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.

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.

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]

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'.

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.

What do Teni, Cruel Santino, Basketmouth, PowerHorse, & Jameson have in common? Besides being some of the biggest brands in Africa, they're just some of the clients that fast-rising video editor, Fez has worked with. Fez(Project Fez) is a super talented video editor pushing the envelope of creative possibilities and finding success right from Nigeria. He's worked with some of the biggest personalities & businesses in the country like the above names and a lot more.Join Mac & Ola for an inspiring episode of Foreign Gems. Hear Fez's remarkable journey as a creative, overcoming obstacles to achieve success in Nigeria's vibrant creative landscape. Discover his strategies for turning challenges into opportunities and be inspired by stories of other Nigerian creatives who have achieved greatness against all odds. Mentioned In this Episode Fez's Instagram Page: ItsFez Project Fez Instagram Page: ProjectFez Project Fez Website: Project-Fez.com Bidemi Popson: https://www.instagram.com/bidemipopson/ Teni - No Days Off Music Video Cruel Santino Olufemi - YouTube Foreign Gems Episode 6 (LayOffs) Foreign Gems Episode 7 (Side Hustles) Foreign Gems- Episode 12 (Finding Your Own Meaning of Success) 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, Canadian immigrants who work in tech, our mission is to make a difference and improve representation. Each episode, we delve into and share our personal experiences on a wide range of familiar topics. Our guests—successful professionals, fellow immigrants, and individuals with unique stories—offer their unique perspectives and proven insights. Join us as we uncover diverse experiences, perspectives, and 'Foreign Gems'.

Hello Gems! No episode this week, BUT, we will be back next week with a brand new interview episode. We appreciate your patience as we work to make this episode the best it can be. Have a great week everyone, we'll see you on Sunday!

In this episode, Mac and Ola dive into the powerful concept of “personal brand” and explore how authenticity can be a driving force in amplifying your message and impact. What does it mean to have a personal brand? How can you authentically express your unique identity and values while effectively communicating your message to the world? This episode unravels the intricacies of personal branding and how to harness its potential for personal and professional growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or simply looking to establish a stronger personal presence, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to embrace your authenticity, shape your personal brand, and amplify your message to create a lasting impact. Join Mac and Ola and get ready to unlock the power of your unique voice. 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, Canadian immigrants who work in tech, our mission is to make a difference and improve representation. Each episode, we delve into and share our personal experiences on a wide range of familiar topics. Our guests—successful professionals, fellow immigrants, and individuals with unique stories—offer their unique perspectives and proven insights. Join us as we uncover diverse experiences, perspectives, and 'Foreign Gems'.

In this episode of Foreign Gems based on Howard Gardner's work on Multiple Intelligences, Mac and Ola explore the diverse manifestations of intelligence, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be "intelligent." Through captivating anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, Mac and Ola delve into various types of intelligence, including logical-mathematical, linguistic, spatial, musical, and interpersonal intelligence. They explore how these different intelligences impact various aspects of life, and share practical strategies for nurturing one's own personal strengths. If you’ve ever felt you are lacking intelligence, or have ever wondered, “how can I get better at [insert intelligence type of your choice]?” this episode is a must-listen for you! Join Mac and Ola to harness the power of your own unique gifts. 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, Canadian immigrants who work in tech, our mission is to make a difference and improve representation. Each episode, we delve into and share our personal experiences on a wide range of familiar topics. Our guests—successful professionals, fellow immigrants, and individuals with unique stories—offer their unique perspectives and proven insights. Join us as we uncover diverse experiences, perspectives, and 'Foreign Gems'.

In this episode, Mac and Ola discuss the multifaceted concept of "success" and delve into its deeper meaning beyond societal standards and external validation. Drawing from their own unique experiences and perspectives, Mac and Ola share their journeys toward success, including the obstacles they encountered, the lessons they learned, and the redefined definitions of success they discovered along the way. But this episode goes beyond personal anecdotes. It also delves into the psychological and societal pressures, comparison traps, and the ever-evolving nature of success in a rapidly changing world. This episode also explores strategies and mindsets that can help listeners define success on their own terms and create a roadmap toward achieving their goals. From cultivating self-awareness and setting meaningful objectives to embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth, they provide actionable insights to empower and inspire individuals on their personal journeys toward success. Whether you're seeking to redefine success, striving for a specific goal, or simply curious about the different dimensions of this elusive concept, this episode is packed with gems that will help you on your journey. Join Mac and Ola as they embark on this thought-provoking discussion about the different dimensions of success and various ways to attain it. 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, Canadian immigrants who work in tech, our mission is to make a difference and improve representation. Each episode, we delve into and share our personal experiences on a wide range of familiar topics. Our guests—successful professionals, fellow immigrants, and individuals with unique stories—offer their unique perspectives and proven insights. Join us as we uncover diverse experiences, perspectives, and 'Foreign Gems'.

