Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary guest who is an example for women in leadership—Amri Murray. She made a big decision during her maternity leave, which changed her pursuit as a professor. She talked about what work-life balance really means to her. Amri is now a Licensed Paralegal, Entrepreneur, and Educator with a remarkable journey in the legal world. As the Founder and Business Owner of AJ Murray Legal Services P.C., You can find Amri Murray at https://www.ajmurraylaw.ca/Amri has been providing top-notch legal services for over six years, specializing in landlord and tenant disputes, small claims court, human rights, and more. Her dedication to securing the best outcomes for her clients is unmatched.But Amri’s story doesn’t stop there. Her commitment to the legal profession extends beyond client advocacy. She tutored aspiring paralegals preparing for their licensing exams. Her passion for mentoring future legal professionals speaks volumes about her dedication to giving back and shaping the next generation of leaders.Amri’s impact isn’t limited to the courtroom or classroom. She actively volunteers with Reach Canada, providing pro bono legal services to individuals with disabilities in Ottawa, helping them navigate complex legal matters with compassion and care. She also serves on the Paralegal Education & Advocacy Committee for the County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA), where she champions professional development and knowledge-sharing for paralegals in Eastern Ontario.So, if you’re considering a career in law, wondering what it takes to run a successful legal practice, or simply curious about the journey of a driven and passionate legal entrepreneur, this episode is for you!

Join Sandra Yuk-Sim Wu—artist-turned-leader, MBA, PMP,and Executive Certified in Management and Leadership—as she shares her unconventional career journey and insights on navigating career and education choices.

From her beginnings as an artist and art teacher to herroles in healthcare, education, and international business, Sandra’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention, lifelong learning, and purposeful decision-making. Because success isn’t a straight line—it’s a canvas, layered with experiences, risks, and new opportunities.

She’ll also invite business-minded, like-minded leaders,entrepreneurs, and change-makers to share their own journeys.

Each episode will inspire you to embrace change, leverageyour unique strengths, and design a future filled with purpose and possibility. 

Welcome to Career Canvas with Sandra Wu — the podcastwhere creativity meets strategy to shape a career and life you love.

Today’s guest, Ali Pahlavani, is proof that your career pathdoesn’t have to be linear to be successful.

Ali started his career as a civil engineer — a world rootedin structure, analysis, and problem-solving. However, his curiosity and passion for working with people led him to make a bold pivot into financial services. Armed with an analytical mindset from his engineering background, Ali quickly found his footing in the world of investment strategies, wealth management, and financial planning — eventually becoming a Certified Financial Planner.

His leadership skills didn’t go unnoticed. Ali rose toexecutive roles at major financial institutions, driving business development, and operational strategy, and fostering a culture of innovation. Beyond the corporate world, Ali is also a passionate advocate for the financial services profession.

Through his involvement with Advocis, the Financial AdvisorsAssociation of Canada, he’s held leadership roles both locally and nationally — championing the voice of financial advisors across the country.

Today, Ali continues to work closely with clients as aCertified Financial Planner with Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network and Desjardins Financial Security Investments Incorporation, combining his technical expertise with a deeply human approach to financial planning.

But what really sets Ali apart is his passion for giving itback. As a professor, mentor, and educator, he loves helping the next generation of financial professionals — and even shares his best tips on teaching financial literacy to children!

This is a conversation about career pivots, transferableskills, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Let’s dive in — and start painting the canvas of yourcareer, one bold stroke at a time.

Today, we have an extraordinary guest, Dr. Chong Ho Alex Yu, a distinguished scholar, educator, and data science expert. Dr. Yu is a Professor and Program Director of the Data Science and AI Master Program at Hawai'i Pacific University, with deep expertise in statistics, machine learning, data visualization, and AI ethics.

You can find Dr. Yu on https://www.youtube.com/@datafrontiers

However, what makes Dr. Yu’s journey truly fascinating is his ability to embrace change and pivot across disciplines. With two Ph. D.s—one in Measurement, Statistics, and Methodological Studies and another in Philosophy—alongwith multiple master's degrees in areas ranging from educational psychology to theology, he’s a true lifelong learner. His career has spanned fields from mass communication and the arts to data science and advanced analytics.

