St'AB: The Startup Lab

St'AB: The Startup Lab

By Alexandra LevskiBusinessEntrepreneurship
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St'AB: The Startup Lab episodes

  • Projets, terrain et interculturalité : feat. Maureen Ogeard de SUCO (FRENCH)

    Bonjour à tous, bienvenue dans un nouvel épisode en français. Dans cet épisode, je discute avec Maureen Ogeard, qui travaille chez SUCO à Montréal en tant que chargée de projets-programmation internationale. Ensemble, nous explorons son parcours, ses missions au quotidien et son engagement sur le terrain.

    Maureen nous raconte comment elle a trouvé sa voie et ses projets sur le terrain comme au Sénégal avec une ONG japonaise.

    Son rôle actuel chez SUCO touche à des projets concrets autour de l’agriculture, l’agroécologie et l’autonomie des femmes et des jeunes. L’épisode met en lumière l’importance cruciale de l’expérience de terrain pour comprendre les réalités locales et éviter une logique descendante ou néocoloniale.

    Merci à Maureen pour ce bel échange et j'espère qu'il vous aidera a mieux comprendre l'organisation des ONG.

    Merci d'avoir écoutez,

    Sasha Levski

    Liens:

    SUCO: https://suco.org/

    LinkedIn de Maureen: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/maureen-ogeard-05219b114

    1 hr
  • Going on exchange as a McGill student

    Have you ever wondered what would it be like to go on exchange? Is it scary? Is it so much fun and partying?

    What is the feeling of getting out of your comfort zone?

    Hello everyone, welcome to this new episode where I talk about my first impressions of going on exchange. I Started my new semester abroad studying in Fudan University in Shanghai in China. So, today I share my experience and some advices for those who consider going on exchange.

    I hope this can help and clarify some points for some of you.

    link for McGill exchange informations:

    https://coursecatalogue.mcgill.ca/en/undergraduate/study-abroad-field-studies/exchange-programs/

    Don't forget to leave a comment, review and subscribe :)

    Have a lovely day,

    Sasha Levski

    21 min
  • D'une passion à un group de musique fr.Franck (FRENCH)

    Saviez-vous que l'entrepreneuriat peut aussi commencer par une passion musicale ?

    Dans ce nouvel épisode, je reçois ​Franck, entrepreneur et… musicien dans l’âme !

    Il me raconte comment il a créé son groupe de musique ​Pixel​. Il partage toute son aventure : comment le groupe est né, les premiers gigs, les galères et les belles victoires artistiques.

    On découvre ensemble comment une passion musicale peut forger un mindset entrepreneurial, développer la créativité et apprendre à travailler en équipe et créer une belle communauté qui se soutiens.

    Merci pour ce beau moment de partage et d'échange inspirant.

    ​Abonnez-vous​ et activez les notifications pour les prochains épisodes, et n'hésitez pas à laisser un avis​ pour soutenir le podcast !

    instragram pixel

    58 min
  • D'une passion à un groupe de musique. feat Franck (FRENCH)

    Saviez-vous que l'entrepreneuriat peut aussi commencer par une passion musicale ?

    Dans ce nouvel épisode, je reçois ​Franck, entrepreneur et… musicien dans l’âme !

    Il me raconte comment il a créé son groupe de musique ​Pixel​. Il partage toute son aventure : comment le groupe est né, les premiers gigs, les galères et les belles victoires artistiques.

    On découvre ensemble comment une passion musicale peut forger un mindset entrepreneurial, développer la créativité et apprendre à travailler en équipe et créer une belle communauté qui se soutiens.


    Merci pour ce beau moment de partage et d'échange inspirant.


    ​Abonnez-vous​ et activez les notifications pour les prochains épisodes, et n'hésitez pas à laisser un avis​ pour soutenir le podcast !

    58 min
  • Understanding Hinduism: rituals & traditions with Molly Joshi

    Have you ever wondered how a religion can be a way of life? Dive into the world of Hinduism with Molly and me!

    Introduction:

    In this episode of the Student Startup Lab podcast, I interview Molly, a postgraduate student from India, about the intricacies of Hinduism.

    message from Molly: Hello! My name is Molly and I’m from India. I recently graduated from the English Literature postgraduate programme from the University of Leeds. Since childhood I’ve enjoyed reading stories, especially folk tales, a booming genre in India which can be credited to our diverse culture. I would like to preface this conversation by stating that I may not be the most informed person about Hinduism, but growing up surrounded by the culture and it being an intrinsic part of my household, I have some knowledge about the origins and concepts behind behind the religion.

