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"We Are Here"

Recorded at the 2025 AAHP Biennial General Meeting, The We Are Here Podcast features 20 inspiring voices from allied health across Newfoundland & Labrador. This series offers an authentic, on-the-ground look at the challenges, innovations, and vital roles of allied health professionals across the province. WATCH all the interviews here.

I. A Diverse and Essential Workforce
From physiotherapy and respiratory therapy to psychology, pharmacy, audiology, and social work, allied health professionals are essential partners in patient care. They work across all life stages, improving mobility, enabling communication, managing medications, delivering emergency and critical care, and helping people live independently. Many hold advanced degrees and bring passion, empathy, and technical skill to their work. As AAHP President Gordon Piercey notes, they are “highly educated, specialised, and dedicated to helping people.”

II. Key System Challenges
Recurring concerns include severe staffing shortages, long waitlists—especially in rural areas—and difficulty recruiting and retaining professionals. Participants described overburdened systems and time pressures that impact patient outcomes. Many called for better understanding and recognition of their roles, warning of the cost of underutilising this workforce. One example cited a major eye clinic operating at just 50% capacity due to staffing gaps. The strain is growing as the province’s population ages and healthcare needs intensify.

III. Opportunities for Change
Despite challenges, the tone is hopeful. Guests called for greater collaboration, integrated care teams, and allowing professionals to work to their full scope. Frontline voices want to be consulted in decision-making, bringing valuable insights into what works and what needs change. Innovation through technology, early intervention, and stronger support for new professionals are also seen as critical. The need for upstream, community-based care models was a frequent theme, alongside more visibility and respect for allied health roles.

IV. A Call to Action
Speakers consistently urge policymakers to “listen to us”—to the professionals delivering hands-on care every day. They call for improved resources, better training pipelines, and more public awareness. The need to promote allied health careers and increase support in rural areas is urgent. As one guest said, “valuable, knowledgeable people are leaving the system—and not enough are coming in.” Healthcare systems must evolve by supporting this essential workforce.

V. Shared Values
Throughout the podcast, a deep sense of dedication, resilience, and human connection shines through. Allied health professionals care deeply about the people they serve. Their stories show the power of collaboration, t

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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In this inspiring episode of #GaleForceWins, we sit down with Nevra Sener, an educator, counselor, and passionate advocate for newcomer mental health. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Nevra shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a multicultural family to settling in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. After completing her Master of Education at Memorial University, Nevra found her calling supporting newcomers through her work with the Association for New Canadians and now with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Nevra opens up about the emotional and cultural challenges of immigration, the importance of mental health education, and how she blends her counseling background with project management to lead impactful initiatives like Steering Success. She offers personal insights into Turkish culture, collectivism, and how different communities approach mental health. Most powerfully, she encourages newcomers not to feel alone—and reminds us that self-care is not selfish, but essential.

This conversation is a heartfelt celebration of resilience, belonging, and what it means to build a new life while giving back to the community. Whether you're a newcomer, an employer, or simply someone who values compassion and cultural understanding, this is a must-watch.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Nevra Sener
0:42 – Nevra's move from Turkey to St. John’s
1:01 – Growing up in Istanbul and cultural background
1:20 – The influence of Nevra’s immigrant roots
2:04 – Psychological insights from cultural upbringing
2:41 – Minimalism vs. collectivist habits
3:26 – Nevra's childhood interests and communication skills
4:08 – The importance of interpersonal communication
5:10 – Educational influences and her sister as a role model
5:51 – Meaning of her and her sister's names
6:53 – Nevra’s academic journey and love for school
7:54 – Working as a school counselor in Istanbul
9:00 – Helping students manage anxiety and choose careers
9:48 – How Nevra met her husband
10:30 – Marriage and family roles in Turkish culture
11:18 – Deciding to move to Canada during COVID-19
12:50 – Applying to universities and choosing Memorial
14:09 – First impressions of Newfoundland
15:00 – Community support and sense of belonging
15:45 – Her husband’s transition and love of cooking
17:30 – Nevra’s work post-graduation with ANC and CMHA
21:00 – Newcomer challenges: employment and housing
22:30 – Current project: Steering Success for mental health
25:00 – Importance of employers in newcomer integration
28:30 – Cultural differences in discussing mental health
31:00 – Mental health evolution in Turkey
33:00 – Collectivist vs. individualist approach to mental health
35:45 – Nevra’s future hopes professionally and personally
37:30 – Describing Newfoundland to her family in Turkey
39:00 – What makes Newfoundland’

