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January 14, 202656 min
The “Hardware vs. Software” Problem in Education... and Why It Changes Everything | Dwayne Matthews
What if the thing you’re optimizing for (credentials → “good job”) is becoming less reliable... fast?In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, your host, Francesca Cadhit, is joined by Dwayne Matthews (O.C.T.), Future Strategist, Innovation Evangelist, and founder of TomorrowNow Learning Labs, to unpack what’s changing in education and why so many high-performing students may feel blindsided after graduation. We talk about the real gap Dwayne observed after teaching in two radically different school environments:Same “hardware” (students). Different “software” (expectations, networks, resources). And wildly different outcomes.What you’ll hear in this conversation:Why elite credentials (even “top of the mountain” degrees) are starting to create less friction… and less certainty than they used toThe underrated advantage of mental models (including the “six or seven models” story you’ll be thinking about all week)A question no one teaches kids explicitly: “What does it mean to study?”The difference between performance vs. learning, and why that matters more as AI raises the floor for everyoneWhy the future belongs to people who can differentiate: “perpendicular thinking,” intersection skills, and your unique edgeIf you’re a parent, educator, or student, this episode will give you language and frameworks for what to focus on when the old playbook stops working.Connect with Dwayne: find him on LinkedIn and follow his Substack, Principles to Protocols.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-matthews-o-c-t-b134447/Substack: https://dwaynematthews.substack.com/If this made you think of a parent, student, or teacher, share it with them!And if one line hit you, comment your takeaway (I read them all).
December 31, 202523 min
How to Learn in the Age of AI (and Why Memorization Isn’t Enough) | Paul Gries
What does it really mean to be future-ready in school when AI can generate answers instantly?In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Paul Gries, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Toronto and recipient of the U of T President’s Teaching Award, to unpack how students should be learning in the age of AI.Paul explains why memorization breaks down in university, how story-based understanding beats surface learning, and why relying on AI without deep expertise actually makes advanced work harder, not easier.This conversation is for:High school and university students preparing for rigorous programsParents trying to understand how learning is changingAnyone wondering how to use AI without losing critical thinkingIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why AI automates the easy work and exposes gaps in understandingHow strong students think differently from struggling studentsWhat “computational thinking” really means beyond codingHow to use AI as a learning tool instead of a shortcutWhy communication and talking to humans still matter more than everIf you’re preparing for university, navigating computer science, or simply trying to learn more effectively in a rapidly changing world, this episode will change how you think about learning.About Paul Gries👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-gries/👉 Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/instructor/~682843About Francesca Cadhit👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/
October 29, 202526 min
You Don’t Need a 10-Year Plan: Lifelong Learning and Growth in Medicine | Dr. Zizo Al-Daqqaq
What if you didn’t need a five- or ten-year plan to succeed, just momentum?In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Dr. Zizo Al-Daqqaq, a Urology Resident at the University of Ottawa, to explore how lifelong learning, reflection, and resilience shape a meaningful career in medicine.Together, they unpack:How to navigate major transitions through medical school and residencyManaging cognitive load and avoiding burnoutThe surprising power of journaling and reflectionWhy success is more about momentum than perfectionWhether you’re a pre-med student, healthcare enthusiast, or someone figuring out your next step, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to have it all mapped out, so long as you keep moving forward.Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation about growth, direction, and the mindset that helps you thrive in medicine and beyond.👉 About Dr. Zizo Al-Daqqaq:Dr. Zizo Al-Daqqaq obtained his BScN & RN from uOttawa in 2021. He obtained his MD from the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, where he spent four years as Class President of the 2025 graduating class. He is now a Urology Resident at uOttawa.👉 About Francesca CadhitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/ 🚀 About Smart Growth RocketReal-world lessons. Unexpected journeys. Growth beyond grades.Hosted by Francesca Cadhit of TopClassEdge.com, Smart Growth Rocket brings you inspiring stories from educators, innovators, and changemakers helping students and professionals level up - in school, career, and life.If you're a student, parent, or lifelong learner who wants real insight, this show is for you.❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.You’ll start a conversation that matters.You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.This podcast is a labour of love, from planning and interviews to editing and publishing, and your support means the world.
