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.

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