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

In this special episode of Gale Force Wins, guest host Spencer Carew sits down in Kassel, Germany with his host Mark Kohler—an architect and entrepreneur—to explore life, business, and culture through an international lens. Mark shares his journey from freelancing to leading a firm of 25 employees, designing schools and public buildings, and even transforming a historic swimming pool into a vibrant office and event space. The conversation dives into architecture as a tool for community building, the value of hosting international students, the challenges of Germany’s labour market, and the importance of work-life balance. With reflections on creativity, burnout, and what makes Germany’s quality of life so unique, this cross-cultural exchange is both thoughtful and inspiring.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome to Gale Force Wins Season 5
0:15 – Introduction to the episode: Spencer in Kassel, Germany
0:52 – What excites Mark about the future of Kassel
1:27 – Why Mark became an architect
2:31 – The value of hosting international students
3:30 – First impressions of Germany and opportunity for youth
3:56 – The biggest challenge of running a business in Germany
4:44 – Where Mark sees himself in 5–10 years
5:28 – How Mark built his architecture career
6:38 – Transforming an old swimming pool into an office and event space
7:39 – Breathing new life into heritage buildings
8:48 – Current sustainable projects: all-wood school gymnasium
9:54 – Favourite spaces to design
10:42 – Discipline, deadlines, and burnout in architecture
12:14 – The importance of self-awareness and stamina
13:19 – Canada vs. Europe: work-life balance and creativity
14:30 – Creating beauty where there’s scarcity
15:31 – Germany’s quality of life and its impact on business
16:14 – Wrapping up the interview
17:10 – Thank you for watching Gale Force Wins

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of Gale Force Wins, we sit down with Aisha Umar, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. Originally from Nigeria, Aisha shares her remarkable journey through Kentucky to St. John’s, where she found both a community and a calling. We explore her academic background, love for social enterprise, and deep commitment to community-driven work. Aisha opens up about overcoming cultural challenges, building a life in Newfoundland, and stepping into leadership with purpose and passion. This is a story of bold moves, big impact, and the power of belonging.

Timestamps – Aisha Umar | Hospitality NL

00:00 – Welcome to Gale Force Wins Season 5
00:50 – Meet Aisha Umar, COO of Hospitality NL
01:17 – From Nigeria to Kentucky to Newfoundland
02:35 – First impressions & surviving Snowmageddon
04:08 – Growing up in Nigeria: family, values, and early life
06:00 – Business lessons from mom & dad
08:51 – Academic journey: degrees in accounting & finance
12:00 – Culture shock & adapting to Kentucky
14:39 – Discovering Memorial University’s MBA in Social Enterprise
20:00 – Moving to Newfoundland for education and staying for community
24:25 – Snowmageddon: the turning point
26:00 – Small cohort, big support at MUN
28:30 – Career path: nonprofit work & government roles
30:30 – The value of mentorship
33:10 – Embracing Newfoundland’s hospitality & giving back
34:50 – New role as COO of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
36:04 – Representation, responsibility, and love for tourism
39:04 – Vision for supporting the province’s tourism industry
42:01 – A rising tide: collaboration and optimism
44:00 – What excites her most about the road ahead
46:05 – Final advice: “Do it even if you are afraid. Enjoy the ride.”

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Mia Francis, the dynamic founder of Chic Celebrations NL, a business focused on event planning, decorating, and creating unforgettable experiences. Mia takes us on a journey through her entrepreneurial path, sharing her background growing up in Birmingham, UK, and transitioning to life in Canada.

She talks about how her family and early experiences sparked her entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges she faced in starting her own business. From running a juice stand at 18 to working in the aviation industry, Mia’s story is filled with valuable lessons on resilience, hard work, and the power of following your passion.

0:00 - Introduction
0:54 - Mia discusses her business at Chic Celebrations NL
1:01 - Mia explains her event planning and decorating services
1:18 - Overview of Chic workshops and events
1:31 - Discussion of the event space and its character
2:00 - Mia talks about her upbringing in Birmingham, UK
2:19 - Transition to life in Goose Bay, Canada
2:43 - Mia’s parents’ background and their influence on her
3:01 - Entrepreneurial inspiration from her grandparents
3:37 - Mia shares her entrepreneurial drive and the moment of starting her business
4:29 - Growing up in the UK and the transition to life in Canada
5:01 - Mia describes life in Birmingham and its combination of city and countryside
6:06 - Adjusting to life in Goose Bay and the impact on Mia’s entrepreneurial mindset
8:02 - Mia’s early entrepreneurial ventures and the juice stand she started
10:00 - Discussing her role in the aviation industry and its impact on her business mindset
13:02 - Mia talks about her experience in the aviation industry and meeting influential people
13:57 - Pivoting during the pandemic and how it shaped her journey
16:04 - Transition to working in Nunavut and the remote work experience
17:10 - Mia shares her return to St. John’s after her time in Nunavut
18:05 - Mia’s move to St. John’s and the start of her business venture
19:06 - Introduction to Chic Socials and its range of services
19:46 - Mia’s unique approach to events and creating memorable experiences
21:30 - Hosting social events, workshops, and collaborations with local businesses
22:45 - The future growth of Chic Socials and upcoming summer events
23:51 - Challenges and the importance of community involvement in business
25:51 - Mia talks about Newfoundland hospitality and its influence on her
27:04 - Mia compares her life in Newfoundland with her time in the UK
28:04 - Future plans for Chic Socials and business aspirations
29:08 - Mia discusses the entrepreneurial leap and overcoming self-doubt
31:13 - The importance of motivation and staying focused on business goals
33:59 - Mia’s advice to others about embracing the entrepreneurial journey
36:03 - Final thoughts from Mia on staying motivated in business

