Immigrant Squared

Thank you for joining me on this journey for the past two years! New Exciting projects are coming soon

Happy and Healthy 2025! Cheers

In this episode of The Immigrant Squared Podcast, I speak with

Kamilla Pinel is a leadership coach, speaker, and

Now based in California, Kamilla combines her deep understanding of resilience, reinvention, and alignment to empower others through coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements. Her story is a testament to the power of dreaming big and creating a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Connect with Kamilla:

Website: https://www.youdreamyoudo.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamillagpinel/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/youdreamyoudo/

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Emily, who shared her family’s remarkable journey as Latvian refugees and their enduring connection to their heritage. Emily’s grandparents were born in Latvia during WWI, as part of the first generation of Latvians under the Russian Empire. They lived through the Soviet and Nazi occupations, with her grandmother actively participating in the Latvian resistance against both regimes. Her grandfather, who operated a train route from Saint Petersburg to Belarus during the war, eventually fled Latvia in a daring escape across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. Her grandmother followed later, escaping to Sweden in a fishing boat under dramatic circumstances.

Emily also shared how her grandparents later became refugees in Canada, raising their family while preserving their Latvian culture. Through her research, she discovered her grandfather's involvement in efforts to aid Latvian partisans, even uncovering CIA documents from 1946 revealing his role in missions funded by French intelligence to fight the Russians.

Beyond recounting her grandparents' story, Emily discussed her own immigration from Canada to the U.S. and the traditions she continues to honor from her Latvian heritage. She reflected on the power of understanding one’s roots, emphasizing that learning about your heritage can help you make sense of your life. It was a conversation rich with history, resilience, and the enduring strength of family connections.

In this inspiring episode of The Immigrant Squared Podcast, I chatted with Dr. Katrina, a refugee from Vietnam who escaped communist Vietnam as a baby with her family. From a harrowing journey across the sea to being sponsored by Catholic Charities and settling in the United States, Dr. Katrina shares her remarkable story of resilience and determination.

Now a medical practitioner and bestselling author, Dr. Katrina reflects on:

Dr. Katrina also shares insights from her books, including Live to Give and Overcoming Mediocrity, and offers advice for immigrants and refugees seeking mentorship and opportunities.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, hope, and actionable inspiration.

In this episode, I had the honor of hosting my dear friend and an exceptional security professional, Lee Oughton.

Lee's journey to Mexico City began in 2016 when he moved to work for a British security company. Lee was amazed by the melting pot in Mexico City. His first reaction upon

Lee's home base is in the UK, but his career has taken him across the globe, including living in the US and working in Iraq. He has a fearless spirit, always eager to take leaps of faith and explore new environments.

Coming from a fast-paced corporate America background, Lee faced the challenge of adjusting to the slower pace of life in Mexico, often referred to as the "mañana (tomorrow) syndrome." He shared invaluable advice on adapting to new

Recently, Lee published a book titled "Kindness Games." The concept started as a challenge with a friend struggling with depression during the pandemic. This 30-day initiative brought people together, sharing stories of various

The book explores life's challenges and the power of positivity and kindness. Lee and I also reflected on the unique strengths of immigrants in the security community.

Lee's parting advice is simple yet profound: "Network and be courageous." This mantra has guided him through his incredible journey and continues to inspire those around him.

Tune in to hear more about Lee's adventures, his perspectives on life and work, and the incredible impact of his book.

#immigrantesenmexico #immigrantsinmexico #thekindnessgames #immigrantsinsecurity #immigrantsinexecutiveprotection

In this episode, I sit down with Irma, who fled South Africa with just two suitcases due to violence. She shares her journey from the US to Canada and discusses the

Irma passionately believes in the value immigrants bring to their new countries, from their knowledge to their unique experiences. She recalls discovering central heating and the simple joy of taking a walk outside as surprising firsts. Despite feeling different, she worked hard to show that she belongs.

We also reflect on how the survival skills we learned in our home countries help us navigate everyday life. Irma shares her seven-step framework for adapting to a new country. Tune in to hear more about her inspiring journey!

#southafricaapartheid #immigration #immigrantsincanada

Oksana is the youngest of 12 children, and a daughter of Ukrainian refugees. Growing up in Rochester, NY Oksana was immersed into the Ukrainian culture at home but had to

In college being surrounded by multicultural students helped her understand herself better and that it was ok to be a blend. As she got older she embraced the Ukrainian side more than her siblings.  In her mid twenties, she had an opportunity to go to Ukraine and spend time working there.

Oksana authored the book "Sunflowers Bend But Rarely

You can read Oksana's blog ⁠https://medium.com/@oksanakukurudza⁠

Purchase her book ⁠https://sunflowersrarelybreak.com/⁠

Follow her ⁠https://www.instagram.com/okukurudza2/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksana-kukurudza/⁠

#immigrantstories #ukarine #naziGermany #holocaust #immigrantsquaredpodcast

Kamini, a child of Indian immigrants, grew up in a predominantly white community in Connecticut, where she struggled to fit in. Her parents worked hard to provide for their family while striving to maintain a balance between their Indian heritage and the American culture their children were growing up in. They supported Kamini and engaged in difficult conversations when she felt different, which greatly benefited her.

Despite feeling different from her peers who attended church on Sundays, Kamini participated in the family tradition of Sunday prayers at home. As a parent herself, she now encourages her children to embrace their multicultural background. Kamini advises investing in people who accept and celebrate cultural diversity.

In her work as a life coach, Kamini emphasizes the

If you want to get in touch with Kamini

www.kaminiwood.com

www.instagram.com/itsauthenticme

www.linkedin.com/in/kaminiwood

Kamini Wood is the founder and CEO of Live Joy Your Way and the AuthenticMe® RiseUp program. An international best-selling author Kamini’s mission is to guide her clients in nurturing their mental, emotional, physical and strategic  plans for their lives. 

Recognizing the profound impact of self leadership and

#childrenofimmigrants #immigrantsfromindia #immigrantstories #immigrantsquared #refugeestories

During these times

www.viviensieber.eu

You can find Dr. Vivien Sieber's book on Amazon

To hear the stories of some of the girls from the hostel, listen to this podcast

#holocauststories #kindertransport #ww2refugees #worldwartworefugees #holocaustrefugees

Join me for season 2 of the Immigrant Squared Podcast