ALL EPISODES
" Every immigrant has dreams. I want to help them achieve them."
Nick Noorani
Entrepreneur, Speaker & Best-Selling Author
Born in India
Nick Noorani is an author, social entrepreneur, motivational speaker and media personality. He is the founder of the Canadian Immigrant magazine and the networking site ImmigrantNetworks.com. Nick is also the co-author of Arrival Survival Canada and has inspired countless immigrants to pursue their dreams and start successful careers in Canada.
In this episode, Nick covers the full scope of employment for immigrants in Canada. What skills do you need to succeed? How are Canadian employers being hurt by not taking chances on hiring immigrants? What happens when you settle for dead-end jobs?
Nick also provides valuable advice for Canadian citizens about how they can be more supportive of the immigrants in their lives.
"I live the dream every day!"
Ava Stone
Yoga Instructor
Born in Hungary
Ava Stone came to Canada as a teenager after fleeing Communism in Hungary in the 1950s, and she’s stayed here ever since. She’s best known to her community as a beloved yoga instructor who’s been teaching at the Port Moody Recreation Centre for more than 20 years. She's also featured in the award-winning documentary The Fit Generation.
Life has thrown many difficulties at Ava, from being first married at sixteen, to being widowed from her second husband, to having lost her only son to brain cancer. Despite all this, she says that now, at an age she’d prefer not to disclose, she’s happier than ever.
On this episode, she shares her story and hard-learned life advice, including what living well means, how to build a life around your dreams, and, importantly, how to let go of the past and stop worrying about the future so that you can enjoy the here and now.
"There's tremendous opportunities in tech in Canada!"
Boris Poludo
Co-founder of College & Motivational Speaker
Born in Russia
Boris is the co-founder of the Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB), a motivational speaker, professional career development and IT consultant for almost 30 years in information technology, corporate training and professional career development.
He’s been providing new Canadian immigrants with mentorship and employment support since 2004, and recently launched START Group Consulting to empower new Canadians and recent immigrants to achieve successful employment outcomes.
From witnessing the collapse of the Soviet Union, to working a number of odd jobs upon arrival, to eventually starting a college in his living room, Boris shares his incredible life trajectory with our audience in order to inspire them to pursue their own dreams in the land of opportunity.
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"I lived my first 14 years in a refugee camp."
Kue K'nyawmupoe
Award-winning Student & Social Worker
Born in Thailand
Kue is of the S'gaw Karen ethnic group (pronounced Shaw Kah-Ren) from the Thailand-Burma border region and she grew up in a refugee camp in Thailand.
Her family arrived in Canada as government-sponsored refugees in November 2007, when she was 15 years old.
As a newcomer, Kue spoke little English and experienced several obstacles in school and at work.
Today, Kue is a bachelor of social work student at the University of the Fraser Valley, and her long-term goal is to work with refugees and vulnerable elderly. She's also a mother, volunteer and social service worker.
"There's no better place in the world to become a millionaire"
Rodrigo Carvalho
World BJJ Champion, Entrepreneur
Born in Brazil
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Rodrigo Carvalho was born in Roraima, Brazil.
After becoming a world champion and a successful physiotherapist, a traumatic incident forced Rodrigo to reevaluate his life, sell all his possessions and move to Vancouver, Canada.
Today, he’s the highly successful owner of several Gracie Barra gyms and the lead of the franchise in Canada. And that’s only the beginning for him!
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There’s a lot to learn from his story, from how to find strength and persevere through hardships, to the importance of staying close to family and staying true to yourself… and how to teach yourself English by watching cartoons!
Born and raised on a coffee farm in Chiapas, Mexico, Sonia first came to Canada in 2008 on a whim and with the dream of becoming a great chef.
Now, with three companies and one non-profit organization under her belt, it’s safe to say that she’s living Canadian Dream!
Join us as we discuss Sonia’s struggles and triumphs, from chasing her first love across Mexico and facing discrimination for being LGBTQ+ to becoming the President of Latinos & Amigos LGBTQ2+; from selling pizza for $5/hour to launching the Mi Tierra chain of Latin-American grocery stores; and from running her cleaning company as a one-person operation to now having more than forty employees!