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

Michael Cojocar is a Canadian born Architect and entrepreneur based in Budapest. He has designed countless buildings in and around Hungary. This is a very interesting conversation recorded in the Canadian Embassy in Budapest for which Michael was the architect. This is one of a series of conversations with Canadians living in Budapest that Allan and Gerry recorded in November of 2022. This trip was facilitated by Dr. Judit Lovas who also served as guest host for each interview. We have been holding on to many of these interviews to release over time. To watch the other interviews to which more will be added over the coming months visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_i21kubdZSj6nijDs-tHaW9T1vRHscXS

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

In this episode of we feature two bright young business students, Russell Noseworthy and Nathan Young, who are just beginning their journeys in the business world. They share their experiences, inspirations, and insights into the student-managed investment fund at Memorial University, as well as their participation and two year back to back first place wins in the prestigious Van Burkom case competition.

0:00 – Introduction to Gale Force Wins Season 5
0:11 – Gerry discusses the podcast's origin and how this episode features two guests at the beginning of their journey.
0:35 – Welcome to Russell Noseworthy and Nathan Young
1:22 – Russell introduces himself and his background
2:23 – Nathan introduces himself and shares his background
3:01 – Nathan talks about his inspiration for studying business
3:55 – Russell discusses his inspiration for choosing business over engineering
4:46 – Russell reflects on his personal interests and volunteering experiences
5:32 – Russell and Nathan discuss the student-managed investment fund
6:11 – The growth of the fund from $150,000 to $400,000
7:02 – Russell and Nathan discuss the real-world skills gained through the fund
8:02 – Mentors involved with the fund
8:50 – Russell and Nathan reflect on the fund’s performance during volatile market conditions
9:22 – Russell and Nathan talk about the importance of sticking to long-term strategies
10:16 – The roles of students involved in the fund
11:03 – Nathan shares how the fund has shaped his career
11:37 – Russell explains his role and responsibilities as a co-portfolio manager
12:03 – The role of faculty advisers and the support from Memorial University
12:53 – Russell explains the growth and goals of the student-managed fund
13:42 – Nathan reflects on his experience and the connections made through the fund
14:11 – Russell talks about the plans for growing the fund to $1 million
15:04 – Participation in the Van Berkom case competition
15:53 – The annual industry trip for senior members of the fund
16:05 – Russell and Nathan discuss the preparations for the case competition
17:12 – The experience of preparing for the competition
19:09 – Russell and Nathan talk about their first time competing in the Van Burkham case competition
34:02 – Russell talks about how the team celebrated after the competition
37:00 – Reflecting on their success in representing Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University
39:31 – Nathan talks about being awarded the Frank H. Sobey Award for excellence in business
41:07 – Russell shares his future plans after graduation
42:13 – Nathan talks about his job offer in Toronto and plans to stay connected with Newfoundland and Labrador
43:07 – Nathan and Russell reflect on the importance of business in the community
44:23 – Perspectives on the future of business and sustainability in Newfoundland and Labrador

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

Peter Mansbridge joined #GaleForceWins in November 2024 at the National Association of Career Colleges conference. In this special flashback episode of #GaleForceWins, Allan Dale is joined by the legendary Peter Mansbridge at the National Association of Career Colleges conference in November 2024. Peter, renowned for his impactful journalism and role in shaping Canadian media, discusses the critical contribution of private regulated career colleges to Canada’s workforce and economy.

As they explore the current job market, Peter reflects on the significance of career colleges in shaping the future of work in Canada, sharing insights from his book How Canada Works. But the conversation doesn’t stop there – Peter also takes a moment to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, the collaborative spirit of our country, and how Canada’s global reputation stands as a beacon of kindness and compassion.

Join us for this engaging conversation that combines insights on education, career development, and what makes Canada such a unique place in the world.

0:00 – Welcome back to Gale Force Wins Season 5
0:13 – Gerry Carew gives an intro and indicates this will be a flashback episode
1:00 – Re-visiting the interview with Peter Mansbridge
1:18 – Alan Dale's introduction at the NACC conference
1:49 – Introduction of Peter Mansbridge
2:01 – Peter Mansbridge talks about career colleges and job market
2:44 – Discussion on how people find jobs and career colleges’ role
3:09 – Peter talks about his book "How Canada Works"
4:01 – Importance of real jobs in Canada
4:47 – The role of career colleges in shaping Canada's workforce
5:13 – Alan talks about collaboration among 300 colleges
6:01 – Peter discusses Canada’s ability to collaborate despite differences
7:00 – Peter reflects on the goodness in people at the NACC conference
7:50 – Peter shares his pride in being Canadian and the global view of Canada
8:32 – Peter emphasizes Canada’s global reputation and the importance of helping others
8:44 – Closing remarks and thanks to Peter Mansbridge
8:51 – End of episode

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/