Careers in the Cloud

MA (Montreal Associates)
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Careers in the cloud is a podcast dedicated to the tech ecosystem; Inspiring the community by highlighting the great careers many have gone on to achieve, reflecting on both the good and the bad experiences, and bringing you tech-and-career-related advice through our guest experts.

  1. E40: From Google to NVIDIA | Leadership Lessons for Women in Tech

    JAN 21

    E40: From Google to NVIDIA | Leadership Lessons for Women in Tech

    Disclaimer:All views and opinions shared in this episode are entirely Shivam’s own and are shared in a personal capacity. They do not represent the views, positions, or strategies of NVIDIA or any other organisation she is affiliated with.---------In this episode of Careers in the Cloud, we sit down with Shivam Khullar, Director of Engineering, Enterprise AI & Employee Experience at NVIDIA, former leader at Google and Salesforce, and co-founder of the Real Women in Tech podcast.Shivam shares her deeply honest journey into technology. From growing up in New Delhi with a passion for building and problem-solving, to becoming a trusted leader inside some of the world’s most influential tech organisations. We explore what it really takes to build credibility in tech, how to lead through failure, and why resilience, curiosity, and fearlessness matter more than perfection.This conversation dives into:• How to build confidence and credibility as a woman in tech• Leadership lessons from Google, Salesforce, and NVIDIA• Navigating failure, burnout, and high-pressure environments• Why asking for help is a leadership strength• The role of empathy, intuition, and authenticity in modern leadership• How AI is reshaping productivity, thinking time, and the future of work• What success looks like beyond titles, promotions, and resumesShivam also shares powerful advice for women entering tech today — including how to quiet the inner critic, stop self-sabotage, and step fully into leadership without waiting for permission.Whether you’re early in your tech career, navigating leadership for the first time, or thinking about the future of AI and work, this episode is packed with insight, clarity, and real-world wisdom.🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of cloud, technology, and careers.LINKS:🔗 Follow Stacey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyyu/🔗 Follow Shivam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivamkhullar/🔗 The Real Women in Tech Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382951🔗 And don't forget to follow MA on LinkedIn for the latest hiring trends and opportunities in the tech space: https://www.linkedin.com/company/montreal-associates/CHAPTERS:00:07 Shivam's Journey into Tech03:14 Finding Belonging in Technology07:37 The Role of Mentorship and Support10:48 Building Credibility and Confidence16:36 Embracing Failure and Resilience22:00 Evolving Leadership Style29:30 Strengths of Women in Leadership30:07 Expectations and Realities of Women Leaders33:42 Intuition and Multitasking in Leadership38:06 Supporting Women in the Workplace41:17 Organizational Responsibility for Work-Life Balance42:24 The Future of Technology and AI46:37 Evolving Definitions of Success50:58 Mindset and Skills for Women in Tech

    59 min
  2. E38: Go From IT Contractor to Employer | Legal & Hiring Tips

    2025-10-08

    E38: Go From IT Contractor to Employer | Legal & Hiring Tips

    Thinking about hiring your first employee or contractor? In this episode of Careers in the Cloud, we're joined by Emily Kroboth, Associate at Dentons Canada LLP, to unpack the real-world journey from being a solo IT contractor to running a growing consultancy. Discover the legal, financial, and operational essentials every tech professional needs to know before expanding their business.We explore employment law, compliance challenges across regions, and the tax implications of scaling your cloud or IT practice. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting to build your team, this conversation will help you avoid costly mistakes and set up for sustainable success.What you’ll learn:- How to transition from self-employed contractor to employer- Legal and HR basics when hiring staff or subcontractors- Payroll, taxes, and compliance across different jurisdictions- Structuring contracts and protecting your business legally- Common pitfalls IT professionals face when scaling🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Careers in the Cloud!Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Disclaimer01:15 – The natural progression from contractor to business owner05:40 – When and why to hire your first employee10:25 – Legal frameworks: incorporation and compliance16:10 – Employment law vs. contracting law21:45 – Tax implications of hiring across regions27:30 – Payroll, benefits, and managing remote workers33:50 – Avoiding common legal and HR mistakes39:10 – Building a sustainable IT consultancy44:00 – Final advice for contractors scaling up46:30 – Wrap-up & key takeawaysLooking to hire or work as an IT contractor? Visit us at www.montrealassociates.com. Links:Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/montreal-associates/Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykroboth/Connect with Maurizio (Host) on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauriziogioffre/

    42 min
  3. E37: Protect Yourself Legally as a Tech Contractor (Lawyer Explains)

    2025-08-05

    E37: Protect Yourself Legally as a Tech Contractor (Lawyer Explains)

