The Navigating Disruption Podcast

In this episode of Navigating Disruption, host Shakeel welcomes Maiwand Rahyab, founder of Resilient Societies, who shares his remarkable journey from Afghanistan to Canada and his unwavering commitment to civic engagement and human rights. 

Maiwand's story is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of collective action. He reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, including: 

• Growing up in Afghanistan and the challenges he witnessed firsthand 
• Establishing civic engagement programs despite significant personal risks. 
• The decision to relocate to Canada and the creation of Resilient Societies 
• Insights gained from the Aga Khan Foundation's Global Leadership Program 

Key themes explored in the conversation include: 

• How leadership starts with purpose and community 
• Resilience as the foundation of leadership in disruptive times 
• The transformative power of collaboration and collective wisdom 

Maiwand's journey underscores the importance of courageous leadership and community-driven action in advancing democracy and human rights.

🎙 Listen to this powerful conversation.

Show Notes:
Follow Maiwand on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maiwand-rahyab-2966523/
Resilient Societies: https://cooperation.ca/resilient-societies/
Aga Khan Foundation: https://www.akfc.ca/

In this episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, Raheena Lalani Dahya, a mediator, educator, and former lawyer, discusses the Window of Tolerance and its significance for leaders and managers. Raheena shares how this framework helps individuals understand emotional regulation under stress and offers practical advice for managing personal and team dynamics in high-pressure situations. By understanding their own limits and attuning to others, leaders can foster psychological safety and build stronger connections within their teams. 

The conversation touches on key themes such as: 

• The effects of dysregulation in leadership scenarios 
• Addressing power imbalances 
• The value of recognizing what you don’t know 
• Navigating the attention economy 
• The importance of empathy and curiosity in effective leadership 

This episode is packed with valuable lessons for leaders and anyone seeking to build better relationships through emotional intelligence and understanding. 

Show Notes:
-Follow Raheena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raheena-lalani-dahya/
-The Window of Tolerance
-Group Co & Dysregulation (Window of Tolerance)
-NHI's Brain Basics
-Corrigan et al on Autonomic Dysregulation and the Window of Tolerance Model of the Effects of Complex Emotional Trauma. 

When you think of  professions embracing AI, a high school English teacher might not be the first that comes to mind. While AI in business and technology is increasingly accepted, education faces unique challenges—particularly concerns about students using AI to cut corners on assignments, potentially learning less in the process. 

In this thought-provoking episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, Shakeel sits down with Brett Walker, a high school English teacher who has embraced AI as a transformative tool for education. 

Brett shares his journey from the classroom to a new role in his school district’s education technology initiatives. Together, they explore how AI can enhance teaching and learning while addressing the challenges of getting educators to adopt this technology to improve their effectiveness. 

This conversation goes beyond the classroom, delving into how we must prepare students, professionals, and leaders for a future where critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and the ethical use of AI will define success. 

In this episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, Shakeel welcomes Jason MacDonnell, Acting CEO and President of TELUS Digital Customer Experience. The two reminisce about their time together in business school and explore Jason’s journey from navigating the tech bubble burst to leading a digital transformation at one of Canada’s largest companies. Jason shares insights on balancing the entrepreneurial mindset within a large organization, the impact of sailing on his leadership style, and the importance of diversity and authenticity in driving innovation. Discover how teaching, mentorship, and goal setting have become pillars of his leadership approach.

In this episode, Shakeel Bharmal sits down with Mohamed (Mo) Jessa, President Emeritus and Corporate Director of Earls, an iconic Canadian restaurant brand. With a career spanning 35 years, Mo shares his journey from an entry-level kitchen position to leading the company's expansion across Canada and into the US. They discuss his early years as an immigrant teen navigating life in rural Alberta, his pivot from a planned career in medicine, and how his passion for learning and teaching shaped his leadership style. Mo's story offers valuable insights into the restaurant industry, his lasting influence on the careers of his staff, and the memorable customer experiences of millions.

In this insightful episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, host Shakeel reconnects with his junior high school classmate, Stephanie Bolster. Stephanie is an acclaimed Canadian poet, professor, and winner of the Governor General’s Award for Poetry. Together, they explore how the arts can help leaders strengthen self-awareness and creativity and build character. They compare notes on the similarities and differences of providing candid feedback as a leader and as a creative writing teacher. Listen in as they reminisce about their school days and dive deep into the complexities of turning a passion into a profession, journaling, and navigating the world’s challenges as a leader.

In this episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, Shakeel is joined by his childhood friend Riaz Bandali, president of Nordion. They reminisce about how their shared adolescent experiences have shaped them as they delve into their leadership experiences in times of uncertainty.

Riaz delves into the profound lessons he has learned throughout his journey, the role of lifelong learning in Riaz's personal and professional development and what continuous learning looks like for Riaz and why it's crucial for leaders.

Through their candid discussion, they uncover the power of friendship, resilience, and the never-ending pursuit of knowledge in shaping successful leaders. Join them as they navigate through memories, experiences, and insights in this thought-provoking episode.

Don't miss this episode filled with wisdom, personal stories, and actionable takeaways.

In this episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, we sit down with Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy, to explore the essentials of building stronger leadership capacity. Bryan shares his experiences at The Ivey Academy, the importance of lifelong learning, and how embracing discomfort and curiosity can enhance leadership skills. We also delve into his perspectives on AI's role in leadership, the importance of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, and what’s next for The Ivey Academy.

Show Notes:
Season 2 Episode 12 of The Navigating Disruption Podcasts: Hercules Meets Buddha with Professor Martha Maznevski

Join us as we delve into the early memories and foundational experiences that shaped one of the supply chain industry's foremost leaders, Frank Bozzo, Vice President and General Manager of CHEP Canada and Pallecon North America. What impact did afternoons with his grandparents have on his leadership style? How do these personal experiences translate into professional excellence?    I first met Frank during an executive development program at The Ivey Academy. In this eagerly awaited episode—our first in two years—I reconnect with Frank to explore his leadership evolution and his relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth. Listen in and gain invaluable insights as Frank shares the intimate stories and significant moments that define his journey and continue to drive his success in an ever-evolving industry. 

Exciting news! The Navigating Disruption Podcast is officially back after 2 years off. In this trailer, I reflect on the transformative events of the past two years—both personally and globally. The conversations have been deeply missed, and I am grateful to everyone who encouraged my return.

Mark your calendar! The first new episode drops on Wednesday, June 5th. Join us as we dive back into exploring leadership and learning in our ever-changing world.