Outside of the Classroom Podcast
The Outside of the Classroom podcast explores the ideas, stories, and strategies that shape how we build businesses and careers. From personal journeys, industry insights and deep dives into business theory, each episode offers a different perspective of understanding the world of work. Listen below or tune in on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Ashley & Michael fry: Motherhood, Faith and the Making of a Family Business
This conversation brings a fresh take on entrepreneurship—grounded not just in vision and perseverance, but in the deeper foundations that helped them create a business true to their values and aspirations for life.
Perspective: Jared Steuernol - AI and Higher Education
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.
Deep Dive: The Masks We Wear - Playing Along or Losing Yourself? The Hidden Cost of Fitting In at 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.
Samantha Stilwell: Building in Stillness
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.
Deep Dive: “When I Let Go of What I Am, I Become What I Might Be” - Understanding Path Dependency and Avoiding Organizational Lock-In
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
Dina Psiharis: The Power of Authenticity and (Re)Defining Success
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.
Laura Simonow: How Making an Impact Leads You from Medicine to Entrepreneurship
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.
Behdad Karimi: Disrupting the Accounting Industry
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”.
Deep Dive: Building Individual and Organizational Resilience
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.
Derek Bartlett: Building Your Brand
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”.
Outside of the Classroom: Season 3 Kick-Off
A description of what you can expect from Season 3 of the Outside of the Classroom podcast. Thank you for listening.
Outside of the Classroom: Season 2 Recap and Wrap-Up
Thank you to all of the Season 2 Guests, Listeners and Subscribers. This is a recap of Season 2 with highlights from each episode.
Natalie Foley: Success Through Resilience
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.
Serena Gill: Defining Your Path From Classroom to Career
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.
Fady Soliman: Lessons in Managing & Developing People
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.
Meiling Fong: How a Being Classical Violinist Prepares You for Entrepreneurship
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.
Robert Ciancio: Lessons on Being an Entrepreneur
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.
Darren Mason: The Importance of Human Connection in Retail
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.
Edmund Wong: Success By Your Own Definition
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.
Anisa Yusuf: Taking the Initiative to Find Your Path
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.