    Are you an IT contractor in Canada, or thinking about becoming one? Wondering whether to operate as a T4 temporary employee, sole proprietor, or incorporated business? In this episode of Careers in the Cloud, we’re joined by 'Anti-Lawyer´, Daniel Rizzi, a seasoned Barrister and Solicitor from DiMinno Rizzi In Association, to break down the legal essentials every Canadian tech contractor should understand. From liability risks to incorporation benefits, Daniel walks us through:- The legal differences between T4, sole proprietorship, and incorporation- When and why you should engage a lawyer as a tech contractor- What to prepare for your first meeting with a legal advisor- Legal pitfalls to avoid when starting a company or bringing on partners- How to protect your IP when developing your own software- Why getting legal advice early can save you money - and headaches - long termWhether you're freelancing in software development, DevOps, data, cloud infrastructure or cybersecurity, this episode gives you practical legal insights to protect your business, your assets, and your future.Subscribe for more tech contractor tips and industry insights across Canada and beyond.Looking to hire or work as an IT contractor? Visit us at www.montrealassociates.com. LINKS:Follow us on LinkedInFollow Daniel on LinkedInConnect with Maurizio (Host) on LinkedInDiMinno Rizzi In Association - https://drlawyers.ca/

    44 min
  4. E36: How to Invest & Save Smarter | Financial Advice for Contractors

    2025-07-22

    E36: How to Invest & Save Smarter | Financial Advice for Contractors

    DISCLAIMER: Mutual funds, approved exempt market products, and/or exchange-traded funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended for conversational purposes only. If you're an incorporated IT contractor or small business owner in Canada, you're probably asking: Should I invest through my corporation, or personally? What are the tax implications, and how can you use smart investing to plan for your family's future? In this value-packed episode of Careers in the Cloud, we’re joined by Michael Marcucci, Certified Financial Planner at Investia Financial Services, and Frank Pizzimenti, CPA at Alex Pizzimenti CPA Professional Corporation, to demystify corporate investing in Canada. They answer your most pressing questions, including: What’s the difference between investing your personal income vs. your corporate revenue?What investment options are available to Canadian incorporated contractors?How to build a risk profile for your corporationCan investing through your corporation help fund major life events (home, wedding, kids, retirement)? What are the tax rates and implications for different types of investment income: Interest vs. dividends vs. capital gainsWhat about real estate investing through a corporation?Should you go with direct investing or an investment advisor?What if you have U.S. or offshore investments—are you getting double taxed?How does taxation work when you earn investment income in your corporation and take it out as a dividend? Whether you're planning for the future, growing your wealth, or trying to avoid tax pitfalls, this episode gives you a strong financial foundation to make smarter decisions with your corporate money. 🎧 Subscribe to Careers in the Cloud for more expert advice tailored to Canadian IT contractors and incorporated professionals. 📬 Need help with contracting, incorporation, or growing your freelance business? Visit www.montrealassociates.com. LINKS: Follow us on LinkedInConnect with Michael on LinkedInConnect with Frank on LinkedInConnect with Maurizio (Host) on LinkedInInvestia Financial ServicesAlex Pizzimenti CPA Professional Corporation

    47 min

  5. 2024-09-26

    E35: Tony Schibono: Navigating Product Innovation, Design Leadership, and AI

    In this episode, we welcome award-winning Product Designer, Tony Schibono! Tony boasts 15+ years of leading industry experience in designing brands, products, and experiences, even running his own design agency at one point! Tony shares his insights on the dramatic changes in the UX and product design field since he began in the field. We delve into the maturation of design operations, the shift from mobile-first to omni-channel approaches, the threat and rise of AI in design, and the differences between design roles and how they have evolved. Tony offers advice to both new and seasoned designers on navigating these changes and highlights the biggest opportunities in design today. This episode is packed with invaluable knowledge and insight for anyone in the design community. We hope you enjoy the episode! And if you do, please remember to give us a follow where you are listening! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:49 Changes in UX Design Since 2017 05:47 Tony's Unique Experience and Career Path 06:59 Differences Working on a Product for Startups and Large Companies 10:24 What Separates a Hands-On Designer from a Design Executive 13:34 Maturity of Recruitment in Product and Design 15:57 The Threat of AI on UX and Product Design 22:17 Product Design Roles Most at Risk Today 25:49 How Junior Product Design Professionals Can Stand Out Against AI 30:15 Job Opportunities for Future Design Professionals 32:17 Contact Information

