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 Mujidah Sakibu, product manager, job search coach, and 3X immigrant.The job market is brutal, and it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. This can be discouraging for new immigrants to Canada or those looking to move. I mean, the bills don’t wait. Plus, they can quickly rack up, especially if you’ve got a family or dependents. So, in a bid to make sure you get over this hump as fast as possible, most new immigrants go into an application frenzy. Is this good or bad? The experts say you should get in as many applications as possible. Mujidah has a slight tweak to this process. Remember folks, jobs might have the same title but different organizational needs. And then you also have the fact that we all have what we are really good at. However, desperation to get that first offer means we forget this. And that’s okay, honestly. But what if you could approach job hunting 5X better? In this conversation, we explore her job-hunting process that enabled her to get a six-figure job within seven weeks of landing in Canada. We also chat about:* Her two failed attempts to immigrate* Mistakes immigrants make when looking for their first job* And how settling into Canada was a bit easier because of her experience in Belgium.I know the job market is tough folks. Sending you love and light. You’ve got this!Official Links👋🏽 Follow Mujidah on LinkedIn📆 Book a career callDid you watch this? 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 Romu Gaboriau, who moved to the United States 15 years ago after spending a significant part of his childhood wondering if everything was bigger in the U.S.A.The American mythology is a fascinating study. As a kid born in 1980s Nigeria, the United States was the ultimate dream. I wanted to go live there. I wanted to see if all I read about in the colorful magazines my Dad brought back home from work was real.So heck, was I surprised to hear Romu say it was same for him in France. America is such a cultural force.In this conversation, we chat about what it’s like to move from France to the United States. We also talked about:* The differences between France and America; food, making friends, and doing business* Struggling with the English Language* Raising kids with dual identities* Tips for settling into a new country if you don’t speak the native language. This was a good one. Enjoy. Here’s my takeaway for you: Forget about learning the accent. Learn to communicate first. As immigrants, we often trip ourselves up because we want to learn how to speak with the accent. Yes, it probably makes you blend in better. But…Learn how to pass your message as clearly as possible before worrying about an accent. It might come in the end. Or you might never have one. And that’s okay.As long as everyone understands you, you’ll be FINE!Official Links👋🏽 Follow Romu on LinkedInDid you read this? 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 Eyitayo Ogunmola, founder of Utiva, a technology talent development startup. For some people, and I would say for me to an extent, immigrating meant just leaving Nigeria with no clear idea if we would ever go back. Not for Eyitayo.Eyitayo moved to the United States as an Atlas Corps fellow in 2015. While doing research on tech talent development, discovered there was a need to build a talent development edtech business that could export or outsource African engineers, developers, and similar, globally.And so Utiva was born in 2018. But as he says on LinkedIn, "I thought this was first a joke. I made so many terrible startup mistakes. Please don't try this at home."Utiva has gone on to upskill 110K people from 19 African countries and helped over 500 companies source African tech talent.Eyitayo joined me to talk about the concept of reverse immigration and seeing immigrating as a chance to learn and then bring that knowledge back home. He also shared:* His go-to playbook for settling into a new country* Getting intimidated by the accent at his first conference* The power and beauty of sharing the African perspective * Adjusting to life in the United States after moving, and more. Here’s my takeaway for you: You don’t immigrate with cash. You immigrate with a skill. I agree that I am stripping away some nuance there as cash-flow is an advantage in many ways. But this probably applies more to young folks looking to immigrate. Official Links👋🏽 Follow Eyitayo on LinkedIn🔗 Learn more about UtivaDid you read this? 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 Gwen Lafage, whom I would call a serial immigrant. She's lived in the UK, the United States, Sweden, and then back to the United States. And in her words, "Every move changes you." However, I think one of the most important point she makes in this episode are the tradeoffs you have to make when you move to a new country. Family relationships become fragile. Friendships collapse. You find it hard to make new friends. Especially if you're someone like Gwen who's always on the move. Being an immigrant can be lonely journey.In this conversation, Gwen and I chat about her time at Sweden. We also explored:* How culture influences our everyday life* The concept of identity as an immigrant* The concept of home * The tradeoffs we have to make as immigrants* Who she becomes when she gets to France, and more. This episode was therapy for I and Gwen. And I hope it is for you too.