Shows
The Commudemy PodcastImprov as a Leadership Tool: Sarah Filman on Playful Perspectives and Purposeful Practice🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Filman – founder of Playful Perspectives and co-founder of The Improv Mindset – to explore how play and improv reshape the way we lead, connect, and build culture.Once a product manager navigating traditional leadership frameworks, Sarah shares how discovering improv transformed her approach to communication, risk, and authenticity - both personally and professionally.We dive into: 🎭 How improv builds trust, courage, and creative confidence 🧠 Why play is a mindset, not just a team-building exercise 🤝 What it means to co-create community and shift from solo to shared leader...2025-06-2531 minThe Commudemy PodcastRewriting the Entreprenurial Playbook in SE Asia: Will Fan on Scaling People and Cultures Across Borders🎙️ In this episode, I have a wide-ranging conversation with Will Fan – CEO and Head of School at NewCampus, a modern business school based in Singapore that's reshaping how companies build learning cultures across Southeast Asia. 🇸🇬✨Will shares his 10+ year journey as an entrepreneur, investor, and education innovator, from launching a scrappy startup called QLC to growing NewCampus into a regional powerhouse that has served over 130,000 learners and 500+ tech companies. We dive deep into:🌏 Why Southeast Asia is the ideal testbed for reinventing education 📚 Building learning in the flow of work—not outside of it 🤝 Community a...2025-06-1131 minThe Commudemy PodcastHealing Beyond the Algorithm: Rethinking Mental Health w/MyOasis Founder Daniel Chipres🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Chipres — founder of MyOasis, an AI-powered mental health platform rooted in compassion, cultural fluency, and intentional healing.From a childhood marked by instability to a transformative chapter in the military, Daniel’s journey is a raw, moving story of growth, faith, and purpose. We explore how his lived experiences informed the creation of MyOasis — a tool that reimagines mental health care for communities often left out of traditional systems.We dive deep into: 🧠 Why mental health solutions must be culturally fluent, spiritually inclusive, and personalized.2025-06-0440 minThe Commudemy PodcastCommunity as a Vehicle for Empowerment: The Story of LDC w/Co-Founders Shraddha Rawat & Parisha JainIn this episode, I sit down with Shraddha Rawat and Parisha Jain, the dynamic co-founders of The Learning Designers Community (LDC) — a volunteer-led global collective of 4,300+ learning professionals spanning 38+ countries.Born from a single post in a Google Group, LDC has rapidly become one of the most vibrant, cross-sectoral communities in the world — uniting educators, corporate L&D leaders, edtech innovators, and nonprofit professionals with one mission: to reimagine learning design for a more human, inclusive, and impactful future.We explore: 💬 How Shraddha and Parisha turned a grassroots idea into a thrivi...2025-05-2842 minThe Commudemy PodcastGrassroots by Design: Phil Magnuszewski on Cultivating AI Communities of PracticeIn this episode, I have an energizing conversation with Philip Magnuszewski – AI community organizer, tech industry veteran, and the force behind New Hampshire’s grassroots AI movement. 🤖Phil shares his 25+ year journey in technology and how it led him to build hyper-local, people-powered ecosystems that make AI accessible, ethical, and actionable. We dive deep into:🌐 The growing digital divide and why awareness alone isn’t enough. 🏘️ Why community-led AI is the most powerful way to bring people along for the ride. 🌲Lessons from New Hampshire: how to launch your own local AI initiative—and why...2025-05-2130 minThe Commudemy PodcastFrom Skydives to Startups: Mikhail Markine on Performing and Leading with IntentionIn this episode, I sit down with Mikhail Markine – software engineer, performance coach, and elite skydiver. 🎙️🔥With over 13,000 jumps, 4 World Championship golds, 4 World Cup golds, and numerous national titles, Mikhail brings a world-class lens to everything he does. We recently met in person in San Francisco, where I got to hear his story firsthand.Mikhail’s personality brings a rare mix of vulnerability, thoughtfulness, and ambition. From high-stakes teamwork to finding purpose through performance, this is a conversation about pushing limits and staying human. We dive into:🚀 How stress, fear, and focus can unloc...2025-05-0737 minThe Commudemy PodcastArchitect Your Life: Scott Rusnak on Building with Traction and PurposeIn this episode, I bring on as my guest Scott Rusnak — executive coach, expert EOS Implementer, board-certified coach for the US and British Olympic teams, and seasoned entrepreneur. 