September 17, 202539 min
How This MD De-Influencer Breaks Bad Debt, Turning Frugality Into Equity
Many assume doctors only focus on clinical medicine. But what happens when a physician tackles financial literacy head-on?In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit is joined by Dr. Steph Zhou, Clinical Director of Addictions Medicine, Department Lead in EDI & Social Accountability at Sunnybrook Hospital, and Founder of Breaking Bad Debt. From translating pay stubs as a child of immigrants to creating a physician financial literacy curriculum and leading a national financial wellness conference, Dr. Zhou is redefining what it means to combine medicine, money, and mentorship.Along the way, she shares practical lessons for students, parents, and professionals.🎧 ▶ In this episode, we cover:How growing up as an immigrant shaped her lifelong mission in education and equityWhy she became a “de-influencer” on social media, promoting frugality over FOMOWhat students need to know about OSAP, grants, scholarships, and lines of creditHow physicians and students alike can set boundaries to protect time, family, and energyLessons on bias, motherhood, and supporting women in medicineWhy success is less about status and more about lifting others as we learnIf you’re a student navigating higher education costs, a parent guiding your child, or a professional curious about money, equity, and impact, this episode is filled with stories and strategies you won’t want to miss.👉 About Dr. Steph Zhou:Dr. Stephanie Zhou is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, where she created the financial literacy curriculum and is the Director of Addiction Medicine at Sunnybrook Hospital. She graduated from a MD/MSc program jointly with the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and Rotman School of Management. Dr. Zhou immigrated to Canada and grew up in subsidized housing, which led to her investing in education and housing initiatives through philanthropy. She founded the annual Physicians Financial Wellness conference, a national, philanthropic conference for physicians on financial education and practice management. The ticket proceeds were used to establish The Equity Award, an endowment fund supporting students with financial need.Dr. Zhou received Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women award and the Ascend Canada Social Impact Award for her work in improving economic mobility through financial literacy. Dr. Zhou is a nationally invited speaker on personal finance and runs a popular financial education blog on Instagram and Youtube called Breaking Bad Debt.The Canadian Physicians Financial Wellness Conference:https://www.physiciansficonference.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingBadDebt Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/breakingbaddebt 👉 About Francesca CadhitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/ 🚀 About Smart Growth RocketReal-world lessons. Unexpected journeys. Growth beyond grades.Hosted by Francesca Cadhit of TopClassEdge.com, Smart Growth Rocket brings you inspiring stories from educators, innovators, and changemakers helping students and professionals level up - in school, career, and life.If you're a student, parent, or lifelong learner who wants real insight, this show is for you.❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.You’ll start a conversation that matters.You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.This podcast is a labour of love, from planning and interviews to editing and publishing, and your support means the world. Thank you for being here.
August 20, 202532 min
Future-Ready Skills: How An Entrepreneurial Mindset Unlocks Opportunities
What skills really prepare students for success beyond grades?In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit is joined by Judy Wong, professor at Seneca Polytechnic and Co-founder of the YSpace Food and Beverage Accelerator.Judy shares her inspiring journey from her family’s shop in Taiwan to leading global Fortune 500 brands and now coaching the next generation of entrepreneurs. Along the way, she offers powerful lessons for both parents and students.🎧 ▶ In this episode, we cover:Why resilience, curiosity, and empathy matter more than everHow to develop an entrepreneurial mindset - even without starting a businessWhat intrapreneurship looks like in school or at work, and why it mattersPractical ways for students to explore careers and stand out through informational interviews, volunteering, and small experimentsHow to shift from hesitation to action and overcome self-doubtWhether you’re a parent looking to guide your child, a young professional trying to find your path, or someone curious about innovation and entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights that can help you or your student thrive.👉 About Judy Wong:Judy Wong is a professor at Seneca Polytechnic faculty of business, teaching Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship. She is also the Program Advisor and Co-founder for the YSpace Food and Beverage Accelerator, a program that supports innovation and diversity in the Canadian food industry. Judy has a Masters of Business Administration degree from Rotman School of Business, and a Bachelor of Sciences degree from University of Toronto. After graduation, she worked in Tier 1 Fortune 500 companies such as Kraft and Nielsen. She has over 25 years of experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods Industry leading global brands through double digit growth. As a mom of two daughters in post-secondary institutions, she’s a firm believer that an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset is the key to success.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-chang-wong-5003ba2 👉 About Francesca CadhitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/ 🚀 About Smart Growth RocketReal-world lessons. Unexpected journeys. Growth beyond grades.Hosted by Francesca Cadhit of TopClassEdge.com, Smart Growth Rocket brings you inspiring stories from educators, innovators, and changemakers helping students and professionals level up - in school, career, and life.If you're a student, parent, or lifelong learner who wants real insight, this show is for you.❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.You’ll start a conversation that matters.You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.This podcast is a labour of love, from planning and interviews to editing and publishing, and your support means the world. Thank you for being here.
August 6, 202528 min
What Students Really Need for the Future (Hint: It’s More Than Just Good Grades)
Good grades open doors, but they’re only part of the equation. In today’s rapidly changing world, students also need to demonstrate adaptability, critical thinking, and the confidence to innovate.In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit chats with Jason Lay, Head of Business at Thornhill Secondary School, about how he’s helping high school students build real-world skills through AI, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.🎧 ▶ We dig into:🔹 How students are creating AI-powered business ideas🔹 Why empathy is at the heart of innovation🔹 What parents can do to help their kids thrive (not just survive) in the futureWhether you’re a parent, educator, or student yourself, this one’s packed with takeaways for a future-ready mindset.👉 About Jason Lay:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lay-mba-med-4735a226/👉 About Francesca CadhitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/🚀 About Smart Growth RocketReal-world lessons. Unexpected journeys. Growth beyond grades.Hosted by Francesca Cadhit of TopClassEdge.com, Smart Growth Rocket brings you inspiring stories from educators, innovators, and changemakers helping students and professionals level up - in school, career, and life.If you're a student, parent, or lifelong learner who wants real insight, this show is for you.❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.You’ll start a conversation that matters.You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.This podcast is a labour of love, from planning and interviews to editing and publishing, and your support means the world. Thank you for being here.
