Season 2, Episode 11: Director of Security and Emergency Management Services at Seneca, Michelle Dakin

In this episode we sit down with two of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs in the spa industry and take a close look a how each of them responded to the COVID-19 lockdowns, discovered new ways to innovate, and emerge from the worst of the pandemic lockdowns ultimately stronger than they were pre-lockdown. Today’s Guests: Celine Tadrissi, and Elena Zinchenko Celine Tadrissi is the founder / owner of Hammam Spa by Céla. With 2 locations in Toronto, Hammam Spa has been one of Toronto’s most beautiful and renowned spas since opening their first location 15 years ago.  Hamman Spa by Céla was recently awarded Canada’s Top Day Spa for 2021 by the London England based World Spa Awards.  Celine tadrissi is also the founder of luxury skincare line, Cela and sits on the board of directors of the Leading Spas of Canada, which is how we met. Elena Zinchenko also on the board of directors of Leading Spas of Canada (and a former chair) is the spa Director at the luxurious TenSpa, which she helped launch 17 years ago in the beautiful Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, in the province of Manitoba. Elena is also the business director of The Face Bar, also in Winnipeg, which she launched 2 years ago.  The Face Bar’s mission is to bring intensive skincare treatments and medical grade products to the public at affordable prices because top quality skincare shouldn’t have to be a luxury. In this episode, we discuss: How “remembering the why” of being in business provided a focus on where to innovate How a commitment to top quality kept loyal clients guests coming back How strategic collaboration with other brands helped to bring in new clients Much more! To Contact Our Guests: Elena Zinchenko: Click here to connect to Ten Spa Click here to connect to The Face Bar Celine Tadrissi Click here to connect to Hammam Spa by Céla Click here to connect to the luxury skincare line, Céla To Connect with Pat Perdue Twitter: https://twitter.com/patperdue Website: https://www.patperdue.com

16 Joulu 202142min

About Today's Show Today's episode focuses on the SMILE Mentoring program at Seneca College.  Smile is a mentorship program that puts new students in touch with a senior student mentor within a similar program area or identity who can support them in their transition to Seneca. And our guests today – we have two guests -  are both students who participate in the SMILE program in different ways.  Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1.  Specifically how the SMILE mentors can help new students  really thrive during their time at Seneca College 2. The value of being a mentor, and what it's like to see the huge impact mentors have on the student lives of the people they help. 3.  How having a mentor can help new students at Seneca naviage the complexity of life here, and even help manage the stress. And a lot more... About Today's Guests, Ar Jay Mateo, and Toni Petitt Ar Jay Mateo is in his first year at Seneca@York.  Ar Jay is a CLP (Chemical Laboratory Tech - Pharmaceutical) student, an avid reader, gamer, and sings and runs for fun. Toni Petitt previously graduated from the Recreational & Leisure services diploma program, and currently is studying in the Child and Youth Care Advanced Diploma Program.  I loved getting the chance to meet AJ and Toni, and I’m excited to share our conversation with you.  Important Links and Contact Information: Important Links: For more about the SMILE Mentoring Program, click here COVID-19 Updates All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.   Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening!   Pat Perdue

