Smart Growth Rocket

What does it take to future-proof the next generation? 

In this episode, I sit down with Ramy Ghattas, founder of Logics Academy, to talk about digital literacy, AI in the classroom, and why curiosity is the root of innovation. 

From engineering to education, Ramy shares his journey and how Logics Academy is reshaping how students across Canada learn STEM and problem-solving skills from an early age. We explore the rise of AI, the role of teachers in a flipped classroom model, and how to raise students who can solve real-world problems, with or without a robot that cleans their room.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about where learning is headed, this episode is for you.

👉 About Ramy Ghattas and Logics Academy

Ramy Ghattas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramy-ghattas-5160552a 

Logics Academy

https://logicsacademy.com/ 

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ Why digital literacy matters as much as reading and math

✅ How AI is changing the way we teach and learn

✅ What it takes to raise problem-solvers

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Think being a pilot is all about cool uniforms and exotic destinations? Think again. 

This episode is a bit of a departure from the usual Smart Growth Rocket programming, but in the best way possible.

Every once in a while, we dive into less conventional journeys. 

And today? It's all about aviation.

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit speaks with a licensed pilot-in-training who’s currently climbing the ranks in aviation - and has chosen to remain anonymous so they can speak candidly about the journey, challenges, and realities of becoming a pilot in Canada.

Whether you’re a curious student, a career switcher, or someone who’s always looked up when a plane flew overhead, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to break into the skies.

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ How to get your pilot’s license in Canada
✅ What flight school is really like
✅ Why soft skills like humility and decision-making under pressure matter
✅ The truth about pilot job security, travel schedules, and lifestyle trade-offs
What to do before you spend thousands on aviation school

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

What if the path to success isn’t a straight line?

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit from TopClassEdge.com sits down with Brendan Miller, founder of Swift Kids. Brendan shares his unconventional journey from a childhood love of video games to building one of Canada’s standout programs for tech education.

We delve into what can happen if you don’t have it all figured out in high school, the real skills students need to thrive in a tech-driven world, and how facing burnout reshaped Brendan’s career.

Plus, we talk about how Swift Kids is equipping students with 21st-century skills, and why passion, empathy, and stepping outside your comfort zone matter more than ever.

👉 About Brendan Miller and Swift Kids

Brendan Miller:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-m-37633010/ 

Swift Kids: 

https://swiftkids.online/

https://www.youtube.com/@theswiftkids

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ The surprising reason you don’t need to have your career figured out in high school

✅ How learning to code can secretly boost your creativity, critical thinking, and career options, even if you never work in tech

✅ What schools (and parents) often miss about preparing kids for the real world

✅ Why passion beats perfection, and how stepping way outside your comfort zone can unlock opportunities you never saw coming

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

What if the most important skills your child could learn in school had nothing to do with textbooks?

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit from TopClassEdge.com sits down with Lucas Chang, Founder and Director of Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs, to explore how problem-based learning and entrepreneurship can help students develop skills like critical thinking, empathy, and confidence - skills that matter no matter what career path they choose.

Lucas shares stories from the classroom, challenges he’s faced bringing innovation into schools, and his philosophy that entrepreneurship is about solving problems, not just starting businesses. Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode is packed with insights on how to help the next generation think creatively, act boldly, and believe in themselves.

👉 About Lucas Chang and Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs

Lucas Chang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaschang/ 

Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs: https://y2labs.co/ 

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ Why entrepreneurship isn't just about starting businesses, but about solving real problems with empathy and creativity

✅ The surprising link between problem-based learning and student confidence

✅ What parents really think about innovation in the classroom, and what some are afraid to admit

✅ Why understanding your customer, even in a student project, can be the difference between a good idea and a game-changer

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Can Your Kid Out-Code AI? Jack Zhou on the Future of Learning Tech

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit of TopClassEdge.com speaks with Jack Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Wiz Robotics, a STEM education company based in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Jack shares how his journey from a business student and LinkedIn intern led to founding an innovative academy that now teaches students across the globe.

Learn how STEM education, robotics, and coding for kids are evolving, why problem-solving and critical thinking matter more than ever, and what parents and educators need to know about preparing students for a future shaped by AI and technology.

Discover practical tips for nurturing innovation in students, overcoming startup challenges, and why asking the right questions is often more important than having the answers. Perfect for parents, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to understand the future of tech education.

👉 About Jack Zhou and Wiz Robotics

Jack Zhou: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazhou/details/education/ 

Wiz Robotics: https://wizrobotics.com/ 

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ How Jack Zhou transitioned from a student to co-founder of a global STEM education company

✅ Why teaching kids to build technology (not just consume it) is key to future-ready learning

✅ The most common questions parents and students ask about coding, robotics, and AI

✅ How to develop a strong problem-solving mindset, starting with the right questions

✅ What it really takes to innovate in education and overcome challenges as a tech entrepreneur

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Mindset for Success: Lessons from Athlete, Educator & Entrepreneur Judy Stewart (Founder and CEO of Trèsolz)

What do education, athletics, and entrepreneurship have in common? 

More than you may realize.

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit sits down with the inspiring Judy Stewart, founder of Trèsolz, a footwear brand helping women finally find stylish, comfortable shoes in larger sizes.

Judy shares her journey from being an educator and athlete to launching a business, getting featured on Dragon’s Den, and now working toward getting her brand into stores. She dives into lessons on resilience, goal-setting, and why failing forward is key to success. 

