What if you didn’t need a five- or ten-year plan to succeed, just momentum?
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Dr. Zizo Al-Daqqaq, a Urology Resident at the University of Ottawa, to explore how lifelong learning, reflection, and resilience shape a meaningful career in medicine.
Together, they unpack:
Whether you’re a pre-med student, healthcare enthusiast, or someone figuring out your next step, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to have it all mapped out, so long as you keep moving forward.
Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation about growth, direction, and the mindset that helps you thrive in medicine and beyond.
👉 About Dr. Zizo Al-Daqqaq:
Dr. Zizo Al-Daqqaq obtained his BScN & RN from uOttawa in 2021. He obtained his MD from the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, where he spent four years as Class President of the 2025 graduating class. He is now a Urology Resident at uOttawa.
👉 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.
❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.
You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.
You’ll start a conversation that matters.
You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.
This podcast is a labour of love, from planning and interviews to editing and publishing, and your support means the world.
Many assume doctors only focus on clinical medicine. But what happens when a physician tackles financial literacy head-on?
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit is joined by Dr. Steph Zhou, Clinical Director of Addictions Medicine, Department Lead in EDI & Social Accountability at Sunnybrook Hospital, and Founder of Breaking Bad Debt.
From translating pay stubs as a child of immigrants to creating a physician financial literacy curriculum and leading a national financial wellness conference, Dr. Zhou is redefining what it means to combine medicine, money, and mentorship.
Along the way, she shares practical lessons for students, parents, and professionals.
🎧 ▶ In this episode, we cover:
How growing up as an immigrant shaped her lifelong mission in education and equity
Why she became a “de-influencer” on social media, promoting frugality over FOMO
What students need to know about OSAP, grants, scholarships, and lines of credit
How physicians and students alike can set boundaries to protect time, family, and energy
Lessons on bias, motherhood, and supporting women in medicine
Why success is less about status and more about lifting others as we learn
If you’re a student navigating higher education costs, a parent guiding your child, or a professional curious about money, equity, and impact, this episode is filled with stories and strategies you won’t want to miss.
👉 About Dr. Steph Zhou:
Dr. Stephanie Zhou is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, where she created the financial literacy curriculum and is the Director of Addiction Medicine at Sunnybrook Hospital. She graduated from a MD/MSc program jointly with the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and Rotman School of Management.
Dr. Zhou immigrated to Canada and grew up in subsidized housing, which led to her investing in education and housing initiatives through philanthropy. She founded the annual Physicians Financial Wellness conference, a national, philanthropic conference for physicians on financial education and practice management. The ticket proceeds were used to establish The Equity Award, an endowment fund supporting students with financial need.
Dr. Zhou received Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women award and the Ascend Canada Social Impact Award for her work in improving economic mobility through financial literacy. Dr. Zhou is a nationally invited speaker on personal finance and runs a popular financial education blog on Instagram and Youtube called Breaking Bad Debt.
The Canadian Physicians Financial Wellness Conference:
https://www.physiciansficonference.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingBadDebt
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/breakingbaddebt
👉 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.
❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.
You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.
You’ll start a conversation that matters.
You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.
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.
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.
❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.
You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.
You’ll start a conversation that matters.
You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.
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.
Good grades open doors, but they’re only part of the equation.
In today’s rapidly changing world, students also need to demonstrate adaptability, critical thinking, and the confidence to innovate.
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit chats with Jason Lay, Head of Business at Thornhill Secondary School, about how he’s helping high school students build real-world skills through AI, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.
🎧 ▶ We dig into:
🔹 How students are creating AI-powered business ideas
🔹 Why empathy is at the heart of innovation
🔹 What parents can do to help their kids thrive (not just survive) in the future
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student yourself, this one’s packed with takeaways for a future-ready mindset.
👉 About Jason Lay:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lay-mba-med-4735a226/
👉 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.
❤️ Know someone this episode could help? Pass it on.
You’ll help a friend or student get inspired or unstuck.
You’ll start a conversation that matters.
You’ll be part of a community redefining what smart growth looks like.
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.
Eyewear is more than just functional. It’s personal, emotional, and transformative.
In this episode of the Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Monica So, a licensed optician, entrepreneur, and founder of Zoom Optical, a warm and stylish optical boutique redefining the customer experience.