14 Joulu 202129min

About Today's Show This episode is specifically directed to the students of Seneca who might be wondering about "life after "Seneca College."  And that’s why we're  so excited about our guest for this episode - Seneca Graduate, Joseph Osei Bonsu, who joins the podcast to talk about how he succeeded at Seneca, made friends, and learned what he needed for a career as a professional artist and illustrator. Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1.  What it was like at Seneca, and how he overcame some initial shyness and found his group. 2. Joseph shares how he launched the "Heroes of the World" series (it involved jumping fences, sneaking into Caribana, and just making it happen) 3.  What it was like to illustrate Race With Me, a book published by Scholastic, and written by Andre DeGras and Robert "Lucky" Budd. 4.  How you might have seen him around town on the Challenge Accepted posters. And a lot more... About Today's Guest, Joseph Osei Bonsu Born in Toronto, Ontario, Joseph Osei Bonsu has always had a fascination with the visual arts. His inspiration originates from comic books and animated shows that he grew up watching. His fascination with the visual arts encouraged him to enroll in Sheridan College (Art Fundamentals) and Seneca College in the Digital Media Arts and 3D Animation programs. Since graduating, Joseph has provided illustration work for companies such as CBC, CIBC, TD Canada Trust, ArtXperiential, The City Of Toronto, and more. Joseph is also the co-founder of Heroes of the World with his long-time friend, Mark Williams. The comic-inspired brand features heroes and villains that represent different countries around the world.  Joseph also illustrated the children's book Race With Me with authors Andre DeGrasse (famous Canadian Olympic sprinter) and Robert Budd. Important Links and Contact Information: Heroes of the World Links Heroes of the World website, click here Heroes of the World on Insta, click here Heroes of the World on Twitter, click here Heroes of the World on Facebook, click here Race With Me Links Race with Me, illustrated by Joseph Osei Bonsu, click here All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.   Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening!   Pat Perdue

30 Marras 202128min

About Today's Show This episode is the first episode of #SenecaProud Season 4!  And we kick off the season with an interview with Seneca College President, David Agnew. When we last spoke with President Agnew, things were a lot different.  While Seneca College was completely closed with the exception of some key programs that absolutely required in-person teaching, there was still a lot going on.  The transformative project, Au Large, was ramping up. (for more on what that project was about, you can click here, or listen to some episodes from last season, which was just about entirely dedicated Au Large) Also in this episode, we also talk about: 1.  What students, staff, and faculty can expect when they return to campus.  Note:  Anyone returning to campus needs to show proof of vaccination. 2.  How technology is transforming some of the classes into "HyFlex" learning, allowing students to attend classes in whatever way is best for them. 3.  The latest TikTok trend.  (Hint:  It's a bones day!) About Today's Guest, President David Agnew With extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, David Agnew became the fifth president of Seneca in July 2009, and has held that position for 12 years. Under his leadership, Seneca has experienced record growth in enrollment and expanded its offerings in both undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the largest colleges in Canada, Seneca is growing its applied research, broadening international and corporate partnerships, investing in capital expansion and adopting an innovative academic direction to increase experiential, cross-disciplinary and flexible learning opportunities. Mr. Agnew was Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the public service in the Government of Ontario, Canada from 1992 to 1995 after serving as Principal Secretary to the Premier. In 1995, he led the Public-Private Partnerships Project and was seconded to Massey College at the University of Toronto where he was a Senior Resident.  He was the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, the first head of the organization recruited from outside the international development sector. As Principal for the consulting firm Digital 4Sight, he led the firm’s global research initiative on Governance in the Digital Economy, an exploration of the impact of technology on government and democracy. In the co-operative sector, he was the Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary for the Credit Union Central of Ontario. Mr. Agnew was the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, the national dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses. Mr. Agnew’s working life started in high school as a newspaper reporter in Toronto and he continued his journalism career in St. John’s, Ottawa and Edmonton. He was the gold medallist when he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.A. in political science. Following his studies, he was a Parliamentary Intern at the House of Commons of Canada. In 2012, Mr. Agnew received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community. Important Links and Contact Information To find Noodle (yes, THAT Noodle) on Instagram, click here To find Noodle on TikTok, click here For more on the Au Large Program, click here To read more about HyFlex Learning, click here All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.   Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening!   Pat Perdue

