Welcome to The Thriving Immigrant Podcast. A weekly podcast with Paul Adeyeye where we talk about the journey of successful immigrant. We inspire, educate and give you practical action steps that will help you THRIVE as an immigrant in Canada. #immigrant #Canada #TheThrivingImmigrant
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November 2, 202639 min
Stop Burying Your Head and Hoping to be Noticed.
Leadership isn't about the position you hold. It's about the difference you make and what you leave behind. In this episode of the Thriving Immigrant Podcast, Paul talks with Dr. Jackie Baly. She is a leadership strategist, civic leader, public affairs advisor, University of Houston professor and author of Built for Influence . She also rose to become a city councillor in Sugar Land, Texas. We talk about: Her journey as a second-generation immigrant from the Caribbean to Texas What leadership really means, and why leaving things better than you found them matters How to spot and grow leadership potential in yourself and others Why immigrants often keep their heads down and hope to be noticed Resilience through hard seasons, including starting over as a single mom and earning a doctorate in her 50s If you're an immigrant building your career, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to the Thriving Immigrant Podcast for more inspiring stories. #immigrant #leadership #policies #blackinfluence #entrepreneurship #texas #podcast #thethrivingimmigrant
October 10, 202642 min
Why Immigrants Are Overlooked For Leadership Roles.
Hard work alone may not be enough to get promoted. In this episode of The Thriving Immigrant Podcast. Career Strategist Lissa Appiah, shares how immigrants and introverts can build visibility, advocate for themselves, and move toward leadership, without trying to become the loudest person in the room. Lissa, founder of WeApply, has helped more than 400 people land leadership roles in Canada. She also shares lessons from her own career, including how she earned five promotions in less than eight years by understanding workplace dynamics, developing expertise, and positioning herself for new opportunities. In this conversation, you’ll learn: - Why talented professionals can be overlooked when their work stays behind the scenes. - How to build strategic visibility and relationships with influential stakeholders. - Why documenting and communicating your impact matters. - How to prepare for the next level before you’re ready to apply. - How introverts can use their strengths to grow their careers. If you’re an immigrant, an introvert, or a professional who feels stuck despite working hard, this conversation offers practical ways to make your value visible and take the next step toward leadership. #Thethrivingimmigrant #careergrowth #leadership #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #Canada #HR
September 26, 202651 min
Why Immigrants Go Broke After Moving Abroad
Money, career, debt, and investing for immigrants - Ronke Odewumi breaks down the rules that can change your financial future. What if the biggest money mistake immigrants make is not earning too little, but thinking their money stretches further than it does? Ronke Odewumi, founder of Work Builders Network and creator of the Clarity AI finance tool, shares the hard truths about budgeting, black tax, debt, and building wealth in the UK and beyond. After nearly 20 years in the UK, Ronke reflects on her journey from Chevening scholar and KPMG analyst in Nigeria to finance educator and entrepreneur with a community of over 100,000 followers. We unpack how migration changes everything from spending power to family expectations, and why so many people get trapped trying to maintain a lifestyle their new income can no longer support. You'll discover: Why “shift and lift” spending destroys savings the moment you land abroad How to manage black tax without resentment, guilt, or vague promises The danger of false awareness of wealth, especially when debt and lifestyle creep collide Why high-interest debt is quietly eating immigrant households alive How women can position themselves for promotions even when the system expects less from them The safest way for first-time investors to start with low-cost index funds, pensions, and consistency Why buying a house can be a forced savings strategy and long-term wealth builder Ronke also shares the mindset shift that helped her balance career, family, content creation, and leadership without trying to do everything. Her 80-20 approach, commitment to systems, and bias for action make this episode just as useful for ambitious professionals as it is for anyone trying to get their finances back under control. If you are an immigrant, a woman building a career, or someone who wants to stop living paycheck to paycheck while still helping family back home, this conversation gives you practical, direct, and deeply needed guidance. Listen for the money advice, stay for the mindset reset. Send Money to your loved ones through Revve and enjoy great rates: https://getrevve.app.link/zTIXC6oE1Xb #personalfinance #moneymatters #immigration #podcast #thethrivingimmigrant Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared on this channel are for informational and educational purposes only. This is NOT financial or legal advice. Always do your own research and due diligence before investing.
