Life as a..

-Life as a Head of ESG Management-

Join in on this enlightening conversation in which we pull back the curtain on an ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) investment analysis and management career.

This is all done by way of an engaging career chat with Kelly Hirsch who serves as the Head of ESG at Vancity Investment Management Ltd (VCIM), a role she assumed in 2021 after five years as an ESG Analyst at the firm.

Find out about her responsibilities which include driving VCIM's sustainability and ESG integration strategy, encompassing their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and adopting the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge.

Kelly also shares insights on the ESG practices of publicly traded companies, and how she goes about assessing risks and opportunities related to emerging ESG issues, and developing and executing shareholder engagement strategies—a pivotal aspect of VCIM's responsible investing approach.

With over a decade of financial services experience, a CFA charter, and certification as a Responsible Investment Specialist, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.

Listeners are sure to appreciate the insight and candour about the work and position she holds.

Outside of the pure shop talk, Kelly emphasizes the value of diverse experiences including her passion for worldwide travel which in her estimation shape her leadership and decision-making abilities.

All up, this is a great conversation for those who may have interest in both finance and ESG related matters.

To learn more about Kelly, be sure to check her out here: 

LinkedIn

Company Website

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

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-Life as a Corporate Executive | Entrepreneur-

Meet the ever distinguished Japanese executive and entrepreneur Tetsuzo (Ted) Matsumoto who has forged a remarkable six-decade career.

His career narrative is a testament to dedication, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, offering invaluable insights for aspiring professionals and business enthusiasts.

Presently, he serves as Chairman and CEO at ORNIS Corp, which he established in 2022, despite being within his early eighties. Notably, his impact extends to Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Mobile Corp, where he played a pivotal role from 2006, catalyzing its transformation into a global telecom giant.

Matsumoto's extensive tenure at Qualcomm and his 34 years with Itochu Corporation showcased his versatility and leadership acumen.

His educational background includes a degree from Kyoto University, and he's a Special Visiting Professor at Meiji University.

Matsumoto's book, "The Day AI Becomes God," remains influential.

This conversation offers up a lot in the way of wisdom and insight that any success driven or aspiring business professional will benefit from hearing. 

To learn more about Ted, be sure to check his book and latest venture:

Book

Company Website

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

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-LIFE AS AN AgroTech Startup Founder | CEO-

Meet Rassarin Chinnachodteeranun, CEO of ListenField Inc., in an insightful conversation on the fusion of technology and agriculture.

With a Ph.D. in engineering from Japan, Rassarin transformed her research into ListenField – an AgroTech startup revolutionizing farming.

Discover the journey from researcher to CEO, bridging the gap between science and agriculture.

Explore ListenField's innovative ecosystem of satellite, sensor, and data analytics that empowers sustainable crop development, mitigates weather uncertainties, and quantifies risks.

Gain firsthand insights into challenges and rewards of AgroTech entrepreneurship, international business, and AI's future impact.

Uncover the story behind ListenField's success, its product offerings, and visionary outlook on the AgroTech landscape.

To learn more about Rassarin and her biz, be sure to check her out here:

Company Website

LinkedIn 

YouTube

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

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-LIFE AS A Surf Entrepreneur-

Dive into the inspiring career +entrepreneurial journey of Kassia Meador, a former world ranked number two pro-surfer turned entrepreneur.

In this engaging conversation with Kassia, explore how she parlayed a remarkable career in surfing into a business that covers selling wetsuits to clients all over the world, hosting global surf retreats and teaching others via her online courses how to ride waves.

You'll also be able to hear about her her life-changing realization that ultimately helped to shape her fulfilling life both in and out of the water.

Gain insights into her unique entrepreneurship perspective, driven by a passion for surfing. Plus, learn how she uniquely maintains balance between surfing and her business.

Listeners will also be able to delve into her eco-conscious approach and how that slant to her biz came to be. Finally, hear some invaluable advice aimed at those still conflicted about their own career paths. 

To learn more about Kassia and her biz, be sure to check her out here:

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

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-LIFE AS A Democracy Fellow (CEPA)-

Join Christopher Schoenwald for an enlightening conversation with Elina Beketova, an in-residence fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).

She serves as an in-residence fellow there under the Democracy Fellowship program.

Her research focuses on temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion on February, 24, 2022.

Elina's career began as a journalist in Crimea, later gaining recognition for hosting 'International Insight,' where she interviewed prominent world figures.