🎙️✨We dive into:🚴♂️ Lessons from competitive cycling and entrepreneurship🧠 The six key components of EOS (Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, Traction)🤝 The power of saying "no" and building the right community🌎 Thriving in a tech-driven, human-centered world🔥 Becoming the architect of your own lifeFollow Scott and his work here:Website: https://scottrusnak.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrusnak/Podcast produced by Riti Sur...2025-04-3018 minThe Commudemy PodcastSouvenirs of Connection: Abubakar Sheriff on Designing Events That Build Enduring CommunityIn this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Abubakar Sheriff — founder of Qariyb, a community-driven events platform on a mission to bring people closer through intentional, inclusive, and spiritually aligned gatherings. 🎙️✨Abubakar shares his journey from growing up in Saudi Arabia and Philadelphia, to launching Qariyb out of a missed event and a deep desire to reconnect people with purpose-driven communities. We dive into:🌐 Why proximity is possibility — and how physical closeness amplifies human connection. 🤝 Building tech that serves people, not replaces them — a case for values-aligned design. 🕌 Creating space for Muslims to find even...2025-04-2330 minThe Commudemy PodcastRooted in Care: Shahamat Chowdhury on Purposeful Career CoachingIn this episode, I sit down with Shahamat Chowdhury – founder of Salam Consulting, career coach, community builder, and passionate advocate for accessible, human-centered coaching. Shahamat shares the deeply personal story behind Salam Consulting — a journey rooted in family legacy, shaped by failure, and driven by a desire to serve others with dignity and care. We explore:🧭 The role of failure as a catalyst for growth, especially in South Asian communities where it’s often taboo. 👥 Why building meaningful, inclusive, and psychologically safe communities takes more than just networking—it takes intention. 💬 The difference betw...2025-04-1636 minThe Commudemy PodcastHuman Intelligence in the Age of AI: A Conversation with Lori FigueiredoIn this episode, I sit down with Lori Figueiredo – global education strategist, digital learning expert, and founder of Syzygy – an organization that helps teams align human intelligence (HI) with artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve breakthrough impact.Lori shares her incredible journey from growing up in apartheid-era South Africa to leading learning transformation initiatives across 100+ countries. With decades of experience across government, NGOs, startups, and corporations, she offers a compelling vision for the future of learning that centers on people, purpose, and measurable impact.We explore: 🔗 The five key principles of Syzygy: People...2025-04-1439 minThe Commudemy PodcastClosing the Chapter: What I Learned from Season 1In this season finale, I step away from interviews to share a personal reflection on what Season 1 has meant to me. From the inspiring stories of our guests to my own recent experiences, this episode is about the quiet power of showing up - authentically, vulnerably, and even when it’s uncomfortable.I share the lessons I’ve learned around community building, the courage it takes to ask for help, and how growth often begins in unfamiliar places.Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see you in Season 2.2025-04-0206 minThe Commudemy PodcastBeyond the Label: Lana Jelenjev on Neurodiversity & Strengths-Based EducationIn this episode, I sit down with Lana Jelenjev, co-founder of the Neurodiversity Education Academy and an advocate for inclusive, strengths-based learning environments. Lana shares her journey in neurodiversity advocacy, building spaces of belonging, and rethinking education to celebrate individual strengths.In this episode, we discuss:🧠 Shifting from "what's wrong" to "what's strong" in neurodiversity.🌍 Creating truly inclusive learning and workplace environments.📚 Strengths-based education and motivation.🎭 How passion-driven learning can unlock potential.Lana’s approach to inclusion is about empowerment, understanding, and celebrating ne...2025-03-1931 min
