Coffee With Convery

Welcome to Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today, we have a remarkable guest whose journey encapsulates resilience, faith, and the power of inclusion. Meet Andrew Fitisemanu, a dynamic individual who not only shines on the rugby field but also advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both sports and corporate environments. 🏉🌈Andrew’s story is one of evolution and empowerment. Growing up as a Catholic in New Zealand, Andrew found solace and strength in his faith. However, his path took a transformative turn when he moved to Australia, where he forged his own spiritual connection with God while embracing his identity as a gay man. 🏳️‍🌈On the rugby field, Andrew found not only a sport he excels in but also a community that embraces him wholeheartedly. Coming out to his rugby community was a pivotal moment, one marked by acceptance and support. Through rugby, Andrew discovered the power of teamwork and inclusion, where differences are celebrated and strength is found in unity. 🏉❤️Off the field, Andrew is a beacon of change as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant, leveraging his extensive corporate experience to champion mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. His involvement in initiatives like Rugby Australia’s #PartOfMore series underscores his commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and acceptance. ️As Andrew continues to navigate his rugby career and inspire others with his story, he leaves us with a powerful message: resilience is found in embracing our authentic selves and standing tall in the face of adversity. 💪Join us as we delve into Andrew Fitisemanu’s inspiring journey of faith, identity, and the pursuit of belonging. 🙌

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery, where we dive into the journeys, insights, and innovations shaping the future of business, leadership, and community. Today, we’re spotlighting an incredible student organization making waves at the Schulich School of Business—Schulich Pride Alliance.Schulich Pride Alliance has been a beacon of inclusivity, fostering a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQ+ students to connect, learn, and thrive. Through community-building, education, professional development, and mentorship, they are creating lasting impact both within Schulich and beyond.Joining me today are two remarkable student leaders who are driving this mission forward: Eric Martins, President of Schulich Pride Alliance, and Linh Vo, VP of Corporate Relations.Both have played instrumental roles in expanding the club’s reach, strengthening corporate partnerships, and advocating for meaningful diversity, equity, andinclusion in business. We’ll explore their leadership journeys, the evolution of the Schulich Pride Alliance, and what it means to create truly inclusive spaces for students and future leaders.

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery, where we bring you inspiring conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of work, learning, and technology.  Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Matt Foran—a Toronto-based entrepreneur, educator, and innovator in the EdTech and HR Tech space. Matt is the Co-Founder of Simple Movement eLearning and the Founder & CEO of KnowMeQ, a platform using AI and science-backed tools to empower individuals and help companies strengthen their workforce. With a Master’s in Adult Education from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Matt has spent over two decades working in community literacy, workforce development, and education. He’s a pioneer in digital accessibility, having created the world’s first fully online adult literacy program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners. His work is all about putting people at the center of success—whether it’s helping individuals unlock theirpotential or ensuring companies hire and promote based on real skills, not just resumes. Matt’s journey is a powerful example of how education, technology, and human impact intersect. So, grab your coffee, and let’s dive in!

🐢Happy World Turtle Day 2025! 🐢Today, we’re celebrating a true champion of both innovation and conservation — Ken Andrews, a standout guest from Coffee With Convery in 2023.A proud Michigan native, Ken is an outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and certified pilot who’s been launching ventures since he was just 10 years old. As the Founder and President of Millennium Digital Technologies, he brings a rare blend of electrical engineering and computer science expertise to build end-to-end tech systems that drive change.But Ken’s passion doesn’t stop at code and circuits. He soars beyond the tech world — literally — as a certified pilot who flies everything from gliders to business jets. It’s that love for aviation and the natural world that led him to Turtles Fly Too.Turtles Fly Too is a nonprofit organization that acts like the Uber for endangered species, coordinating general aviation pilots to rescue, rewild, and repeat. Their mission: to save endangered sea turtles and other wildlife through timely transport, education, and conservation outreach.Ken is proud to be part of this mission — using his wings to give sea turtles a second chance at life.Want to help today?Here's how you can make a difference:✅ Donate – Every dollar helps fund flights and education✅ Volunteer – Whether you’re a pilot or passionate about conservation, there’s a place for you✅ Become a Corporate Sponsor – Align your business with a cause that protects our planet and inspires future generations🌐 Learn more, get involved, and support the mission at: https://www.turtlesflytoo.org/