July 9, 202522 min
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Eyes and Their Eyewear | Monica So of Zoom Optical
Eyewear is more than just functional. It’s personal, emotional, and transformative.In this episode of the Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Monica So, a licensed optician, entrepreneur, and founder of Zoom Optical, a warm and stylish optical boutique redefining the customer experience.🎧 ▶ In this episode, you’ll learn about:✅ An optician’s unexpected pivot from toxicology to opticianry✅ The leap of faith it takes to open that very first shop✅ How she kept her business alive (and thriving) during the pandemic✅ Why eyewear is about more than just vision✅ What most people misunderstand about eye health✅ Her biggest lessons as both a healthcare professional and a business ownerAnd for the students out there (or anyone figuring out their next step), we dig into advice for young people charting their own career paths.Whether you're into eye health or small business, Monica’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of seeing clearly.👉 About Zoom OpticalWebsite: https://www.zoomoptical.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ZoomOpticalToronto 👉 About Monica SoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-so-bsc-ro-97aa0b23 👉 About Francesca CadhitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescacadhit 🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.Your support truly means the world!
June 25, 202529 min
Inside the Memory Lab: Why We Forget and How We Remember | U of T PhD Candidate Matthew Dougherty
Ever wonder why you forget the oat milk at the grocery store, even though you were thinking about it all day? In this episode of the Smart Growth Rocket Podcast, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Matthew Dougherty, a PhD Candidate in Psychology (Perception, Cognition, & Cognitive Neuroscience) at the University of Toronto, to explore the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) science of memory.🎧 ▶ We dig into:✅ What encoding and retrieval really mean (in plain English)✅ Why some memories feel like time travel✅ How memories get reorganized while we sleep✅ What neuroscience tools like fMRI and EEG can tell us about how we remember✅ Exploring research opportunitiesWhether you're curious about the brain, interested in research opportunities, or just want to stop forgetting your grocery list, this episode is for you.👉 About Matthew DoughertyBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/matthewdougherty.bsky.social The Duncan Lab: https://duncanlab.org/ 👉 About Francesca CadhitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.Your support truly means the world!
June 11, 202524 min
AI, Automation, and the Myth of “Doing It All” | Melodie Moore of Business Tech Ninjas
What Most Business Owners Get Wrong About Tech (and How to Fix It)In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit sits down with Melodie Moore, Founder and CEO of Business Tech Ninjas, to talk about what really holds small businesses back from scaling, and why the answer isn’t just better software.With over a decade of experience building high-performance systems for membership-based businesses, Melodie gets real about:✅ Why most tech “solutions” still create chaos✅ How to hire (and lead) without falling into magical thinking✅ Why CRMs aren’t a cure-all✅ The difference between leadership and self-leadership, and why it’s the key to thriving with technologyYou’ll walk away with practical insights, unexpected mindset shifts, and a new appreciation for how slowing down might actually be your secret weapon in business.👉 About Melodie Moore and Business Tech Ninjas:Melodie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodiemoorehttps://www.instagram.com/melodie_millennial_ceo/ Business Tech Ninjas: https://businesstechninjas.com/ 🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.Your support truly means the world!
May 28, 202557 min
Against All Odds: An IMG’s Journey to Becoming a Doctor in Canada | Family Medicine Resident Dr. Nooshin Sarreshtehdari
Getting into residency in Canada is hard enough, but imagine being an international medical graduate (IMG) on top of it all. For Dr. Nooshin Sarreshtehdari, giving up was never an option. In this deeply inspiring episode, Francesca Cadhit sits down with Nooshin, an incoming PGY1 Family Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto, who shares her remarkable journey from Iran to Canada, and all the trials in between.Whether you’re an IMG, a non-traditional applicant, or just someone chasing a difficult dream, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.🎧 ▶Here’s some of what we discuss:✅ The truth about matching as an IMG in Canada✅ How to stand out in your CaRMS application✅ The power of persistence and building authentic connections✅ How Nooshin overcame rejection, burnout, and even a car accident on her journey✅ Why being a “go-getter” really does pay offPlus: Nooshin’s time management tips, the mentors who changed her life, and her candid advice for anyone navigating medicine’s winding path.👉 About Nooshin Sarreshtehdarihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nooshinsarreshtehdari/🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.Your support truly means the world!
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