karena de souza

What if COVID is the dress rehearsal, a road map for how we as humans can handle the environmental crisis? We have now shown that nations can quickly agree on a consistent course of action, humans can make sacrifices for the common good.

As we ease back into a new normal of life after COVID, is there an opportunity to play leapfrog? Can we make economic and social decisions that ignore the actions that hurt the environment? And jump straight towards a new post-COVID normal that also supports human’s continuing presence on Earth while absorbing an accelerated Future of Work?

Regardless of whether we’re able to turn the clock on climate, Weather and all its ripple effects are going to impact what started as the Future of Work and will soon be the new Nature of Work.

There is a tight synergy between these events. 

Bottom line, climate acts as a magnifier for all the issues facing the Future of Work. 

We have a shrinking window within which to effect change – and the COVID crisis has gifted us with the vision that it is possible for peoples from all nations to work together quickly, to make momentous decisions with speed, to dissolve the invisible constraints we had placed on our ability to take action.

Enjoy this replay of an episode that I taped in 2019 about the inevitable impact of climate & environment on all our job choices as we move forward.

I talk about why I feel it is important to include a discussion of the impact of Climate Crisis and Climate Catastrophe in any conversation with GenZ as they debate their options in the Future of Work.

Mitigation is a great opportunity and a necessary one for the protection of our planet.
But there are also opportunities in the discussion on how we prepare for a new version of our world. In both, there is a space for activism and innovation.

I seek to inspire a new generation to fight with all the tools at their disposal - their voice, their brain and their ideas, not purely to scare them.

I look forward to an engaging dialogue.

References:

• Link to article What connects the Future of Work with climate catastrophe?
• JFK speech given at Rice University Texas on September 12, 1962 available with transcript from the JFK library
• Xiuhtezcatl Martinez speech at the UN
• Xiuhtezcatl Martinez Who am I rap at the UN

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner for the intro,  Cellophane_Sam, Awestruck from the album Sea Change for the 2019 episode
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity, Blue Yeti Nano
Processing: Audacity with apologies to all sound engineers out there
Photo credit: John-Cameron-1518022-unsplash.jpg

1. The gift of a pocket of Time spent with family, discovering each other in deep conversations
2. The gift of Humanity - the generous nature of people in real space and digital space
3. The gift of Possibility - when we see how quickly nations and individuals were able to collaborate, it gives us HOPE.

Covid is the dress rehearsal for our collaboration in the fight for climate action. We got this!

Each time I have made a major pivot in my life, it was when I had a pocket of time. Most often these came at low points in my life - having an unnecessarily long job hunt, nursing a sick family member, not getting into the college of my choice.

It turned out that I had not received what I wanted, but offered a chance to get what I needed.

This episode is a pitch for a regular date with yourself - a time to sit down on a weekly, quarterly or annual basis and revaluate your direction against your life goals.

Click here for the full transcript and show notes for this episode: 'Recalibrate'
Please leave your comments on this site, or on LinkedIn.

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity, Blue Yeti Nano

What would you do if you knew you had the permission?

Permission to speak up.
Permission to make something better.
Permission to be vulnerable.
Permission to connect.
Permission to care.
What would you do?

Because the punch line is “you have permission”

The world needs big bold dreams right now.
Insane ideas that might actually work.

The best idea can come from anyone, anywhere, at anytime.
So dream bold.
Speak up.

You have permission.

Click here for the full transcript and show notes for this episode: 'You have permission'

Please leave your comments on this site, or on LinkedIn.

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Descript, Blue Yeti Nano
Audio processing: Descript, Audacity, Auphonics

The corona crisis has shown how even the smallest organism has the power to such down the global economy and send us all sheltering in place.

There is big power in small. 

And it goes both ways. Just as small can disrupt entire economies, small ideas can also have a major impact.

Now is the time for bold ideas - and no idea is too small or too simple to be voiced. Because it may be the next big idea.
Or it may launch a 100 other great big ideas in areas from the health crisis, the future of education, the economy or climate crisis.

So speak up.

This podcast is part of a challenge created for the Canadian Gap Year Association.

Click here for the full transcript and show notes for this episode: 'The power of small'

Please leave your comments on this site, or on LinkedIn.