"My girlfriend and I sold pizza for $3/hour when we arrived in Canada"
Sonia Zebadua
Serial Entreprenuer & LGBTQ2+ Advocate
Born in Mexico
Born and raised on a coffee farm in Chiapas, Mexico, Sonia first came to Canada in 2008 on a whim and with the dream of becoming a great chef.
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Now, with three companies and one non-profit organization under her belt, it's safe to say that she's living Canadian Dream! Join us as we discuss Sonia's struggles and triumphs, from chasing her first love across Mexico and facing discrimination for being LGBTQ+ to becoming the President of Latinos & Amigos LGBTQ2+;
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from selling pizza for $5/hour to launching the Mi Tierra chain of Latin-American grocery stores; and from running her cleaning company as a one-person operation to now having more than forty employees!
Founder of Bodwell High School
Born in Hong Kong
"Students from all over the world have lived in our boarding school"
Paul Yuen
Paul was born and raised in Hong Kong and spent his early years backpacking around Asia and Europe before beginning a career as a social worker.
Eventually, he decided to move to Canada with the intention of pursuing a PhD. However, his interest in starting businesses and his passion for helping others led him to launch a boarding school for primarily international students instead.
Throughout this episode, Paul discusses the process of starting a school from scratch, including insights into creating programs and systems that support international students in learning English, building community, and becoming the best version of themselves.
“I want to inspire ethnic minorities to start their own businesses”
Ekaose Nwadiani
Founder/CEO of VanSuya Foods Corp & Hybis Brands
Born in Nigeria
EK came to Canada in 2017 to pursue his MBA at University Canada West, and, like so many other new immigrants, had to work his fair share of jobs to make ends meet.
After graduating, he opened a series of successful businesses and quickly found a way to make his Canadian Dream a reality.
Upon feeling homesick for the cuisine of his home country, EK sold his first business, a cleaning company, to launch VanSuya Foods Corporation and, later, Hybis Brands.
Specializing in Nigerian barbecue and hibiscus iced tea respectively, his initiatives help make Nigerian food more accessible in Canada.
"I want to help immigrants navigate their challenges"
Subbu Pillai
Flight Attendant & Immigration Consultant
Born in India
Born in Delhi, Subbu came to Canada 15 years ago while working as a flight attendant.
Excited to grab all of its opportunities, Subbu became a dental hygienist and college instructor upon arrival, and later studied immigration law to help others make Canada their home too.
In this episode, Subbu shares many useful pieces of information for those who are contemplating the immigration process or who have recently landed in Canada.
What are the benefits of hiring an immigration consultant? How can you network and build new connections in your field? What mistakes do immigrants consistently do to hinder their success?
"Have a good attitude, work hard and look for good people."
William Donnellan
President, Founder & CEO of IRL Group
Born in Ireland
William and his wife Laura came to Canada in 2009 due to hardships in the Irish economy, seeking greater opportunities. He began work here in construction before starting his own construction companies.
Eventually, he and Laura decided to start opening businesses in hospitality as well. They opened Donnellan’s Pub in the Granville Entertainment District in 2017, and since then, have opened four other pubs!
On this episode, William shares his journey towards building an empire with very little money and big dreams. Learn how you can set and achieve your wildest goals, what the current landscape for Irish immigrants in Vancouver looks like and what parts of the job William loves best.
"I chose my future over the past!"
Shreeya Shakya
Co-Founder of Tech2Step
Born in Nepal
Shreeya Shakya moved to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares with us what making this transition during such a difficult global period was like, and how she overcame the unique set of difficulties that she faced - such as losing her mother just weeks after she settled here and having to go to more than 30 interviews to find work.
Despite these hardships, Shreeya found success after securing a job she loves in project management. Now, she helps others realize their Canadian Dreams as well by mentoring newcomers at Immigrant Networks.
She's also the co-founder of Tech2Step, where she strives to battle isolation amongst immigrants and newcomers by bringing back play in life.