In this epsidode, Mac and Ola tackle a pervasive but often overlooked issue we all face: Imposter/Impostor Syndrome. Do you ever feel like a fraud, even though you're more than competent? Do you consistently doubt your success or worry that others will discover you're not as skilled as they think? These feelings are common signs of Impostor Syndrome, and you're not alone. Join Ola and Mac as they share their own experiences with Impostor Syndrome, diving into moments of self-doubt, fear of failure, and the constant pressure to perform. They reveal how this psychological pattern has affected their careers and personal lives, and the strategies they've developed to combat it. But this episode isn't just about their stories. Ola and Mac will also dissect what Impostor Syndrome really is, why it impacts so many of us, and, most importantly, ways you can overcome it. Whether you've experienced these feelings yourself or want to understand them better, this candid conversation aims to empower you with knowledge, understanding, and practical tools for managing Impostor Syndrome. 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, Canadian immigrants who work in tech, our mission is to make a difference and improve representation. Each episode, we delve into and share our personal experiences on a wide range of familiar topics. Our guests—successful professionals, fellow immigrants, and individuals with unique stories—offer their unique perspectives and proven insights. Join us as we uncover diverse experiences, perspectives, and 'Foreign Gems'.

Dive into a literary journey in this captivating episode of Foreign Gems. Join hosts Mac Odemba and Ola King as they reflect on the profound influence that certain books have had on their lives and the invaluable lessons learned. Venture into the realm of introspection and personal transformation as they share their experiences with books such as Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist,' Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning,' and the thought-provoking 'Courage to be Disliked.' Discover how these influential books shaped their understanding of the world, challenged their perspectives, and inspired them to grow both personally and professionally. Listen as they share their key takeaways, shedding light on the powerful themes that resonated with them, and discuss how these lessons can be applied in our everyday lives. This episode isn't just for book lovers. If you're curious about life's deeper meanings, if you're on a journey of personal development, or if you're simply looking for fresh perspectives on familiar issues, this discussion promises to enlighten, inspire, and provoke thought. 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, Canadian immigrants who work in tech, our mission is to make a difference and improve representation. Each episode, we delve into and share our personal experiences on a wide range of familiar topics. Our guests—successful professionals, fellow immigrants, and individuals with unique stories—offer their unique perspectives and proven insights. Join us as we uncover diverse experiences, perspectives, and 'Foreign Gems'.

In this illuminating episode, we navigate the concepts of creativity and how that applies to digital content creation. Whether you're an aspiring content creator seeking to make your mark, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of the digital world, this episode promises valuable insights. Listen in as we unravel the power of content creation and how you, too, can harness it to tell your own unique story. About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps by providing diverse perspectives on career and personal development. Drawing on their shared immigrant backgrounds, diverse interests, and unconventional career paths, hosts Mac Odemba and Ola King unveil the hidden paths to success traversed by individuals from all walks of life. Discussing career and life hacks, unconventional success stories, key concepts etc, are some ways the hosts and guests contribute towards a mission to improve representation of often overlooked groups. Discover fresh, foreign perspectives to familiar topics.

Today’s episode is a special one- our first on video!! Our guest today has a uniquely cool & fulfilling career that barely existed 3 years ago. Frances Odera Mathews is the founder of The Notion Bar, she's also one of the most influential figures in the fast growing and exciting Notion community where she creates some of most aesthetic Notion templates and helps businesses build a delightful & functional workspace as consultant. She joins Mac & Ola today to discuss how she stumbled into this career path and she shares some valuable gems that anyone can apply to any career as well. Also discussed in this episode: Making a career pivot. Power of shooting your shot. Capitalizing on a growing trend and market. How she saw the potential for Notion. How she used Notion to get a job (+ Notion Template). How she carved her niche in the community The mission of her brand and the impact it’s having. The inspiration behind her new course with Domestika: Notion for Creatives What she's been observing in the Notion community. How she grew her brand (Tools and tactics) Using Repurpose.io for social media automation. Her passive incomes for slow season in consulting. Doubling down on the part of the work you love - Zone of genius Levelling up your craft- Principles of ux book Advice for anyone trying to make a similar leap. How she’s using AI What she doesn’t use AI for The role she’d pursue if she focused on Notion. Notion opportunities for immigrants. How she uses her personal Notion. Afrobeats history timeline project. Using Notion for workbooks. How she ensures work-life balance. Advice for Notion creators About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps by providing diverse perspectives on career and personal development. Drawing on their shared immigrant backgrounds, diverse interests, and unconventional career paths, hosts Mac Odemba and Ola King unveil the hidden paths to success traversed by individuals from all walks of life. Discussing career and life hacks, unconventional success stories, key concepts etc, are some ways the hosts and guests contribute towards a mission to improve representation of often overlooked groups. Discover fresh, foreign perspectives to familiar topics.

