Outside of the Classroom

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 discipline required to keep evolving.

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 itSo 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 through experience, and how leadership evolves from control to trust.

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. Strategy does not break on intent. It breaks on not understanding what it needs.

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 revealing their limitations.Ultimately, Natalie argues that the real value of marketing still rests on human judgment, credibility, and relationships.

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 trade-offs and disciplined commitment. Because if the direction is blurred, execution will amplify the wrong things.

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 where entrepreneurs can grow and endure.

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 practitioners interested in how organizations adapt when existing approaches no longer fit the environment they operate in.

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.We talk about the role of culture and leadership in entrepreneurship, the importance of attracting talent, and the need to find time to write.

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 come with expansion. He also opens up about the role mental health plays in entrepreneurship.

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 learningWhat drives or delays institutional adoption of AIHow AI is shaping curriculum and influencing career developmentWhether you’re in education, technology, or just curious about the future of learning, this episode offers insight into how AI is changing the structure and purpose of higher education.

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/insights/the-masks-we-wear-playing-along-or-losing-yourself-the-hidden-cost-of-fitting-in-at-work

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

In our first episode of Season 3, Derek Bartlett shares his story from starting in the hospitality industry to now being an executive in the multi-billion dollar pet industry.  Derek tells us about the importance of Self-Check-Ins, having a Praise Folder and if you “Stay Ready You Don’t Have to Get Ready ”. 

A description of what you can expect from Season 3 of Outside of The Classroom. Thank you for listening.

Thank you to all of the Season 2 Guests, Listeners and Subscribers.  This is a Recap of Season 2 with highlights from each episode.

In this episode, we talk with Natalie Foley who has had a diverse career across financial services, beauty, automotive and technology industries and is now building her own company.  Natalie shares her thoughts on the Importance of Customer Experience, Being Aware of Perceptions and Leading & Developing People.

In this episode, we talk with Serena Gill, a recent graduate, who has started her career in Marketing working in the Broadcasting Industry.  She talks about changing paths in school, taking time to find her passion and starting her career.  Serena tells us about the Importance of a Supportive Network, her approach to Managing & Leading People and the Value of Building Connections.

In this latest episode, Fady Soliman talks about his expertise in Business Development across the Tourism, Education and Fast Casual Food industries and how it influenced his perspective on People Management. Fady highlights the Importance of Values, Managing People like Customers and Finding Peace of Mind.

In Episode 8 of Season 2, Meiling Fong shares her journey from studying to be a Classical Violinist, to entering the Corporate World and to starting her own Marketing Research firm. Meiling talks to us about Getting Over Limiting Beliefs, the Importance of Showing-Up, and Falling Back on Your Ability to Learn and Trusting in That Ability.

In Episode 7 we talk with Robert Ciancio, a Business Owner in the Plastic Extrusion industry. Robert shares his journey from aspiring architect to successful entrepreneur and tells us about The Evolution of Culture, Building Trust to Create Followers and Knowing Your Worst Case Scenario.

In the latest episode Season 2, Darren Mason, a seasoned entrepreneur in Women's Fashion, talks about his experience transforming an established 30-year business, into running a start-up. He'll talk about Organizational Change, People Management and Environmental Complexity. Darren also shares his perspective on the Discipline Needed to Change, Leadership Anywhere in an Organization and a Learner's Mindset.

In Episode 5 of Season 2, we talk with Edmund Wong who after first pursuing Teaching, has built a successful career in Banking. Edmund shares his honest thoughts on Education Staying With You, How to Prepare For the Future and Being Governed by Your Values.

In our most recent episode, Anisa Yusuf discusses her experience in the field of Human Resources, working across various industries such as Financial Services, Accounting & Consulting, and Construction Management. She shares with us insights on Learning Throughout Your Career, Paying Your Dues and her Goal to Influence Change.

In this episode, Jon Taylor shares his insights on the Construction Management industry. Having worked for and now owning a company in the field, Jon talks about the distinction between Risks and Fear, the Importance of Becoming a Subject Matter Expert for Customers and Fostering a Culture of Entrepreneurship.

In our 2nd episode of season 2, we hear from Michael Williams who has dedicated his career to the Non-Profit industry. He shares with us experiences from working in this industry and explains the Importance of 'Fit' in Organizational Culture, the Value of Diverse Experiences in Building a Career and Taking On All Opportunities.

In our first episode of season 2, we talk with Adrienne Go.  Adrienne has worked in Human Resources throughout her career, spanning across various industries such as technology, financial services, healthcare, and consulting.  She brings an authentic and honest perspective on her experiences and talks about the Importance of Stakeholder Management, ‘Blowing-Up Your Life’ for Personal Transformation and Saying Yes to the Things that Scare You.

Thank you to all the Guests, Listeners and Subscribers for Season 1. This is a recap of Season 1 and introduction to Season 2.

In Episode 6, Karen Mangia shares her experiences from a career in the IT Industry in the US, to now leading an organization that helps companies stay competitive. Karen highlights the importance of understanding the Difference Between the Stated and Lived Culture of an Organization, Managing vs. Coaching People and Realizing You Are Not the One 'Making the Waves'.

In Episode 5 Neil Balwant talks about his experiences from the corporate world to building a company serving the wholesale automotive industry. Neil will talk about the Importance of Learning by Doing, the Power of Culture, and the Alignment of Personal Interests with Organizational Interests to Motivate Employees.

Ralph François discusses his approach to building a recruitment company that shifts the focus from individuals searching for jobs to matching individuals to jobs. He also shares his insights on how Competition Creates Brand Awareness, the Value of Continuous Learning, and the Importance of Finding Peace.

In this episode, Ryan Goldsman shares how he created an education company serving the Financial Services industry. Ryan talks about Creating a 'Closed Loop' business model, Standing-Out to Attract Customers and Structuring Your Company Around the Customer.

In this episode, we hear from Charles Johnson who made the switch from the luxury clothing industry to the artisanal bakery industry. Charles will talk about Paying Attention to the Nuts & Bolts of Business, the Power of Observation in Knowing Your Customers and Culture as a Competitive Advantage.

In this episode, we'll hear from Bulat Gazizoff who shares his experience in building a marketing agency. Learn from Bulat about Niching Down to Scale-Up, How to Scale Culture and the Importance of Celebrating Your Wins.

About the Outside of the Classroom podcast.