Outside of the Classroom

Careers rarely follow a straight path. In this episode of Outside of the Classroom , I talk with Nidale Chehade about building a career after university, finding the confidence to pursue opportunities, and embracing the uncertainty that comes with growth. From changing academic programs to transitioning into product development, we explore how curiosity, initiative, supportive leaders, and continu...

In this episode, I sit down with Derek Bartlett and Paul May, the founders of Legacy Basketball Academy, to discuss the journey of building an organization from the ground up. We explore the realities of entrepreneurship, earning trust, building credibility, developing culture, and making growth decisions that align with long-term goals. We also discuss leadership, community impact, and the import...

In this episode, I speak with James Stauch about systems thinking, complexity, and why many organizations struggle to solve the problems they face. Our conversation explores the tension between urgency and understanding — from AI and entrepreneurship to education, leadership, and public systems — and why modern organizations are increasingly rewarded for reacting quickly rather than thinking deepl...

What does it take to build something that lasts? In this episode, I sit down with Garie Adamson, founder of a brand rooted in Toronto’s early hip-hop culture that has remained relevant for over three decades. We talk about recognizing opportunity early, navigating rapid growth, and adapting without losing identity. Garie also shares the realities behind the brand—competition, setbacks, and the dis...

Scar tissue is what experience leaves behind. It manifests in how you think, decide, and respond. In this Deep Dive episode, we explore scar tissue: what it is, where it adds value, where it can work against you, and how to work with it So that it informs your judgment without narrowing it.

“You can build a wall by pouring concrete—or you can build it brick by brick, client by client.” What actually sustains a business over time? In this conversation, I talk with Bruce Reilly, Managing Partner of a CPA firm, reflecting on more than three decades of building and leading a business. We explore what sits beneath technical expertise—how relationships are built, how judgment is shaped thr...

In this Deep Dive, we move beyond clarity and examine what it actually takes to achieve strategic objectives in practice. Strategy introduces new demands on the organization. But those demands are not always made explicit. What capabilities are required? Where do decisions sit? How does the organization need to change? When these questions remain under-defined, more effort is needed to compensate....

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how marketing is executed, but what does that mean for the role of human marketers? In this Perspective episode of Outside of the Classroom , Natalie Riviere shares how AI is beginning to reshape the practice of marketing. Drawing on her experience in digital marketing, she explains how AI tools are accelerating everyday marketing execution while also re...

Most organizations don’t fail from lack of effort. They fail from lack of clarity. In this Deep Dive, we examine what strategic clarity actually requires inside an organization — beyond vision statements and growth language. What problem are you truly trying to solve What must change? What are you willing to give up? And how will you know you’re making real progress? Strategic clarity is about tra...

In this One-on-One episode of Outside of the Classroom , Marat Ressin reflects on the evolution from founding ventures to building entrepreneurs. The conversation explores entrepreneurship beyond capital, as a response to real societal problems and as a long-term commitment to ecosystem development. We discuss early-stage risk, the limits of funding alone, and what it takes to design environments...

In this Perspective episode of Outside of the Classroom , we explore why many sustainability efforts struggle to deliver meaningful change. Instead of focusing on commitment or reporting, the conversation looks at sustainability through a systems lens — examining management models, decision-making, and how organizations engage with real-world complexity. This episode is for leaders and practitione...

In this episode, we talk with Emily Fiagbedzi about her mission to support founders and entrepreneurs. She tells us what led her from the US to Africa, understanding her role in making an impact and about good humans doing good work.

The Pursuit of Knowledge is one way to describe this latest episode of the Outside of the Classroom podcast. Carmen Contreras Romero shares her knowledge on entrepreneurship in Chile - what is working well and what can be done differently. Carmen also reflects on her journey across continents and the decisions she has made while fulfilling a passion for learning.

In the latest episode of Outside of the Classroom, we talk with a Guest focused on helping entrepreneurs in the Global South realize their vision. With a career starting in development banking, Susana Garcia-Robles tells us about her journey from Argentina to Washington and New York, and now dedicating her time to enabling entrepreneurs in Latin America (LATAM), the Middle East and North Africa. W...

In Episode 2 of Season 4 of Outside of the Classroom, we sit down with entrepreneur Victor Gauthier to unpack what it really takes to scale a business while managing the pressures that come with growth. Drawing from his own experience building ventures and supporting founders, Victor shares how to choose the right co-founder, build a team aligned with your vision, and navigate the demands that com...

Thank you to all of the Listeners and Followers. Thank you to all of the Guests. Season 4 could not have happened without You. Listener engagement increased to 80%, with almost a 50/50 split between male and female listeners, and a continuously growing global audience. Highlights and summaries of Season 3 and what's planned for Season 4.

In the final episode of Season 3 of Outside of the Classroom, Ashley and Michael Fry share their journey of building a thriving family-run bagel and bakery business. Their conversation brings a fresh take on entrepreneurship—grounded not just in vision and perseverance, but in the deeper foundations that helped them create a business true to their values and aspirations for life.

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the world of higher education? In the first episode of the Perspective series, we talk with Jared Steuernol—an expert with a background in higher education publishing and education technology—about how AI is influencing the way we teach, learn, and prepare for the future of work. We discuss: The role of AI in teaching and learning What drives or delays inst...

This Deep Dive Episode looks at Dr. Patricia Hewlin's work and the concept of Facades of Conformity, which exists in organizations. The episode talks about these 'false appearances' that employees can demonstrate, often out of necessity, and the impact on the individual and the organization. The episode also presents ideas for how to avoid these risks. Read more: https://www.theslgproject.com/insi...

In episode 7 of season 3, Samantha Stilwell shares her story, which ultimately led her to start an incubator supportingwomen-owned businesses. From working in human resources to starting a consulting firm, Samantha tells us how a Lack of Yes, Isn’t a No, what it means to Build in Stillness and why it brings her joy to be described as a Human and an Anthropologist.

This Deep Dive episode presents the topic of Path Dependency and Organizational Lock-In: What starts as a strength—efficient routines, consistent messaging, deeply held values—can evolve into a blind spot. Article with full details and references .

In episode 5 of season 3, Dina Psiharis shares her journey working with global brands in the retail industry, moving from Montreal, Canada, to the Middle East and eventually starting her own firm focused on enhancing the customer experience. Dina talks to us about how the "Engine is Confidence" and the True Cost of Success.

In our latest episode of season 3, Laura Simonow tells us about the inspiration behind her journey from becoming a medical doctor to starting a company focused on functional natural cosmetics.  Laura talks with us about the importance of First Principles, her Philosophy on Leadership and Freeing Yourself from Titles.

In this episode, Behdad Karimi talks about his journey from studying accounting, becoming a CPA, starting a side-hustle and now running an AI company in the Accounting industry. Behdad shares thoughts on going from Employee to Entrepreneur, Managing People and the “Middle Manager Mindset”.

In this first Deep Dive episode we focus on the topic of Resilience.  Through the lens of going from Languishing to Flourishing, we look at the research and practicality of building individual and organizational resilience