The following description was written by AI. Only the show info and a couple of tweaks were made by a human. This is just an example of our topic for today. In this episode of Foreign Gems, we delve into the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize our world. Join us as we discuss the various ways AI is being used to empower immigrants, from learning to job searching, and even integration into new communities. Mac & Ola share their personal story of leveraging AI. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips on how you can harness the power of AI. About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing unique insights on life and success from an immigrant perspective. The hosts and guests discuss personal experiences and inspiring tales of adapting to a new environment. Hosted by ⁠⁠Mac Odemba⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Ola King⁠⁠.

In this highly actionable episode of Foreign Gems, Ola walks Mac through his experience with public speaking and shares some tips that he's found helpful along the way. About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing unique insights on life and success from an immigrant perspective. The hosts and guests discuss personal experiences and inspiring tales of adapting to a new environment. Hosted by ⁠⁠Mac Odemba⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Ola King⁠⁠.

Mac and Ola continue their discussion on side hustles for immigrants. However, this time they dive into unique and interesting ideas that have the potential to scale into big businesses. They share some examples of ideas that immigrants take for granted, but are hidden gems to the rest of the world. Tune in to hear about these exciting opportunities. Also discussed in this episode: The importance and process of validating your ideas. Using interest groups like Facebook to validate ideas. Making money off your passion through the internet. Seven O Nine Supply How East Coast Lifestyle started. Why you should solve problems instead of creating a new idea. Paying attention to people’s complains. Importance of representation and mentors. Idea: Culture Tours. Idea: New to you, exciting to others. Idea- Localization. Bolt. An opportunity to live and work in multiple countries. Idea - Solar energy. Idea- Solutions arbitrage. Idea - Packaged experiences. Idea: Content Marketing your home. Idea: Import/Export of cultural artifacts. Tanzanian kanga. Idea: Modernizing/Globalizing snacks & beverages from your home. Hibisberry Story of Redbull Leaning into what makes you unique. About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing unique insights on life and success from an immigrant perspective. The hosts and guests discuss personal experiences and inspiring tales of adapting to a new environment. Hosted by ⁠Mac Odemba⁠ and ⁠Ola King⁠.

In the current gig economy era, having a side hustle is very common and often necessary to make ends meet. In this episode of Foreign Gems, hosts Mac Odemba and Ola King discuss the easy & profitable side hustles they did as newcomers to Canada. About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing unique insights on life and success from an immigrant perspective. The hosts and guests discuss personal experiences and inspiring tales of adapting to a new environment. Hosted by ⁠Mac Odemba⁠ and ⁠Ola King⁠.

Many tech companies, including giants like Apple, Twitter, Tesla, Microsoft, and Netflix, have experienced significant layoffs in recent years. In this week's timely episode of Foreign Gems, Mac and Ola discuss Mac's recent layoff encounter. In this episode, you'll also discover: The meaning of layoffs. The reason for layoffs. Why massive layoffs are happening across the tech industry. When layoffs tend to occur. Turning a Layoff into an Opportunity The similarity between tech layoffs and soccer. How to future-proof yourself incase of a layoff. About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing unique insights on life and success from an immigrant perspective. The hosts and guests discuss personal experiences and inspiring tales of adapting to a new environment. Hosted by ⁠Mac Odemba⁠ and ⁠Ola King⁠.

Featuring Nene Azu. Join Mac Odemba and Ola King in this insightful episode of Foreign Gems as they explore the career transition of Nene Azu from banking to becoming a product manager in the Fintech/AI industry. Learn how Nene found his passion for technology and innovation, ultimately leading him to Borealis AI (a RBC company), where he now plays a crucial role in shaping the future of finance. Listen as Nene shares his journey, revealing how he landed his exciting role and offering valuable advice for aspiring immigrants seeking a career in tech. Get an insider's perspective on the impact of AI on the financial industry and the ongoing transformation of the banking sector. Nene also discusses the implications of the recent FTX and SVB collapse for the fintech and banking industry, while providing a glimpse into the exciting projects he's currently working on. About Foreign Gems: Foreign Gems is a weekly podcast bridging cultural gaps and providing unique insights on life and success from an immigrant perspective. The hosts and guests discuss personal experiences and inspiring tales of adapting to a new environment. Hosted by ⁠Mac Odemba⁠ and ⁠Ola King⁠.