Successfully Ambiguous?

How do you build a successful career in Canada—quickly?When Ramiz Essani arrived in Canada, he secured a job in his field in just 53 days. In this episode, he shares the mindset shifts, job-search strategies, and practical steps that helped him make it happen.Ramiz opens up about staying motivated during unemployment, building an online presence that employers trust, and why “smart work” beats mass-applying to hundreds of jobs. His insights are especially valuable for newcomers, career-changers, and anyone trying to stand out in a competitive market.In this episode: • How Ramiz got hired in 53 days • Why applying to 500 jobs rarely works • How volunteering can boost your career • Tips for building a strong online presence • Smarter ways to tailor your resumé and networkIf you’re navigating the Canadian job market or planning a career pivot, this conversation offers clear, practical advice you can put into action today.For more episodes and resources, follow the podcast wherever you listen.

Privacy matters — because trust is everything.In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, host Christine Brooks-Cappadocia (AVP, Continuing Studies at York University) sits down with Peter Kosmala, global privacy expert and York instructor, to explore how data culture differs across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, revealing why protecting what’s personal has never been more important.From cybersecurity and transparency to managing your digital footprint, this conversation reveals how privacy has evolved into a cornerstone of digital trust and ethical innovation.What you’ll learn:Why privacy is cultural and what that means for global businessHow cybersecurity and privacy work hand in handWhat Canadian organizations can do to build transparency and complianceHow job seekers can protect their digital reputation and data rightsWhat “the right to be forgotten” really means — and what it doesn’tSpecial offer (expires January 2026):Save $100 on York University’s Information Privacy program.Use code SuccessfullyIP when registering for the next cohort.Learn more or apply:https://continue.yorku.ca/programs/certificate-in-information-privacy/This promotional code is non-transferable, has no cash value, and may not be combined with other offers.Have a question or career story to share?Email: successfullyambiguous@yorku.ca

How do you build something meaningful when the odds are stacked against you?In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, Olu Villasa, Program Manager at the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), shares how lived experience, purpose and community can turn barriers into opportunities — and how BEA is helping reshape entrepreneurship in Canada.Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive offer for professionals ready to take the next step in their career.🎓 SPECIAL OFFER FOR LISTENERS – SAVE $100 ON TUITION at York University School of Continuing Studies• Certificate in Business Process Improvement — Code: SuccessfullyBPI (Exp. Mar 2 2026)Non-transferable; cannot be combined with other offers.

Meet Dr. Christine Sawchuk, President and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV), to explore a career path that’s not just rewarding—it’s practically guaranteed. With a near 100% employment rate, business valuation is one of Canada’s most secure and in-demand professions.Christine shares how this field is critical to navigating succession planning, legal disputes, and the valuation of intangible assets in today’s tech-driven economy. We also talk about the unique challenges women face in advancing their careers—including the tendency to hold back from applying unless they meet every single qualification. Christine’s advocacy for women and underrepresented groups is both personal and powerful, and her own journey from accountant to educator to CEO (and now Doctor Sawchuk) is a testament to lifelong learning and bold career pivots.If you’ve ever hesitated to raise your hand for an opportunity, this episode will inspire you to rethink what’s possible.

Maham Abbasi, entrepreneur and founder of the No Shame Project, joins Christine Brooks-Cappadocia to share her journey of turning advocacy into impact. From challenging stigmas around period poverty to supporting students in education and study abroad, Maham shows how purpose and passion can build stronger futures.

Meet Gayathri Rajamohan—one of only five global finalists for the prestigious PIEoneer Alumni of the Year Award and the only from a Canadian institution. Her story is one of courage, community, and commitment to empowering women in cybersecurity.In our conversation, Gayathri shares how her upbringing, her father’s example of service, and her own journey as an international student shaped her passion for giving back. From founding “Ladies Leading Cyber” to mentoring students in Canada and abroad, she’s helping others see themselves in tech—and thrive.We talk about:The cultural shift from India to Canada and how it shaped her confidenceWhy asking for help is a superpowerThe joy and growth that come from volunteeringHer experience as a teaching assistant and what she’s learned from her studentsWhat it felt like to be shortlisted for a global award—and what’s nextThis episode is full of heart, insight, and practical advice for anyone navigating change, especially international students and women in tech. Gayathri’s story reminds us that success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about lifting others as you rise.Tune in and be inspired.

When I first met Dana Stephenson nearly a decade ago, we were both deep in the trenches of trying to solve a problem that still challenges educators and employers today: how do we prepare students for a future that’s anything but predictable? In this episode, I sit down with Dana—co-founder of Riipen, a platform that connects students, educators, and employers through real-world project-based learning—to talk about the power of work-integrated learning, the importance of durable human skills, and how we can better equip learners to thrive in a world shaped by rapid change and AI. Dana’s journey is anything but linear, and that’s exactly what makes it so relatable. From construction sites and telemarketing calls to founding a company that’s reshaping education-to-employment pathways, his story is a testament to the value of adaptability, empathy, and learning by doing. We also reflect on our shared belief in the transformative potential of experiential learning—something that brought us together years ago and continues to drive our work today. Whether you're a student wondering how to talk about your project experience in a job interview, an educator looking to bring real-world relevance into your classroom, or an employer trying to hire for potential rather than pedigree, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Join us as we explore how to embrace ambiguity, build resilience, and create more inclusive, impactful learning experiences for all.  

In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, I sit down with Erick Bauer, a fellow communicator, educator, and changemaker. Erick is the Head of External Relations at Meridian Credit Union, Founder of the Bauer Group, author, host of The Bottom Line with Erick Bauer podcast, and passionate about giving back to his community.Erick shares his journey from policing to public relations, and how he’s used every twist and turn to build a career rooted in purpose. We talk about the power of personal branding, the importance of mentorship, and why building authentic connections—not just sending out resumes—is the key to career success.We also dive into Erick’s upcoming book, his experience living with cystic fibrosis, and how that’s shaped his resilience and leadership. And yes, we talk podcasts too—his show The Bottom Line is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling.This episode is a heartfelt, practical, and inspiring listen for anyone navigating a career path that doesn’t follow a straight line.Join us for a conversation that’s as real as it is hopeful—and find out how Erick is helping shape the Canada we all want to build.