🎧 ▶ In this episode, you’ll learn about:
✅ An optician’s unexpected pivot from toxicology to opticianry
✅ The leap of faith it takes to open that very first shop
✅ How she kept her business alive (and thriving) during the pandemic
✅ Why eyewear is about more than just vision
✅ What most people misunderstand about eye health
✅ Her biggest lessons as both a healthcare professional and a business owner
And for the students out there (or anyone figuring out their next step), we dig into advice for young people charting their own career paths.
Whether you're into eye health or small business, Monica’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of seeing clearly.
👉 About Zoom Optical
Website: https://www.zoomoptical.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ZoomOpticalToronto
👉 About Monica So
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-so-bsc-ro-97aa0b23
👉 About Francesca Cadhit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescacadhit
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Ever wonder why you forget the oat milk at the grocery store, even though you were thinking about it all day?
In this episode of the Smart Growth Rocket Podcast, host Francesca Cadhit sits down with Matthew Dougherty, a PhD Candidate in Psychology (Perception, Cognition, & Cognitive Neuroscience) at the University of Toronto, to explore the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) science of memory.
🎧 ▶ We dig into:
✅ What encoding and retrieval really mean (in plain English)
✅ Why some memories feel like time travel
✅ How memories get reorganized while we sleep
✅ What neuroscience tools like fMRI and EEG can tell us about how we remember
✅ Exploring research opportunities
Whether you're curious about the brain, interested in research opportunities, or just want to stop forgetting your grocery list, this episode is for you.
👉 About Matthew Dougherty
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/matthewdougherty.bsky.social The Duncan Lab: https://duncanlab.org/
👉 About Francesca Cadhit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacadhit/
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
What Most Business Owners Get Wrong About Tech (and How to Fix It)
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit sits down with Melodie Moore, Founder and CEO of Business Tech Ninjas, to talk about what really holds small businesses back from scaling, and why the answer isn’t just better software.
With over a decade of experience building high-performance systems for membership-based businesses, Melodie gets real about:
✅ Why most tech “solutions” still create chaos
✅ How to hire (and lead) without falling into magical thinking
✅ Why CRMs aren’t a cure-all
✅ The difference between leadership and self-leadership, and why it’s the key to thriving with technology
You’ll walk away with practical insights, unexpected mindset shifts, and a new appreciation for how slowing down might actually be your secret weapon in business.
👉 About Melodie Moore and Business Tech Ninjas:
Melodie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodiemoore
https://www.instagram.com/melodie_millennial_ceo/
Business Tech Ninjas: https://businesstechninjas.com/
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Getting into residency in Canada is hard enough, but imagine being an international medical graduate (IMG) on top of it all.
For Dr. Nooshin Sarreshtehdari, giving up was never an option.
In this deeply inspiring episode, Francesca Cadhit sits down with Nooshin, an incoming PGY1 Family Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto, who shares her remarkable journey from Iran to Canada, and all the trials in between.
Whether you’re an IMG, a non-traditional applicant, or just someone chasing a difficult dream, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.
🎧 ▶Here’s some of what we discuss:
✅ The truth about matching as an IMG in Canada✅ How to stand out in your CaRMS application✅ The power of persistence and building authentic connections✅ How Nooshin overcame rejection, burnout, and even a car accident on her journey✅ Why being a “go-getter” really does pay off
Plus: Nooshin’s time management tips, the mentors who changed her life, and her candid advice for anyone navigating medicine’s winding path.
👉 About Nooshin Sarreshtehdari
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nooshinsarreshtehdari/
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
What does it take to future-proof the next generation?
In this episode, I sit down with Ramy Ghattas, founder of Logics Academy, to talk about digital literacy, AI in the classroom, and why curiosity is the root of innovation.
From engineering to education, Ramy shares his journey and how Logics Academy is reshaping how students across Canada learn STEM and problem-solving skills from an early age. We explore the rise of AI, the role of teachers in a flipped classroom model, and how to raise students who can solve real-world problems, with or without a robot that cleans their room.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about where learning is headed, this episode is for you.
👉 About Ramy Ghattas and Logics Academy
Ramy Ghattas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramy-ghattas-5160552a
Logics Academy
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ Why digital literacy matters as much as reading and math
✅ How AI is changing the way we teach and learn
✅ What it takes to raise problem-solvers
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Think being a pilot is all about cool uniforms and exotic destinations? Think again.
