Talking with our colleague Heather Rainey, Development Associate with the Alberta School of Business about her invigorating approach to her squiggly career (and what fascinating squiggles she has), how failure has brought valuable learning opportunities, and why optimism really is her superpower (among a few others). Heather kicks it up a notch by not just demonstrating comfort with the unknown, but rather what it looks like to tackle it with joy.

Talking with Remal Elsheikh, recent MBA graduate and experienced risk management professional about the interesting intersection between risk, failure, and growth. His motto of ‘succeed wildly while learning to fail gently’ is just the start of many powerful truth bombs and wisdom he shares as he offers a road map to balancing risk, perspective, and new experiences that promotes failing fast, forward, frequently, and yes - hopefully gently.

Talking with Jolene, a combined MD/MBA student who courageously shares with us how failing to be accepted into a residency program on her first attempt turned out to be an unexpected opportunity to cultivate resilience, self-trust, and a growth mindset. By leaning into failure, Jolene is now making powerful ripples that will have impacts in the field of medicine for years to come. Ripples that might not have happened if she didn’t fail first.

Talking with 1st year student KP about the rollercoaster that is the first year of the MBA program, and how leaning into self-reflection has truly super-sized his learnings and growth this year. He also talks about a surprise secret weapon that self-reflection offers. Something that some understand, but few truly master - you’ll have to listen to find out what it is and how you can access the same career-boosting tool

Talking with Ashok Ibrahim Syed, 1st year MBA student, about the true boost that comes from understanding, owning, and celebrating what truly makes you stand out. He, along with 2 other MBA students are leading the MBA Inclusion & Diversity club next year, and they have great ideas on how to continue to foster a culture of belonging. As a self-labeled ‘odd one out’, he shares how this is actually a superpower, and how we can all support the important work of creating brave spaces where everyone feels like they belong.

Talking with MBA alumni (‘22) Sary Abulmona - who was also one of our Teaching Assistants, AND is now our colleague at the School of Business - on how being open to experience, connection, and even failure has led to his belief that taking his MBA changed his entire life. We say that this experience is life-changing, but don’t take our words for it - take Sary’s!

Talking with Mike Maier, Associate Dean, Masters & Executive Education Programs at the Alberta School of Business about what it really means to have a global business perspective and why it matters. Did you know that you should never give a green hat as a gift in China? Or that Alberta’s provincial flower, the wild rose, is actually now largely imported? Mike talks about why these learnings are important whether you’re exploring abroad, or learning in your hometown. Challenge yourself with this episode to get a little uncomfortable, challenge your biases, be curious, and grow.

Talking with 2nd year student Harry Singh, who we would consider a super-connector, about how it is that he’s able to build relationships with everyone from security guards to VPs of large corporations - and everyone in between. There’s a reason he’s beat out experienced sales professionals for top sales as someone brand new to the role - and it’s not because he’s a sales expert. But rather, because he’s a people expert. Listen and find out how you can become one too.

Talking with Sarah Kowalevsky, Assistant Dean of Development at the Alberta School of business about how the skill set of using her unique energy to make strong connections has served her in everything from her first 10 years as a performer on cruise ships to her role now dedicated to development (fundraising) for the university. Curiosity, bravery, and a good pair of sparkly shoes all factor into her success - and she’s got some great additional tips and tricks that you won’t want to miss. Come be captivated by her magnetic energy that has made her such a masterful connector, professional, and colleague!

Talking with Jerry Perez, 1st year MBA student, about what makes him so naturally gifted at relationship building (aka networking), and how you can be too. He really boils it down to what networking is at it’s core, what we often get wrong, and an easy trick to use to be more successful. Relationships are truly important, personally and professionally, so let’s stop being scared of networking, and start just focusing on connecting with our shared human experience.