In this conversation, we’ll explore not just his expertise in data science and AI but also his journey of career reinvention. Why do we need to avoid baby duck syndrome? How did he navigate these transitions? What does it take to embrace uncertainty and evolve in today’s fast-changing world? And how can we apply these lessons toour careers?

Join us as we dive into the power of continuous learning,adaptability, and the mindset needed to thrive in a world of constant change.

Success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about endurance. Whether in careers, personal growth, or physical challenges, the ability to adapt, persist, and push through obstacles is what truly defines long-term success.

In today’s episode, we explore endurance in all its forms with an extraordinary guest: Karen Meades.

You can find Karen Meades' new book on Amazon: My Limitless Life

Karen has had a remarkable career journey, serving as CFO at the Ottawa Heart Institute before transitioning into education as a professor and program coordinator at Algonquin College, School of Business and Hospitality. But beyond her expertise in accounting, leadership, and education, she is also an ultramarathoner—the third Canadian woman to complete the world-renowned Planet/4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, a race that tests the limits of physical and mental endurance.

Karen’s experiences, both on the trail and in the boardroom, have given her a unique perspective on resilience, adaptability, and goal-setting. She understands that the hardest part of any challenge isn’t the start or the finish—it’s the middle, the space where doubt creeps in and perseverance becomes critical.

But Karen’s journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. In 2012, she was diagnosed with a heart condition that left 12% of her heart permanently damaged. This unexpected news could have ended her endurance career—but instead, she chose to reinvent herself.

Rather than stopping, she found new ways to channel her love for adventure. She transitioned from ultramarathons to cycling, embraced new challenges, and even discovered a passion for beekeeping—a reminder that endurance isn’t just about physical ability but about the willingness to pivot, adapt, and embrace change.

Karen’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating career transitions, personal challenges, or professional setbacks. In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

🎯 Right-sizing your goals for long-term success – How to set achievable yet ambitious targets that align with your strengths and passions.

🏃 Why the middle of any challenge is the hardest—and how to push through – Whether in a career, business, or endurance race, learning to overcome self-doubt and stay motivated is key.

🥧 The “Pie of Life” approach – How balancing different interests (sports, business, and personal growth) can fuel passion, creativity, and success.

🔄 Pivoting with purpose – How to embrace change, focus on the positives, and find new ways to thrive when faced with unexpected obstacles.

💡 You don’t have to be great to start—but you have to start to be great – The importance of taking the first step, even when success feels far away.

In this episode of Career Canvas, we dive into the dynamic and evolving career of Abhilash Menon—a visionary at the intersection of AI, business strategy, and digital innovation. His journey is a testament to adaptability, strategic thinking, and future-focused leadership, demonstrating how technology and business acumen can create groundbreaking opportunities across industries.

You can find Abhilash Menon at IncorporatingAI.com

Abhilash’s career began in engineering, but his curiosity and entrepreneurial mindset led him beyond traditional technical roles. Recognizing the transformative power of digital marketing and AI, he transitioned into business development and digital strategy, co-founding TechByTheBay, a full-service digital agency that worked across multiple industries. His work at the agency bridged technology and marketing, focusing on AI-driven tools, data analytics, and automation to drive business growth.

Abhilash’s expertise in AI and digital transformation took him into the healthcare sector, where he played a pivotal role in AI innovation at the Ottawa Department of Medicine. As part of the AI in Healthcare team, he worked alongside researchers, engineers, and medical professionals to implement AI-powered solutions aimed at enhancing patient care, diagnostic accuracy, and operational efficiency. His ability to align cutting-edge AI applications with real-world healthcare challenges showcased his skill in bridging technology and practical implementation.

His expertise in Generative AI, natural language processing, and automation fueled the development of advanced AI-driven solutions that streamlined workflows, optimized marketing campaigns, and improved decision-making processes.