This episode is a bit of a departure from the usual Smart Growth Rocket programming, but in the best way possible.
Every once in a while, we dive into less conventional journeys.
And today? It's all about aviation.
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit speaks with a licensed pilot-in-training who’s currently climbing the ranks in aviation - and has chosen to remain anonymous so they can speak candidly about the journey, challenges, and realities of becoming a pilot in Canada.
Whether you’re a curious student, a career switcher, or someone who’s always looked up when a plane flew overhead, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to break into the skies.
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ How to get your pilot’s license in Canada
✅ What flight school is really like
✅ Why soft skills like humility and decision-making under pressure matter
✅ The truth about pilot job security, travel schedules, and lifestyle trade-offs
What to do before you spend thousands on aviation school
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
What if the path to success isn’t a straight line?
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit from TopClassEdge.com sits down with Brendan Miller, founder of Swift Kids. Brendan shares his unconventional journey from a childhood love of video games to building one of Canada’s standout programs for tech education.
We delve into what can happen if you don’t have it all figured out in high school, the real skills students need to thrive in a tech-driven world, and how facing burnout reshaped Brendan’s career.
Plus, we talk about how Swift Kids is equipping students with 21st-century skills, and why passion, empathy, and stepping outside your comfort zone matter more than ever.
👉 About Brendan Miller and Swift Kids
Brendan Miller:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-m-37633010/
Swift Kids:
https://www.youtube.com/@theswiftkids
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ The surprising reason you don’t need to have your career figured out in high school
✅ How learning to code can secretly boost your creativity, critical thinking, and career options, even if you never work in tech
✅ What schools (and parents) often miss about preparing kids for the real world
✅ Why passion beats perfection, and how stepping way outside your comfort zone can unlock opportunities you never saw coming
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
What if the most important skills your child could learn in school had nothing to do with textbooks?
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit from TopClassEdge.com sits down with Lucas Chang, Founder and Director of Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs, to explore how problem-based learning and entrepreneurship can help students develop skills like critical thinking, empathy, and confidence - skills that matter no matter what career path they choose.
Lucas shares stories from the classroom, challenges he’s faced bringing innovation into schools, and his philosophy that entrepreneurship is about solving problems, not just starting businesses. Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode is packed with insights on how to help the next generation think creatively, act boldly, and believe in themselves.
👉 About Lucas Chang and Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs
Lucas Chang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaschang/
Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs: https://y2labs.co/
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ Why entrepreneurship isn't just about starting businesses, but about solving real problems with empathy and creativity
✅ The surprising link between problem-based learning and student confidence
✅ What parents really think about innovation in the classroom, and what some are afraid to admit
✅ Why understanding your customer, even in a student project, can be the difference between a good idea and a game-changer
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Can Your Kid Out-Code AI? Jack Zhou on the Future of Learning Tech
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit of TopClassEdge.com speaks with Jack Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Wiz Robotics, a STEM education company based in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Jack shares how his journey from a business student and LinkedIn intern led to founding an innovative academy that now teaches students across the globe.
Learn how STEM education, robotics, and coding for kids are evolving, why problem-solving and critical thinking matter more than ever, and what parents and educators need to know about preparing students for a future shaped by AI and technology.
Discover practical tips for nurturing innovation in students, overcoming startup challenges, and why asking the right questions is often more important than having the answers. Perfect for parents, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to understand the future of tech education.
👉 About Jack Zhou and Wiz Robotics
Jack Zhou: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazhou/details/education/
Wiz Robotics: https://wizrobotics.com/
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ How Jack Zhou transitioned from a student to co-founder of a global STEM education company
✅ Why teaching kids to build technology (not just consume it) is key to future-ready learning
✅ The most common questions parents and students ask about coding, robotics, and AI
✅ How to develop a strong problem-solving mindset, starting with the right questions
✅ What it really takes to innovate in education and overcome challenges as a tech entrepreneur
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Mindset for Success: Lessons from Athlete, Educator & Entrepreneur Judy Stewart (Founder and CEO of Trèsolz)
What do education, athletics, and entrepreneurship have in common?
More than you may realize.
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, Francesca Cadhit sits down with the inspiring Judy Stewart, founder of Trèsolz, a footwear brand helping women finally find stylish, comfortable shoes in larger sizes.
