The Newcomers Podcast 🎙️

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Komal Faiz, a UX researcher par excellence and founder of Wanderlite, the gear rental marketplace. Komal moved to Canada as a student more than nine years ago.Once school was over, people told her it would be stupid to leave Canada after her MSc program, so she stayed back. And in her words, her immigration journey has been like fine wine. I do love a good wine analogy.In this conversation, Komal and I explore:* The advantages of immigrating as an international student, even though you are always broke* The Wanderlite origin story* The immigrant’s existential struggle for belonging and a sense of identity* Her biggest lessons, and more. This was a fun one. But the best part for me was when she said:“We set such high standards for ourselves. But give yourself some space. You are good. You are doing okay.” You can find that from 31:58. Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Komal on LinkedIn🔗 Check out the Wanderlite websiteDid you read it?If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Mu Okonkwo, former basketball player now immigrant entrepreneur.One random sunny day in Owerri, Nigeria, Mu’s friends convinced him to follow them to the basketball court. Their pitch? A scout was coming who would take promising prospects to the Ejike Ugboaja annual bootcamp — the biggest basketball camp in Nigeria.Now, Mu only had eyes for soccer, or football as we call it back in Nigeria. But a couple of months after that well-timed visit to the basketball court, Mu was actively scheming to move to the United States on a scholarship to play college basketball.In this conversation, we chat about:* Forging his Dad’s signature so the scout could formally keep working with him to secure his college scholarship* Getting to the United States and discovering that his little knowledge of basketball was useless* Going pro in 2019* Adjusting to the social nuances of the American culture, and more. Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Mu on LinkedInDid you read it? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Ann Iyke-Osuji, one of the bravest immigrants I’ve met. After a pretty much shielded life during her undergraduate years, she decides she wants to run away from home to somewhere her parents have little or no influence (family).Now, you would think she would pick a country where she had some friends. I mean, everyone needs some support, especially someone who has never really left the comfort of their home and loved ones. But not Angel. She decided to move to Australia for her Master’s Degree. And the universe decides, you wanna be independent, right? I’m gonna help you get there fast!In this conversation, we explored:* Struggling to settle in* Learning how to make small talk and enjoy it* Not realizing how fat Australia was from Nigeria* Expecting to see more animals in Australia considering how the country is portrayed on social media, and more. This is a must-listen. And here’s a great tip from Angel on integrating into your new culture — Integration is a two-way street. While you’re thinking everything and everyone around you is new to you, also remember that for the individuals you interact with, you are also new to them. So remember to give them the same grace you expect them to give you.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Angel on LinkedIn🔆 Get Angel’s LinkedIn Profile Checklist and GuideDid you read it?If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Leslie Awasom, the anaesthesiologist who became a real-estate entrepreneur.It’s said that whoever picks you up at the airport when you land can have an exponential effect on your perspective of your new country. And I agree.Cheers to Uka and Adanna Osaigbovo. My family and I owe you both. But back to Leslie Awasom, I’ve probably said this too many times, but he’s an immigrant rocketship. And this episode is chock-full of stories and lessons. In this conversation, we chat about:* Dealing with depression after the Y2K crash incinerated his computer science dream* Getting into a serious car accident and switching to Nursing once he was able to stand on his two feet* Meeting his business partners, Tenny Tolofari and Dr. Julius Oni* Why they named the business XSITE Capital* How he deals with failure, and a ton of other useful tips for immigrant entrepreneurs. This was a good one. And if you’re an immigrant looking to start a business, here’s a tip from Leslie —> “Confidence comes with action.”Official Links👋🏽 Follow Leslie on LinkedIn💰 Get Leslie’s free passive income guideDid you read it?If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Areej AbuAli, Founder of Women in Tech SEO. Areej talks about something we immigrants sometimes gloss over. The tendency to pause everything because we feel like we are on the clock. We’ve got a deadline. We’ve got to get that Permanent Residency. We’ve got to get that citizenship. And I don’t fault anyone. I’ve been guilty of this, too. Heck, I still am. But maybe every now and then, take a pause. Breathe. Live. Areej moved from Egypt to the United Kingdom as an international student. In this conversation, we explored: * The advantages of immigrating as a student* Dealing with the pressure of switching from a student visa to a work visa* Dealing with the survival mentality that hits first-generation immigrants* Cultural shocks* Areej as a fresh-to-the-UK immigrant vs. Areej as an experienced immigrant, and more. Did you find this interesting? Please share with someone else who might find it helpful.