    This discussion not only sheds light on the core beliefs and practices of one of the world's oldest religions but also explores how it intertwines with Indian culture and daily life.


    Key Insights:


    1. Hinduism as a Way of Life

    Molly begins by describing Hinduism as less of a traditional religion and more of a way of life. Originating from the Indus River near the Pakistan-India border, Hinduism is deeply embedded in Indian culture, making it challenging to separate the two. Unlike many religions that center around a singular text or deity, Hinduism is characterized by its diversity and acceptance. Molly emphasizes that, "the main tenet of it is being accepting." This open-minded approach allows for various interpretations and practices within the faith.


    2.Core Beliefs and Practices

    One of the most intriguing aspects of Hinduism is its concept of karma and reincarnation. Molly explains, "In Hinduism, we believe in the concept of reincarnation. So through multiple lives, we accumulate karma." Good deeds result in good karma, leading to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This principle encourages individuals to act selflessly and consider the impact of their actions on others, contrasting with the more individualistic focus of Buddhism, which Molly describes as "self-focused."


    3. The Pantheon of Gods

    Molly outlines the significance of the three principal gods in Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. Each plays a crucial role in the cyclical nature of the universe. "Brahma creates it, Vishnu preserves it, and Shiva destroys it when evil has taken over," she explains. This forms the foundation of Hindu cosmology.


    4. Prayer and Rituals

    The practice of prayer in Hinduism is as diverse as its beliefs. Molly shares that there is no singular prayer for all Hindus; instead, prayers are often specific to the deity being revered. For example, the Hanuman

    Chalisa praises Lord Hanuman, a symbol of strength and loyalty. Molly recounts, "When we're praying to Lord Hanuman, there are certain phrases that include his acts," illustrating how prayers often recount stories from Hindu mythology, enriching the spiritual experience.


    5. Cultural Practices

    Hindu dietary practices, particularly the reverence for cows, are also significant. Molly explains that many Hindus are vegetarians, as cows are considered sacred and essential for sustenance. "We call it Gau Mata, which is mother cow," she notes, highlighting the deep respect for this animal within the culture. This reverence is not just about dietary restrictions but also reflects a broader respect for life and nature.

    Hope you enjoy this episode,

    what do you think about Hinduism?

    Let me know in the comments down below

    29 min
  • Healing the soul: From depression to spirituality with Maggi

    Healing the soul, the mind and the body. More easily said than done. Emotions can be overwhelming and the absence of silence in our world leads us to loosing ourselves in the process.

    What happens when you realize that everything you once believed in — everything you’ve built your life around — is no longer enough, and that there might be so much more waiting for you? This is what I explored in this episode with Maggi.

    Maggi is 33. She quit her office job and is now traveling through Asia. Two years ago, she found herself in a deep depression and began the difficult process of clearing out her inner world and rebuilding from within. That’s when yoga entered her life — and everything started to change.

    In this episode, she shares her journey step by step: from burnout and self-reflection to becoming a yoga teacher, and from her first encounters with spirituality to discovering meditation and a new sense of purpose.

    Thank you for this beautiful conversation that explores our inner path, peace and self love in a world where we tend to forget ourselves.


    takeaways:

    Depression can be a signal from your body to rest.

    Yoga and meditation helped Maggi reconnect with my emotions.

    It's important to start with small steps in meditation.

    Self-worth should come from within, not from external validation.

    Embracing silence can lead to profound self-discovery.

    04:08 Depression and the Role of Therapy

    07:27 Yoga and Meditation as Healing Tools

    10:46 Understanding Emotions and Gratitude

    12:43 Starting Meditation: Tips and Advice

    20:03 Experiencing Vipassana Meditation

    29:20 Discovering Reiki in Rishikesh

    35:51 The Importance of Inner Validation

    40:38 Future Aspirations


    Hope you enjoy this episode,

    Sasha


    Maggi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamaggi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    Spotify meditation account recommended: Boho Beautiful Meditation



    37 min
  • The Power of Memory techniques, with Simon Reinhard, World Memory Champion

    I had the pleasure of interviewing Simon Reinhard, World Memory Champion and memory coach.

    We talked about his journey and Simon explained the memory techniques he mastered, like the Method of Loci that helped him m learn many subjects that he is now teaching through personalised courses.

