Successfully Ambiguous?

In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, I sit down with Erick Bauer, a fellow communicator, educator, and changemaker. Erick is the Head of External Relations at Meridian Credit Union, Founder of the Bauer Group, author, host of The Bottom Line with Erick Bauer podcast, and passionate about giving back to his community.

Erick shares his journey from policing to public relations, and how he’s used every twist and turn to build a career rooted in purpose. We talk about the power of personal branding, the importance of mentorship, and why building authentic connections—not just sending out resumes—is the key to career success.

We also dive into Erick’s upcoming book, his experience living with cystic fibrosis, and how that’s shaped his resilience and leadership. And yes, we talk podcasts too—his show The Bottom Line is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling.

This episode is a heartfelt, practical, and inspiring listen for anyone navigating a career path that doesn’t follow a straight line.

Join us for a conversation that’s as real as it is hopeful—and find out how Erick is helping shape the Canada we all want to build.

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

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I first met Katherine Chong when she was helping our School build Canada’s first academic program in Product Management. I was struck by her fearless curiosity and the way she turned a sabbatical into a masterclass in human connection. In this episode, I sit down with Katherine—product manager, startup coach, instructor, and cultural consultant for Pixar’s Turning Red—to talk about how 300 conversations with strangers reshaped her career, her mindset, and her sense of purpose.

We dive into how she navigated burnout, embraced “funemployment,” and discovered the power of asking without an agenda. Katherine’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when we stop chasing titles and start following our curiosity. From cold emails to consulting for an Oscar-nominated film, her journey is anything but traditional—and that’s exactly why it’s so powerful.

Tune in to hear how Katherine:

• Used curiosity as a compass to reinvent her career
• Built a network from scratch during a global pandemic
• Helped shape the cultural authenticity of Turning Red
• Coaches others to find their own path in product management and entrepreneurship

This conversation is personal for me—not just because of Katherine’s incredible story, but because it reflects the kind of bold, human-centered thinking we need more of in today’s workforce.

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

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In this episode, I sit down with someone I deeply admire and have had the pleasure of getting to know through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce—Diana Palmerín Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work. Diana brings a rare combination of lived experience as a newcomer and deep policy expertise that makes her voice essential in today’s conversations about immigration, labour, and the future of work in Canada.

Diana and I talk candidly about the real challenges facing newcomers—especially highly skilled immigrants and international students—when they arrive in Canada. She shares her own journey of taking two years to land her first job, despite holding a master’s degree from the UK, and a PhD and speaking fluent English. We explore how this disconnect between talent and opportunity is not just a personal loss, but a national one.

We also dive into:

• The unintended consequences of recent immigration policy shifts
• Why employers across Canada—from Yellowknife to Niagara—are struggling to find workers
• The critical role of temporary foreign workers and international students in sustaining our economy
• How AI is reshaping hiring and what that means for equity and inclusion
• The urgent need for collaboration between employers, educators, settlement agencies, and government

Whether you're an employer trying to fill roles, a newcomer navigating the job market, an international student planning your future, or a policy maker shaping Canada's workforce strategy—this conversation is for you.

Diana’s insights are honest, hopeful, and grounded in both data and humanity. I left this conversation inspired, and I think you will too.

🔗 Tune in now and let’s rethink how we welcome talent—and how we build a future of work that works for everyone.

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

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What do you do when the job you’ve worked so hard to land turns out to be nothing like you imagined—on day one?

In this episode, I’m joined by the vibrant Michelle Aarons, who shares the story of how her dream job quickly became a wake-up call. But instead of letting that moment define her, Michelle used it as a catalyst for growth, clarity, and purpose.

We talk about:

• The power of reframing disappointment into motivation
• What leaders and hiring managers can learn from her experience
• Why embracing boundless opportunity is more than just a mindset—it’s a strategy

Michelle is a TEDx speaker, a lifelong learner currently pursuing her master’s, and an award-winning professional who brings energy, insight, and authenticity to everything she does. I first met her when she was building a continuous learning unit at another university, and now I’m lucky to work alongside her at the York University School of Continuing Studies.

If you’ve ever questioned your path or needed a reminder that setbacks can be springboards, this conversation is for you.

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

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How important is it to ask for help along your career path? Do you wonder how some people have the confidence to build their network and try new things? In a motivating and enlightening conversation with Anika Forde we delve into how to live from a place of abundance and have the confidence to ask for the support you need to take the next step on your career path.

Anika opens up about her own career as a multi-hyphenated woman and shares her surprising journey into angel investing. Her experience is a testament to continuous learning, the power of believing in yourself and the value of growing your network of support. You’ll gain practical strategies that can help you do the same.

I met Anika in her role as Director of Research & Programs at the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, but she is also the Founding Principal at Forde Consult Group. A believer in lifelong learning, she is pursuing her doctorate, focusing on how we can leverage technology, education, and our experiences to dismantle barriers and advocate for equitable, human-centered approaches to AI use in our daily lives.

As a committed angel investor, she champions women-led tech startups and maintains diverse investments in tech, agriculture, and real estate spanning Canada, US, West Africa, and the Middle East. Anika is deeply passionate about the practical applications of AI, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming work, education, and entrepreneurship.

