some intention. An opportunity to decide who you want to be as a professional and as a person, away from the cultural expectations of your home country.

Shriya and I explore the lessons she’s gathered from immigrating twice. We also chat about:

* The difference between moving as a student vs. a permanent resident.

* The psychological burden of the immigrant job search.

* Why Canada felt more like home than the UK.

* How to find your place in the world after leaving home

* Why small talk can be a hurdle for many immigrants

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* Progress compounds but it comes from showing up, fully prepared or not. The feeling of not being ready, of not knowing what to say, or do, or wear can be paralyzing. But they say courage is action in the face of fear. And it’s one thing you have to embody as an immigrant. Show up and learn by doing.

* Cultural norms around social interactions are real. So give yourself some grace. Is small talk hard? That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about it. But keep an open mind to learning the new social norms or create ways to navigate them.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Shriya Ghate on LinkedIn

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Aman Chawla, who moved from India to Fredericton, New Brunswick in 2023.

Canada wasn’t Aman’s first choice when he and his wife started considering immigrating. He wanted Ireland. The time-zone difference wasn’t much. Flights back home lasted about 13 hours.

But the pandemic meant that didn’t happen. They also considered Australia. That didn’t work out too. So Canada it was. His wife moved over first for an MBA.

Aman and their toddler followed along six months after. But this was only possible because a member of parliament stepped in to help with the family reunification.

Aman and I chat about:

• Making Fredericton, New Brunswick home

• Landing a job within weeks through preparation

• What four months of unemployment taught him

• Why he believes immigrants need to stop complaining and start contributing

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In this episode, I'm speaking with Stefana Sopco, who moved from Romania to the Netherlands seven years ago.

Stefana had never thought of leaving Romania. But after her husband moved to the Netherlands for better job opportunities, she reluctantly followed; with €80 in her pocket and a lot of anxiety.

Now, this isn't a zero to hero story. What I loved about Stefana is how she absolutely refuses to romanticize the immigrant experience. She reminds me of Anam Zakaria of Qissa. She talks about the depression, the anxiety, and the identity crisis that comes with trying to find belonging and acceptance in a foreign culture.

Like Stefana, maybe we all need to stop trying to fit into boxes that weren't made for us. Because life is usually much better once we accept ourselves—strange accent and all.

In this conversation, Stefana and I chat about the impact immigration can have on one’s mental health. We also explore:

* Why immigrants find it easier to make friends with other immigrants

* Accepting herself and its benefits

* The permanence of being an in-betweener

* The guilt and heartbreak that comes with watching your parents age from afar

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* Every immigrant’s biggest fear is getting the dreaded call that something has happened to their parents. And then depending on when you last travelled back home to see them, you’ll lash yourself with guilt for months or years.

* It can be exhausting trying to perform as someone else because you are desperate to fit in. I don’t think there’s anything like being perfectly integrated, except you are a 4yo kid.

* You are never going to fully belong to your new country or the old one. I am not sure, but maybe accepting that is the best thing we can do for ourselves. That liminal space is not a problem to solve. It’s an identity that we’ll carry forever.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Stefana Sopco on LinkedIn

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In this episode, I'm speaking with Neel Parekh, the Founder and CEO of MaidThis® & MaidThis® Franchise, which helps homeowners and short-term rental hosts (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) with their cleaner needs.

I'm usually curious about two kinds of immigrants; second-gen immigrants because I am trying to understand some of the challenges my kids might face, and immigrants who migrate from the Global West to the Global South.

Neel ticks both boxes. His parents moved from India to the United States in the early 80s. And then after seven years of backpacking and running his cleaning business remotely, Neel decided to settle down in Rwanda for a bit.

Neel and I chat about the differences between the Western “go go go” culture and Rwanda’s pace where nothing feels as urgent. We also explore:

* Falling in love with Rwanda

* Building community as an immigrant

* Growing up in an immigrant household and now understanding his parents better

* Why he’s thinking of splitting his time between East Africa and Los Angeles

Dozie’s Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:

* I wish I spent more time trying to learn or at least have an idea of Canada’s communication style before I moved. Neel talks about moving from America’s low-context culture (direct, literal communication) to Rwanda's high-context culture (implied meanings, indirect answers) and the friction it came with. I suspect that a lot of the frustrations we encounter early-on in a new country are usually miscommunication issues.

* Maybe it’s time to accept that most people are never going to understand the immigrant experience until they’ve lived through it. I’m saying this because part of why I launched this publication was to also help non-immigrants sorta understand their immigrant neighbours better. But I guess experience is the best teacher in most situations, immigration included.

Official Links

✅ Connect with Neel Parekh on Twitter

✅ Chat with Neel about franchising

One Ask

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

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