Plus, she drops a cryptic hint about an exciting upcoming gamechanging collaboration! 👀

If you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or just someone looking for motivation to take that next big step—this episode is for you

👉 About Judy Stewart and Trèsolz

Judy Stewart: https://www.instagram.com/judystewart/ 

Trèsolz: https://www.instagram.com/tresolz/

https://tresolz.com/ 

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ The Winning Mindset Formula: How consistency, goal-setting, and risk-taking drive success in business, athletics, and life.

✅ Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone: Why failing forward is essential for growth and how to turn setbacks into opportunities.

✅ The Power of Resilience & Adaptability: How Judy navigated going from educator to entrepreneur and thrived despite challenges.

✅ Surrounding Yourself with the Right People: The importance of choosing mentors, friends, and a support system that elevate you.

✅ Taking Action & Making Things Happen: How breaking things down into small steps can help you overcome fear, start new ventures, and push past limits.

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

The Power of Art: How Creativity Fuels Resilience & Success

Art is more than just a creative outlet (although this is already a crucial benefit.)

It’s also about resilience, passion, and finding your purpose.

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit interviews award-winning artist and educator Sylvia Chan, who shares her incredible journey from struggling student to thriving entrepreneur and art teacher.

She reveals how great mentors shaped her path, why art matters for mental health, and the three key ingredients for success.

Whether you're a parent of an aspiring student artist or a young artist/art enthusiast just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights.

👉 About Sylvia Chan and Creative Genius Academy

Sylvia is an Ontario Certified Teacher and an award-winning artist who has created over 300 pieces of artwork. She creates art pieces that bring beauty and positivity into homes and business spaces. She has received several awards during her career, including the Top 150 Canadian Chinese Artists in Canada (2017) and the Aspire Award (2016), among many others.

She is motivated to create art that inspires others and aims to nurture the creative genius inside all of her students.

Besides running art works for the York Region District School Board in various elementary and high schools in the board, she also runs an art school in Downtown Markham called Creative Genius Art Academy. She currently works along with York Region District School board, helping to bring more arts-focused workshops into schools, as well as educating teachers on the benefits of art for students' overall well-being and health.

Sylvia Chan: https://www.instagram.com/sylviachanart/

Creative Genius Academy: https://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusacademy/

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ The Power of a Great Teacher

✅ Resilience & Overcoming Obstacles

✅ The Role of Art in Personal Growth & Mental Health

✅ Breaking the ‘Starving Artist’ Myth

✅ The Success Formula: Focus, Action, and Passion

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Transforming Medical Education: An Interview with Dr. Nicholas Talley

In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit interviews distinguished neurogastroenterologist Dr. Nicholas Talley. 

They discuss the importance of good mentorship, the journey from general medicine to gastroenterology, and the critical skills needed for medical students to excel. 

Dr. Talley (or Nick, as he prefers to be called) shares insights into the future of medicine with AI and technology, the connection between the gut and brain, and the impact of lifestyle on health. He also provides practical advice for aspiring doctors and reflects on the ongoing evolution of medical training and patient care.

👉 About Dr. Nicholas Talley

Distinguished Laureate Professor Nick Talley is a world-leading neurogastroenterologist, educator, and researcher. He has published over 1,000 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is internationally recognized as a leading researcher in digestive health. Dr. Talley is currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle.

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-j-talley-ac-md-phd-024a5980  

🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:

✅ The Importance of Mentorship in Career Development

✅ The Role of Research and Mentorship in Medical Careers

✅ Critical Skills for Medical Students and Practitioners

✅ The Connection Between Mind, Body, and Gut Health

✅ Future of Medicine: Changes and Challenges Ahead

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Meet Corey Formica, Senior Development Officer at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC).

Corey is a UTSC alumna who graduated from the Co-op Arts Management Program. During her time at UTSC, she was actively involved in many student clubs and activities. This ultimately led to a career in the arts industry before transitioning to education, where she has held roles in fundraising and alumni relations.

Corey’s mission is to positively impact the lives of those she engages with, both within her professional capacity and beyond.

I’m excited to share Corey’s insights about choosing a university, the value of a university education, and trends in education.

👉 About Corey Formica

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

🎧 ▶ Here are just some of the insights you'll discover:

✅ Tips to choose a university

✅ What a university education shows to potential employers and the world

✅ How the university you select impacts your life (even beyond academics)

✅ Trends in education

✅ 1 key piece of advice for university applicants

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!

Meet Dr. Chris Lozano, Neurosurgery Resident and PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto.

His research interests lie in spine surgery, with a focus on traumatic neck injuries and their unique impact on elderly people. Beyond that, he enjoys powerlifting, travelling, and trying out new food around Toronto.

I’m excited to share Dr. Chris Lozano’s insights about pursuing a non-traditional path to medical school, getting research experience, persisting in the face of obstacles, and what he believes the next generation of doctors should know.

👉 Connect with Dr. Chris Lozano

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-lozano-468b0b37/

🎧 ▶ What you’ll learn from this episode:

✅ The challenges of getting research experience as an undergraduate student

✅ 3 tips for getting into medical school

✅ Non-traditional pathways to a career in medicine

✅ Handling rejection

✅ 1 key piece of advice for aspiring doctors

🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?

On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.

If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.

😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍

1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!

2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.

3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!

From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.

It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.

Your support truly means the world!