“This is how we should fight social isolation”
Amie Peacock
Founder of Beyond the Conversation
Born in Philippines
Amie Peacock grew up in the Philippines, and after moving to Canada, she realized how many people were suffering deeply from a lack of community.
A people person who always wanted to use her talents to make a difference, she took this matter into her own hands and launched several initiatives to combat this issue.
Join us as we talk about the impact she’s seen her work have in her life, along with actionable advice about what you can start doing today to make a difference for others who might be struggling in silence. Combating social isolation saves lives, and taking a stand against it is easier than you might think.
“Keep learning and you'll make it!”
Peyman Chalabi
CEO of DruckerPro International
Born in Iran
Peyman started his career in Iran before moving to Hong Kong and later to Canada to make his wildest dreams happen.
Once in Vancouver, he obtained his MBA to learn more about the Canadian business world, and later became the CEO of DruckerPro International.
In this episode, he shares his advice and experience on what it takes to start a successful Canadian business.
We also touch upon challenges faced by immigrants in the Canadian workforce, what it means to be an entrepreneur, and how immigrants and Canadians alike should approach networking.
"I created a community for women who have business purposes."
Rita Correa
Daycare Owner & the Founder of Networking Group Delaz Club
Born in Brazil
Rita gave up on her pursuit of a legal career to move to Canada and start a family with her husband. She first settled in Calgary, finding that the town had a lively, vibrant and highly organized Brazilian community that she became an involved member of.
A few years later, she and her husband would sell their home to move to Vancouver, and she had a very different experience with the Brazilian community here.
To address this, Rita organized a networking group to connect other Brazilian women in the Metro Vancouver area.
Thanks to her efforts, thousands of Brazilian women have joined her organization and built powerful business connections to one another!
"I started a business instead of going to college."
Raquel Konrad
Founder of Bukobaba Essentials
Born in the Philippines
Raquel was born in the Philippines, but she and her family moved to Canada when she was five months old. In this episode, she’ll describe what it was like growing up between Canadian society and the strong traits from the Filipino culture that were shared in her household by her beloved mother.
She’ll also share with us her journey towards starting a business in her early twenties instead of going to college.
Family, relationships, and helping others are the core of Raquel’s life, which means that for her, running a business with her family is an incredible way for her to share her purpose with the world.
"Want to buy a home?
Have patience and
stick to the plan!"
David Robbio
Real Estate Agent
Born in the Canada
Born to Italian and Portuguese immigrants in the Greater Toronto area, David is truly somebody who’s made his Canadian Dream happen. He’s only twenty-seven, and already has a highly successful real estate practice, a wife, and two children.
In this episode, he’ll share the origin story of his practice, teach us about the Canadian real estate market, and provide us with plenty of tips and advice to benefit us on our own journeys towards home ownership.
We’ll explore exactly why the housing market is so challenging right now, and why unaffordability is on the rise in the post-pandemic world–but we’ll also provide you with the motivation you need to see that despite these challenges, home ownership can still be in your future if you want it badly enough.
"What value do immigrants offer?"
Ayo Owodunni
Founder & Co-Host of The Immigrant View
Born in the Nigeria
Ayo Owodunni is a city councillor from Kitchener, Ontario. He’s also an author, speaker, college instructor, life and business coach and mentor.
Originally from Nigeria, Ayo and his wife both had very promising careers in Lagos. When they decided to start a family, they chose to come to Canada because they wanted to secure a better future in a more stable economy for their children.
He’ll share with us the struggles involved throughout the entire immigration process to help you understand exactly what immigrants must go through to make their dreams reality.
We’ll also discuss the inherent value that immigrants have to bring to Canadian society, and consider what leaders can do better so that everybody can benefit from our diversity.
"The stockbroker
who launched a top interior design firm."
Trisha Isabey
Founder & Creative Director at the Isabey Collective
Born in the Canada
Trisha Isabey’s parents made sure she learned the value of hard work from a very early age, and she began her career defying expectations as a stockbroker.
