Since 2006, we’ve broadcast unrehearsed and informative conversations featuring extraordinary career stories of ordinary people, and insights from future-of-work thought leaders including National Geographic explorer-in-residence Wade Davis, former Member of Parliament, Helene Leblanc, and career experts Sareena Hopkins, Norm Amundson, Roberta Borgen, Rich Feller and many more. We also look at the intersection of real-world business practice and people’s career and life choices. We explore how individuals turn their personal passion for innovation into tangible commercial success. And we learn about innovation management best practices, and lessons learned. Listen to Career Buzz to hear inspiring career professionals share useful insights to increase awareness about the importance of career literacy and share tips to support you to clarify what’s next for you. Hosts: Mark Franklin, MEd,PEng, (he/him) leads CareerCycles, co-founded OneLifeTools, co-authored Who You Are Matters! and Online Storyteller, and teaches career management at University of Toronto. He received the Stu Conger Career Development Award. Mark consulted in his earlier engineering career, before earning a Masters in counseling then leading student services initiatives in universities. Mark started Career Buzz in 2006. Stephen C Armstrong, Professor of Innovation, University of Toronto and founder of AMGI Certified Management Consultants. A native of Belfast, N Ireland, Stephen is an award-winning state licensed Professional Engineer, Entrepreneur and Professor of Innovation at the University of Toronto. Initial pedigree in the aerospace industry. Founder (1993) of AMGI Management Inc, Certified Management Consultants. Stephen founded Innovation Nation on Career Buzz in 2014. Hoda Kilani (she/her), Certified Professional Career Coach and the Founder of Right Career Fit, a coaching practice that focuses on career education. Hoda is on a mission to have #careerliteracy trend across social media and works with a variety of media to create awareness including a YouTube channel and two podcasts released on a biweekly basis, Hoda’s Musings and Hoda’s Career Info. If you care to join her, reach out for a chat!
Listen to episodes
60 recent
June 10, 2026Episode 12359 min
What happens when the tools you once needed to survive become the work you offer the world?
On this episode of Career Buzz, we hear from Dena Jackson, comedian, speaker, creator of Self Help Me. Dena’s career story moves from theatre and stand-up comedy to corporate public relations, from personal upheaval and divorce to yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and wellness practice.
Along the way, she discovered that self-help doesn’t have to be precious or perfect. It can be practical, funny, embodied, and deeply human. We’ll talk about comedy as a doorway into healing, yoga as a turning point, what breathwork can reach that words sometimes can’t, and how Dena turned her own search for support into a career helping others.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
May 20, 2026Episode 12258 min
Careers, branding, risk, and reinvention, with Banditos founder, Anthony CK Thomas
On this episode of Career Buzz, Mark Franklin is joined by Anthony CK Thomas, entrepreneur, business builder, and founder of Banditos, a Canadian-made “Mexi-CAN” lager. It was created to challenge both the beer market and some of the cultural assumptions around branding, identity, and who gets to build something bold.
Anthony is a “fixer, breaker, closer.” Without traditional educational pathways, he built his career through hustle, instinct, relationships, and a willingness to move before certainty arrived.
We talk about the 4am moment that sparked Banditos, what entrepreneurship really feels like behind the scenes, the tension between authenticity and marketing, why too many people end up living careers they never actually chose, and what it means to build something that people genuinely want to gather around.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
April 29, 2026Episode 12148 min
Where is Your Point B?
Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. Guest John Suarez shares his interesting career path and reminds us that “It’s ok if you don’t know, but you can’t do nothing. What are you going to do? Where is your point B? It doesn’t matter if it’s not the last step. You don’t have to have everything figured out but just figure out that next step”. Can you clearly describe your next step? Comment and share your thoughts and experiences.
Guest Bio
John Suarez is a career services leader, educator, and a global voice in résumé writing & coaching. As the Director of the Fundamentals program for the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC), his "Bulletproof" methodology has reached students in 46 states and 31 countries.
John currently serves as the Career Services Coordinator at Southwestern Illinois College, where he leads a team dedicated to empowering students, alumni, and professionals through career transitions, job placement, and strategic career planning.
In 2024, John was honored by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the résumé writing profession spanning more than 30 years. Passionate about career development, personal branding, and the future of job search strategy, John continues to shape the industry through online training, mentorship, and a monthly newsletter column for writing and coaching professionals.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
April 22, 2026Episode 12059 min
How do you rebuild your career when life, and the people who depend on you, start asking something different of you?