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Gwen on LinkedInDid you read this? 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 Tobi Oluwole, former Shopify sales manager, employability coach, and a great human.If there’s one person that exemplifies living life on your terms no matter what the world throws at you, it’s Tobi Oluwole.Tobi immigrated to Canada against his will. As the first-born in a Nigerian home, he had to grow up quickly. This meant moving on after his dream of being a footballer didn’t work out. Yes, Tobi the employability and communications coach once went on trials at Chelsea Football Club and West Ham United FC.This meant quickly figuring out a way to live the life he’s always wanted to live.And oh, I think he’s figured it all out. In this conversation, we explored his move to Canada. We also chatted about:* Why he’s relocated to France* How to break out of societal conditioning* Trying out as a footballer in London. I also share a crazy football trials story of mine I rarely talk about.* His secret for hitting the ground running when he moves to a new country.Here’s my biggest takeaway from this episode with Tobi: In life you get unlimited tries. As an immigrant, this is an important heuristic to adopt. Keep going my friend, you’ve got this.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Tobi on LinkedIn💌 Subscribe to the Life on Your Terms newsletter🖊️ Apply for The Founder’s BlueprintDid you watch this? 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 to Maryam Atoyebi, who moved from Nigeria to Canada in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown.The COVID-19 pandemic was a strange time. Loved ones falling sick. Then passing away. The lockdowns. The terror from not knowing who had the virus and who didn't. The social isolation. And the subsequent breakdown of the first layer of trust that guides how a society behaves in public. For immigrants like Maryam, this meant settling down into a new society was hard. 2X harder than it should normally be. I moved in 2021, so I didn't fully experience what it felt like as everyone tried to navigate the new rules for societal interaction. But the little I experienced was emotionally tasking. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for Maryam and others who moved to a new country about that time.In this conversation, we chat about all the feels while trying to settle down during the pandemic. We also chatted about: * Her biggest mistakes * How to use informational interviews to build your confidence when job hunting and interviewing* Handling the loss of identity that comes with being put into a box when you move to a new society* And intersectionality as a skill set.I’ll leave you with this great piece of advice from Maryam: Understand that every piece of advice you get from other immigrants is contextual. It’s often coming from a good place, but its colored by their experience, their bias, and their perspective or view of the world. Your job is to apply your context to what you hear. Official Links👋🏽 Follow Maryam on LinkedIn📝 Learn more about makingTheMoveDid you read it?Two months ago, Nelly Kawira shared a hilarious thread on Twitter about all she’s learned and achieved since moving to London two years ago.Well, she’s published an updated version on The Newcomers, with some great images to boot. 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 Matt Adolphe, author of the seminal book on the Canadian workplace culture, Mastering the Unspoken Rules.What is the Canadian workplace culture? How do we immigrants adjust to the unspoken expectations of our colleagues and bosses in an indirect culture?I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Thankfully, they haven’t been so costly yet. I hope. So, this conversation with Matt was God-sent.Born in Calgary, Canada, Matt moved to Asia after university and lived there for years. After moving back to Canada with his family, he found it hard to re-integrate into the Canadian workplace. In his words, "It wasn't an easy transition."This experience, plus listening to the stories of immigrants and others who were struggling to understand the Canadian workplace culture inspired him to write THE BOOK on mastering the unspoken rules of the Canadian workplace.I think his book is a seminal piece of work. A must-read for anyone who’s looking to work in Canada. Immigrant or not. In this conversation, we chat about his book and its impact. We also chatted about:* Why the Canadian work culture won’t change dramatically despite immigration* The differences between the Canadian and American workplace culture* Steps to take to help you adjust to your Canadian workplace* How to have hard conversations in Canada* Why being culturally adaptable is a superpower* And the concept of bringing our whole self to work. This was such a good good episode. Jeez. I’ll leave you with this: You don’t lose your sense of identity when you adopt a new culture. You become a much better and rounded individual.