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity, Blue Yeti Nano

Life will never return to the way it was. 

This was to be an anniversary episode to mark a year of podcasting. But Covid-19 has changed the celebration. The world as we knew it has changed, and across the globe individuals  are working together to flatten the curve.

It is a huge adjustment. The speed with which social distancing and WFH have been brought in have caused major transitions for many. But thankfully that is an area where Tilt the Future has experience.

This episode is also being featured on Pod Buffet.

Click here for the full transcript and show notes for this episode 'Map or compass for a new normal?'

Please leave your comments on this site, or on LinkedIn.

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity, Blue Yeti Nano

In a reversal from previous generations, Generation Z identifies their parents among their most important career influencer.

How would we use this information to offer GenZ the best support? Here are 3 strategies that tilt parents into effective career influencers:

1. Better informed is better prepared
2. Use open ideas, challenge mindset with a growth mindset
3. Parents should not fall into a trap of 'parenting as they were parented'

Click here for the full transcript and show notes for this episode 'GenZ's top career influencer is ..'  You will find the visuals for the survey result slides pertaining to this topic.

It also has a link to the CERIC blogpost titled '3 tips to help parents become informed career influencers' with links to some actual resources.

Please leave your comments on this site, or on LinkedIn.

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity
Mic: Yeti Nano
Audio editing software: Audacity

"Tech Under 20 is run for students by students - because students are the ones who know best what they need to develop."

Denys talks to Kyle Newcombe and myself about the Tech Under 20 Cup challenge, the Pitch Yourself event, student engagement via the school chapters.

Denys shared his views on:

• Value of sustained commitment to a project or cause
• What Generation Z expects from the Future of Work
• How Tech Under 20 offers mentoring, internship and leadership opportunities
• The idea behind the Tech Under 20 Cup Challenge

The 2020 TU20 Cup Challenge is focused on Climate Action.

Make - the effort to search out local groups of talented youngsters who like to lead
Take - Offer your support - especially internships, summer jobs and mentoring
Talk - Be full of curiosity. Discover the technology and passions that fill their minds and their days.

If you are inspired by this episode please take some action, and share it with others.

The full video interview is available at https://youtu.be/lAmzAlL3E0g

For the full transcript of the poem and links visit my blog:

Linkov: A GenZ's take on the value of commitment

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza & Kyle Newcombe
Producer: Karena de Souza & Kyle Newcombe
Transcript: Descript
Editor: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on Zoom via MacBook Air, using Audacity

Trailer Episode: Want to know why I am so inspired by Generation Z?

While much of this set of podcast episodes focus on the new technologies that young adults are leveraging in order to solve problems, we also explore the other pillars of my work - well-being, foundation and transition skills.

This young generation are inventive, creative and itching to solve the problems small and large. I find such talent really engaging and motivating - so please feel free to recommend potential interviewees for future episodes.

Click here for the full transcript and show notes for this episode 'Never too young to lead'

Please leave your comments on this site, or on LinkedIn.

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity

Here is a list of 10 valuable services offered by your careers centre.

This episode focuses on 1-5 that target getting you that first job.

Is there a valuable service that we should add to this list? Leave a comment on this site, or on LinkedIn.

For the full transcript, bonus material and links to the articles visit my blog:

10 Valuable Services at your Campus Career Centre

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity

Think outside the box is an idiom for Critical Thinking.

Which means there is a box.

We can only break out of the confines of our box if we know what that box looks like from the inside first.

That is why the first step is mastery.

For the full transcript of this episode, plus a longer think with bonus links & material, visit the partner blog:

Think outside the box

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity

As this skill becomes sought after by employers who are anxious to have independent, confident, creative minds in a workplace that is constantly evolving, it is good to know that for those who do not have critical thinking as an innate skill, it can be nurtured.

Articles referenced:

World Economic Forum: 'This soft skill will boost your employability'
HBR: A Short Guide to Building Your Team’s Critical Thinking Skills

Share you thoughts on this topic with those around you. Debate if critical thinking can be nurtured. Leave a comment on this site, or on LinkedIn.

For the full transcript, bonus material and links to the articles visit my blog:
The skill employers are searching for

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity

The math is no longer working.