16 Marras 202127min

Few would argue that the luxury spa industry requires among the highest standards of guest experience in the world, in which every detail is (or should be) designed not just to please you, or relax you, but to transform you into your better self.  Our guest today, Jean-Guy de Gabriac, is one of the world’s foremost authorities on luxury spas. In this episode we discuss: The role of “flow” in every spa How designing the “guest experience” can begin at the architecture level The secret of creating a lasting “wow” experience that keeps guests coming back Much more (including World Wellness Weekend) About our Guest, Jean-Guy de Gabriac Jean-Guy de Gabriac is an award-winning advisor & educator on the art of crafting the spa experience.  Some of the most beautiful destination resort spas in the world have relied on Jean-Guy’s renowned insights to create that “wow” spa experience that keeps clients coming back.  Jean-Guy is also the founder of World Wellness Weekend, which falls on September 18th and 19th this year (this is its 5th year).  This year, over 130 countries, over 900 cities, and nearly 1,400 venues so far, have committed to participate in World Wellness Weekend this year.  In alignment with the UNITED NATIONS’ 3rd Sustainable Development Goal, “Good Health & Wellbeing for All”, WWW inspires people around the world to enjoy healthy lifestyles through safe, free and fun activities and exciting special offers.  If you go to their website (which I’ll link to in the show notes), wherever you happen to be in the world, World Wellness Weekend connects wellness enthusiasts to nearby professionals through its geo-locator on their website.  If you’re a wellness professional, go and sign up.  It’s absolutely free. Jean-Guy also serves as Conference producer of World Spa & Wellness Conventions (London & Dubai) ; he is the immediate past Chair of the “Supporting the UNs 17 SDGs” through the Global Wellness Institute.  He is a Board Member of the International Massage Association, and Judge at the World Spa & Wellness Awards.  Jean-Guy has contributed to over 300 articles in the media, and as of today, at least 1 podcast!  Important Links and Contact Information To contact Jean-Guy Please visit his website: https://www.tiptouch.com/en/ To connect with Jean-Guy on Linkedin, click here To Reach World Wellness Weekend: https://www.world-wellness-weekend.org/ To reach The Leading Spas of Canada Website https://www.leadingspasofcanada.com/ To Connect with Pat Perdue Twitter: https://twitter.com/patperdue Website: https://www.patperdue.com

21 Heinä 202150min

Super glad to be back with you!  I took some time away from the podcast during this pandemic. And now that I’m back and this is going to be a GREAT show for you! Now that COVID is becoming part of our history, things are OPENING UP!  We have the pandemic on the run!  People are thinking about what it’s all going to be like when we can start calling things “normal.” One of those things is going to be weddings!  Remember those?  Lots of people, two of whom are pledging their life-long love and devotion for each other, and then there’s drinking, and dancing, and all-around partying?  Yeah!  That was actually a thing!  We did that! I know a few couples who have actually put off getting married because they wanted to have that “thing,” and now people are really starting to think about making it happen. Our guest happens to be one of the larger wedding entertainment companies in the New York / New Jersey area.  So, if you want to talk about big weddings, amazing entertainment (where the musicians are often Broadway performers), these are the folks who set that up. And this podcast is about all things Customer Experience, so what is one of the most intense customer experience situations around?  Weddings!  Our guest, Mike Saulpaugh, has a really interesting take on what it means to deliver a great customer experience. About our Guest, Michael Saulpaugh Michael Saulpaugh is Managing Partner at Elegant Music Group, based out of Montclair, NJ. In addition to his 18 years in the events and entertainment industry, Michael has a professional background in creative advertising. His work has been featured in Adweek and BuzzFeed has called him, “hilariously clever.”  Michael, as you’ll hear, is all about leveraging the experience of the customer to drive business growth, and was selected to and is now a contributing member on the Forbes Business Council. Elegant Music Group Website: https://elegantmusicgroup.com/ To connect with Pat Perdue: Instagram: @pat_perdue_brand_strategist Twitter: @patpatperdue

7 Heinä 202135min

About Today's Show In this episode, like we’ve done in previous sessions, we’re revisiting this season's conversations and taking a look at some common themes.  While many themes emerged, such as returning to campus safely, the impact of the pandemic on how we live and work at Seneca, and of course the Au Large, one theme was present in every conversation. Each and every one of these conversations featured someone’s commitment to make things better.  And beyond asking the difficult question, "How can I make things better," following up with, “With the resources I have, what’s the biggest difference I can make?”   And then going out and getting it done. In the full-length interview with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair Mark Solomon, he mentioned that his work stands on the shoulders of people who have come before us.  That image is  a perfect way to describe the work of this season's guests:  Not only do we honour the people who have done the work that we’re building on and benefiting from, but that image also implies that when we have left the scene, others will come along to take up the challenge, and they’ll be standing on our shoulders. So the question is:  How can we give those who will follow us the biggest boost?  How can we stand as tall as possible, to help them succeed. In these conversations, you will hear 10 people tackling big issues, very much in the act of standing tall, for the benefit of those who will follow. COVID-19 Updates All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.   Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening!   Pat Perdue

