Akshay Maharaj shares his inspiring journey from high school to becoming Canada’s top youth entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of mental strength and cultural identity while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and self-discovery.

• Akshay's upbringing in a multicultural background
• The transition from science to entrepreneurship
• Early challenges and the power of personalized communication
• Importance of mental strength and resilience
• Discovering success through incremental self-improvement
• Finding balance between personal heritage and professional ambitions
• Encouragement for listeners to pursue their dreams without fear of failure
• A powerful reminder to dream bigger and bet on oneself

Dhara Majmundar shares her transformative journey as an immigrant in Canada, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and cultural adjustments she faced. Her path illustrates the importance of resilience, the value of internships, the power of networking, and the courage to embrace one's authentic self, inspiring listeners to pursue their own journeys.

• Dhara's journey as an immigrant and her cultural background 
• Importance of balancing studies with personal interests 
• Overcoming initial fears of moving to Canada 
• Value of internships and volunteer work for newcomers 
• Building connections through networking and community engagement 
• Navigating stereotypes and imposter syndrome 
• Advice for immigrants on adapting and thriving in new environments

A guest whose journey and mission embody the transformative power of storytelling. Our guest today is the founder of Memory Bloom — a venture dedicated to crafting clarity and legacies through both corporate writing and personal stories. Born in Pakistan and moving to Canada at the age of 8, she has spent her life in Toronto, where she has seamlessly blended her extensive corporate experience with her passion for personal storytelling.

Her professional journey is nothing short of remarkable. With over two decades of experience in Canada's leading financial institutions, including BC Royal Bank, TD Bank, CIBC, and Bank of Montreal, she has honed her skills in building strong business operations. But it was her unexpected transition from the corporate world to discovering her passion for writing that led to the
creation of Memory Bloom.

From the heart of Mexico City to the vibrant streets of Vancouver, Javier's story intertwines with music and family, forming a rich tapestry of cultural dynamics. Growing up in a family of musicians, Javier navigated worlds filled with both chaos and community, shaping his identity in profound ways. Our conversation meanders through his educational journey, highlighting his transition from psychology to event management and digital marketing. Javier eloquently shares the emotional toll and ultimate realization that some career paths demand more than just passion.
Our discussion also captures the essence of building a supportive community for international students. Javier's mission through ThrivVe magazine is to create an unbiased resource, guiding newcomers through the maze of living and studying in Canada. Sharing authentic experiences and insights, we aim to empower listeners to embrace their emotions, overcome challenges, and connect with diverse cultures. 

In an inspiring journey, Miguel transitioned from a successful CEO in Mexico to navigating survival jobs in Canada. He illustrates the challenges of cultural barriers, the power of mentorship, and the importance of community support for newcomers seeking to reshape their lives and find success in a new land. 

• Miguel reflects on his early successes and the abrupt challenges faced in Canada 
• Emphasizes the powerful role of mentorship and community in overcoming difficulties 
• Shares insights about vulnerability as a strength and community-building strategies 
• Discusses the critical issue of underemployment among newcomers 
• Highlights his initiatives, including UnstoppableMebrocks and Newcomers on Fire podcast

Mushtaq Akbari's journey from Afghanistan to Canada showcases resilience and unwavering courage in the face of oppression. In her conversation, she discusses the importance of education in empowering Afghan girls, her experiences navigating cultural differences, and her role as a leader in creating opportunities through Code Green Afghanistan. 

• The harsh realities of growing up amidst war
• The Taliban's impact on women's rights and education
• Mushtaq's transition to Canada and cultural adjustments
• The founding of Code Green Afghanistan
• The power of education as a tool for empowerment
• Messages of hope and resilience for those facing adversity

Peta-Gaye's journey is one of courage and transformation, beginning in Kingston, Jamaica, and leading her to become a celebrated author and a beacon for newcomers in Canada. In this riveting episode, Peta-Gaye shares her personal story of migrating at a young age due to political unrest and navigating the complexities of racial bullying and identity struggles. Through her passion for literature, she has published a collection of children's books, earning the esteemed Marty Award for Emerging Literary Art. 