On this episode of Career Buzz, Mark Franklin is joined by Teri Hart—television and radio host, producer, content creator, and now the creator and host of The Hart of It All podcast.
Teri spent years on air with Bell Media, Corus, and Rogers, building a career in broadcasting—until a sudden job loss in her late 40s disrupted what had been a steady path forward. In our conversation, Teri shares her career story, how she navigated that turning point, and what it meant to rebuild with intention.
Then the interview moves into a powerful conversation about caregiving—the focus of her podcast—and the realities so many people are navigating, often quietly and alone. There’s a lot here about resilience, voice, and what it takes to move forward when the path changes.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
April 8, 2026Episode 11951 min
Do you have a real sense of Purpose? When does Growth happen?
Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. Guest Emer O’Donnell shares, “When you have a real sense of purpose and this is why you’re here, then you can’t help but follow your heart”. Do you have a real sense of purpose? Sharon Vandermeer follows with a statement about why she values stepping out of her comfort zone, “If I’m ever in a position where I’m uncomfortable that means that growth is happening”. How often do you get uncomfortable in your work? Comment and share your thoughts and experiences.
Guest 1 Bio
Emer O Donnell, Founder of TeenReconnect, is a behavioural change coach with a background in psychology and 20+ years working in global organisations.
In 2016, she recognised a gap in young people's educational skills that prevented them from navigating the complex world we now live in leaving so many feeling overwhelmed, lost and anxious. She was then inspired to become the Founder of a coaching and training company called TeenReconnect to address this gap.
She focuses her work on supporting parents to help their children to thrive, empowering youth professionals to increase their skills, and supporting organisations that wish to become more effective in this space. She emphasises the importance of developing well-being first for sustained performance.
Emer is also the author of “Understanding Teen Stress & Anxiety; A Parent’s Guide to Building Love and Connection” and has created the digital Q Pathfinder coaching app. It is a personalised tool used as part of her 7Q TeenReconnect coaching programme for young people so they understand who they uniquely are and can learn how that plays out in their career choices, confidence, learning, stress, and relationships.
Emer is passionate about making a difference, believing young people are the future. She also knows that if you don’t know who you are it is way harder to create a life you love.
Guest 2 -Sharon Vandermeer Self Bio
Raised in the country, I learned early on the value of hard work, community, and resourcefulness. When I made the move to Melbourne, I quickly found my calling in recruitment—a space where I could connect people with opportunities that change lives. After a few years in the industry, I took the leap and founded On the Ball Personnel Australasia, allowing me to fully embrace my passion for service. Every day, I get to bridge the gap between talented job seekers and businesses looking for the right talent, ensuring both thrive. With a commitment to providing real value, my approach is built on authenticity, fun, and a deep understanding of what makes great workplaces tick.
Recruitment isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building careers, strengthening businesses, and making sure people are set up for long-term success. It’s been one of the most rewarding spaces to play and make a difference in!
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
April 1, 2026Episode 11859 min
We see headlines about refugee camps—but what does it actually look like, and what does it feel like, to live and work inside one?
On this episode of Career Buzz, host Mark Franklin interviews Dr. Maria Milland, a Danish obstetrician and gynecologist whose humanitarian work has taken her to some of the world’s most challenging environments. Drawing on her experience working in the al-Hol refugee camp in northeast Syria, Maria shares powerful insights from her new book, *Born at the Gates of Hell*, offering a rare and deeply human perspective on life inside the camp—particularly in the maternity ward where new life begins amid extreme conditions. Together, they explore her career journey, the skills and values that sustain her work, and what her experiences reveal about resilience, ethical tension, and making meaningful career choices.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
March 25, 2026Episode 11050 min
A Career journey into Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering sits at the intersection of advanced science, complex systems design, and the timeless human ambition to fly. From the earliest aircraft to today’s highly sophisticated jets and emerging sustainable aviation concepts, the field continues to push the boundaries of innovation and engineering precision. Behind every aircraft is a multidisciplinary effort involving structural design, advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, and rigorous safety standards. As the aviation industry looks toward more efficient and environmentally responsible aircraft, engineers are reimagining how airplanes are designed, built, and operated. Stephen Armstrong and Andrew Bondarchuk explores the world of aerospace engineering and the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of flight.
