What if the skills that actually matter in your career, time management, critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and the courage to take safe risks, are built more outside the classroom than inside it?

In this raw Unbarred Conversations episode, Cam Welsh sits down with Sonia Mellema, former case team member, JDC West captain during COVID, Director of Operations at a Calgary startup, Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp manager, and potter.

Sonia shares:

• Why overloading her plate with case competitions, student clubs, and leadership roles prepared her for real life better than lectures ever could
• The power of “soft risks” you can only safely take in university
• How getting involved outside class helped her meet different people, build relationships, and develop the mad skills employers actually want
• Lessons on work-life balance, burnout, and turning experiences into long-term strengths

Perfect for business students and young professionals who want honest, no-fluff feedback on building communication, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world

adaptability — the exact mad skills that turn good students into strong professionals.

Subscribe for more Unbarred Conversations that cut through the fluff and help you level up. Support the Discover Your Mad Skills Toolkit → buymeacoffee.com/treadsoftly

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if winning international case competitions has almost nothing to do with slides, templates, or even analysis — and everything to do with trust, team bonding, and leadership under pressure?

In this raw Unbarred Conversations episode, emeritus prof Cam Welsh sits down with Mats Urde from Lund University — championship coach at John Molson MBA International Case Competition — who compares coaching high-performance teams to sailing in a storm.

Key takeaways for business students, young professionals, case competitors & educators:

• Why “trust the force” is non-negotiable when the team presents (and why you must let go as coach)
• The legendary “lasagna bonding” ritual that turns strangers into unbreakable crews
• How to build teams that fight hard but stay friends — never leave anyone behind
• Why human creativity & live discussion beat AI every time in case-based learning
• Real debrief routines (Navy-style) that pull thorns before the next case
• 
  

If you want the honest, no-fluff feedback that turns good students into podium-ready communicators, critical thinkers, and creative leaders — this is it.

Subscribe for more unbarred convos that level up your mad skills. Support the mission: buymeacoffee.com/treadsoftly

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Tash Marshall-Bean, fitness instructor and entrepreneur, in conversation with Cam Welsh as they explore student engagement, mentorship, and adaptability in teaching. From transitioning to online learning during COVID-19 to fostering purpose-driven motivation, Tash shares practical strategies for educators, trainers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Discover how language, connection, and observation can transform learning, and why creating a supportive environment helps students thrive. Learn the value of mentorship, reflection through learning blogs, and teamwork in preparing students for real-world challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Empowering others creates a ripple effect of success
• Adaptability is essential in teaching and training
• Build confidence, passion, and purpose in students
• Use observation and reflection to improve learning
• Guide students through projects, entrepreneurship, and customer service
• Foster engagement and resilience in virtual and in-person settings
• 
  

Who Should Watch: Educators, coaches, mentors, students, and anyone passionate about learning, teaching, and personal growth.

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on teaching, mentorship, and entrepreneurship!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.