Don’t miss out on this chance to arm yourself with knowledge that’s crucial for your career success! Like, subscribe, and engage with us by sending your comments and questions. Together, we’ll build a foundation of knowledge so that when opportunity knocks, you will be ready to answer with confidence! 

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

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How important is it to fit in with Canadian culture to get a job? Do you wonder how to excel in a job interview? In a frank discussion with Richard Pinnock of Diversity of Thought we delve into how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of diversity to impress and add value to your employer of choice!

Richard has inspired thousands of young people with his leadership training on how to embrace and leverage diverse experiences and thinking. He has made a difference throughout his career in the public and private sectors promoting equity for all. Richard even had my role years ago and this conversation is packed with professional and personal insights that will help you as you strive for success.

Richard Pinnock is the President of Diversity of Thought Institute. He recently retired from Export Development Canada (EDC) as Director, Chief Diversity Officer. His professional experience spans Public, Private, Education, Professional Services, and Not-for-Profit sectors. He received an M.B.A. (International Marketing), from York University in Toronto after completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Entrepreneurship) at McGill University in Montréal.

Prior organizations Richard has worked with include: Purolator Courier, Royal Canadian Mint, ClientLogic (an Onex Company), Inroads, Price Waterhouse Coopers, York University, Walmart

Canada and most recently Export Development Canada (EDC). Some of his DEI-related accomplishments include Recipient of King Charles III Coronation Medal for service to country and profession and DEI Program Advisory Committee Member, York University.

Don’t miss out on this chance to arm yourself with knowledge that’s crucial for your career success! Like, subscribe, and engage with us by sending your comments and questions. Together, we’ll build a foundation of knowledge so that when opportunity knocks, you will be ready to answer with confidence! 

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How important is it to understand how to reframe failure? Do you wonder how to take risks in your career? In a powerful and inspiring discussion with Priya Bates of Inner Strength Communication we delve into how to take risks and process failures so you can turn them into valuable lessons! 

Priya opens up about her own career journey, her “lightbulb moment” and shares invaluable lessons learned from risks that she took leaving a successful corporate career to start her own consulting business. Her experience is a testament to continuous learning, the power of taking risks and communication with colleagues and within yourself.  You’ll gain practical strategies that can help you do the same. 

Priya Bates is a Toronto-based Internal Communication and Workplace Culture Strategist and President of Inner Strength Communication. She is an author and a sought-after international speaker. Priya is also a powerful force within the International Association of Business Communicators. 

Don’t miss out on this chance to arm yourself with knowledge that’s crucial for your career success! Like, subscribe, and engage with us by sending your comments and questions. Together, we’ll build a foundation of knowledge so that when opportunity knocks, you will be ready to answer with confidence!  

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

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How important is it to understand the language and cadence of your desired career? Do you wonder how AI will impact your career in the future? In an eye-opening discussion with John Weigelt, National Technical Advisor at Microsoft, we delve into how to navigate the rapidly changing job landscape while harnessing the power of AI responsibly and learning to overcome hiccups along the way!

John leads Microsoft Canada’s strategic policy and technology initiatives, empowering individuals and organizations across the country to innovate with technology in a way that minimizes potential pitfalls. I've known John for a long time, and this conversation is packed with professional and personal insights that will help you as you strive for success.

John opens up about his own career journey, sharing invaluable lessons learned from setbacks and the pivotal "aha" moment that transformed his path when he transitioned from the military to the private sector. His experience is a testament to continuous learning, overcoming disappointments and seizing new opportunities. You’ll gain practical strategies that can help you do the same.

John has contributed to many technological efforts that established the foundation for the electronic services we take for granted today and he continues to lead efforts to evolve technology standards and policy. His extensive experience in technology, business and policy provides him with a unique perspective of our technology enabled economy. He has been the Senior Director of Architecture, Standards and Engineering at the Chief Information Officer Branch of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and has worked for the Department of National Defense. John has a Master's degree in Computer and Communications Security from the Royal Military College of Canada.

Don’t miss out on this chance to arm yourself with knowledge that’s crucial for your career success! Like, subscribe, and engage with us by sending your comments and questions.

Together, we’ll build a foundation of knowledge so that when opportunity knocks, you will be ready to answer with confidence!

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Successfully Ambiguous, the proudly Canadian podcast that asks, “When opportunity knocks, will you be ready to answer?” and explores how successful people prepare to leverage the unexpected.

Host Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, AVP of York University School of Continuing Studies, has a non-linear professional journey and leads one of the largest Schools in the country dedicated to helping people thrive in the changing world of work. In this podcast, she’ll speak with leaders who achieved success on their own terms to learn what helped them get where they are today.

With Generative AI quickly transforming fields we recently thought were impervious to automation, how can anyone really plan a linear career path anymore? Yes, things are changing quickly, but change brings opportunities, and we can prepare to make the most of them. 

The successful people who are guests on this podcast often describe their career paths as nontraditional or counterintuitive. Unusual career paths may be the new norm.  

Whether you are just starting out, planning for a pivot, trying to stay ahead of change, or in the position to create opportunities for others, this bi-weekly podcast will provide great advice, tips, and inspiration! 

Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share! 

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