Newcomers ON FIRE — Real stories. Real struggles. Real breakthroughs.
In this episode, we speak with Kalpashree Gupta, a former Fortune 100 executive, leadership coach, and immigrant from India who transformed her life after burnout. From restarting her career in the U.S. to embracing healing, service, and authentic leadership, her journey shows that success is more than titles — it’s about alignment, resilience, and purpose.
If you’ve ever questioned your worth, faced burnout, or wondered how to balance career growth with personal well-being, this conversation will give you both practical tools and hope.
In this episode:
Kalpashree’s move from India and lessons from restarting in the U.S.
Rising in Fortune 100 companies and the importance of mentorship
Facing burnout and discovering the hidden impact of trauma
The role of service and giving back in personal healing
Building resilience through mindfulness and daily rituals
Redefining success beyond job titles and achievements
Listen now for inspiration, clarity, and a reminder that “you are capable of giving yourself everything.”
Newcomers ON FIRE — Real stories. Real struggles. Real breakthroughs.
In this episode, we speak with Yauhan Mehta, a career coach, organizational psychologist, and immigrant who built a thriving life in Canada while helping others do the same. From arriving as a teen to landing a role at Deloitte, his story is filled with honesty, growth, and practical tools.
If you're feeling lost, burned out, or uncertain about your path as a newcomer, this conversation will inspire you to keep going.
In this episode:
Yauhan’s journey from newcomer to career success
The impact of burnout and the importance of mental health
How coaching helped him—and now helps others—find clarity
Navigating imposter syndrome at every level
Defining personal values as a foundation for fulfillment
Listen now for insight, hope, and the motivation to take your next step.
Newcomers ON FIRE – Richa Singh on Reinvention & Resilience
Richa Singh has lived in five countries, raised a family, written a book—and discovered the power of adapting without losing herself.
In This Episode:
From curiosity to courage: a life of meaningful transitions
Facing identity shifts across cultures
Moving from survival to thriving
Cultural intelligence as a superpower
Rewriting your mindset to build a new life
Key Takeaways:
Community is essential, not optional
Your roots are your strength
Self-awareness unlocks growth
Plant roots before chasing results
Reinvention starts with self-kindness
Listen in for an honest, inspiring conversation on identity, growth, and starting over—again and again.
Newcomers ON FIRE – Prince John's Journey
In this inspiring episode, Prince John shares his bold transition from VP in India to starting from scratch in Canada. With faith, humility, and grit, he rebuilt his life—and is now helping others rise too.
What You'll Hear:
Leaving a top corporate job to start over
Turning job challenges into growth opportunities
Mindset shifts, faith, and family as anchors
Why Canada needs bold, vocal newcomers
Key Takeaways:
Genuine networking opens real doors
Your title doesn’t define your potential
Confidence + communication = career success
Stay grounded, stay bold, stay grateful
Tune in and be inspired by Prince’s powerful story of resilience and reinvention.
Welcome to Newcomers ON FIRE, the podcast that features bold immigrant voices and inspiring stories of transformation.
In this episode, we meet Felisha Ali, who arrived in Canada at 17 with low confidence and no clear direction. Today, she’s a respected career mentor helping young professionals find their voice and purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth is possible—even when you feel invisible.
If you're a newcomer struggling with self-doubt or unsure of your career path, Felisha’s journey offers guidance, hope, and practical tools to help you move forward.
Episode Highlights:
Starting Over Alone: What it was like to arrive in Canada as a teenager and face culture shock.
Turning Volunteering into Purpose: How giving back helped Felisha find confidence and community.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: The inner work it took to build her voice and thrive in competitive job markets.
Confidence and Reflection: How journaling, mentorship, and service became tools for personal and professional growth.
Key Takeaways:
Build real relationships—networking is more than job hunting.
Your passion can lead to a fulfilling career path.
A mindset focused on growth and contribution creates lasting impact.
Communication and confidence are essential to career success.
Gratitude and self-awareness are critical on the newcomer journey.
In this episode, we meet Dr. Anish Kaushal, a top medical graduate whose journey took an unexpected turn when he was unable to practice medicine in Canada. That moment of rejection became a turning point, leading him to discover a new path in health, communication, and venture capital.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or forced to start over in a new country, Anish’s story will resonate deeply. He shares how he transformed failure into purpose—through writing, reflection, and relentless curiosity.
Highlights:
– Childhood dreams and medical school in the UK
– The shock of systemic rejection in Canada
– Burnout, identity loss, and rebuilding self-worth
– The role of daily writing in healing and growth
– Breaking into venture capital without experience
What You’ll Learn:
– Why meaningful networking matters more than a perfect résumé
– How to turn setbacks into direction
– The power of self-reflection and storytelling
– Why writing can support your mental health
– That reinvention is possible—even when the original plan falls apart
Listen now and discover how resilience, clarity, and human connection can lead you to a completely new version of success.
