What skills really prepare students for success beyond grades?
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit is joined by Judy Wong, professor at Seneca Polytechnic and Co-founder of the YSpace Food and Beverage Accelerator.
Judy shares her inspiring journey from her family’s shop in Taiwan to leading global Fortune 500 brands and now coaching the next generation of entrepreneurs. Along the way, she offers powerful lessons for both parents and students.
🎧 ▶ In this episode, we cover:
Why resilience, curiosity, and empathy matter more than ever
How to develop an entrepreneurial mindset - even without starting a business
What intrapreneurship looks like in school or at work, and why it matters
Practical ways for students to explore careers and stand out through informational interviews, volunteering, and small experiments
How to shift from hesitation to action and overcome self-doubt
Whether you’re a parent looking to guide your child, a young professional trying to find your path, or someone curious about innovation and entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights that can help you or your student thrive.
👉 About Judy Wong:
Judy Wong is a professor at Seneca Polytechnic faculty of business, teaching Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship. She is also the Program Advisor and Co-founder for the YSpace Food and Beverage Accelerator, a program that supports innovation and diversity in the Canadian food industry.
Judy has a Masters of Business Administration degree from Rotman School of Business, and a Bachelor of Sciences degree from University of Toronto. After graduation, she worked in Tier 1 Fortune 500 companies such as Kraft and Nielsen.
She has over 25 years of experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods Industry leading global brands through double digit growth. As a mom of two daughters in post-secondary institutions, she’s a firm believer that an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset is the key to success.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-chang-wong-5003ba2
👉 About Francesca Cadhit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket
Real-world lessons. Unexpected journeys. Growth beyond grades.
Hosted by Francesca Cadhit of TopClassEdge.com, Smart Growth Rocket brings you inspiring stories from educators, innovators, and changemakers helping students and professionals level up - in school, career, and life.
If you're a student, parent, or lifelong learner who wants real insight, this show is for you.
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This podcast is a labour of love, from planning and interviews to editing and publishing, and your support means the world. Thank you for being here.