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Areej on LinkedIn🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 Support Women in Tech SEODid you read it? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Tunde Leye, author of over five books, including the critically acclaimed Afonja The Rise & Afonja The Fall. He was also a Consulting Partner at SBM Intelligence, an Africa-focused geopolitical research firm. “I miss being part of the top 1%.” Let’s try to set some context. Tunde was what you would call a high-flyer back in Nigeria. And then, as with most immigrants, he decided to leave all that and start afresh in England for his kids. And the financial tradeoffs and adjustments have been something.In this refreshingly honest and raw conversation, Tunde and I chat about:* The work needed to rebuild social capital as an immigrant* The mental burden of code-switching* Adjusting to the smaller houses you find in England* Being a tourist vs. being an immigrant* Writing his new book (Fireflies on the Lagoon) and the Western influence on the writing process* Career adjustments, and more. Official Links👋🏽 Follow Tunde on LinkedIn🎤 Follow Tunde on X🎬 Tunde’s YouTube channel (African History Channel)Did you read it? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Beatriz Zanatelli, co-host of the Find a Way podcast and founder of Smart Goose Academy.Beatriz is such a warm soul and an experienced immigrant. Her Dad moved around a lot, which meant she had to up and settle down in different countries while growing up. She gets what it means to pack one’s life into a suitcase or more and start afresh in a new country.So, if you’re looking for a pick-me-up after a long week, this conversation with Bea (as she’s fondly called) is a great place to start. In this conversation, we chat about:* Choosing Canada (she has a fun story about the CN Tower)* Her first day in an English-speaking school as a Brazilian immigrant kid * Her husband’s journey to restart his career in Canada* Our super-power as immigrants* Starting a business in Canada, and more. Enjoy! And remember…Your accent and past experiences are superpowers. Embrace them and bring them along with you. Official Links👋🏽 Follow Beatriz on LinkedIn🎧 Listen to the Find a Way podcast📝 Learn more about Smart Goose AcademyDid you read it?Looking to move to Canada? We’ve partnered with IMMPROVED to share monthly updates about immigration to Canada, including Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, family sponsorship, study and work permits, and everything in between.If you got this email in error or no longer wish to receive emails from The Newcomers Podcast, Substack has a sweet and easy way to unsubscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Aashni Shah, founder of HypeDocs.Colored and black women entrepreneurs are among the Canadian market's most qualified, highly educated, and skilled entrepreneurs. But they still have to deal with systemic racism, bias, sexism, access to networks, mentoring, and sponsorship. I could go on and on. But the point is that some people don't let that stop them. Aashni is one of those people.The two-time startup founder joined me to chat about:* Her motivations* Realizing her opportunities were different as a person of color* Language as a bridge* Putting in the effort * Her Dad’s influence on her approach to businessEnjoy! And remember……Integration is a two-way street. You have to put in the work.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Aashni on LinkedInDid you read it? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with Sebastian Cuervo, writer and copy strategist.Moving to a new country can be a nerve-wracking experience. But that doesn’t mean you should allow the anxiety to hold you back. As Sebastian Cuervo puts it, you don’t do yourself any favors by staying put in your comfort zone while settling down. For example, deciding to rent a home where most of your neighbors are predominantly from your home country. Sebastian moved to Canada from Colombia due to what I call the noise - that steady, almost invisible hum in your head that keeps you on your toes, worrying about what could go wrong and what went wrong. And I totally relate…cos that’s one of the reasons we left Naija. In this conversation, we chat about:* Misconceptions we often have about immigration* Tradeoffs we have to make when we move to a new country* His cultural heritage and what he hopes to pass on to his offspring* The Colombian Sebastian vs. Canadian SebastianEnjoy! And remember……Don’t limit yourself. Official Links👋🏽 Follow Sebastian on LinkedIn🖊️ Sign up for Sebastian’s SubstackDid you read it? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I’m speaking with the wonderful Eric Agyemang of Maple Bridge Ventures. There’s so much to unpack in this episode. But if there’s one thing you should take from the conversation, it’s DON’T DIM YOUR LIGHT.Eric and his team at Maple Bridge VC are investing in immigrant founders in Canada. And he joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about:* Owning your narrative* Tips for immigrant founders looking to raise funds* Common challenges immigrant entrepreneurs face* Why an immigrant is a natural for entrepreneurship* And his journey from international student to venture capitalist. Enjoy! And remember.Don’t dim your light. You’ve got this. Official Links👋🏽 Follow Eric on LinkedIn🔗 Check out Maple Bridge if you’re an immigrant entrepreneurDid you read it? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com