Eventually, she turned her focus to become an interior designer, having always loved aesthetics, and rapidly found tremendous success. You’ll learn about how she made it to where she is today with her design firm, including how she based her business model on the brokerage industry, and how she equips her staff to excel in their positions!
She’ll also share with you the secrets to success that you can carry into your future in any industry, including what sort of routine you should start off your day with, what good mentorship looks like, and what attributes she looks out for in others that make her want to work with them.
Massimo Bellini
"The secret is: stay humble and get hired."
Lawyer & Business Consultant
Born in Italy
Massimo was a lawyer back home in Milan, Italy, living the life that so many of us would already consider a dream. But he and his wife decided they needed a change, and so they chose to come to Canada for their next adventure!
Here in Canada, Massimo pursued his MBA, and learned the do’s and don’ts of Canadian workplace culture the hard way: through experience.
He’ll tell you all about the mistakes he made so you can avoid making them yourself, and he’ll provide you with tons of actionable advice to help you find a great job and do a great job once you’ve landed it.
"Is Canada stuck in the past?"
Ruairi Spillane
Founder & CEO of Outpost Recruitment & Moving2Canada
Born in Ireland
Ruairi had no original intention to move to Canada until he was offered work here, and due to support from his employer, he had a much easier time immigrating than most.
Witnessing the struggles his other immigrant friends were going through, however, made him realize how broken our current systems are, and that they were harming, instead of helping, both established Canadians and newcomers.
He’ll explain what steps we ought to be taking to embrace innovation, as well as sharing advice about what sorts of jobs new immigrants should be looking for and what parts of Canada they should consider settling in.
"Don't let your past dictate your future!"
Denise Mai
Real Estate Agent
Born in Canada
Denise Mai will share her incredible rags-to-riches tale in this episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast!
Born to a single mother who was a refugee from Vietnam and raised in the Downtown Eastside, Denise knew struggle from day one. Instead of letting it demoralize her, however, she was instead motivated to create a better future for herself.
In this incredible conversation, she’ll share her journey towards becoming one of the most successful real estate agents in the country with us, with a special focus on what it was about her mindset that made her dreams come true.
"Inspiring Canadian refugees"
Muhadissa Sarwari
Student
Born in Afghanistan
We’re bringing you Muhadissa Sarwari’s incredible life story on this week’s episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast, “What Canadians need to know about refugees!”
Muhadissa and her family were persecuted for their Hazara ethnicity in several countries they lived in before spending years as refugees in Indonesia. Eventually, they were brought to Canada.
Now, Muhadissa is living her Canadian dream by both pursuing her education and using her voice to help educate Canadians about the refugee experience!
Canada: The education of the future
Martin Staffolani
International Recruiter in Education
Born in Argentina
Get ready to learn everything you need to know about being an international student in Canada with educator Martin Staffolini!
In this conversation, we’ll talk about why you should consider coming to Canada to study, and what Canada has to offer students.
We’ll also share strategies for making international education less expensive, offer insight into what challenges international students typically face, and discuss other aspects of Canadian life that might be difficult for foreigners to adapt to, such as our health care system.
Are Canadians too polite?
Joy Stewart
Entrepreneur
Born in Philippines
Joy Stewart shares the incredible story of a life that took her to Canada by chance in this episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast!
Joy was born to a poor family in the Philippines, and became her family’s breadwinner working as a hotel lounge singer at the age of 12. She went on to become successful in show business, and had never even heard of Canada until she fell in love with a Canadian man she met in Japan. After their first daughter was born, they decided to leave the Philippines to make a better life here.
In this conversation, we’ll also touch upon the nuances and complexities of navigating Canadian social sensibilities when you come from a much more direct and honest culture.
Focus, respect and be strong.
Vikram Vij
Chef & Former Investor on Dragon's Den
Born in India
One of Canada’s top chefs and a former investor on Dragon’s Den, Vikram Vij, stars on our latest episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast!
In our conversation, we'll explore the trajectory that brought Vij to where he is today, from his professional beginnings in the European fine dining world to his decision to move to Canada and introduce us to the cuisine of his home country.