    33 min

  6. 2024-08-06

    E34: Daniil Saiko: Lessons in Military and Martial Arts for Business Success

    Joining Maurizio on this episode is Daniil Saiko! FinTech Product Manager and Director of Product Management & API at Kyriba. We explore his unorthodox journey into the tech industry - From his early days in martial arts to an impressive career in tech and product management. Daniil shares how his experiences in judo, karate, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shaped his professional path. How military training influenced his leadership and resilience, and applying those combat sports principles to overcome challenges in the tech industry. This conversation is perfect for anyone seeking personal and professional growth. Topics covered: 🥋 Which combat sports/martial arts Daniil has mastered 💪 How he continues to train and why it matters 💻 His inspiring journey from the combat field to the tech industry 📈 The impact of martial arts and military training on career progression 🔍 What he looks for when hiring IT professionals with similar backgrounds Connect with Daniil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniil-saiko/ ______________ Chapters: 00:09 - Introduction and Background 01:14 - Daniil's Martial Arts Journey 04:32 - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training 08:49 - Founding Startups and Learning to Code 10:31 - Journey into FinTech: From Pre-Sales to Product Management 12:35 - The most important skills for Product Management 14:12 - Impact of Combat Sports on Career 17:58 - Emotional Intelligence & self-awareness learnt in Combat Sports 20:58 - Military Training and Career Lessons 22:20 - Applying Military Skills to Overcome Challenges in Tech and Management 29:03 - Interpersonal & Management Skills from Martial Arts and Military Training 36:57 - The qualities looked for in candidates when hiring in Product Management ____________________________________ Want help finding your next IT mission? Drop your CV today on our website and become a part of our global IT contractor community: https://www.montrealassociates.com/

    39 min

  7. 2024-07-02

    E33: Prime Taxes: How to Best Set Up as an IT Contractor in Canada

    In this episode, we´ve brought in our tax partners and CPAs, Nasser Khan, and Ali Qamar from Prime Accounting & Tax, to give you IT professionals in Canada all the information you need to decide between setting up as a Sole Proprietor or incorporating your business. We explore the critical differences between T4 standard contractors, Sole Proprietors, and Incorporated contractors in Canada, helping you understand which path might be right for you. Whether you're just starting your IT contracting journey or looking to optimize your current setup, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips to help you make informed decisions and maximize your financial benefits. Enjoy the episode, and don´t forget to give it a thumbs up if you like what we´re doing here at Careers in the Cloud! Topics: T4 Standard Contractor vs. Sole Proprietor vs. Incorporated Contractor: Understanding the distinctions and benefits. Decision Factors: What to consider when choosing your business structure. Tax Implications: At what income level does incorporation become financially beneficial? Provincial vs. Federal Incorporation: Differences and steps to set up your corporation. Payroll vs. Dividends: Should you pay yourself a salary, dividends, or both? Working with US Clients: How to navigate taxes and invoicing when dealing with US-based clients. Currency Considerations: Is charging in USD while living in Canada advantageous? Legal Structures: Do you need an LLC or S-Corp in the US? Tax Reduction Strategies: Legal methods to minimize corporate and personal income taxes. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:05 - The difference between a T4 temporary contractor, sole proprietor, and an incorporated contractor 03:52 – What risks to consider when deciding what route to take 09:31 – What income is required to be an incorporated contractor 10:30 – Process from permanent employee to contractor 12:11 – Do you need multiple contracts to be a contractor? 14:15 – Issues with contracts appearing as employment contracts 16:23 – Federal Canadian incorporation vs provincial incorporation 21:43 –The steps to setting up an incorporation 24:48 – How to pay yourself as a contractor 28:22 – Tax percentages 36:25 – Cross-border contracting 43:33 – Legally reducing the amount of tax you pay 50:18 – Options for investing ___________________________________________________________- Check out our partner, Prime Taxes: https://primetaxes.ca/ Want help finding your next IT mission? Drop your CV today on our website and become a part of our global IT contractor community: https://www.montrealassociates.com/

    59 min

  8. 2024-05-02

    E32: Christophe Troessaert: Go From IT Novice to Freelance Cloud Expert

    We have two new faces on this episode! We welcome Cédric D´Harveng for his debut episode as host, with Christophe Troessaert, a seasoned cloud consultant, now Azure specialist, with over a decade of experience. Christophe shares his remarkable journey from his first IT role to becoming a leading freelance expert in cloud technology. Christophe reflects on his transition from traditional employment to freelance consultancy, emphasizing the pivotal role of hands-on training and real-world experience. From his early days troubleshooting support tickets to mastering the intricacies of cloud infrastructure, Christophe's story is both inspiring and informative. Learn about the opportunities in cloud computing, including the latest trends and challenges shaping the industry. Gain expert advice on leveraging cloud technology to carve out a successful freelance career, and explore the essential skills and certifications needed to thrive in this dynamic field. Whether you're a budding IT enthusiast or an experienced professional looking to make the leap into freelance consultancy, this episode offers invaluable guidance and inspiration to chart your course towards success in the cloud. An insightful conversation with an industry expert paving the way for the next generation of cloud professionals. Connect with Christophe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctroessaert/ Connect with Cédric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdharveng/

    34 min
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About

Careers in the cloud is a podcast dedicated to the tech ecosystem; Inspiring the community by highlighting the great careers many have gone on to achieve, reflecting on both the good and the bad experiences, and bringing you tech-and-career-related advice through our guest experts.

Information

  • Creator
    MA (Montreal Associates)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MA (Montreal Associates)
  • Show Website
    Careers in the Cloud