Entrepreneurship, Experience, Growth and Mental Health

Season 4 Kick-Off: Thank You, Season 3 Recap & Highlights and Season 4 Outlook

In the first episode of the Perspective series, we talk with Jared Steuernol—an expert with a background in higher education publishing and education technology—about how AI is influencing the way we teach, learn, and prepare for the future of work.

This Deep Dive Episode looks at Dr. Patricia Hewlin's work and the concept of Facades of Conformity, which exists in organizations. The episode talks about these 'false appearances' that employees can demonstrate, often out of necessity, and the impact on the individual and the organization. The episode also presents ideas for how to avoid these risks.

In episode 7 of season 3, Samantha Stilwell shares her story, which ultimately led her to start an incubator supporting women-owned businesses. From working in human resources to starting a consulting firm, Samantha tells us how a Lack of Yes, Isn’t a No, what it means to Build in Stillness and why it brings her joy to be described as a Human and an Anthropologist.

This Deep Dive episode presents the topic of Path Dependency and Organizational Lock-In: What starts as a strength—efficient routines, consistent messaging, deeply held values—can evolve into a blind spot

In episode 5 of season 3, Dina Psiharis shares her journey working with global brands in the retail industry, moving from Montreal, Canada, to the Middle East and eventually starting her own firm focused on enhancing the customer experience. Dina talks to us about how the "Engine is Confidence" and the True Cost of Success.

In our latest episode of season 3, Laura Simonow tells us about the inspiration behind her journey from becoming a medical doctor to starting a company focused on functional natural cosmetics.  Laura talks with us about the importance of First Principles, her Philosophy on Leadership and Freeing Yourself from Titles.

In this episode, Behdad Karimi talks about his journey from studying accounting, becoming a CPA, starting a side-hustle and now running an AI company in the Accounting industry. Behdad shares thoughts on going from Employee to Entrepreneur, Managing People and the “Middle Manager Mindset”.

In this first Deep Dive episode we focus on the topic of Resilience. Through the lens of going from Languishing to Flourishing, we look at the research and practicality of building individual and organizational resilience.

In our first episode of Season 3, Derek Bartlett shares his story from starting in the hospitality industry to now being an executive in the multi-billion dollar pet industry.  Derek tells us about the importance of Self-Check-Ins, having a Praise Folder and if you “Stay Ready You Don’t Have to Get Ready”.

A description of what you can expect from Season 3 of the Outside of the Classroom podcast. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of the Season 2 Guests, Listeners and Subscribers. This is a recap of Season 2 with highlights from each episode.

In this episode, we talk with Natalie Foley who has had a diverse career across financial services, beauty, automotive and technology industries and is now building her own company. Natalie shares her thoughts on the Importance of Customer Experience, Being Aware of Perceptions and Leading & Developing People.

In this episode, we talk with Serena Gill, a recent graduate, who has started her career in Marketing working in the Broadcasting Industry. She talks about changing paths in school, taking time to find her passion and starting her career. Serena tells us about the Importance of a Supportive Network, her approach to Managing & Leading People and the Value of Building Connections.

In this latest episode, Fady Soliman talks about his expertise in Business Development across the Tourism, Education and Fast Casual Food industries and how it influenced his perspective on People Management. Fady highlights the Importance of Values, Managing People like Customers and Finding Peace of Mind.

In Episode 8 of Season 2, Meiling Fong shares her journey from studying to be a Classical Violinist, to entering the Corporate World and to starting her own Marketing Research firm. Meiling talks to us about Getting Over Limiting Beliefs, the Importance of Showing Up, and Falling Back on Your Ability to Learn and Trusting in That Ability.

In Episode 7 we talk with Robert Ciancio, a Business Owner in the Plastic Extrusion industry. Robert shares his journey from aspiring architect to successful entrepreneur and tells us about the Evolution of Culture, Building Trust to Create Followers and Knowing Your Worse Case Scenario.

In the latest episode Season 2, Darren Mason, a seasoned entrepreneur in Women's Fashion, talks about his experience transforming an established 30-year business, into running a start-up. He'll talk about Organizational Change, People Management and Environmental Complexity. Darren also shares his perspective on the Discipline Needed to Change, Leadership Anywhere in an Organization and a Learner's Mindset.

In Episode 5 of Season 2, we talk with Edmund Wong who after first pursuing Teaching, has built a successful career in Banking. Edmund shares his honest thoughts on Education Staying With You, How to Prepare For the Future and Being Governed by Your Values.

In our most recent episode, Anisa Yusuf discusses her experience in the field of Human Resources, working across various industries such as Financial Services, Accounting & Consulting, and Construction Management. She shares with us insights on Learning Throughout Your Career, Paying Your Dues and her Goal to Influence Change.

In this episode Jon Taylor shares his on the Construction Management industry. Having worked for and now owning a company in the field, Jon talks about the distinction between Risks and Fear, the Importance of Being a Subject Matter Expert for Customers and Fostering a Culture of Entrepreneurship.

In our 2nd episode of season 2, we hear from Michael Williams who has dedicated his career to the Non-Profit industry. He shares with us his experiences from working in this industry and explains the Importance of ‘Fit’ in Organizational Culture, the value of Diverse Experiences in Building a Career and Taking On All Opportunities.

In our first episode of season 2, we talk with Adrienne Go. Adrienne has worked in Human Resources throughout her career, spanning across various industries such as technology, financial services, healthcare and consulting. She brings an honest and authentic perspective on her experiences and talks about the Importance of Stakeholder Management, ‘Blowing-Up’ Your Life for Personal Transformation and Saying Yes to the Things that Scare You.

In Episode 6, Karen Mangia shares her experiences from a career in the IT Industry in the US, to now leading an organization that helps companies stay competitive. Karen highlights the importance of understanding the Difference Between the Stated and Lived Culture of an Organization, Managing vs. Coaching People and Realizing that You are Not 'Making the Waves'.

In Episode 5 Neil Balwant talks about his experiences from the corporate world to building a company serving the wholesale automotive industry. Neil will talk about the importance of Learning by Doing, the Power of Culture and the Alignment of Personal Interests with Organizational Interests to Motivate Employees .

Ralph François discusses his approach to building a recruitment company that shifts the focus from individuals searching for jobs, to matching individuals to jobs. He also shares his insights on how Competition Creates Brand Awareness, the value of Continuous Learning and the Importance of Finding Peace.

In this episode, Ryan Goldsman shares how he created an education company serving the Financial Services industry. Ryan talks about Creating a 'Closed Loop' business model, Standing-Out to Attract Customers and Structuring Your Company Around the Customer.

In this episode, we hear from Charles Johnson who made the switch from the luxury clothing industry to the artisanal bakery industry. Charles will talk about Paying Attention to the Nuts & Bolts of Business, the Power of Observation in Knowing Your Customers and Culture as a Competitive Advantage.

In this episode, we'll hear from Bulat Gazizoff who shares his experience in building a marketing agency. Learn from Bulat about Niching Down to Scale-Up, How to Scale Culture and the Importance of Celebrating Your Wins.