We’ll also discuss what he considers to be his greatest personal achievements, his best advice for new immigrants, and the business ventures this mega-entrepreneur has in his future! And, of course, we’ll talk about his time on Dragon’s Den.
What do you know about money?
Laurent Munier
Co-founder of Safe Pacific Financial
Born in Belgium
We're bringing you a conversation with Safe Pacific Financial co-founder Laurent Munier that will teach you what you need to know to find financial success!
We’ll discuss the mindset shifts you’ll need to make in order to make it, while debunking financial myths and providing you with actionable advice that will help revolutionize your financial decision making.
Tune in if you’re dreaming about a prosperous financial future and you’re ready to take the steps to make it happen!
Canada, the land of opportunities!
Anastasia Artemova
YouTube star of Make That Change
Born in Russia
In the first remote episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast, Elton interviews Anastasia Artemova, a renowned YouTube figure known for Make That Change.
Originally from Russia and now in business development and tech, Anastasia shares insights for newcomers, guiding them on success in Canada while avoiding common mistakes.
Inspired during the COVID-19 lockdown, Anastasia and her partner share immigrant experiences to help others achieve their Canadian dreams, covering research, preparation, and an open mindset. The episode also explores considerations for relocation and suitable Canadian cities.
Think and feel like a successful person
Iman Aghay
Author, Ted Speaker & Serial Entrepreneur
Born in Iran
Master entrepreneur Iman Aghay joins us on this week’s episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast, ‘What is the right mindset to launch a business?’
In 2009, Iman sold his Iranian businesses to move to Canada to pursue his dream of becoming a professional international public speaker. But like so many other immigrants, he was immediately met with challenges he didn’t anticipate, including a lengthy and discouraging job search.
Eventually, he launched a web design career, but a near-death experience shifted his perspective on the trajectory he was on and made him realize he wanted to have an impact on the lives of others. Now, he’s a coach, a bestselling author, and a Ted speaker who helps individuals find their purposes in life as well!
The dream of being a professional singer
Marie Hui
Professional singer
Born in Canada
Professional singer Marie Hui graces our studio with her beautiful voice on this week’s episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast!
Marie studied marketing in school, but always dreamed of becoming a singer. She hit her first big break when she joined a girl group, and later saw her career blow up when she auditioned for and became the official anthem singer for the Vancouver White Caps!
We’ll talk about the importance of following your dreams and doing what will bring you happiness.
What makes a great leader?
Bernardo Riveros
Executive coach, Leadership consultant & Corporate trainer
Born in Colombia
In the 30th episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast, host Elton Hubner interviews Bernardo Riveros, an experienced coach and entrepreneur with 24 years in international education. Originally from Colombia, Bernardo co-founded Canada's ILAC ELL school.
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After leaving the school, Bernardo shifted to leadership, now serving as Director of International Strategy for Global University Systems Canada. His work earned him the Canadian Immigrant’s Top 25 Award.
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During their conversation, Elton and Bernardo explore leadership nuances, discuss cultural transitions for immigrants, and highlight essential aspects for success in Canadian society.
The habits that make you a winner!
Jake Nicolle
Real Estate Agent
Born in Canada
Embark on a transformative journey with real estate luminary Jake Nicolle in this week's episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast! Jake's compelling story unfolds from a successful touring drummer to a real estate sensation in just two years.
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Explore the mindset essentials for success and reinvention as Jake shares insights on making yourself indispensable to mentors, cultivating valuable relationships, and positively impacting those you care about.
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Watch this episode to discover Jake's recommended books to elevate your thinking skills and leave a lasting impression on influential minds and to learn the habits that fuel success in every aspect of life.
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Jake's tale is a testament to the power of mindset, strategic networking, and an unwavering pursuit of personal and professional excellence.
The mindset of high performers
Chris Smith
President and CEO of Fitness World Canada
Born in USA
On this week’s episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast, Chris Smith joins Elton Hubner in our studio for a conversation about fitness, health and business!
