Successfully Ambiguous?

Christine Brooks-Cappadocia
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Updated fortnightly

When opportunity knocks, will you be ready? Gain tools and insights to thrive in today’s fast-changing world of work. Successfully Ambiguous is the proudly Canadian podcast that explores how leaders transform unexpected opportunities into meaningful careers. Hosted by Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, Assistant Vice-President Continuing Studies at York University, the show reflects her mission to help professionals adapt, upskill, and thrive in a world where careers rarely follow a straight line. With her own diverse career journey, Christine brings both authority and relatability to every episode as she uncovers the real stories, lessons, and strategies behind unconventional career paths. In today’s world, as AI, automation, and rapid change reshape industries, traditional career paths are fading fast. Guests reveal how detours and non-linear trajectories can become powerful advantages. WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM EACH EPISODE: ●     Insights from leaders who embrace uncertainty ●     Strategies to help you navigate change and plan pivots ●     Mindset shifts that fuel adaptability and resilience ●     At least one actionable takeaway you can apply right away Whether you are starting out, planning a pivot, or leading others, Successfully Ambiguous will help you prepare for uncertainty and seize opportunities when they come. Follow now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to get new episodes every two weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 21 Oct

    How to Turn Your Skills Into a New Career | Shiona Thompson

    What if your next career opportunity starts with the skills you already have? In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, host Christine Brooks-Cappadocia welcomes Shiona Thompson, Conference Producer, Indigenous Affairs at The Canadian Institute, for a conversation about transferable skills, career adaptability, and finding opportunities in unexpected places. Shiona shares how looking at your experience from a different perspective can open doors to new industries, why versatility matters for long-term employability, and how continuous learning helps you stay ready for what's next. From recognizing strengths you may have overlooked to learning from colleagues and professional connections, this episode explores how a shift in perspective can change the direction of your career. Whether you're navigating a career transition or simply wondering what else might be possible, Shiona offers an encouraging reminder: sometimes moving forward starts with recognizing what you already bring to the table. 🎙️ Successfully Ambiguous: Career twists, real stories, and insights to thrive in a changing world. 💡 Meaningful dialogue starts with strong communication and listening skills. Explore York University School of Continuing Studies' Certificate in Dispute Resolution to develop practical skills in mediation, negotiation, and conflict management. 🔗 https://continue.yorku.ca/programs/certificate-in-dispute-resolution/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sa_2026 Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How to Turn Your Skills Into a New Career | Shiona Thompson

  2. 7 Oct

    The Skills That Matter in a Changing World of Work | Michelle Aarons & Jackie Pichette

    What does it take to keep growing when the world of work keeps changing? In this special double-header episode of Successfully Ambiguous, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia is joined by two leaders exploring how workers, employers and educators can adapt to an evolving economy and workplace. Michelle Aarons, President of the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education (CAUCE), brings a continuing education perspective to the growing need for upskilling and reskilling, why learning can no longer stop at graduation and the role employers can play in making lifelong learning possible. Jackie Pichette, Policy Lead, Skills & Higher Education at RBC Thought Leadership, brings the conversation into the age of AI, exploring why critical thinking matters more than ever and what shifts in entry-level work could mean for the traditional career ladder. From lifelong learning and critical thinking to adaptability, transferable skills and choosing opportunities with room to grow, their perspectives offer a timely look at what it takes to build a career that can evolve along with the world of work. For employers: Explore how York University’s School of Continuing Studies works with organizations to support workforce development and employee learning: https://continue.yorku.ca/employer-partnerships/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sa_2026 Because the future of work isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about continuing to learn, adapt and grow. Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Skills That Matter in a Changing World of Work | Michelle Aarons & Jackie Pichette

  3. 23 Sept

    How to Keep Growing When Work Keeps Changing | Caroline Esterson

    What does it take to keep growing when the way we work keeps changing? Christine Brooks-Cappadocia sits down with Caroline Esterson, learning and development expert, Co-Founder of Poyntr and host of Unshakeable Her, to explore how individuals and organizations can build the skills, confidence and adaptability they need to move forward. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in learning and development, Caroline challenges the idea that meaningful transformation requires a dramatic leap. Instead, she makes the case for small, continuous improvements that can change how we show up at work and where our careers take us. It starts with a deceptively simple question: What’s the next best thing I can do to move forward? Together, they explore the difference between high standards and perfectionism, why mistakes and uncertainty are essential to learning, and how reflection builds resilience and growth. They also look at how hybrid work and AI are changing workplace learning, what we may be losing along the way, and how individuals and employers can prepare for what comes next. In this episode: Why meaningful growth comes from continuous improvementHigh standards vs. perfectionismBuilding resilience through mistakes and uncertaintyTaking ownership of your professional developmentWhat hybrid work has changed about workplace learningAI, human connection and the skills we’ll need nextHow organizations can take a more proactive approach to developing their people Successfully Ambiguous: Career twists, real stories, and insights to thrive in a changing world. Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How to Keep Growing When Work Keeps Changing | Caroline Esterson

  4. 9 Sept

    Say Yes Before You’re Ready | Laura Babcock

    What if some of the best career opportunities arrive before you feel ready? Ahead of Season 2 of Successfully Ambiguous, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia revisits one of her favourite conversations from Season 1 with Laura Babcock, communications strategist, executive trainer, national media commentator, and host of The O Show. Laura reflects on a career shaped by unexpected opportunities, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to take the next step before she had everything figured out. Together, Christine and Laura explore why you don’t need to check every box before pursuing an opportunity, how relationships can open unexpected doors, and why confidence is often built through action rather than certainty. In this episode: • Why you don’t need to feel completely ready to take the next step • How relationships create unexpected opportunities • Why knowing what you bring matters • The value of asking — even when you don’t know what the answer will be • How staying open to possibility can shape your career Hosted by Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, Successfully Ambiguous explores non-linear careers, unexpected opportunities, and the skills needed to thrive in a changing world. Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Say Yes Before You’re Ready | Laura Babcock