Newcomers ON FIRE! is back with a story of bold reinvention. This episode features Stephan Dyer, a former Scotiabank senior manager who left the corporate world to chase stand-up comedy — a path rarely taken, especially by immigrants.
From growing up across continents to empowering over 50,000 professionals through public speaking, Stephan’s journey is all about trusting your gut, facing fear, and choosing purpose over perfection. Tune in for an inspiring masterclass on resilience, identity, and starting over — on your own terms.
Andres, a successful immigrant to Canada, shares his journey and offers practical tips for settling in a new country and achieving professional success. He emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset, developing leadership skills, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and finding mentors.
Andres also highlights the need to fully commit to your goals and work hard to make your dreams come true. He shares his own challenges and encourages newcomers to not be afraid, ask for help, and believe in themselves. Andres has written a book called 'The American Dream' to inspire others with his story.
Episode's Sponsor:
The Professional Growth Wheel: In just 5 minutes, you'll get a powerful visualization of your strengths and growth areas across 8 key dimensions like confidence, communication, and cultural assimilation. As a thank you for listening, this assessment is FREE for you. You will receive your personalized Growth Wheel and tailored recommendations to help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be in your career.
Full show notes: https://onfire.show/the-power-of-volunteering-insider-secrets-with-jessica-pang-parks-nof17/Sanaz and Livia, were two newcomers who defied the odds and emerged as champions at the prestigious Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition (OCMC).
Through their gripping stories, you'll discover practical strategies for conquering self-doubt, embracing a growth mindset, and mastering the art of pitching and presenting. Prepare to be motivated as these two trailblazers share their secrets to success, from harnessing the power of feedback to leveraging their unique strengths and turning challenges into opportunities.
Download this Episode's Workbook and check out our full show notes here: https://onfire.show/winning-the-ontario-colleges-marketing-competition-secrets-of-success-from-sanaz-bahadori-and-livia-barbosa-de-oliveira-nof15/
Gurasis Singh, moved from India to Canada to study Media Strategies and Advertising. He faced numerous struggles like finding housing, lost job opportunities, and cultural barriers related to his strong accent and appearance. However, Gurasis persevered through networking, persistence and maintaining a positive mindset. He shares his journey to overcoming immigrant challenges and eventually launching his own podcast “My Thick Accent” to showcase immigrant success stories.
Full show notes here: https://onfire.show/my-thick-accent-is-my-superpower-with-gurasis-singh-nof14/
Joco Amante shares his journey of applying to over 500 jobs before finally landing his dream role. Joco invested his life savings to study for an MBA in Canada, but after graduating, he struggled to find work. He opens up about the constant rejection taking a toll on his confidence and the stress of being on a study permit. Joco provides valuable insights on lowering your expectations as a newcomer, extending your financial runway, and the importance of networking. Listen to this episode to gain perspective and actionable tips to land your dream job.
Full Show Notes and Resources here: https://onfire.show/lessons-from-500-nos-how-to-land-your-dream-yes-with-joco-amante-nof13/
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
More info HERE
Nazia Iqbal moved alone from Pakistan to Canada as a student. Despite facing tremendous cultural obstacles, she powered through initial struggles to climb from retail banking to impressive corporate roles, breaking barriers for immigrant women along the way. Gain an uplifting blueprint and mindset-shifting insights to overcome your career struggles as a newcomer.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Where to find Nazia
Where to find Miguel
Referenced
I chat with Luki about whether informational interviews (also known as “coffee chats”) are essential or overhyped. We share our experiences using them to build connections and get job promotions. We also give best practices for improving your coffee chat skills.
Episode Highlights:
A Conversation that Started on LinkedIn
A Tool that Got Me Six Promotions
How to Request a Meeting
Best Practices for the Conversation
Key Takeaways:
Conclusion: Overall, we agree coffee meetings are great ways to build meaningful connections, though the approach matters. Try our tips to get better at networking through information conversations!
Full ShowNotes HERE
Newcomers ON FIRE! Featured by Feedspot 20 Best Canadian Career Podcast
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Where to find Sabina
Where to find Miguel
Referenced
Ruth Javier is an expert in overcoming the challenges of relocating to a new country. Ruth shares invaluable insights on improving your communication skills, finding the courage to pursue your dreams, the importance of networking and volunteering, embracing your unique accent, and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to make your newcomer journey a success.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Gabriela Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking in decision-making, highlights the art of preparing for job interviews, reveals her secret to getting hired on the spot and also shares her recipe for staying motivated.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Where to find Gabriela
Where to find Miguel
Lorena Martinez is a seasoned professional who shares her secrets on overcoming challenges, securing your dream job, and embracing a life filled with confidence and opportunities.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Where to find Lorena
Where to find Miguel
Referenced:
In this episode, we cover: