#56 - Jenine Soneja: Could YOU be the PROBLEM? Embracing Accountability: The Catalyst for Lasting Change

Jenine Soneja is a University of Alberta Business student and avid traveler. Jenine, originally from the Middle East, moved frequently before settling in Sherwood Park, which she now considers home. Entering her fourth year of business school with a major in Entrepreneurship, she aspires to open her own entertainment venue and nightlife facilities. Despite facing challenges in maintaining happiness in school, work, and relationships, Jenine shifted her focus from physical health to mental energy and mindset, leading to personal growth. Although Jenine and I have known of each other for a long time, we only just started talking recently, affirming that it is never too late to make new friends. In terms of maintaining a positive mindset in relationships, Jenine emphasizes the importance of viewing relationships as partnerships where both parties care for each other and work as a team against issues. She advocates for intrapersonal reflection to understand others' perspectives and ensuring that values align. A personal experience that stands out for Jenine is how she mended a strained friendship by focusing on the positive aspects of the relationship and approaching interactions with openness and empathy, which significantly improved their bond. Traveling has had a profound impact on Jenine's personal growth and development. Through her travels, she met people from diverse backgrounds and realized that happiness can come from various sources beyond money, family, and friends. Key lessons she learned include being open to meeting new people and not fearing judgment. A memorable experience with a free-spirited and kind travel companion, Anthony Warren, helped her embrace adventure and enjoy life to the fullest, pushing her out of her comfort zone. Jenine's experiences with maintaining a positive mindset and traveling have significantly influenced her entrepreneurial aspirations. She understands that different markets have diverse needs and that mixing cultures can create unity and open doors for new ventures. Personal growth through travel has equipped her with the resilience and flexible mindset necessary for entrepreneurship. For instance, witnessing the inclusive atmosphere of a village in Toronto inspired her to create spaces where people feel safe, welcomed, and free from judgment, directly impacting her business vision. Long Term Podcast #56 KEEP IT LONG TERM!