Aidan's Infinite PlayE52 Farhan Quasem: Leveraging Community To Create Effective Learning ExperiencesFarhan has 12 years of experience driving innovation and delivering scalable digital solutions, He specializes in leading transformative product teams that exceed client expectations. His expertise spans multiple industries, including AI/ML, education, finance, healthcare, and hospitality, where he's successfully implemented strategies leveraging both agile and waterfall methodologies.In this podcast you will learn:- How community plays a role in Learning Experience Design- How learning differs across culture- The most overlooked sensory dimensions in Learning Experience Design2025-03-1351 minThe Commudemy PodcastLive Your Truth: How Channél Jordan Builds Community Through Creative ExpressionIn this episode, I sit down with Channél Jordan - a creative visionary, digital storyteller, and community builder - to discuss the power of authenticity, fashion, and community. Channél shares her journey from working in the legal field to embracing her passion for fashion history, creative expression, and supporting Black creatives. We explore the nuances of identity, the evolving nature of personal style, and how fashion tells deeper cultural stories.In this episode, we discuss:🌎 The importance of authenticity in creative spaces and community building.👕 Fashion as a form of storytelling and identity...2025-03-1236 minThe Commudemy PodcastFostering Flow: Culture, Community & Leadership with Philippe ArnezIn this episode, I sit down with Philippe Arnez, high-flow culture coach and founder of Culture4Flow. Philippe is a certified facilitator for the Working Genius model and an expert in fostering organizational health, leadership, and purpose-driven company cultures.We explore the power of flow in organizations and how leaders can create resilient, high-performing teams by cultivating the right cultural environment. Our conversation dives deep into:🔹 Philippe’s journey from corporate leadership to founding Culture4Flow.🔹 What flow science is and how it intersects with organizational health.🔹 The importance of psycholog...2025-03-0536 minThe Commudemy PodcastFrom QA to Community: Aziz Imomnazarov on Leadership & LearningIn this episode, I chat with Aziz Imomnazarov - Lead Software Quality Engineer, global professional, and passionate community builder. From Tajikistan to Russia, Turkey, and beyond, Aziz’s journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, connection, and cultural exchange in today’s hyper-connected world.We explore:🔥 From software engineering to social impact – how Aziz built a thriving global career while fostering meaningful communities.🌍 Navigating life across borders – lessons from living and working in different cultures.💡 From isolation to leadership – how Aziz overcame self-doubt to become a natural connector.🤝...2025-02-2539 minThe Commudemy PodcastCamille Leon on Holistic Entrepreneurship: Thriving at the Crossroads of Wellness and WorkIn this episode, I chat with Camille Leon – Founder of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC), artist, author, and advocate for holistic approaches in business and life. 🎙️✨For over 14 years, Camille has been at the forefront of holistic entrepreneurship, helping professionals build businesses that align mind, body, spirit, business, budget, and planet. We explore:🔥 From corporate burnout to holistic leadership – how Camille turned a high-stress job into a global movement.🌱 The power of community in business – why networks matter and how the HCC bridges professionals with consumers.💡 Mind, body, business: A holistic b...2025-02-1927 minThe Commudemy PodcastYour Vibe Drives Your Tribe: Prashant Uttekar on Curiosity, Coaching, and TransformationIn this episode, I sit down with Prashant Uttekar – Founder of Curious Crow, Executive & Leadership Coach, and seasoned expert in corporate learning and development. 🎙️✨With over 24 years of experience, Prashant has helped individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through coaching, leadership development, and sales enablement. We explore:🔥 The accidental journey into coaching – how simplifying complex ideas led to a lifelong passion.🧠 From introvert to enabler – the power of approachability in leadership and learning.💡 Curious Crow & the art of coaching – why curiosity is the foundation of meaningful growth.🇮🇳 The evolving coachi...2025-02-1233 minThe Commudemy PodcastThe Human in Me Sees the Human in You: Sana Alimohamed on How Play Builds CommunityIn this episode, I have an invigorating conversation with Sana Alimohamed - playful learning designer working at Duara Education, Master’s Student in Interactive Telecommunications (ITP) at NYU, and advocate for inclusive, curiosity-driven education. 🎙️✨Sana shares her incredible journey from neuroscience to storytelling to designing learning experiences that center play, trust, and human connection. We dive deep into:🎭 The power of play in education and why shared silliness is a must.🌍 Building trust across cultures and creating inclusive learning spaces.💡 Rethinking traditional learning—why education should be joyful, not rigid.Her app...2025-02-0529 minThe Commudemy PodcastFrom Poetry to Platform: How Muhammad Ali Mojaradi Is Cultivating a Global CommunityIn this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Muhammad Ali Mojaradi—linguist, educator, cultural bridge-builder, and the man behind Persian Poetics. 🎙️✨Muhammad Ali shares his journey from falling in love with Persian poetry to building a thriving global community around its timeless wisdom. We dive deep into:📖 Reviving Persian poetry in the modern age and making it accessible worldwide.🌍 Building a global learning community through shared cultural heritage.💡 Bridging tradition and technology to connect people across languages and backgrounds.His approach? Take ancient wisdom, make it modern, and build a movement.2025-01-2927 minThe Commudemy PodcastConnor Koblinski on Building Cool Shit with Cool PeopleIn this episode, I sit down with the incredible Connor Koblinski - educator, entrepreneur, AI power user, and community builder. 🎙️✨Connor shares his journey from navigating neurodiverse challenges in school to becoming a leader in education innovation. We dive deep into:💡 Harnessing AI to empower educators and students alike.🌐 Building impactful learning communities that foster collaboration and engagement.🎮 The future of education and game-changing technologies like AI-driven simulations and gamification.Connor’s philosophy? Curiosity fuels connection. Authenticity builds trust. Humility drives growth. 🚀2025-01-2225 minThe Commudemy PodcastBreaking Silos: Rehana Al-Soltane on Al Literacy and Interdisciplinary LearningIn our inaugural episode, I had the honor of chatting with Rehana Al-Soltane, Learning Manager in AI Literacy at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, whose career spans roles at Khan Lab School, Code First Girls, and more.Together, we explored:Her journey from psychology and making to AI literacyThe power of interdisciplinary learning to break down educational silosHow AI is transforming education, including tools like KhanmigoThe importance of tinkering, experimenting, and democratizing access to technologyRehana’s i...2025-01-1425 min
Always LearningEpisode 4: The Essential Role of Communities in Learning and Development with Luis MalbasIn this episode of the "Always Learning" podcast, we explore the transformative power of online learning communities with Luis Malbas, founder of TLDC (The Training, Learning, and Development Community). We are also excited to share the voice of Dream See Do's very own Farhan Quasem, who steps in as the co-host of this session.During an open and fun conversation, our host Jeremy helps to unpack the crucial roles of authenticity and vulnerability in these virtual spaces - with incredible insights from Luis and Farhan. Together their conversation weaves a thread illustrating how TLDC's inclusive environment allows...2024-04-181h 04
Will Work 4 PodcastHow to thrive in the remote workplace with Farhan QuasemFarhan Quasem has 10 years of experience managing sophisticated digital projects, implementing robust learning solutions, building high-impact teams, and fostering sustainable relationships with global clients in multiple industries (education, finance, and healthcare). He is also the founder of Commudemy, which supports job seekers to find a remote position to start living their best life.
In our interview, Farhan discusses his own experience with rejection as he was let go from his dream job at the beginning of the pandemic. From this hard position, he began to realize his own ambitions to support others who are creating opportunities to work remotely as...2022-06-2539 min