It used to be a supply-demand equation, but suddenly we have low unemployment, and yet more educated Gen Z and Millennials remain under- or un-employed.

Turns out that equation has been replaced by a matching game.

What are the causes and what can we do about it?

Patrick Ow's article 'The Future of Work for Millennials (and Gen Z) is bleak unless ... explores these topics.

What attracted me to this article was also its discussion on the potential impact on mental wellness if we cannot figure out how to address this matter.

Join us for a discussion on this topic and explore 5 ideas on what Millennials and Gen Z can do to help themselves stay repeatedly employed.

For the full transcript, bonus material and links visit my blog:

Matching Game

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity

I focused my camera on this poster at the recent Toronto Climate Rally, and my heart went back to a poignant moment.

I recalled Dave's daughter performing her Dad's poem and again was struck with the way Dave could paint a picture with words. It was his trademark.

The poem was written to appeal to a younger audience, so I used a Dr Seuss rhythm in reciting it. I hope it will engage you and inspire you to think creatively about the big and little ways we can take Climate Action.

It is also about the opportunities out there, especially as we include the Climate Crisis - mitigation and resolution while discussing the Future of Work. This is a big problem, which will need a variety of ideas as we figure out how to stabilize it and live with it.

Thanks to his family for giving me permission to use it in this episode.

Make: Did this poem make you think differently?

Take: What action can you choose to take as a result of listening?

Talk: I think Dave would have wanted us to talk about preserving the things he cared for, and to be inspired to be creative as we develop solutions 'Now put those brain cells to better use, Learn new ways to turn on the juice'.

If you are also inspire by this poem please share it forward with others (crediting David Adeney!). And let me know. I would love to share the anecdotes with his family in thanks for their generosity.

For the full transcript of the poem and links visit my blog:

keep the oil in the soil

website: Tiltthefuture.com

Host: Karena de Souza
Poem: 'God, On Air' by David Adeney (C) with permission from his family
Producer: Karena de Souza
Music for this episode: Bright Future by Silent Partner
Technology: taped on MacBook Air, using Audacity

This morning I woke to a number of 'new's:

• The Canadian elections had resulted in a new minority government 
• A friend had started a new job
• Another friend announced the birth of their new baby - and the start of their journey into the realm of being parents

Each brings with it a transition and the need to find a new footing.

For more details visit my website tiltthefuture.com and read

New beginnings

Malcolm Gladwell is the host of the podcast Revisionist History.  As such, he had a distinct feeling  for the audio production of his latest book Talking To Strangers. 

It is a great experience to hear such a great orator, a recognizable voice, read his book. The texts are interspersed with the actual audio clips or interviews, making it all the more realistic.

For more details, visit my website tiltthefuture.com and read:

Malcolm #TalkingToStrangers Audiobook

This book is a debate of how we try and make sense of strangers. How we make an assumption of trust in order to make quick decisions as we go about creating efficiency in our regular lives.

Based on Tim Levine's Default to Trust premise, Gladwell analyzed why we humans seek to trust.

By breaking down a number of high-profile cases, he analyzes how some of the most deprave situations came about. It is scary reading.

There is a cost to defaulting to trust - that sometimes we get betrayed.

But what is the effect to us if we choose instead to question every human interaction? What does that do to us?

How does this knowledge affect our daily networking decisions as we go about in the Future of Work?

For more detail go to my website tiltthefuture.com and read:

Malcolm on Trust: Default to truth

Face to face interviews are not the best predictor of someone's abilities. And after doing the research for his book 'Talking to Strangers - What we should know about the people we don't know' Malcolm Gladwell has stopped doing face to face interviews for his personal organization.

Based on the interview of @Gladwell by Heather Reisman at UofT Rotman's School of Business  Big Ideas Speaker Series as he was doing his book tour for #TalkingToStrangers

For more read:

karenadesouza.com/malcolm-on-job-interviews

Few things will compel me to wake at the break of dawn to find myself on the early train into Toronto.

Malcolm Gladwell is a man who speaks my language. The language of outliers and tipping points. He is driven by data, patterns, anomalies and interrupts. And people. And he talks in stories.

Sound familiar?

Here is a riff on his book cover for his latest book #TalkingToStrangers.

For more visit: 

https://karenadesouza.com/coffee-with-malcolm-gladwell/