Chris is the President and CEO of Fitness World Canada, who now have 17 locations in British Columbia! In our conversation, we’ll talk about the mindset Chris to adopt to make it to where he is today, how COVID-19 impacted his business, and how he bounced back from it.
We’ll also delve into the differences between the Canadian and American experiences, the mantras that Chris shares with his team to motivate them to do better, and what good fatherhood and mentorship look like to him.
What is the Canadian experience?
Matt Adolphe
Author of ‘Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules’
Born in Canada
This week’s episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast with Matt Adolphe unpacks Canadian culture, and especially workplace culture, to help both new and long-time Canadians understand the secret rules at play in their society. Understanding these rules is the secret to unlocking your success here.
We’ll explore the roots of Canadian culture to understand its evolution, and in turn, how to use this knowledge of Canadian culture to make your dreams come true here.
Believe in magic
again!
Shelley Langille
Certified Executive Coach & Author
Born in Canada
We’ll learn all about how to bounce back and get on your feet again after a horrible setback–and what mindset you need to do to repair your self-perception–on this episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast with Shelley Langille!
Shelley is a certified career coach and entrepreneur now living in Victoria. She works in both professional and personal coaching to help individuals become the best versions of themselves and manifest their dream lives.
In our conversation, we’ll discuss the transformative power of how we talk to ourselves, the importance of cultivating positivity in our lives, and strategies for positive communication and connection to others
Canada for tourists
Matthew Paugh
President at Canadian Tour Guide Association of BC
Born in Canada
Get ready to learn more about Canadian wildlife and tourism in this special episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast! We’re joined in the studio today by Matthew Paugh, who has been working in the tourism industry for almost two decades.
If you’re new to Canada or haven’t traveled here much before–or if you’re just excited to learn more about what makes Canada so beautiful and special–this episode is the perfect starting point for you.
Born in Nova Scotia, Matthew discovered the West Coast of Canada while backpacking in his 20s. He began working as a tour guide in the Yukon, which piqued his interest, and gave him the bug to start working professionally in that industry.
The future of marketing research
Mike Rodenburgh
Co-Founder of SquareKnot Analytics
Born in Canada
In this episode of the Canadian Dream Podcast, Elton Hubner hosts Mike Rodenburgh, a seasoned marketing research expert and founder of SquareKnot Analytics.
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Mike, originally a political science graduate, found his passion in market research, starting as a phone poller and transitioning to Internet-based methods. We'll explore the evolution of research technology and its impacts.
We'll delve into Mike's insights on Canadian consumer behavior and society, covering voting trends, consumer habits, and Canadian preferences. Additionally, we'll discuss the role of AI in data collection and the future of market research.
Network like a Pro!
Nick Noorani
Entrepreneur, Speaker & Best-Selling Author
Born in India
Nick Noorani returns for a second interview on the Canadian Dream Podcast!
Nick quite literally wrote the book on how to find success in Canada as a newcomer, and he’ll share even more of his invaluable advice in this conversation.
We’ll discuss strategies for new immigrants to find good work and build their network in Canada, learn more about what traits Canada is looking for from prospective immigrants, and share stories from Nick’s extensive career coaching and mentoring immigrants.
What makes a world-class athlete?
Shallon Olsen
Olympic athlete and world-class gymnastics
Born in Canada
The Vancouver native discovered her love for gymnastics when she was only three years old, after being introduced to the sport at her brother's birthday party. Her parents subsequently found coaches for her, who detected her innate talent—and even requested to her parents that they not let her know just how good she was, out of fear that it would go to her head!
At the age of 16, she first represented Canada at the Rio Olympics, making her the youngest person on Canada's team that year. She represented us again in Beijing in 2021, and is hoping to qualify for the Paris Olympics this year. In addition to her Olympic career, she's won medals at many other global competitions.
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Our conversation will span the entirety of what it means to be a gymnast—from daily training routines to preparing for competitions, to struggles she's endured, to the mindset you need to be in to make it big and to maintaining your motivation throughout your career as an athlete.