Judy shares her journey from being an educator and athlete to launching a business, getting featured on Dragon’s Den, and now working toward getting her brand into stores. She dives into lessons on resilience, goal-setting, and why failing forward is key to success.
Plus, she drops a cryptic hint about an exciting upcoming gamechanging collaboration! 👀
If you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or just someone looking for motivation to take that next big step—this episode is for you
👉 About Judy Stewart and Trèsolz
Judy Stewart: https://www.instagram.com/judystewart/
Trèsolz: https://www.instagram.com/tresolz/
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ The Winning Mindset Formula: How consistency, goal-setting, and risk-taking drive success in business, athletics, and life.
✅ Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone: Why failing forward is essential for growth and how to turn setbacks into opportunities.
✅ The Power of Resilience & Adaptability: How Judy navigated going from educator to entrepreneur and thrived despite challenges.
✅ Surrounding Yourself with the Right People: The importance of choosing mentors, friends, and a support system that elevate you.
✅ Taking Action & Making Things Happen: How breaking things down into small steps can help you overcome fear, start new ventures, and push past limits.
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
The Power of Art: How Creativity Fuels Resilience & Success
Art is more than just a creative outlet (although this is already a crucial benefit.)
It’s also about resilience, passion, and finding your purpose.
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit interviews award-winning artist and educator Sylvia Chan, who shares her incredible journey from struggling student to thriving entrepreneur and art teacher.
She reveals how great mentors shaped her path, why art matters for mental health, and the three key ingredients for success.
Whether you're a parent of an aspiring student artist or a young artist/art enthusiast just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights.
👉 About Sylvia Chan and Creative Genius Academy
Sylvia is an Ontario Certified Teacher and an award-winning artist who has created over 300 pieces of artwork. She creates art pieces that bring beauty and positivity into homes and business spaces. She has received several awards during her career, including the Top 150 Canadian Chinese Artists in Canada (2017) and the Aspire Award (2016), among many others.
She is motivated to create art that inspires others and aims to nurture the creative genius inside all of her students.
Besides running art works for the York Region District School Board in various elementary and high schools in the board, she also runs an art school in Downtown Markham called Creative Genius Art Academy. She currently works along with York Region District School board, helping to bring more arts-focused workshops into schools, as well as educating teachers on the benefits of art for students' overall well-being and health.
Sylvia Chan: https://www.instagram.com/sylviachanart/
Creative Genius Academy: https://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusacademy/
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ The Power of a Great Teacher
✅ Resilience & Overcoming Obstacles
✅ The Role of Art in Personal Growth & Mental Health
✅ Breaking the ‘Starving Artist’ Myth
✅ The Success Formula: Focus, Action, and Passion
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Transforming Medical Education: An Interview with Dr. Nicholas Talley
In this episode of Smart Growth Rocket, host Francesca Cadhit interviews distinguished neurogastroenterologist Dr. Nicholas Talley.
They discuss the importance of good mentorship, the journey from general medicine to gastroenterology, and the critical skills needed for medical students to excel.
Dr. Talley (or Nick, as he prefers to be called) shares insights into the future of medicine with AI and technology, the connection between the gut and brain, and the impact of lifestyle on health. He also provides practical advice for aspiring doctors and reflects on the ongoing evolution of medical training and patient care.
👉 About Dr. Nicholas Talley
Distinguished Laureate Professor Nick Talley is a world-leading neurogastroenterologist, educator, and researcher. He has published over 1,000 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is internationally recognized as a leading researcher in digestive health. Dr. Talley is currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-j-talley-ac-md-phd-024a5980
🎧 ▶ Here’s some of what you'll learn:
✅ The Importance of Mentorship in Career Development
✅ The Role of Research and Mentorship in Medical Careers
✅ Critical Skills for Medical Students and Practitioners
✅ The Connection Between Mind, Body, and Gut Health
✅ Future of Medicine: Changes and Challenges Ahead
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Meet Corey Formica, Senior Development Officer at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC).
Corey is a UTSC alumna who graduated from the Co-op Arts Management Program. During her time at UTSC, she was actively involved in many student clubs and activities. This ultimately led to a career in the arts industry before transitioning to education, where she has held roles in fundraising and alumni relations.
Corey’s mission is to positively impact the lives of those she engages with, both within her professional capacity and beyond.
