Raised in Egypt, Youssef grew up deeply curious about the world and determined to build a life beyond the limits set for him. Traveling in his early twenties opened his eyes to what freedom truly looks like — and to how borders, passports, and systems can quietly define one’s destiny.

After military service and the pandemic forced his life plans to pause, he made a bold decision to reclaim control of their future. Through years of persistence, exams, and setbacks, that journey eventually led him to Canada — not with fireworks, but with the quiet relief of finally breathing freely.

And today, I’m joined by Pankaj Sundrani, the founder of Praise Group Solutions Inc. — a SaaS company helping small and medium businesses simplify how they manage their IT and hardware.

With over 20 years of international business experience across China, Hong Kong, and Dubai, Pankaj moved to Canada in 2021 and, through his own entrepreneurial journey, discovered a real gap in after-sales services.

That challenge became the inspiration for Praise Group Solutions — a platform designed to save businesses time, reduce costs, and bring efficiency to everyday operations.

Pankaj’s story is one of vision, resilience, and practical innovation — turning a problem into a purpose-driven solution for small business owners across Canada.

Dozie is the Managing Editor and Host of The Newcomers — a media platform that dives deep into what it truly means to be an immigrant.

Before launching The Newcomers, Dozie was the Executive Editor at The CMO Club, leading stories that connected and inspired B2B marketing leaders. He also helped build and scale the content engine at UserGems as their first content marketing hire, guiding the company’s growth from seed to Series A.

Dozie is an AWAI-certified direct response copywriter and a Cannes Lions–certified storyteller. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from Lagos Business School, a Diploma in Social and Content Strategy from Miami Ad School in Toronto, and he’s an alumnus of the prestigious Stanford SEED program.

Jessica is a caregiver, researcher, and healthcare leader dedicated to advancing equity in dementia care. Drawing on over a decade of experience in healthcare and her personal journey caring for her father, Jessica has championed systemic improvements that make care more inclusive, culturally responsive, and person-centered.

Currently completing her Master’s at York University, she is focused on closing service gaps in dementia care for equity-seeking groups. In our conversation, Jessica shares how lived experience and research can come together to transform healthcare and empower caregivers across Canada.

At 19, left Bogotá with a suitcase full of dreams and a heart full of uncertainty. Since then, she’s built and rebuilt her life across continents—through marriage, divorce, loss, and profound reinvention.

Today, she’s a career strategist, life coach, and business advisor helping multi-passionate women and newcomer entrepreneurs create lives and careers rooted in alignment, intention, and freedom. In this conversation, Camila shares how every setback became an invitation to start again, and why no experience is ever wasted when you’re paying attention.

Ayoola is a tech entrepreneur, creative strategist, and founder of KintraceAI—an AI-powered storytelling platform helping families preserve and pass down their legacies in deeply personal and culturally inclusive ways.

With over a decade in design, marketing, and digital transformation, Ayoola has led 200+ branding and innovation projects for global brands like Nike, Microsoft, and American Tower. Before KintraceAI, he founded Bedouin Group, a boutique innovation consultancy in Lagos, Nigeria.

Since moving to Canada in 2023, he has immersed himself in the country’s innovation ecosystem through programs at Communitech and Velocity, earning the MBET People’s Choice Award at the University of Waterloo.

A passionate community-builder and storyteller, Ayoola is driven by one belief: legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we pass forward—intentionally, and with care.

Dhiraj Hariramani is the founder of LearnIt, an Ontario-based organization helping students gain real-world skills often missing in traditional classrooms. Born in Kampala, Uganda, Dhiraj began teaching tech at orphanages at 14, sparking his passion for education and equity.

After moving to Canada to study at UBC, he launched LearnIt to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical skills. LearnIt partners with schools across Ontario, offering workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, and public speaking—delivered by professionals from top companies like Google, Deloitte, and Accenture.

He also hosts The LearnIt Podcast, featuring conversations with education leaders about innovative teaching.

As an immigrant entrepreneur, Dhiraj is reimagining education to empower students with the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to thrive.

Originally from Hungary, Madeleine built a thriving fashion agency before immigrating to Canada in search of new opportunities. Starting over was challenging—navigating language barriers, rebuilding social circles, and working tirelessly to make ends meet.

Learning to sew at 11 from her grandmother, she turned her lifelong craft into a business. Today, she is the proud founder and owner of multiple textile-related ventures, a testament to her resilience, determination, and love for high-quality craftsmanship.

Today’s guest is a powerhouse in the SaaS world who made a bold move—relocating to Canada with her team to pursue a dream of building an international business from the ground up. And what a journey it’s been!

Sheida is the co-founder and COO of Flowjin, a fast-growing platform helping founders and marketers turn long-form content into high-performing social posts, ads, and sales assets. Since launching Flowjin in late 2022—just after arriving in Canada—Sheida has grown the platform to over 100,000 users in more than 50 countries.

Before Flowjin, she ran a business design studio in Iran, and today, she’s not only building a global brand but also proudly earned her first Canadian dollar through her own business.

Amandipp Singh is a social entrepreneur and inclusion advocate with over a decade of experience in accessibility, employment equity, and innovation. Born in India with partial vision, he founded Enabled Talent, an AI-powered platform connecting people with disabilities to inclusive jobs, and leads the Disability Entrepreneurs & Career Network.

Now based in Canada, Amandipp collaborates with startups and nonprofits to build accessible, impact-driven ventures. His work has earned national recognition, including being named one of India’s Top 100 Achievers with Disabilities.