Immigrant Squared

Alisadel

Join me on an adventure throughout the world as I discover immigrants’ stories, learn about cultures, cuisines, and traditions, and together we find ways to help immigrants unlock their full potential. Follow on Instagram @alisadel_ for updates Become a Paid Subscriber and get access to exclusive episodes and events: https://anchor.fm/immigrantsquared/subscribe

  1. 01/01/2025

    Season 2- Episode 76- From Uzbekistan to the U.S.- Melting Pot Vs. Salad Bowl

    In this episode of The Immigrant Squared Podcast, I speak with Kamilla, a leadership coach and speaker who shares her inspiring journey from Uzbekistan to the U.S. Arriving as a 19-year-old student with limited English, Kamilla overcame numerous challenges, including cultural adjustment and navigating visa issues, to build a successful career. A turning point in her journey came during Drexel University's co-op program, where she secured offers from top companies, reaffirming her belief in the opportunities available in the U.S. Kamilla reflects on balancing her Uzbek roots with her global mindset and shares invaluable advice for immigrants, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while embracing resilience and growth. Today, she empowers others to take bold steps toward their aspirations through her coaching and workshops.   Kamilla Pinel is a leadership coach, speaker, and entrepreneur whose inspiring journey reflects the courage and determination of the immigrant experience. Originally from Uzbekistan, Kamilla came to the United States with limited English skills and a dream of building a brighter future. She started as an accountant and caregiver while attending community college, later earning a business degree from Drexel University and building a successful corporate career at JP Morgan Chase. During the pandemic, Kamilla experienced a transformative realization: her corporate career no longer aligned with her true aspirations. She made the bold decision to leave her stable job and pursue entrepreneurship, founding You Dream You Do Coaching. Through her proprietary DREAM framework, Kamilla helps high-achieving professionals and leaders create meaningful success by aligning their goals with their values and sustaining energy and momentum. Now based in California, Kamilla combines her deep understanding of resilience, reinvention, and alignment to empower others through coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements. Her story is a testament to the power of dreaming big and creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. Connect with Kamilla: Website: https://www.youdreamyoudo.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamillagpinel/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/youdreamyoudo/

    35 min
  2. 01/01/2025

    Season 2- Episode 75- Paradise Lost And Paradise Gained - Latvian Love Story

    In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Emily, who shared her family’s remarkable journey as Latvian refugees and their enduring connection to their heritage. Emily’s grandparents were born in Latvia during WWI, as part of the first generation of Latvians under the Russian Empire. They lived through the Soviet and Nazi occupations, with her grandmother actively participating in the Latvian resistance against both regimes. Her grandfather, who operated a train route from Saint Petersburg to Belarus during the war, eventually fled Latvia in a daring escape across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. Her grandmother followed later, escaping to Sweden in a fishing boat under dramatic circumstances. Emily also shared how her grandparents later became refugees in Canada, raising their family while preserving their Latvian culture. Through her research, she discovered her grandfather's involvement in efforts to aid Latvian partisans, even uncovering CIA documents from 1946 revealing his role in missions funded by French intelligence to fight the Russians. Beyond recounting her grandparents' story, Emily discussed her own immigration from Canada to the U.S. and the traditions she continues to honor from her Latvian heritage. She reflected on the power of understanding one’s roots, emphasizing that learning about your heritage can help you make sense of your life. It was a conversation rich with history, resilience, and the enduring strength of family connections.

    31 min
  3. 09/25/2024

    Season 2 Episode 73- The Kindness Crusader's Journey in Mexico

    In this episode, I had the honor of hosting my dear friend and an exceptional security professional, Lee Oughton. Lee's journey to Mexico City began in 2016 when he moved to work for a British security company. Lee was amazed by the melting pot in Mexico City. His first reaction upon arriving was, "Are we really in Mexico?". Despite the challenges he faced, Lee embraced the adventure and immersed himself in the local culture. Lee's home base is in the UK, but his career has taken him across the globe, including living in the US and working in Iraq. He has a fearless spirit, always eager to take leaps of faith and explore new environments. Coming from a fast-paced corporate America background, Lee faced the challenge of adjusting to the slower pace of life in Mexico, often referred to as the "mañana (tomorrow) syndrome." He shared invaluable advice on adapting to new places, cultures, and languages—insights that have been shaped by his diverse experiences. Recently, Lee published a book titled "Kindness Games." The concept started as a challenge with a friend struggling with depression during the pandemic. This 30-day initiative brought people together, sharing stories of various individuals, including the inspiring journey of a young immigrant from Pakistan. The book explores life's challenges and the power of positivity and kindness. Lee and I also reflected on the unique strengths of immigrants in the security community. Their resilience and wealth of experiences are invaluable assets to the industry. Lee's parting advice is simple yet profound: "Network and be courageous." This mantra has guided him through his incredible journey and continues to inspire those around him. Tune in to hear more about Lee's adventures, his perspectives on life and work, and the incredible impact of his book. #immigrantesenmexico #immigrantsinmexico #thekindnessgames #immigrantsinsecurity #immigrantsinexecutiveprotection

    28 min
  4. 04/02/2024

    Season 2 Episode 70- Kindness Over Judgement- Own Your Culture

    Kamini, a child of Indian immigrants, grew up in a predominantly white community in Connecticut, where she struggled to fit in. Her parents worked hard to provide for their family while striving to maintain a balance between their Indian heritage and the American culture their children were growing up in. They supported Kamini and engaged in difficult conversations when she felt different, which greatly benefited her. Despite feeling different from her peers who attended church on Sundays, Kamini participated in the family tradition of Sunday prayers at home. As a parent herself, she now encourages her children to embrace their multicultural background. Kamini advises investing in people who accept and celebrate cultural diversity. In her work as a life coach, Kamini emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, kindness over judgment, and recognizing our common humanity. She acknowledges that seeking help is often taboo in immigrant and refugee communities. To make it less daunting, Kamini suggests reframing the idea of seeking help as gaining different perspectives from others who have faced similar situations. This approach empowers individuals to view seeking advice not as a weakness but as an opportunity to learn from others while ultimately making their own choices.     If you want to get in touch with Kamini www.kaminiwood.com www.instagram.com/itsauthenticme www.linkedin.com/in/kaminiwood   Kamini Wood is the founder and CEO of Live Joy Your Way and the AuthenticMe® RiseUp program. An international best-selling author Kamini’s mission is to guide her clients in nurturing their mental, emotional, physical and strategic  plans for their lives.  Recognizing the profound impact of self leadership and inner dialogs on external outcomes, she works collaboratively with her clients  to address both external goals and challenges, as well as the internal responses, thoughts and  behaviors that may hinder their desired results. Internal obstacles that get in the way include lack of boundaries, people-pleasing, over giving, over functioning, hyper achievement, perfectionism, procrastination, burnout, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome as well as  other false beliefs about self. Kamini is based out of North Carolina but serves clients all over the word virtually.   #childrenofimmigrants #immigrantsfromindia #immigrantstories #immigrantsquared #refugeestories #immigrantmentalhealth

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join me on an adventure throughout the world as I discover immigrants’ stories, learn about cultures, cuisines, and traditions, and together we find ways to help immigrants unlock their full potential. Follow on Instagram @alisadel_ for updates Become a Paid Subscriber and get access to exclusive episodes and events: https://anchor.fm/immigrantsquared/subscribe