Coffee With Convery Brien Convery

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. 🌟

Welcome to Coffee With Convery! ☕️ Today, we’re honored to have Stephanie Wooden as our guest. Hailing from the vibrant city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Stephanie is not just a student but a beacon of leadership and inspiration in her community. 

🏙 Currently serving as the President of the Dalhousie Women in Business Association, Stephanie’s journey is one of dedication, ambition, and unwavering commitment to empowering women in the business world. 💼

As a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student at Dalhousie University, Stephanie’s academic pursuits are as diverse as her interests. 📚 Majoring in accounting and completing a certificate in disability management, she embodies the spirit of inclusivity and innovation. 🌈 But Stephanie’s journey towards leadership didn’t begin with her current role; it’s a culmination of years of hard work, passion, and relentless drive. 💪

Stephanie’s impact extends far beyond the university campus. 💫 With a stint at KPMG Canada as a Staff Accountant, Audit, and her involvement as a Campus Ambassador, Stephanie is not just shaping her own future but also inspiring those around her to reach for the stars. 🚀


So, grab your favorite cup of coffee ☕️, settle in, and join us as we embark on a journey of discovery with the remarkable Stephanie Wooden.

Welcome, coffee enthusiasts and conversationalists, to another stimulating episode of “Coffee with Convery”! ☕️ Today, we’re diving into the world of storytelling with a remarkable individual, Glenn Bragonier. 🎙

Glenn Bragonier is a seasoned Content Producer from Toronto. 🌟 With a rich tapestry of experiences ranging from sous chef to assistant distiller, Glenn’s journey has led him to the heart of journalism, where he currently produces captivating content for “Let’s Talk with Dani Stover” on CFIQ 640 Toronto. 📰

Glenn’s tenure at Corus Entertainment speaks volumes about his expertise. 🎧 As the mastermind behind “ON Point,” a syndicated evening show, Glenn orchestrates each episode with finesse, from selecting riveting topics to wrangling esteemed guests. His knack for radio production is unparalleled, evident in his meticulous planning, seamless audio editing, and flawless podcast production. 🎶

Glenn’s dedication to his craft knows no bounds. 🌟 His freelance endeavors and multimedia journalism have taken him on riveting adventures, covering everything from protests to cultural events, leaving an indelible mark on the media landscape. 🌍

With a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Seneca College and certifications in voice-over work and podcast production, Glenn’s expertise shines through in every project he undertakes. 🎓 His passion for storytelling, coupled with his unparalleled skill set, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the realm of media production. 🎬

So grab your favorite brew, settle in, and join us as we unravel the art of storytelling with the incomparable Glenn Bragonier. 📻

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, where each conversation embarks on a journey of discovery and inspiration.

Today, as we commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31st, we stand in solidarity with transgender individuals worldwide. This day is a poignant reminder to celebrate their identities, shed light on the discrimination they endure, and honor their invaluable contributions to society. 🏳️‍⚧️

On this significant occasion, we are honored to host Robert Panico, whose story embodies resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equality, inclusion, and justice. Robert's narrative reflects triumph over adversity as he navigates societal challenges with determination, emerging as a potent advocate for marginalized and minority communities. 💪

With a rich tapestry of cultural experiences spanning Europe, Asia, and Oceania 🌍, Robert has found his home in London 🏠, where he passionately champions a society that thrives on diversity, recognizing it as a driver of innovation, progress, and the battle against inequalities 🌈.

Drawing from his professional journey encompassing roles as a coach, mentor, and advocate for equality and inclusion, Robert's impact resonates deeply ❤️. Whether advocating for transgender-inclusive policies or supporting those experiencing homelessness, his dedication to social justice remains steadfast 🙌.

Academically, Robert holds certifications in EDI and a PGCert in Global Cultures, and is accredited as a facilitator. Currently pursuing a master's in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of London, he extends his expertise by coaching students for success 📚.

So, grab your coffee or beverage of choice, and let's delve into Robert's story, broadening our understanding and support for diversity and inclusion.

Welcome, listeners, to another captivating episode of “Coffee with Convery” ☕, where we unravel the intricate tapestry of school, work, and life transitions and transformations 🎓💼🌱. Today, our focus is on the dynamic realms of HR, recruitment, and career insights, and we’re privileged to have a remarkable guest in our midst — Syed Ahmed .

Syed is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance 🎓💰.

Syed transcends the conventional recruiter role; he’s the Head of Operations at AroundHI Solutions, orchestrating the deployment of top tech talents globally, from ERP to hyperscaler domains 🚀. With a robust track record spanning over six years, Syed has been the driving force behind connecting high-growth companies and Fortune 500 brands with the perfect blend of technical and non-technical expertise 💼🔗.

What truly distinguishes Syed is his unwavering dedication to giving back. As a fellow Canadian immigrant, his passion lies in aiding newcomers and immigrants in discovering meaningful careers within Canada 🍁. Over the past six years, he’s had the honor of guiding over a thousand individuals on their career journeys, showcasing that the impact of his work transcends the confines of the business world 🌎.

Currently serving as an Entrepreneur In Residence at Ontario Tech University, Syed actively contributes to the Brilliant Catalyst Program, offering valuable advice to the Brilliant Catalyst team, student entrepreneurs, and faculty members seeking to propel their ideas forward 💡. From judging pitch competitions to assisting new entrepreneurs with sales, HR, and product management, Syed is deeply engaged in nurturing the next generation of talent 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓.

Join us now as we dive into the incredible journey of Syed Ahmed, exploring his experiences, gaining insights, and uncovering the valuable lessons he’s accumulated along the way 🎙️🚀.