July 11, 2026Episode 7539 min
Avoiding Debt is Hurting Your Ambitions
Most immigrants and young adults don’t realize that building credit in North America hinges on what you know, not who you are. In this episode, we sit down with Reza Rahman, founder of AVA (a groundbreaking credit-building platform), to demystify the complex credit ecosystem. Reza shares his incredible personal journey from arriving in the U.S. at age 15 and facing massive credit hurdles, to becoming a Silicon Valley fintech entrepreneur driving AI-driven financial solutions. If you are early in your financial journey, feeling overwhelmed by the credit system, or trying to navigate a new country, this conversation is your ultimate roadmap to building a stellar financial reputation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The "Small Data" Fast-Track: How to turn everyday expenses like rent, utilities, and phone bills into powerful credit-building signals.Smart Credit Tactics: How to leverage automated AI-driven platforms and authorized user strategies without relying on co-signers or waiting years. Debunking the Myths: Why avoiding credit entirely is actually holding you back from economic growth. Debt as a Tool: How to safely shift your mindset to use credit to buy a home, start a business, and build generational wealth. The Immigrant Edge: How resilience, optimism, and shifting your mindset can turn systemic financial challenges into massive opportunities. Stop letting a lack of credit history hold you back. Hit play to learn how to turn your everyday data into your greatest financial asset! Learn more about Ava at https://www.meetava.com Send Money to your loved ones through Revve and enjoy great rates: https://getrevve.app.link/zTIXC6oE1Xb
June 13, 202645 min
"I failed in York University even though they made it hard to fail" AJ, Founder of Market Circle.
Alykhan Jetha moved to Canada at just five years old after being expelled from Congo with his family. Tragically, two weeks into his new life, he lost his father. Despite the hardship, AJ’s resilience shone through, as he navigated poverty, limited resources, and cultural challenges; all while learning crucial lessons about mindset, self-awareness, and opportunity. #immigration #entrepreneurship #canada #podcast AJ’s journey from a five-year-old refugee expelled from Congo to the CEO of MarketCircle, transforming Canada's tech scene for over 30 years redefines what’s possible. We explore: - The impact of environment and community. - The role of technology in breaking barriers. - Why personal development and adaptability are more critical than ever. This episode is essential listening for immigrants, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a blueprint for transforming adversity into achievement.
May 11, 202647 min
Building A Thriving Business in Canada ft TundeTash
In this episode, Babatunde Omotoye popularly known as TundeTash reveals how an unplanned migration to Canada turned into a decade of relentless hustle, resilience, and strategic shifts. After arriving as an international student with limited funds, he navigated the challenges of work permits, permanent residency, and entrepreneurship, often transforming setbacks into stepping stones. You'll discover how his mindset evolved from survival to growth, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, social capital, and timely action in a foreign land. We break down practical lessons on leveraging social media as a tool for influence and opportunities, confronting immigration policies, and understanding the real cost and commitment of starting a business abroad. TundeTash also offers insider insights into the future of immigration in Canada, revealing the hidden power of social networks and the strategic role they play in professional and personal advancement. Expect surprising anecdotes, actionable frameworks, and a candid look at what it really takes to succeed as an immigrant entrepreneur. #immigration #entrepreneurship #immigrants This episode is perfect for aspiring migrants, international students, and entrepreneurs feeling stuck or uncertain about their next move. If you’re ready to shift your mindset, harness your social capital, and turn obstacles into opportunities, this is a must-listen. Tunde’s inspiring story is a proof that with the right knowledge and determination, you can build a life of impact and influence abroad. Babatunde Omotoye is the co-founder of Humansquad, Schooliply, and CLAN. He holds a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) licence. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tundetash X: https://x.com/tundetash Send Money to your loved ones through Revve and enjoy great rates: https://getrevve.app.link/zTIXC6oE1Xb
April 18, 202653 min
"You don't recognize the value of your PR Status in Canada until you don't have it" Odun Bola Adesope
Most immigrants underestimate how crucial a strong support system is in Canada, especially during the first year. Odun Bola Adesoppe, a licensed immigration consultant and immigrant herself, reveals the unseen challenges and overlooked opportunities that can make or break your migration journey. From her personal story of moving to Canada with her family in 2018 to the powerful impact of community and strategic planning, she shares lessons that go beyond paperwork to restore hope and build a new life. #canada #immigration #family This episode is a must-listen for prospective migrants feeling overwhelmed or confused by the flood of misinformation. You’ll discover tactical insights like why your first 12 months in Canada could define your long-term success, how to leverage government-funded programs for integration, and why strategic consultations can save you years of setbacks. Odun shares her journey from a curious blogger documenting her migration to a passionate immigration consultant supporting countless families, illustrating how authenticity and experience can transform lives. Her story underscores that immigration isn’t just about moving, it’s about restoring hope, reconnecting families, and seizing opportunities with intention. Send Money to your loved ones through Revve and enjoy great rates: https://getrevve.app.link/zTIXC6oE1Xb
March 15, 2026Episode 7459 min
From Job Loss To PhD in Canada: How Scholarships Changed Her Life.
