Foreign Gems

23: Turning a No into Yes and Finding Success with Meta, IBM & Reddit (with Tolu Arogunmati)

If you could invest directly in people’s potential to be a big success, Tolu Arogunmati would be a sure bet for your money. Tolu is a man of many talents. He’s currently a Product Manager at Reddit, on the Product Management board at Queen’s University, growing his real estate portfolio, running 2 podcasts, etc…all while he’s also a professor at Queen’s University - the same school that initially rejected his MBA application. He’s the guest on today’s inspiring episode of Foreign Gems, where he shares his journey from Nigeria to Canada, and his story of overcoming adversity against impossible odds. He shares many insights and actionable strategies you can use at any stage in your career. Resources Foreign Gems Episode on LayOffs Tolu's LinkedIn Tolu's Website Ola's Twitter Mac's Twitter Nene Azu's Episode About Foreign Gems Foreign Gems is a podcast bridging cultural & knowledge gaps. By providing diverse, personal insights for self and career growth, from people with interesting stories. Embark on a journey where each episode focuses on a familiar topic from unique perspectives. Encounter accomplished professionals and individuals around the world with extraordinary stories, sharing their proven strategies and diverse viewpoints. Foreign Gems is hosted by Mac Odemba and Ola King.

22: Why Leverage is a Superpower For Success... & the 3 Types of Leverage

In this episode, Mac and Ola delve into the powerful concept of 'leverage'. Join them as they uncover the strategic art of focusing efforts where they truly count. What exactly is the Pareto Principle, and how does it offer a powerful framework for achieving outsized results with minimal input? Mac and Ola navigate through the nuances of this principle, shedding light on how it applies to various aspects of life, business, and productivity. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, business success, or simply seeking more efficient ways to accomplish your goals, this episode is your guide to understanding the core principles of leverage and the Pareto Principle. By the end of this conversation, you'll be equipped with actionable insights to optimize your efforts, streamline your approach, and create a substantial impact. Tune in and embark on a journey of unlocking the true potential of focused and strategic action. About Foreign Gems Foreign Gems is a podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing growth-oriented individuals with personal & diverse insights to drive self and career development. Embark on a journey where each episode focuses on a familiar topic from unique perspectives. Encounter accomplished professionals and individuals around the world with extraordinary stories, sharing their proven strategies and diverse viewpoints. Foreign Gems is hosted by Mac Odemba and Ola King.

21: Breaking Through the Canadian Music Scene as a Tanzanian (Baraka)

In this compelling episode, we sit down with the talented musician Baraka, who has recently launched his much-anticipated EP titled "Voicemail. Baraka shares his personal journey, from discovering his passion for music to the process of creating his EP. We delve into the art of songwriting, the intricacies of music production, and the emotional landscape that fuels his work. Through candid conversations, we gain insight into the sacrifices and dedication required to pursue a career in music, the ways in which Baraka has cultivated his unique sound and style, and how he's been able to build his fanbase. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a fan of Baraka's work, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of the music industry, this episode offers an engaging and informative exploration of what it takes to become a professional musician. Resources: 1. EP Release: "Voicemail" by Baraka - Listen to the EP that serves as a centerpiece for this episode's discussion. [Link [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jhoWa68COaf3lbfwYgkz9?si=4-WiSfxkS1GbmBMSSQ4l1A]]

20: Using a LayOff as an Opportunity for Growth, Success & Happiness

Experiencing a layoff can be a challenging and disheartening phase, leaving you seeking motivation and inspiration for your next steps. If you've recently faced a layoff or are simply curious about how others navigate this unexpected turn in their careers, tune in to this uplifting podcast episode with Mac and Ola. They share lessons they've learned along the way and provide valuable insights and encouragement to those who may find themselves in a similar situation. The episode covers a range of topics, from dealing with the initial shock of a layoff to the process of self-discovery and exploring new opportunities. Mac and Ola emphasize the importance of embracing this change and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and renewal. Mentioned in the episode The Truth About Layoffs (Foreign Gems Episode 6) A Practical Framework to Execute Your Goals About Foreign Gems Foreign Gems is a podcast that bridges cultural gaps by providing diverse, unconventional perspectives on career and personal development. Hosted by Mac Odemba and Ola King, young Canadian immigrants who work in tech and share a mission to improve representation. In each episode, they dive into and share personal experiences on a wide range of familiar topics. Their guests—successful professionals, fellow immigrants, and individuals with unique stories—offer unique perspectives and proven insights. Join them as they uncover diverse experiences, perspectives, and 'Foreign Gems'.

19: How Your Network Enhances Your Net Worth

They say "who you know" is better than "what you know". So it's an understatement to say that the ability to effectively network is an indispensable skill for accelerating personal and professional growth. But how can you network authentically and forge genuine connections that can be beneficial to truly your success? Join Mac and Ola on this insightful Foreign Gem episode as they discuss the art of authentic networking and building meaningful relationships. Discussed in this episode: Building Relationships: How can I effectively build and maintain strong relationships in my personal and professional life? What are some strategies for networking and making meaningful connections with others? Networking Tips: What are some tips for networking at events and conferences? Online Networking: What are the best practices for building personal networks through social media and online platforms? How can I use LinkedIn or other professional networks to connect with people in my industry? Networking for Career Growth: How can I leverage my personal network to find job opportunities or advance my career? What are some ways to use networking to gather information about potential employers or industries? Maintaining Relationships: How do I maintain and nurture relationships within my personal network over time? What can I do to prevent my personal network from becoming stagnant? Networking Etiquette: What are some etiquette guidelines to follow when networking and building personal connections? How can I approach people for networking without coming across as overly opportunistic? Diversity and Inclusion in Personal Networks: How can I ensure that my personal network is diverse and inclusive? What are the benefits of having a diverse personal network? Using Personal Networks for Support: How can I lean on my personal network for emotional support during challenging times? What are some ways to offer support to others in my network when they need it? Networking Challenges: What are common challenges people face when trying to build and maintain personal networks? How can I overcome obstacles such as social anxiety or time constraints when networking? They explore the true value of a good network and how it has positively impacted their lives. But it's not just about the benefits - they reveal the key principles that lie at the heart of authentic networking. By sharing their personal journeys, debunking common myths and shedding light on potential pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're a seasoned networker or just beginning to explore this essential skill, this episode provides actionable tips and strategies that challenge conventional advice and encourage a more genuine and rewarding approach to networking. ---- About Foreign Gems Foreign Gems is a podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing growth-oriented individuals with unique insights to drive personal and professional growth. Embark on a journey where each episode dissects familiar topics from unique perspectives. Encounter accomplished professionals, and people with extraordinary stories around the world sharing their proven strategies and diverse viewpoints. Foreign Gems is hosted by Mac Odemba and Ola King.