In this episode of Our Guest Is, our CEO Ifeanyi Emesih sits down with Don Bureaux, President and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and former President of Nova Scotia Community College, for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership & community-building towards a stronger Atlantic Canada.

Don looks back at his time at NSCC, the legacy of transforming Nova Scotia “one learner at a time.” He also shares his perspective on supporting small businesses, welcoming and integrating newcomers, addressing workforce challenges, and helping Atlantic Canada compete in our current, ever-changing global economy.

This conversation blends practical insights for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and all those committed to building stronger communities.

Today's guest is Patrick Sullivan, who is currently a Strategic Business Advisor with Cox and Palmer, a leading Atlantic Canadian law firm, and was most recently the President and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. He led the Chamber in representing over 2,000 member businesses in the HRM. He met with all levels of government regularly to advocate on behalf of businesses and continuously improved membership offerings to support the business community.

Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.

Today's episode features Jorge Mora, originally from Mexico and with an accounting background. He is dedicated to improving accessibility in all the provinces of Nova Scotia. Jorge's journey is driven by his passion for creating a more inclusive society, advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Through his work, he aims to break down barriers and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility in all aspects of life. His efforts inspire others to join the cause for a more equitable future.

Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.

On today's episode, we meet Christine Eruokwu, founder and owner of Kaima Designs, an African-inspired clothing brand that prioritizes poverty reduction through girl-child education and women empowerment initiatives in West Africa. Christine talks about her journey to New Brunswick as an international MBA student, her mission in starting Kaima Designs in 2017, and co-founding United Colours of Fashion (UCOF). Christine mentors international students, sits on the board of three non-profits in Saint John, and in 2023 she was named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada.

Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.

On today’s episode, we meet Farhan Pir Muhammad, director of audit services at Emera. Farhan was awarded the 2021 HRM award for outstanding volunteer services, the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and was named of the most inspiring immigrants in Atlantic Canada in 2023. He joined our podcast to talk about his family’s journey to Canada, his volunteer work, and what he hopes for his kid’s future in Atlantic Canada.

Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.

On today's episode, we meet Mohammad Al Masalma, founder and owner of Mosy Photography, one of the top 10 photography studios in Halifax. Mohammad tells us about his experience as a Syrian refugee, how moving to a place to he'd never even heard of before inspired him to give back to the community including through his work with ISANS, and his incredible journey as a self-taught photographer. In 2023, he was named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada.

Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.

On today’s episode, we meet Rany Ibrahim, director of Economic Development and Trade for the Government of Nova Scotia. He tells us about coming to Canada as a student, his decision to live as a “cosmopolitan Canadian,” and why he decided to stay in Halifax even after most of his friends chose to leave.

Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.

On today’s episode, we meet Aris Hernandez, international student recruitment officer, university relations, Mount Saint Vincent University. He speaks about how moving here helped him feel safe about who he is, living an openly gay life, and building a “new family” here in Nova Scotia.