Career Buzz

Reframing Challenges: Leveraging Strengths for Climate Solutions

Solving huge challenges like climate change presents an opportunity for each of us to draw upon our unique strengths and lived experiences. And that’s what Hessann Farooqi is doing through his career.
In this episode of Career Buzz, guest-host Erica Mattison speaks with Hessann Farooqi, Executive Director of The Boston Climate Action Network (BCAN), about the importance of relationship building and other valuable skills for leaders of nonprofit organizations. Hessann shares how he combines his passion for public policy with his dedication to advancing climate solutions on the local level.
They originally met when Hessann was an undergraduate student at Boston University. Erica hired him as an intern for the Boston University Sustainability communications team. Find out how he’s honing skills in public speaking, relationship building, and research and analysis to grow a grassroots movement rooted in climate justice.
BCAN is a community-based nonprofit organization that organizes residents to advocate for local climate justice action. It brings together residents, community groups, and policy makers to equitably transition Boston from fossil fuels and improve its resilience.
Learn more about the Boston Climate Action Network at Bostoncan.org and Hessann Farooqi via LinkedIn and Twitter.
 
Hessann Farooqi Bio:
Hessann Farooqi is the Executive Director of the Boston Climate Action Network. He is the youngest person and the first person of color appointed to lead BCAN in its more than two decade history.  Hessann studied economics at Boston University, worked in the United States Senate, and served on various federal, state, and local political campaigns. He also serves as an Environmental Justice Advisor to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on the development of their Greater Boston Climate Action Plan and supports MassRobotics on their Climate Robotics Working Group. He previously served as an advisor to The White House and Department of Energy’s Opportunity Project. 

Transformation of Higher Education in an AI-Driven Era

Over the last five years, numerous critiques from reputable sources like CBC, HBR, Forbes, NBC, Times Higher Education, The Atlantic, and the Brookings Institution have questioned the adequacy of current higher education systems. With the explosive growth of AI in the past year, every sector, including higher education, has been significantly disrupted. 
Join Join Stephen Armstrong of Innovation Nation on this episode of Career Buzz with guest Dave Goldberg. Dave is an AI trailblazer who, 15 years ago, made a career shift to tackle this issue directly - with the aim to revolutionize higher education fundamentally. He is currently the President and Head Coach at ThreeJoy Associates, Inc.--Transforming Engineering Education. 

Navigating Tomorrow: A Journey into the Future of Work and Finding Joy in It

Are you geared up for what’s next in your professional life? Get inspired by Ann Nakaska as she imparts valuable insights for future career advancements. Ever imagined enjoying your work? Dr. Mike Rucker provides unique strategies to make it possible. Join Dr. Hoda Kilani, Hoda’s Career Info, and her guests to enhance your Career Literacy.

When war disrupts your career and life - What to do? Where to go?

In 2022, just when Anastasiia Zhemchugova landed her dream job in an international law firm in Kyiv, Ukraine, war disrupted her career and life.
Her firm had an office in Prague so she worked there for a while but without the local language skills it was complicated. Then, a perfectly timed opportunity emerged – from Canada. Years earlier, pre-pandemic, Anastasiia had applied for a law internship with the Canadian Parliament. Their offer came just in time. She accepted and arrived in May, 2022. Then, Anastasiia got into a career boosting bridging program for internationally educated women lawyers. Run by the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies, the Brief Law program and the School’s Blueprint Career Services, led by Ann Park, helped Anastasiia get ready for life and law in Canada where she’s now doing a law degree at York U's Osgoode Hall.
Join Mark Franklin to hear and learn from both Anastasiia and Ann's insightful career stories.

An Artist's Diverse Career -- From Higher Ed to Hardware to the Canvas

In this week's episode of Career Buzz, join Erica Mattison with Geraldine Barney.
 
Being an artist is central to Geraldine Barney’s identity. Throughout her career she’s discovered the personal importance of developing a creative practice involving a range of media from prints, to paintings, to songs. As she creates, she honours her Indigenous culture and connection to the land where she grew up on a Navajo reservation. 
 
Geraldine’s career has included a wide variety of settings, from higher education to home improvement stores. Her passion for her craft has helped her stay true to herself and her values.
 
In their conversation, Geraldine shares how her art is shaped by her connection to her ancestors, to nature, and to her community.
 