    Through this conversation, I discovered the world of memory tournaments. It was such an inspiring episode on unlocking the mind's full potential and I am excited for everyone to listen to it. Key takeaways:

    • Simon Reinhardt is a two-time world memory champion
    • Memory techniques can be applied to various fields, including law and medicine.
    • The method of loci is a core memory technique that uses locations as memory tools.
    • Practicing memory techniques leads to faster learning and retention.
    • Success is about continuous self-improvement rather than just achieving goals.
    • Memory continues to improve over time: there is no limit


    Chapters:

    01:27 The Journey to Becoming a Memory Athlete

    07:21 Transitioning from Law to Memory Coaching

    13:05 Memory Tournaments

    19:17 Current Coaching Programs

    25:26 Understanding the Method of Loci

    32:11 Scaling Memory Techniques

    37:28 Memorizing Cards and Numbers

    43:40 Learning Chinese with Memory Techniques

    48:58 Structuring Learning for Busy Students

    51:25 Improving Memory Over Time

    56:44 The Calming Effect of Memory Locations

    58:42 Redefining Success

    Do not forget to subscribe, comment and share.useful ressources:

    memory courses:schoolofmemory.com IAM main page: iam-memory.org

    IAM training page:iamwmc.com/competition/training.html 

    Let's connect:

    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasha.levski/

    Simon Reinhard: https://www.instagram.com/trainyourbrainhard/



    1 hr 9 min
  • Redefining the meaning of success feat. Niels Billou, NGO founder and entrepreurialmentor

    Hi everyone! In this episode, Niels Billou, a faculty member specializing in entrepreneurship and innovation, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and educator, discussing the founding of the Humanos Institute, which focuses on using design thinking to create social impact. He emphasizes the importance of co-creation with communities, the challenges of funding projects, and the need to redefine success in both non-profit and business sectors. We also explore the relationship between money and happiness, the concept of a social stock exchange, and his aspirations for a school of entrepreneurship at McGill University that fosters experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.

    I hope you enjoy this episode,

    Sasha

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Niels Belou and His Journey

    01:41 Founding the Humanos Institute

    05:18 The Design Thinking Approach in Action

    17:56 Navigating Challenges and Community Needs

    26:50 Redefining Success in Non-profits and Business

    31:22 The Illusion of Financial Stability

    36:26 The Vision for a Social Stock Exchange

    44:53 Defining Entrepreneurship

    50:03 Experiential Learning in Entrepreneurship


    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasha.levski/

    Niels Billou linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niels-billou-phd-b59b55106/

    1 hr 1 min
  • Getting involved in the business world feat. Victor Nicolet

    Hello everyone, welcome to this new episode.

    Guest: Victor Nicolet, a second-year student at McGill University, who shares his experience with the StudentWorks program. Victor discusses his motivation for joining the program, the challenges of running a business while studying, and the valuable lessons he learned about entrepreneurship, marketing, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of commitment, organization, and resilience in achieving success as a young entrepreneur.

    • 02:55: The StudentWorks Program Overview
    • 05:44: Marketing and Client Acquisition Strategies
    • 08:36 : Managing a Business: Challenges
    • 11:26: Balancing School and Business
    • 14:45: Lessons Learned from the Experience
    • 17:38: Overcoming Challenges as a Young Entrepreneur
    • 20:28: Future Plans and Reflections
    • 23:18: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
    • 25:41: Defining Success and Dream


    Thank you for listening,

    Don't be afraid to try! Go for it!

    Sasha Levski

    instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sasha.levski/

    instagram of Victor:https://www.instagram.com/nicolet_cf/

    Link to the program: https://management.studentworks.com/

    30 min
  • Decisions and Privileges: conversation with Mathilde and Paloma

    In this episode of STAB, the Student Startup Lab, I sit down with McGill students Paloma and Mathilde for a raw conversation about the complexities of student life. Together, we explore the challenges of decision-making, the privilege of choice, and the pursuit of authenticity. Through our personal anecdotes and reflections, we unpack the pressures of societal expectations and the ongoing search for personal fulfillment. Join me for an honest and insightful discussion on navigating university life and what it really means to define success on your own terms.

    • Introduction and Student Experiences
    • 00:03:00 The Challenge of Decision-Making
    • 00:09:00 Privilege and Authenticity
    • 00:15:00 Societal Expectations and Personal Fulfillment
    • 00:21:00 Defining Success and Self-Discovery
    • 00:27:00 Conclusion and Final Though


    Thank you for listening. Don't be afraid to try!

    If you want to connect:

    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandra.lvsk

    other podcast (french): https://open.spotify.com/show/5vzTySBnRute2HawqgikwU

    59 min

About St'AB: The Startup Lab

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Student Lab—a global conversation and community for ambitious students eager to learn, experiment, and grow. It where ideas turn into action. We explore sparks of creativity, failures…