  5. 26 Aug

    Make Your Perspective a Competitive Advantage | Rahim Katchi

    What if the perspective that makes you different is actually one of your greatest advantages? In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia speaks with Rahim Katchi about the value of seeing things differently. Drawing on a career spanning fashion, healthtech, entrepreneurship, and education, Rahim explores why founders and leaders can become too attached to their own ideas, why understanding the people you serve matters, and what history can teach us about creating ideas that last. He also shares practical advice for navigating your career: hold on to the experiences and perspectives that set you apart, take an active rather than passive approach to opportunity, and focus on the value you can bring to others. From reimagining public spaces to a student who turned a class project into a job opportunity, Rahim shows how a different perspective can lead to better ideas, stronger relationships, and unexpected opportunities. Successfully Ambiguous explores career growth, leadership, lifelong learning, and what it takes to thrive in a changing world. Interested in building your digital marketing skills? Explore York University’s Certificate in Digital Marketing: https://continue.yorku.ca/programs/certificate-in-digital-marketing/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sa_2026  Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Make Your Perspective a Competitive Advantage | Rahim Katchi

  6. 12 Aug

    How to Create Career Opportunities for Yourself | David Kwok

    How do you create opportunities in a world where careers are constantly changing? In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, host Christine Brooks-Cappadocia sits down with David Kwok, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at YSpace, York University, to explore why the best career opportunities aren't always the ones you find. They're often the ones you create. David has helped build nationally recognized innovation programs that support entrepreneurs across Canada. In this conversation, he shares the mindset shifts that have shaped his own career. From focusing on skills instead of job titles to taking action before you're ready, embracing feedback over perfection, and staying open to opportunities that didn't exist when he first started, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone looking to grow their career in a rapidly changing world. In this episode, we explore: Why your next role may not exist yetWhy waiting for perfect keeps people stuckHow focusing on skills creates new opportunitiesWhy comparing yourself to others can fuel imposter syndromeHow to step into opportunities before you feel readyWhether you're a student, an entrepreneur, an emerging leader, or navigating your next career move, this conversation will challenge the way you think about opportunity, growth, and what's possible. Explore upcoming free webinars from York University School of Continuing Studies: https://continue.yorku.ca/events/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sa_2026 Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How to Create Career Opportunities for Yourself | David Kwok

  7. 29 Jul

    Why Great Leaders Don't Avoid Conflict | Oliver Martin 

    What if the best leaders don't avoid conflict? They embrace it. In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia sits down with mediator, facilitator, and leadership coach Oliver Martin. Drawing on more than two decades of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate workplace conflict, strengthen communication, and build healthier relationships, Oliver explores why conflict isn't something to fear, but one of the most powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and stronger leadership. From psychological safety and learning from failure to navigating difficult conversations with confidence, Oliver shares practical strategies for transforming workplace tension into better communication, stronger relationships, and healthier teams. Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or preparing for a difficult conversation, this episode will challenge the way you think about conflict and give you practical tools you can apply immediately. Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Great Leaders Don't Avoid Conflict | Oliver Martin 

  8. 15 Jul

    How to Reinvent Yourself at Any Stage of Your Career | Josie Ferry

    Career reinvention rarely begins with a perfect plan. More often, it begins with an unexpected change. In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia speaks with Josie Ferry, who transformed an unexpected career setback into an opportunity to reinvent herself. After a workplace restructuring, Josie made the decision to invest in herself by returning to school through York University School of Continuing Studies, launching her own business, and building a career helping people navigate life's most significant transitions through coaching, mediation, and education.  Together, they discuss career reinvention, lifelong learning, mentorship, and why asking for help and embracing honest feedback can become catalysts for growth. Whether you're navigating a career transition, considering a return to school, starting a business, or simply wondering what's next, this conversation offers practical insights for building your next chapter with confidence. In this episode:How to reinvent yourself during times of changeWhy investing in yourself is the best career moveReturning to school as an adult learnerTransitioning from employee to entrepreneurFinding mentors who help you growThe value of honest feedbackWhy asking for help creates opportunity Join the conversation with today's leaders and share your career questions. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How to Reinvent Yourself at Any Stage of Your Career | Josie Ferry
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About

When opportunity knocks, will you be ready? Gain tools and insights to thrive in today’s fast-changing world of work. Successfully Ambiguous is the proudly Canadian podcast that explores how leaders transform unexpected opportunities into meaningful careers. Hosted by Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, Assistant Vice-President Continuing Studies at York University, the show reflects her mission to help professionals adapt, upskill, and thrive in a world where careers rarely follow a straight line. With her own diverse career journey, Christine brings both authority and relatability to every episode as she uncovers the real stories, lessons, and strategies behind unconventional career paths. In today’s world, as AI, automation, and rapid change reshape industries, traditional career paths are fading fast. Guests reveal how detours and non-linear trajectories can become powerful advantages. WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM EACH EPISODE: ●     Insights from leaders who embrace uncertainty ●     Strategies to help you navigate change and plan pivots ●     Mindset shifts that fuel adaptability and resilience ●     At least one actionable takeaway you can apply right away Whether you are starting out, planning a pivot, or leading others, Successfully Ambiguous will help you prepare for uncertainty and seize opportunities when they come. Follow now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to get new episodes every two weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Christine Brooks-Cappadocia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © York University School of Continuing Studies
  • Show Website
    Successfully Ambiguous?

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