Make your Intercultural Competence your Superpower with Sabina Michael (NOF#9)

Sabina Michael, is an expert in empowering newcomers to thrive professionally in Canada. She shares her personal journey as an immigrant and the lessons she learned along the way.  

Episode Highlights:

• Navigating the Early Struggles: Sabina recounts her early challenges finding work in Canada despite being told it would be easy. She realized she needed to understand the Canadian job market better.
• The Power of Volunteering: Sabina talks about how strategic volunteering opened doors for her and led to her first job in Canada. She stresses being purposeful when volunteering.
• Becoming an Intercultural Expert: Though intercultural skills were not initially her expertise, through deep observation, curiosity and investing in her own development, Sabina uncovered what would become her life’s purpose.
• Behind the Scenes of Business Edge: Sabina gives us a peek into the evolution of Business Edge, one of the most impactful programs for newcomer career success, which she helped co-create at the Rotman School of Management.

Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on continually improving your self-awareness and understanding the market’s needs. Find where you can add value.
2. Be intentional when volunteering. Choose roles aligned with your professional goals that allow you to build transferable skills.
3. Keep developing your communication skills – how you come across interculturally is vital for newcomer job search success.
4. Programs like Business Edge provide the personalized coaching and community support newcomers need to unlock their potential faster.
5. Conclusion: Sabina leaves us with inspiration and sage advice on embracing the journey, building community, seeking support and redefining what success means for you in Canada. Her passion shines through everything she does to empower newcomers.

Where to find Sabina

• Sabina’s LinkedIn Profile

Where to find Miguel

• Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile

Referenced

• Business Edge Program
• Elevate your 2.0 Podcast experience with Fountain.FM App