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr Zino Ojogbo, a nanotechnology researcher. She is also a sessional lecturer at the prestigious University of Waterloo. #canada #scholarships #immigration After finding herself in an abusive marriage, she made the difficult decision to leave with her young son and start over. In the middle of a painful divorce, life dealt another blow when she lost her job. At a time when many would have given up, she chose a different path. That path led her to Canada. What started with a single scholarship to pursue a master’s degree turned into something far bigger. Through determination and strategic effort, she went on to secure additional scholarships and eventually earned her PhD. Today, she is a lecturer at The University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. But her story doesn’t stop there. Along the way, she rebuilt her life, found love again, and created a new family.In this episode we discuss: • Her journey from crisis to academic success. • How scholarships and research funding really work. • Common mistakes people make when applying for scholarships. • How to find and capitalize on research-driven scholarships in Canada. • The importance of going the extra mile in applications. • Lessons on resilience, reinvention, and believing in new beginnings.Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, a new chapter can begin.If you’re an immigrant, a student, or someone navigating a major life transition, this conversation will inspire you to keep going.
February 21, 202650 min
"Migrating to Canada Was the Most Emotionally Challenging Thing I’ve Ever Done" Doyin Abitoye
Join us in this compelling episode as we delve into the transformative journey of Doyin Abitoye, the author of the powerful book "SHUSH". She was once a struggling immigrant who found her footing in Canada against all odds. Coach D's story is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. From facing identity crises and overwhelming challenges to emerging as a successful HR professional and wellness coach, Coach D's story is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. #canada #immigration #motivation #coaching In this episode, Coach D candidly shares her initial struggles, navigating a new culture, overcoming rejection, and battling the inner voices of doubt. Despite the setbacks, she reveals how she harnessed the power of mindset shifts and affirmations to rebuild her confidence and redefine her path. Discover how Doyin Abitoye turned her struggles into stepping stones, using practical strategies to silence the noise and align her actions with her true purpose. Her journey offers invaluable insights for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed in their new environment. We explore: The initial challenges and identity struggles faced by immigrants. How affirmations and mindset shifts can transform your reality. Practical steps to overcome rejection and find your place The importance of aligning decisions with your life season Strategies to silence limiting beliefs and embrace your potential. Whether you're a new immigrant or someone seeking clarity in your journey, this episode provides the tools to reclaim your narrative and thrive. Learn how to turn adversity into opportunity and step confidently into your future.
January 31, 2026Episode 7155 min
The Power of Together: Uche Ughonu's Take on Community
Most immigrants come to Canada seeking opportunity, but few realize how powerful audacity can be in transforming their journey. Uche Ughonu's story proves that being bold and showing it can open doors even in the toughest times. If you've ever doubted whether your courage can match your ambition, this episode is your wake-up call. In this memorable conversation, Uche shares his incredible immigration odyssey—landing during a pandemic, navigating delays with passports stuck in London, and starting from scratch in a new country while the world was shut down. He reveals how this rollercoaster of challenges became the catalyst for his swift success, from securing a government job within three years of arriving to building a thriving community that connects newcomers with opportunities. You’ll discover: The importance of showing audacity in interviews, presentations, and how you carry yourself—because competence alone isn’t enough. Practical strategies for leveraging community and social media to unlock hidden opportunities. How to turn uncertainty into an advantage by being proactive, audacious, and deliberate. The mindset shifts that turned lurking in the shadows into becoming a visible, impactful leader in your field. #podcast #thethrivingimmigrant #canada #career #governmentjobs Uche’s firsthand advice on navigating the competitive Canadian job market and building resilience. This episode underscores a vital truth: Canada empowers those willing to take risks and stand out. Staying passive won’t lead to your breakthrough—boldness and consistency will. If you’re an immigrant feeling stuck, or someone inspired to elevate your career against all odds, this compelling story is your blueprint for action. Perfect for recent arrivals, aspiring professionals, and anyone navigating uncertainty, this is your reminder that the greatest opportunities favour the audacious. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how a little courage can rocket your success.
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