About Geraldine Barney
Geraldine Barney’s artwork explores the relationship between the traditional Navajo values and beliefs she grew up with on the Navajo Reservation in Northwest New Mexico with contemporary city life off the reservation. Living in two cultures is a prominent theme in her art and her music.
Geraldine studied printmaking at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM and at the Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO. Although a printmaker at heart, Geraldine is currently working on a series of landscapes (both real and imagined) that invoke her passion for the land of the Southwest and her connection to the Navajo reservation. 
Geraldine is also a singer and song writer whose work is included in two Smithsonian Folkways CD’s; “Music of New Mexico: Native American Traditions” and “Heartbeat: Voices of First Nations Women”.
 
Follow Geraldine on Instagram at @geral.dine.barney and on Facebook at Gerri Barney.

Empowering People Through Caring Leadership

The heart of leadership is human connection. Our world needs Caring Leaders who are genuinely interested in the success and well-being of their people.
In this week's episode, join ⁠Stephen Armstrong⁠ of ⁠Innovation Nation Radio Show⁠ to discover the transformative power of caring, empathy and human connection in Empowering People Through Caring Leadership: Strategies That Actually Work by leadership consultant and coach ⁠Germain St-Denis⁠. This book distills St-Denis' extensive leadership experience into actionable strategies to empower leaders at all levels to create environments where everyone can thrive. It is an essential guide that redefines modern leadership, showing you how to cultivate an engaged, highly collaborative workforce built on mutual respect, trust and empowerment to deliver results. A Caring Leader develops and empowers people while getting the job done.
 

What if the key to a happier, more productive work environment lies in the wag of a tail?

Join us on Career Buzz as we explore the fascinating career story of Rodney Kaufman, founder of ⁠Corporate Canine Therapy⁠. In the fast-paced corporate landscape, stress and burnout are prevalent, but Rodney and his partner Jane have a unique solution. Their specially trained therapy dogs are not only bringing joy and comfort to employees in workplaces but also supporting patients in hospitals. These furry therapists are transforming the way we view well-being in the workplace and healthcare settings, one wagging tail at a time. Rodney's journey, coupled with his background as an executive chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu, adds a rich layer to his story. Join us as we uncover the impact of ⁠Corporate Canine Therapy⁠ and the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs. 
Get your cute dog serotonin boost on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn

A Deep Dive Into Global Economic Disruption with Stephen Armstrong and Michael Blacklock

Join host Stephen Armstrong on 'Innovation Nation' on Career Buzz as he explores the intersection of real-world business practices with people's career evolution. This episode, 'Disruptive Change in the Global Economy: An In-depth Analysis,' provides an insightful discussion with industry veteran, Michael Blacklock. Armstrong and Blacklock delve into the challenges and intricacies of doing business internationally amidst unprecedented economic shifts.
Gain an understanding of the current struggles within Germany's and EU's economic landscape from Blacklock's perspective. Explore key topics like migration's role in a nation's economic health and the future of international business in an era of disruption. Learn from Blacklock's varied experiences, from working for multinational automotive manufacturers to advising Canadian government policies and private consulting.
This episode provides a robust exploration of the impact of socio-political unrest, environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and cross-cultural competence on international trade. Discover crucial insights into navigating changing international market dynamics and positioning for successful business ventures.
Deep dive into Germany's current economic crisis, the influence of Canada's government, and increasing fears amongst global investors. Discuss potential opportunities created by smart partnerships between German businesses and North American market entities. The episode further explores China's economic paradigm shift and its global implications.
In conclusion, Armstrong and Blacklock discuss the potential influence of US elections on the German and Canadian economies. Understand the implications of changing trade agreements and defense spending commitments on the global economic canvas. Gain insights on how businesses can adapt and thrive in this volatile environment.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your understanding of international trade and devise effective global career strategies. Tune into 'The Innovation Nation' for more in-depth analysis and discussions on global market navigation and disruptions.

February 21 - Career Buzz with Elizabeth Nicholas and Scott Perry

February 7 - Career Buzz with Canadian Artists Network Guy Maddin

The Canadian Artists Network is the voice of Canada’s elder professional artists – across all disciplines. It offers programs that enable artists to remain relevant, connected, informed, and motivated. Artists don’t retire. Their creativity and skills do not diminish with age. Creativity lives forever. The Canadian Artists Network raises awareness of the value of these artists as resources for the future and role models for emerging talent. We speak to  a mentorship pair, through the Network, mentee Sonia Gemmiti, a writer, director, producer, and her mentor, celebrated Canadian director, Guy Maddin. But first, host Mark Franklin is joined by Canadian Artists Network Executive Director, Scott Walker, about the career and life implication of the Network, and his own broadcasting career story.  
Scott Walker: LinkedIn   https://www.scottwalker.ca/
Guy Maddin: Instagram  IMDB Bio
Sonia Gemmiti: LinkedIn  Instagram