I’m excited to share Corey’s insights about choosing a university, the value of a university education, and trends in education.
👉 About Corey Formica
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyformica/
🎧 ▶ Here are just some of the insights you'll discover:
✅ Tips to choose a university
✅ What a university education shows to potential employers and the world
✅ How the university you select impacts your life (even beyond academics)
✅ Trends in education
✅ 1 key piece of advice for university applicants
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
Meet Dr. Chris Lozano, Neurosurgery Resident and PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto.
His research interests lie in spine surgery, with a focus on traumatic neck injuries and their unique impact on elderly people. Beyond that, he enjoys powerlifting, travelling, and trying out new food around Toronto.
I’m excited to share Dr. Chris Lozano’s insights about pursuing a non-traditional path to medical school, getting research experience, persisting in the face of obstacles, and what he believes the next generation of doctors should know.
👉 Connect with Dr. Chris Lozano
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-lozano-468b0b37/
🎧 ▶ What you’ll learn from this episode:
✅ The challenges of getting research experience as an undergraduate student
✅ 3 tips for getting into medical school
✅ Non-traditional pathways to a career in medicine
✅ Handling rejection
✅ 1 key piece of advice for aspiring doctors
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
In today’s podcast, Francesca Cadhit interviews Josh Broun, Co-founder of Impact Kitchen, about his inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
From his background as a fitness trainer to establishing a successful fast-casual food business in Toronto, Josh discusses the importance of passion, resilience, and dedication in pursuing entrepreneurship. He highlights Impact Kitchen's commitment to quality, nutrient-dense food, and plans for future expansion, including new locations in the U.S.
🎧 ▶Tune in to listen to Josh talk about:
✅ The challenges of starting a business
✅ The value of building a strong team
✅ Essential business skills
✅ Habits for success in entrepreneurship
📝 Outline 📝
[00:49] Meet Josh Broun: Co-Founder of Impact Kitchen
[01:54] The Genesis of Impact Kitchen
[04:35] Overcoming Challenges in the Restaurant Business
[06:38] The Importance of Team and Leadership
[11:36] Building Habits for Success
[15:18] Impact Kitchen's Philosophy on Nutrition
[18:51] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
[21:27] Future Plans for Impact Kitchen
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
In today’s podcast, Francesca Cadhit interviews Canadian Minister of Small Business Richie Valdez about Education and Entrepreneurship in Canada.
Minister Valdez is a Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and community advocate. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet and is committed to ensuring the diverse voices of her community are heard.
She has been a member of various parliamentary committees and associations, including the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, as well as the Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.
🎧 ▶Tune in to listen to Minister Valdez talk about:
✅ How YOU can make a difference in Canada
✅ Big ideas coming from students
✅ What’s the plan for improving Education
✅ What’s being done to support Canadian entrepreneurs
✅ Gaining access to capital as an entrepreneur/startup
✅ Investments in artificial intelligence and innovation
✅ Support for marginalized groups, including women, Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs
📝 Outline 📝
[01:08] Introducing Minister Rechie Valdez
[02:11] Education and Entrepreneurship in Canada
[04:58] Minister Valdez's Educational Journey
[08:44] Challenges and Successes in Entrepreneurship
[11:46] From Entrepreneurship to Political Leadership
[14:16] A Day in the Life of a Small Business Minister
[16:44] Key Elements of Budget 2024
[20:01] Charity and Community Involvement
[21:04] Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
🚀 About Smart Growth Rocket 🚀
Have you ever wondered how successful professionals, innovators, and trailblazers got to where they are today?
On Smart Growth Rocket, powered by TopClassEdge.com, your host, Francesca Cadhit, shares real-world, beyond-the-textbook insights and stories of career and business growth.
If you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur who wants to learn how to grow, this show is for you.
😍 3 Reasons To Share This Podcast With One Friend Or Family Member 😍
1) It helps us reach others who might enjoy this and find it helpful!
2) It takes less than 30 seconds and helps our show grow.
3) As we grow, it allows us to continue to bring incredible guests for you all!
From finding incredible guests to researching & planning episodes to conducting interviews to editing to sharing it across platforms, this podcast is a labour of love that I'm honoured to produce.
It's a lot of effort, but sharing our guests’ stories and insights with you all is a deeply rewarding experience that I cherish.
Your support truly means the world!
