Presenters: Valerie Gow, Recruitment, Outreach and Alumni, Intercultural Skills Lab, Rotman School of Management and Michael Kobrin, CEO of Creaity and Facilitator/Coach, Rotmans’ Business Edge program
Date: April 8th, 2021
Description
For newcomers navigating significant change and uncertainty, it’s common to experience feelings of being stuck. In addition to the external barriers many newcomers face in finding meaningful employment, there are a number of internal barriers that make it difficult to see a clear path forward. These barriers often include fear of failure, self-limiting beliefs about their abilities, and internalized pressures from family and friends.
In our experience working with internationally educated professionals in the Business Edge Program at Rotman School of Management’s Intercultural Skills Lab , we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that learning, coaching and community can have on career success. This webinar provides insights into the different ways our clients feel stuck and demonstrate how the core elements of our program help them take action and achieve transformational change.
Presenter biographies
Valerie Gow is a connector and communicator with a special interest in supporting people during periods of transition. She is passionate about helping very diverse clientele gain confidence, remain in their fields of expertise and advance their careers in Canada.
In her role as Recruitment, Outreach, and Alumni Officer, Intercultural Skills Lab at the Rotman School of Management, she is the face of the Business Edge program for underemployed newcomers to Canada, from the point of initial inquiry to celebrating their successes years after graduation. As a former radio announcer, she welcomes opportunities to engage audiences and connect with people in ways that lead to effective results.
Her love of meditation and recent studies in contemporary applications of mindfulness-based interventions have kick-started a deep interest in helping build resiliency in herself and among clients and colleagues.
Michael Kobrin is the founder and CEO of Creaity, a social enterprise helping mid-career workers adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing labour market. He is also a facilitator and coach in Rotman’s Business Edge program, a unique career advancement program for internationally educated professionals. As a leadership and career coach, Michael is passionate about helping individuals find meaningful work that aligns with their unique set of skills, values and lived experiences. Prior to founding Creaity, Michael spent several years working for OMERS and Oxford Properties in a variety of senior leadership roles. As a CPA, professional coach, and photographer, he offers a unique perspective on career management, leadership, and personal transformation.