In 2024, Abhilash took another leap, establishing himself as an AI consultant, helping organizations optimize product development, marketing strategies, and customer service operations through tailored AI solutions. His consulting work spans a diverse range of industries, focusing on:

• AI-driven automation to enhance business efficiency
• Personalized AI-powered marketing strategies
• Chatbots and NLP tools for improved customer experience
• Predictive analytics for business growth and decision-making

By combining his deep technical expertise with business strategy and market insights, Abhilash empowers organizations to leverage AI for competitive advantage.

Throughout his career, Abhilash has embraced change, pioneered new technologies, and adapted to shifting market trends. Whether leading AI product development, launching digital marketing businesses, or integrating AI into healthcare, his journey highlights the endless possibilities that emerge when technology meets strategic vision.

Join us in this episode as we explore Abhilash’s story, the lessons he’s learned, and the insights he has for anyone looking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI, digital transformation, and business innovation.

Success isn’t a straight line—it’s a canvas, layered with experiences, risks, and new opportunities. Join Sandra Yuk-Sim Wu, an artist-turned-leader with an MBA, PMP, and Executive Certification in Management and Leadership, as she shares her unconventional career journey and insights on navigating career and education choices in a rapidly evolving world.

From her beginnings as an artist and art teacher to her impactful roles in healthcare, education, and international business, Sandra’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention, lifelong learning, and purposeful decision-making. Through personal experiences and thought-provoking discussions, she uncovers the strategies that can help you transition careers, leverage your unique strengths, and design a future filled with creativity, adaptability, and success.

But this podcast isn’t just about Sandra’s journey. She’ll also bring in business-minded, like-minded leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to share their own stories—because the path to success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re an early-career professional, a mid-career changer, or an executive looking for new perspectives, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration in each episode.

🎨 Creative Approaches to Career Growth – Learn how to apply artistic thinking to business, leadership, and problem-solving.
📈 Navigating Career & Industry Transitions – Hear firsthand stories from professionals who have successfully pivoted into new fields.
💡 Leveraging Change & Uncertainty – Discover how to embrace change and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
🚀 Leadership & Entrepreneurship – Gain insights from experts on what it takes to lead, build, and sustain a thriving career or business.
🎙 Inspiring Conversations – Listen to deep, engaging discussions with leaders, visionaries, and change-makers who have carved their own paths.

Who should listen?

✅ Professionals exploring new career directions
✅ Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking creative strategies
✅ Artists, educators, and creatives looking to apply their skills in new industries
✅ Students and young professionals navigating education and career choices
✅ Anyone passionate about personal growth, leadership, and innovation

This podcast is more than just about career transitions—it’s about using creativity to improve our lives and careers while embracing the wisdom and optimism we need to navigate an ever-changing world. It’s about breaking free from traditional career molds and designing a path that aligns with your passions, skills, and aspirations.

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring people, fostering collaboration, and adapting to change. Today, we’re diving into the leadership journey of Jacynthe, a seasoned leader who has mastered the art of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and people-first leadership.

You can contact Jacynthe Pouliot at Eliteproactivecoaching.com.

With over two decades of experience in higher education, business administration, and operations, Jacynthe’s career is a testament to adaptability, impact, and vision. Whether crafting operational strategies, spearheading HR initiatives, or streamlining processes, her goal remains the same: empowering individuals and organizations to achieve ambitious goals through innovation and teamwork.

Her leadership journey spans multiple industries, bringing together academic, business, financial, and hospitality experiences to shape a holistic leadership approach.

She held key leadership roles for over 21 years. In each of these roles, she enhanced operational efficiency, built strategic partnerships, and fostered a culture of collaboration, helping students, faculty, and teams thrive in a fast-paced post-secondary environment.

But her leadership journey didn’t start in academia—it began in hospitality. This diverse background has given her a unique perspective on leadership, operational strategy, and change management, making her a versatile and forward-thinking leader.

Jacynthe’s story is about resilience, reinvention, and leadership with impact. Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or someone navigating career transitions, her journey offers valuable insights on:

✔️ How to lead with purpose and adaptability
✔️ The power of cross-industry experience in shaping leadership skills
✔️ Overcoming challenges and building high-performing teams

Leadership is an evolving art requiring creativity, strategy, and a commitment to continuous learning.