She presently leads the 'Behind the Lines' project at CEPA, engaging with Ukrainian policymakers and officials to shed light on recent developments.

Learn how Elina is using her expansive skillset, experiences and knowledge to advance her country's causes.

Join us as we explore this deeply meaningful career and mission.

To learn more about Elina and her work, be sure to check her out here:

CEPA

Twitter

LinkedIn 

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

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LIFE AS A Farmer in Japan

Join Christopher Schoenwald for an enlightening conversation with Thomas Kloepfer, the owner and operator of Pitchfork Farms in Hiroshima, Japan.

With a background in sustainable development and inspired by Fukuoka Masanobu's natural farming techniques, Thomas transformed an abandoned hillside orchard into a thriving organic farm.

Discover the diverse and varied life of farming, especially in a foreign country like Japan.

Gain insights into Thomas' journey, the unique challenges of farming as a foreigner, and his strategies for managing climate change impacts.

Learn about the rewards and challenges of farm life and Thomas' future plans for Pitchfork Farms.

This talk is a must-listen for anyone curious about sustainable farming and pursuing the farming life.

To learn more about Thomas, be sure to check him out here:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

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LIFE AS AN Awarded Teacher

Join Christopher Schoenwald for an inspiring conversation with Katy Whitfield, a passionately driven award-winning teacher.

Her accolades include receiving the Canada wide prestigious Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Toronto Excellence in Teaching Award.

Discover what it truly takes to become an outstanding educator from both a practical and philosophical standpoint.

Hear about her extensive curriculum leadership experience emphasizing the arts, equity, and community partnerships, as well as Canadian and World Studies.

Learn more about a teaching philosophy which thrives on interdisciplinary and inquiry-based approaches, empowering students' voices in the curriculum.

All up this talk offers invaluable insights and inspiration for those currently within the profession of teaching and those who are considering it as a career possibility.

To learn more about Katy, be sure to check her out here:

Twitter

Instagram

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

Follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:

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LIFE AS A Digital Nomad

Join Christopher Schoenwald for an inspiring conversation with Christian Davies, a true digital nomad.

With a professional background centred on digital expertise, Christian decided to take a different path and embrace a life of freedom and adventure.

In doing so, he gave up a lucrative corporate job, sold his condo and sports car to embark on this new way of life and living.

He has spent the past decade backpacking around the world, supporting himself through freelance work. Currently based in Bangkok, Christian documents his experiences on his YouTube channel @chriswalk3r.

This talk offers a fresh perspective on non-traditional work and living, providing valuable insights on the digital nomad lifestyle, freelance work, the challenges and rewards of international living, and practical tips for those interested in pursuing this unique way of life.

Don't miss out on this conversation that explores the possibilities of a non-conventional existence and offers inspiration for those seeking alternative paths.

To learn more about Christian be sure to check out his YouTube Channel:

YouTube @chriswalk3r

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

Follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:

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Life as an Entrepreneur | Premium Campervans :

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of van life and entrepreneurship with Jared Campion, the visionary founder of Dream Drive a Tokyo based premium campervan manufacturer.

In this inspiring conversation, Jared shares his passion for providing travellers with the freedom to explore Japan through premium campervans.

Discover the meticulous craftsmanship and approach that sets Dream Drive apart in the local market, as well as Jared's personal experiences that shaped his love for van life.

Gain entrepreneurial insights, learn about the unique aspects of the Japanese campervan market, and explore the future of campervans in the era of EVs and autonomous vehicles.

This talk is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, travel enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration to pursue their passions.

To learn more about Jared and his business be sure check out the following links:

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Dream Drive

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

And hey! Why don't you check out some video highlights of the talk over on YouTube? By liking, commenting or subscribing you'd be helping a ton as far as supporting this program. 

Subscribe on YouTube here

I'd highly appreciate it! 

-Christopher

Follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:

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Life as a SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER:

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj Peña, a scientist and explorer, as she shares her journey of merging passion and purpose in both personal and professional realms.

Discover the beauty of exploration, the power of curiosity, and the significance of scientific polar expeditions.

Dr. Horodyskyj Peña's experiences will inspire those seeking to combine their love for nature and science into a successful career.

Gain insights into her role models, her goal of inspiring others, and her dedication to mentoring young women.

Explore the environmental action space, the impact of storytelling, and the adventures of her work, including space training and AI's role in environmental action.

Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with inspiration and valuable insights.

To learn more about Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj Peña, be sure check out the following links:

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Science in the Wild

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*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)

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-Christopher

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