Coffee With Convery Brien Convery

Welcome to Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today, we have a remarkable guest whose journey encapsulates resilience, faith, and the power of inclusion. Meet Andrew Fitisemanu, a dynamic individual who not only shines on the rugby field but also advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both sports and corporate environments. 🏉🌈

Andrew’s story is one of evolution and empowerment. Growing up as a Catholic in New Zealand, Andrew found solace and strength in his faith. However, his path took a transformative turn when he moved to Australia, where he forged his own spiritual connection with God while embracing his identity as a gay man. 🏳️‍🌈

On the rugby field, Andrew found not only a sport he excels in but also a community that embraces him wholeheartedly. Coming out to his rugby community was a pivotal moment, one marked by acceptance and support. Through rugby, Andrew discovered the power of teamwork and inclusion, where differences are celebrated and strength is found in unity. 🏉❤️

Off the field, Andrew is a beacon of change as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant, leveraging his extensive corporate experience to champion mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. His involvement in initiatives like Rugby Australia’s #PartOfMore series underscores his commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and acceptance. ️

As Andrew continues to navigate his rugby career and inspire others with his story, he leaves us with a powerful message: resilience is found in embracing our authentic selves and standing tall in the face of adversity. 💪

Join us as we delve into Andrew Fitisemanu’s inspiring journey of faith, identity, and the pursuit of belonging. 🙌

🎉 Welcome to another episode of Coffee with Convery!

☕ Today we have a remarkable guest joining us: Katie Wuotila, an incoming Sales and Trading Analyst at Scotiabank in New York City.

Hailing from Calgary, Katie is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the court. 🏀 As a Co-op and Student-Athlete, she's not only excelled in varsity basketball at U SPORTS but also demonstrated her leadership skills as the VP Corporate Affairs of the Rowe Women in Business Association.

Katie's journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. From her tenure at Scotiabank's Global Banking division to her role as a Marketing and Publicity Director for Her Campus Media, she's proven her adaptability and drive in various fields.

But Katie's story isn't just about professional accomplishments; it's about embracing challenges head-on and thriving in new environments. 🌍 Her overseas experiences have shaped her into a go-getter who isn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone.

Today, we'll delve into Katie's insights on finance, ethical investing, and leadership. So grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let's dive into the world of finance and passion with Katie! 💼🔍

Welcome to another insightful episode of Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today, we're delighted to introduce you to Andrew Neary, a dynamic force in the world of journalism and entrepreneurship. 🌟

Andrew's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a second-year Journalism – Mass Media student, he's not only excelling academically but has also earned the prestigious Student of the Year Award for College and CEGEP WIL. 🎓🏆

What truly sets Andrew apart is his unwavering commitment to making entrepreneurship accessible to all. Through his groundbreaking podcast, Founders Drive, he amplifies voices often unheard, showcasing his dedication to equity and inclusion. 🎙️🔊

As the senior producer of Founders Drive, Andrew's leadership has been pivotal. His ability to forge meaningful industry connections has not only expanded the podcast's reach but has also opened doors for future students through valuable WIL opportunities. 🔗🚪

Andrew's impact extends far beyond his local community. His collaboration with organizations like Futurpreneur has led to the establishment of a microloan fund for Indigenous entrepreneurs, underscoring his commitment to inclusive prosperity. 💼💰

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Andrew has rightfully earned the title of Student of the Year. His story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative power of resilience, determination, and a passion for making a difference. 🌟🎉🏆

Welcome to Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today we have a special guest with us, the Owner and President of Spotted Dog Construction 🏗️🐾, based in Toronto.

Meet Simon Broer 🎩, a seasoned professional with a passion for turning dreams into reality 💭✨. With a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics from the University of Toronto 🎓💼 and a wealth of experience in investment banking at TD Securities 💰💼, Simon has recently transitioned into the world of construction.

As the Owner and President of Spotted Dog Construction 🏠🐶, Simon leads a team of skilled professionals who believe that creating your dream home should be a joyful experience 😊🏡. Whether you're envisioning a kitchen renovation 🍽️🛠️, a bathroom transformation 🛁✨, or a complete overhaul of your living space 🛋️🌟, Spotted Dog Construction is dedicated to providing the highest quality craftsmanship and first-class customer service at every step of the process.

Stay tuned as we uncover the stories, experiences, and insights that have shaped Simon's entrepreneurial path 🛤️💼.

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, the podcast where we bring you stories of extraordinary people making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Today, we're diving into an inspiring story of dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of music 🎵.

Our guest today is Steve Bagmanyan, a name that may sound familiar if you've recently seen the Academy Award-winning documentary short, The Last Repair Shop 🛠️.

This powerful film, directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, has brought much-needed attention to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Musical Instrument Repair Shop, where Steve and his team work tirelessly to repair and restore thousands of musical instruments for public school students across the city.

But Steve's journey doesn't begin with the film's success. As the shop's supervisor, he has dedicated years to this vital work, providing students with the instruments they need to express themselves through music. From humble beginnings as a piano tuner in 2003, Steve has played a crucial role in keeping the shop alive despite funding challenges and downsizing.

With the recent Oscar win 🏆, life has been a whirlwind for Steve and his team. Donations and support have poured in, allowing them to dream bigger for the future of the repair shop and the students they serve. Join us as we explore Steve's story and the impact he has had on music education and the lives of many in Los Angeles. 🎶

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, the podcast where we sit down with industry leaders, and outstanding individuals making a difference. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing our esteemed guest, David Levangie. 🎙

David is a Partner-Litigation at Fogler Rubinoff LLP in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With an impressive 16 years of experience in the legal field, David has become a leading figure in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group at Fogler Rubinoff. ⚖️

David's practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and arbitrations, where he has excelled in cases involving breach of contract, shareholder disputes, oppression, and breaches of fiduciary duties. He's not just an exceptional litigator; he's a strategic thinker and a problem solver. 💼

David's journey includes academic excellence, having earned his Bachelors Social Science in Criminology and Political Science, graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa. He furthered his education at Osgoode Hall Law School, obtaining an LL.B. in 2008 and being called to the Ontario bar in 2009. 🎓

What sets David apart is not just his legal accomplishments but also his commitment to service. Proudly serving in the Canadian Armed Forces for 6 years, David received numerous awards, including Soldier of the Year for his Regiment and Service Person of the Year for the entire Communications Group. 🏅

I’m excited now to welcome David as we jump into his journey, exploring his experiences in complex litigation, his dedication to veterans' rights, and his role in advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. 🌟