As we explore Peta-Gaye's life, we uncover the cultural shocks and workplace discrimination she faced upon moving to Canada. Her experiences in the United States provided a contrasting backdrop, from the educational environment to the challenge of fitting in with a new name. Yet, Peta-Gaye's resilience shines through as she adapted to diverse environments, highlighting the enduring importance of self-awareness and embracing one's identity in a multicultural world.

Ritika moved to Canada as an international student to study Kinesiology but then transitioned into becoming a Business Analyst at Deloitte. She's the Founder & CO of Re-Defined, a non-profit with the primary objective of fostering inclusivity and recognizing diversity.
Also received the "Young Achiever's award" by the Indian Achievers
Forum(IAF). Immigrant story got featured in The Michigan Times. Keynote speaker for the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO) conference about Mental Health & Education. She has organized various Education Guidance & Career Development workshops as well. She calls herself a learner, an entrepreneur, a consultant, a content creator, a speaker, a mentor, a daughter and much more.

Ruth's narrative unfolds with heartfelt anecdotes about her upbringing in the Dominican Republic, where being the eldest of seven siblings nurtured her leadership qualities and teaching aspirations. We dive into the transformative power of Toastmasters, where Ruth conquered imposter syndrome and discovered her unique strengths, accent and all. Her experiences underscore the importance of storytelling and shared experiences.

Volunteering becomes a beacon of hope as Ruth passionately discusses its role in helping immigrants transition their careers. We reflect on the power of cultural exchange, from the comfort of traditional dishes like moto to the joy of making new friendships in Canada. Through personal tales and cultural connections, this episode celebrates the universal themes of belonging and community, inviting listeners to appreciate the impact of personal narratives in shaping a resilient, inclusive future.

Simranzeet Singh's inspiring journey from the vibrant streets of North Delhi to the bustling corridors of a Canadian university offers a captivating narrative of cultural assimilation and personal growth. Join us as we share Simranjeet’s experiences adjusting to a new way of life, where even developing a taste for coffee symbolizes broader societal adaptations. Through poignant discussions, we uncover the layers of identity transformation and the universal challenges faced by international students in their quest for belonging and self-discovery.

Ever wondered why the journey of immigration feels like a constant tightrope walk between anxiety and acceptance? 
Sindhu Mahadevan joins us to share her transformative voyage from India to Canada, offering a deeply personal story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like a stranger in a new land. Through her reflections, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster ride of adapting to a new country, the misconceptions about Indian culture she encountered, and the profound impact of a simple yet powerful quote, "In making a living, don't forget to make a life."

Urja moved to Canada in December 2022 to study Professional Writing and Communications at Humber College and she is now studying Marketing Management at Humber.
 
In India, she completed a BA and MA in English Literature and worked as a Recruiter, IELTS trainer, and technical writer before moving to Canada. Fun Fact: Urja's name means "energy," and she says it reflects her personality!

I was thrilled to welcome a cherished listener like her on the show, someone whose journey intertwines seamlessly with the very essence of My Thick Accent. Her experiences, deeply influenced by the insights shared by our diverse range of guests, mirror the transformative power embedded in community and shared narratives.

Vrinda's journey to Canada was an odyssey of courage and tenacity, leaving behind the familiar to embrace the unknown. Arriving in a land where the cold winds of change blew with intensity, she exhibited a remarkable openness to embrace any job, regardless of her background. These roles were not seen as detours, instead as stepping stones in this new land she now called home - Canada. The determination to thrive propelled her forward, overcoming the challenges with grace and grit. Like many immigrants, she faced a common struggle. The richness of her international experience was sometimes dismissed, her potential obscured by the myopic lens of 'Canadian experience.' Un-de-terred, she embraced this challenge, not just for herself, but for all who walked a similar path. In her journey to a leadership position, she actively advocates for putting new hires in the places where their talents truly belong.