6 Huhti 202133min

About Today's Show In today's episode, we speak with Jo Gomes, Professor in the Social Service Worker Program, and Maureen Bornbaum, former Seneca Student (now faculty), co-authors of the ground-breaking study, The Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region. (click here for a link to the report) According to some research, upwards of 40% of homeless youth belong to the LGBTTGNCQ+ community, yet, in 2017, how well this community is served by supporting agencies in York Region had received little, if any, disciplined analysis.  Professor Jo Gomes recognized this as an opportunity not only to study this question, but also to introduce her students to the real work of field analysis.  The result was a groundbreaking study, Sponsored by Seneca College and published in 2018, that not only had a measurable impact on how LGBTTGNCQ+ homeless youth are served in York Region, but also created a lifelong learning experience for Jo's students (the study's research assistants), and for Jo as well, and is a definitive example of Seneca's role in not only providing great student experiences, but also benefiting the community at large. Also in this episode, we talk about: 1.  The journey of the report, from inception to reality. 2.  Maureen's experience as a student, and how the experience of the research impacted her academic and professional career. 3.  Steps taken to ensure the research was not left to languish on a website, but transformed into genuine action. 4.  And lots more! About Today's Guests, Professors Jo Gomes and Maureen Bornbaum Jo Gomes (Pronouns she / her / hers) Professor Jo Gomes is the Principal Faculty overseeing the research: The Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region, and has been a faculty in the Seneca College Social Service Worker program since 2006.   Professor Gomes also has a BSW degree from Ryerson University and a Masters in Social Work from York University.  Jo has worked on the front lines assisting youth and adults, including those experiencing mental health issues, homelessness, addiction and intimate partner violence. Most of her work has been involved in social justice initiatives. Jo has worked on planning committee’s for York Region’s Take Back the Night, Pride York Region and International Women’s Day Events, and was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Seneca College.  Jo is also the recipient of the Premier Award, which honors the important social and economic contribution college graduates make in Ontario and throughout the world. Jo currently sits on Seneca’s Academic Council and is part of the Equity Diversity Inclusion Curriculum Committee. Maureen Bornbaum (she / her) Maureen Bornbaum is also a faculty member of the Seneca College Social Service Worker program, having also graduated from the Program in 2017.  Maureen is a Registered Social Service Worker, Certified Addictions Counsellor & Clinical Traumatologist who works in the field of substance abuse services.  Maureen is also Director of Community at Cornerstone to Recovery, an intentional community providing support for those in recovery. Professor Bornbaum also has a Bachelor of Honours in Global Development and Gender Studies from Queen’s University in addition to a Social Service Worker Diploma from Seneca College. She has since completed professional development in ASIST Clinical Trauma Counselling, and is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Maureen is passionate about queer rights, social justice and community models of social services. In her free time, Maureen can be found with her two rescue dogs, Cadence and Ukee, who are both huskies from northern Ontario.  Important Links and Contact Information Click here for LGBTTGNCQ+ acronyms and definitions.  Click here to read the research report, Experiences of LGBTTGNCQ+ Homeless Youth in York Region. Click here for Cornerstone to Recovery. COVID-19 Updates All COVID-19 related information, questions or concerns should be sent to health@senecacollege.ca For Updates on Seneca's Policies Regarding COVID-19, visit here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/health This Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! #SenecaProud Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, which means it's available pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.   Click here to subscribe. While you're there, please give us a rating and leave a comment.  It really helps get our podcast found. Thanks for listening!   Pat Perdue

23 Maalis 202154min