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Matt on LinkedIn📚 Get a copy of THE BOOK: Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules📚 Explore his second book: Would You Hire You?Did you read it?Two months ago, Nelly Kawira shared a hilarious thread on Twitter about all she’s learned and achieved since moving to London two years ago. Well, she’s published an updated version on The Newcomers, with some great images to boot. 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 Helen Agbonison, founder of Africans & African Descendants in St. Albert.Where is home? Your place of birth? Or where you feel loved and at peace? I prefer to think it’s the latter. And for Helen, it's the same. She's never felt a strong attachment to any place, but since moving to St Albert, she's found her calling. Her home. Her community.In this conversation, Helen and I chat about moving to Canada 14 years ago, using Yahoo Answers to find friends in Canada as she and her family prepped for the big move. We also chat about:* What it felt like to move to Canada 14 years ago* Why St. Albert is HOME* Why African immigrants struggle to integrate* Why she launched the Africans & Africans Descendants in St. Albert community, and more. It was so good to hear her talk about all the work the community is doing to preserve the African culture. Official Links👋🏽 Follow Helen on Instagram👌🏽Learn more about Africans & Africans Descendants in St. AlbertDid 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 an OG of Canadian immigration, Olufemiloye — known as Olú of Canada in the immigration circles.The past few weeks, probably months, have been an interesting one for international students looking to immigrate to Canada for their studies. Nothing is as it seems.And while this can leave you feeling panicked. And tempted to do anything to get into the country before the "doors close on you," Olufemiloye thinks otherwise.Olú moved to Canada as an international student over nine years ago, and has since dedicated himself to helping people find their way to Canada. Legally!In this conversation, we chat about moving to Canada before japa (Nigerian slang for ‘to migrate’) became japa. We also talked about:* Three plans you MUST have in place before immigrating as an international student* The downstream effects of the Canadian system of governance on international students such as:* The school in Atlantic Canada that took in so many students they had to start taking lectures in a cinema hall* Tips for international students looking to move to Canada* Why you should immigrate with a clear plan of action, and more. Folks, I get it. Things look crazy right now. But be kind to yourselves. Look before you jump.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Olú on X🔗 Get free immigration resources🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏿 Join the OJC Telegram communityDid 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 am speaking with Rotimi Fawole, lawyer, immigrant, writer, and DJ.When we talk about immigrating to a new country, we often focus on how to get a job ASAP, finding a house, and all the other similar issues we have to deal with as we feel our way into the new society.But we seem to forget or rather, we seem to gloss over understanding and adapting to the spoken and unspoken cultural nuances that guide social and professional interactions. Code-switching. Adapting to the communication style and tone of the new country. Same thing. And it’s not about learning to speak with the accent. Because you can speak phoneh, and still end up not passing your message across when it matters. Code-switching isn’t about speaking with the accent. It’s you adapting your communication style to suit your new environment. And it’s a necessary skill. One you’ll need to survive, especially at work. You can't play it by the ear. You MUST invest time in learning how to communicate or else you are always going to feel frustrated.However, the fact that you are code-switching doesn't mean you should lose yourself in the process. Or allow everyone and anyone run roughshod over you.In this conversation, we chat about code-switching, and how it’s a key element of settling down.We also chatted about:* Moving to the UK as a student, heading back to Nigeria because of the lure of Africa rising, and then moving back to the UK* Managing your communication style at work as an immigrant* Why it’s crucial to build a community of people who are an example of who you want to become in your new home* Why it’s so hard for immigrants to bring their full selves to work* Tips that can help you improve your communication style, and more. Remember, we are products of how we are raised, so spend some time learning how things work.Official Links👋🏽 Follow Rotimi on X🎶 Listen to Rotimi’s DJ mixDid 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