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery for a powerful conversation with Mark Dembo, an expert in executive education, EdTech, and talent management. Mark shares his journey from Cornell to leadership roles at top organizations, offering career wisdom for navigating transitions, building strong networks, and adapting to the rapidly changing workforce. Don't miss his insights on the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, and preparing for the future of work. Whether you're a student or early career professional, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you thrive!

Welcome to another episode of Coffee with Convery, where we delve into the diverse journeys of professionals across various industries.Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Stina Borth, Founder and CEO of Keymaker Services, an organization dedicated to elevating workforce productivity and youthdevelopment. Stina is an award-winning educator, neurodiversity specialist, and passionate advocate for inclusive, high-performance environments.With a Master's in Education and a wealth of experience, Stina brings a unique blend of sharp insight and empathy to her work, specializing in Executive Functioning skillsand empowering individuals to thrive.In our conversation, we’ll explore Stina's entrepreneurial journey, her passion for neurodiversity and inclusivity, and her insights into unlocking human potential in the workplace and beyond.

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee withConvery, where we bring you inspiring stories of career journeys, personal growth, and professional insights.Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a dynamic leader andchangemaker—Francis Syms. Francis is a globally experienced executive,certified coach, and currently the Associate Dean in the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology at Humber Polytechnic. He’s also the Founder and CEO of The Joule Group Inc, dedicated to leadership development, career empowerment, and personal transformation.Francis’s career spans continents and sectors—from thecorporate boardroom to the classroom—and today, he’s guiding the next generation of technology and applied science students as they prepare to enter a rapidly evolving workforce.In this episode, we’ll explore his career journey, histransition from industry to academia, and the powerful lessons he shares with students about career development, purpose, and adapting to change.Whether you’re a student navigating your next steps, aneducator shaping future leaders, or a professional seeking inspiration, this conversation is for you.

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery!In today’s episode, I am excited to introduce David McKee, the Founder of Another Angle Consulting and a seasoned CFO and Controller.David’s journey is a unique blend of finance and creativity, as he has spent the past decade transforming his consultancy into a global advisory firm.By combining precise financial management with executive coaching, David helps both businesses and artists thrive.From his early days studying accounting and psychology at Palm Beach Atlantic University to his mission of supporting artists in overcoming mental health challenges, David’sstory is filled with valuable insights for career seekers, students, and anyone looking to align their passions with their professional path.Tune in as we discuss David’s journey and gain practical advice for navigating the complexities of building a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Coffee with Convery! Today we're in for an inspiring conversation about success,innovation, and the future of work. Our guest is a true powerhouse in the world of business transformation and entrepreneurship.Joining me today is Suzanne Knight, an award-winning expert, keynote, and TEDx speaker renowned for her practical insights on transformational change and the future of work.  She is also the CEO of mBolden Consulting andco-founder of Be Uninterrupted. Suzanne brings a wealth of experience from her work with over 50 companies across five continents. She's a keynote speaker, a corporate executive focused on transformational change, and was recently recognized on The Peak's Emerging Leaders List and The DMZ's Women of the Year.

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee with Convery, where we bring you inspiring stories of career journeys, personal growth, and professional insights.  Today, I have a special guest, Dr. Shaun Ghafari—a mechanical engineer, academic leader, and currentlythe Dean of Engineering at Humber Polytechnic.  Shaun’s career has taken him across industries, from leading engineering teams at General Electric to shaping the future of applied sciences and technology in higher education. With decades of experience in mechanical engineering, research, and academic leadership, his journey is a powerful example of how passion, perseverance, and adaptability can shape a successful career. In this episode, we’ll dive into his early influences, career transitions, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.  If you’re a student, a young professional, or someone considering a career in engineering and technology, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.