In this unique episode, we sit down with Dr. Jane Goodyer, Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University and a global leader in reimagining engineering education. From her inspiring personal journey to pioneering Canada’s first fully work-integrated digital technologies degree, Jane shares how academia and industry can collaborate to prepare graduates for the ever-changing world of work.

We explore:

• What “work-integrated learning” really means and why it matters.
• How resilience, curiosity, and empathy are critical skills for tomorrow’s engineers.
• The role of psychological safety and active learning in shaping future talent.
• Why continuous learning and breaking down silos between education and industry is essential.

Whether you’re an SRE, an educator, or a lifelong learner, this conversation will challenge how you think about skills, adaptability, and preparing for the unexpected.

Things to listen for:

Jane’s Origin Story

• Her working-class background and early challenges.

• How resilience shaped her journey.

Work-Integrated Learning Explained

• Why it’s more than internships or co-ops.

• Active vs. passive learning and why doing matters.

Resilience for the Future of Work

• Why adaptability and psychological safety are essential.

Soft Skills as Hard Skills

• Empathy, communication, curiosity, and self-awareness.

Industry-Academia Collaboration

• The Trailblazer process and what employers really want.

Continuous Learning Beyond Graduation

• Breaking silos between education and work.

Advice for Engineers

• Be curious, brave, and true to your values.