Guest Bio
Andrew Bondarchuk is an aerospace engineer specializing in aircraft structural design and future aircraft development. He earned his Aerospace Engineering degree from Carleton University and gained early industry experience through an internship with Airbus in the United Kingdom. He began his career at Bombardier working on the production and design of aircraft including the Global 5500, 6500, and 7500 programs. Today he is a Senior Design Engineer in Bombardier’s Research and Technology group in Montreal, contributing to next-generation aircraft concepts such as the EcoJet blended wing body.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
March 18, 2026Episode 11151 min
Challenging our understanding of the role of Career Development
Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. In this episode, Dr Brian Hutchison shares, “Particularly in the west we can get this idea of individualism in our head and I think that that’s an inaccurate idea”. Do you agree? Comment and share your thoughts and experiences.
Guest Bio
Dr Brian Hutchison, also known as Global Career Guy, Dr Brian Hutchison Ph.D., LPC, CCSCC is Core Faculty of Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the School of Counseling at Walden University, USA. He received his doctorate degree in Counselor Education Supervision from Pennsylvania State University and has worked as a career, school, and mental health counselor and clinical supervisor.
Brian’s career consultation and education work operates within the brand of Global Career Guy where he specializes in consultation, research, speaking, and training focused on how career development fosters mental health well-being, school engagement, and social justice.
He has worked in more than 50 countries and written more than four dozen publications including the 12th Edition of School to Career, a career textbook for high school students.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
March 4, 2026Episode 10652 min
Canada’s Electric Future: Are We Ready for the EV Transition?
Canada is accelerating toward an electric future—but are we truly ready for the EV transition? Beyond the headlines, this shift raises real questions about infrastructure, affordability, and grid resilience. Today, we ask what’s working, what’s missing, and whether Canada is prepared for what comes next. In this episode, Stephen Armstrong is joined by guest Andre Mech.
Guest Bio
Andre Mech is an Environmental Engineer who has been a climate change proponent for the past 25 years. Andre works in the areas of electrical generation, emission reduction, energy efficiency project evaluation, project development, finance, management, verification, including carbon offset generation activities to minimizing climate change. He has direct experience with carbon related planning in the commercial institutional building sector, transportation sector and combined heat and power sector. He is a regular speaker at national and international energy conferences. He holds a BEng Mech Eng from the Royal Military College Canada and an MBA from Western University.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
February 26, 2026Episode 11253 min
Your comfort zone is killing your dreams, move from exclusion to inclusion
Join Hoda for conversations that boost your career literacy. One quote that stands out in this episode, is by Ahmed Mostafa Kamal who shared many useful career and life tips staying in our “comfort zone is killing our dreams”. Do you agree? Next, Ruth challenges us by stating “you can move anything that you do from exclusion to inclusion”. Comment and share your thoughts and experiences.
Guest 1 Bio
Ahmed Mostafa Kamal, a career development leader and expert in the Middle East. He is the founder of Career Development in the MENA Region, founder of AM Foundation for Career Development, the Co-Founder & Senior Partner of GROWAT Saudi Arabia and a UNICEF Advisor. His work has included training more than 1000 counselors, facilitators, coaches, and guides in Egypt, KSA, Qatar, and Turkey.
Ahmed began the first career development project in Egypt funded by USAID in 2006. Then, he extended his efforts to other countries in the MENA region as well as in Europe, Asia, USA and Canada. His focus is enriching Arab individuals, teams, organizations, and countries with the required knowledge, materials, tools, and experiences to benefit from a professional career development process—all translated and adapted for the Arab culture.
Ahmed won the merit award from the National Career Development Association (NCDA) in 2022, best international career development practitioner award from NCDA in 2011, and best international Global Career Development Facilitator award from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) in 2015.
He holds many certifications in the fields of career development, mental health, business, and distance learning that are associated with several global associations including NCDA and CRG.
Guest 2 Bio
Ruth McAteer, a Career Development Professional. Ruth's work in the careers space focuses on exclusion to inclusion, investigating how to rethink career curriculum design, resources, and events as well as traditional one-to-ones, to maximise accessibility.
By critically examining who we are designing for, she challenges traditional approaches to ensure career education can reach the widest demographics. Grounded in the globally applicable Employability Capital Growth Model and aligned with the global Sustainability Development Goals this approach helps people identify how and where they want to make an impact - the first step on any career journey!
As a member of the Deaf community, Ruth is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities especially regarding equality and inclusion in the workplace.
For career counselling for you or someone you care about, start with a free discovery call: careercycles.com
For gamified, story-based professional development, learn about and schedule a demo of Who You Are Matters!
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