Shows
The Path We ChooseFrom Pakistani Immigrant to Canada’s Deputy Mayor: Maleeha Shahid’s Leadership Journey | TPWCFrom Pakistani Immigrant to Canada’s Deputy Mayor: Maleeha Shahid’s Leadership Journey | TPWCHow does a Pakistani immigrant rise to become a Deputy Mayor in Canada?In this powerful episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque sits down with Maleeha Shahid, the Deputy Mayor of Whitby, Ontario, public servant, leadership coach, and author. Her journey from arriving in Canada as an immigrant to stepping into public leadership is a story of resilience, courage, and purpose-driven leadership.Maleeha moved to Canada from Pakistan more than two decades ago in search of o...
2026-03-0649 min
The Path We ChooseWhy Letting Go of the Wheel Totaled My Car | EP13 ClipWhat if the key to overcoming life's biggest challenges isn't about controlling the outcome but mastering your response to it?In this powerful clip from The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque explores one of the most misunderstood concepts in personal growth: the balance between faith, effort, and surrender. This conversation dives deep into the psychology of control, emotional release, and how to navigate life's obstacles without burning out or giving up.Through a compelling personal story and practical wisdom, this clip unpacks why doing nothing in the name of faith is actually giving...
2026-03-0612 min
The Path We ChooseWhy I Left Google: From Dream Tech Job to Finding Purpose | Kareem ElsayedWhy I Left Google: From Dream Tech Job to Finding Purpose | Kareem ElsayedWhy would someone leave a high-paying job at Google?In this powerful episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), Umer Farooque speaks with former Google leader Kareem Elsayed about why he walked away from a dream tech career and what success really costs behind the scenes.After nearly a decade inside Big Tech, Kareem had what many professionals across North America strive for: prestige, stability, financial security, and rapid career growth. But achievement didn’t equal alignment. In this conversation, he...
2026-03-021h 34The Path We ChooseHow Body Language Reveals Everything About Character | EP12 ClipWhat separates good coaches from truly great ones? It's not just strategy or tactics—it's the ability to listen, communicate, and see beyond the game.In this clip of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque continues his conversation with veteran soccer coach, broadcaster, and author Glenn Crooks, diving deep into the human side of coaching: communication, leadership, and the power of listening.With five decades of experience in competitive soccer, Glenn shares personal stories from his coaching career—moments when he got it wrong, lessons he learned the hard way, and the evolution of h...
2026-02-2717 min
The Path We Choose50 Years of Coaching Wisdom: Leadership, Football Strategy & Player Development | Glenn Crooks50 Years of Coaching Wisdom: Leadership, Football Strategy & Player Development | Glenn CrooksWhat does 50 years of elite football coaching teach you about leadership, mindset, and building winning teams?In this powerful episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque speaks with veteran soccer coach, broadcaster, and author Glenn Crooks about high-performance coaching, player development, sports psychology, and leadership in football.With five decades of experience in competitive soccer, Glenn breaks down what separates average players from elite athletes, why talent is overrated, and how discipline, repetition, and mental resilience create long-term success.
2026-02-201h 16The Path We ChooseWhy High Performers Burn Out More (And How to Recover) | EP11 ClipIn this clip of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque sits down with burnout recovery expert, speaker, and author Cait Donovan to unpack the growing burnout epidemic affecting professionals across North America.This conversation explores the real causes of burnout, how chronic workplace stress impacts the nervous system, and why burnout is not just a mental health issue but a physical and neurological condition. Cait explains how high performers, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders can recognize early burnout symptoms and begin sustainable recovery.If you follow top leadership and mental health podcasts featuring voices...
2026-02-1913 min
The Path We ChooseThe Burnout Epidemic Explained: Causes, Recovery & Workplace Mental Health | Cait DonovanThe Burnout Epidemic Explained: Causes, Recovery & Workplace Mental Health | Cait DonovanIn this episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque sits down with burnout recovery expert, speaker, and author Cait Donovan to unpack the growing burnout epidemic affecting professionals across North America.This conversation explores the real causes of burnout, how chronic workplace stress impacts the nervous system, and why burnout is not just a mental health issue but a physical and neurological condition. Cait explains how high performers, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders can recognize early burnout symptoms and begin sustainable recovery.
2026-02-131h 04The Path We ChooseWhy You Don't Need a Gym to Stay Healthy | EP10 ClipWhat if the fear holding you back isn't telling you to stop—it's telling you to pay attention?In this clip of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque sits down with somatic practitioner and wellness expert Rochelle Rice for a deeply insightful conversation about intuition, fear, confidence, and the power of embodiment. This clip explores how our bodies hold the answers we're searching for—and why learning to listen to them is the key to emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and authentic confidence.Follow Rochelle Rice:Website: https://rochellerice.comLinkedIn: http...
2026-02-1311 min
The Path We ChooseThe Body-Mind Connection Explained: Healing, Trauma & Emotional Wellbeing | Rochelle RiceIn this episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque sits down with somatic practitioner and wellness expert Rochelle Rice to explore the powerful body–mind connection and how healing, trauma, and emotional wellbeing are deeply interconnected.This conversation dives into how unresolved trauma lives in the body, how emotional patterns shape our nervous system, and why true healing requires awareness of both the mind and the body. Rochelle shares practical insights on regulation, embodiment, and self-awareness that are especially relevant in today’s high-stress world.Designed for North American audiences, this episode will...
2026-02-091h 04The Path We ChooseThe Confidence Exercise That Actually Works | EP09 ClipWhat if the difference between success and struggle isn't talent, intelligence, or opportunity—but something far more fundamental?In this powerful episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque dives deep into the psychology of confidence, communication, and self-awareness with an expert who has dedicated their career to helping people unlock their authentic voice and transform how they show up in the world.This conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice. It explores the hidden mechanics of confidence—how to build it, rebuild it when it's shaken, and why most people struggle to truly feel...
2026-02-0511 min
The Path We ChooseHow to Build Unshakeable Confidence | Karol Ward | TPWC EP09In this episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque sits down with Karol Ward, TEDx speaker, author, and expert coach specializing in confidence, communication, and self-awareness.Karol is best known for her powerful TEDx talk “Finding Your Voice”, where she explores how authentic self-expression can unlock personal and professional transformation. In this deeply insightful conversation, Karol shares her journey—from a childhood shaped by constant relocation and family challenges to becoming a performer, therapist, and coach helping people reconnect with their true selves.This episode goes far beyond surface-level motivation. It dives into t...
2026-02-021h 06The Path We ChooseThe Hard Truth About Starting a Business | EP08 ClipIs Your Product Really Enough to Succeed? In this eye-opening clip from The Path We Choose podcast, Rohail Hasan Siddiqui breaks down a crucial lesson that most founders overlook: products don’t sell themselves. The truth? No matter how amazing your product is, without the right sales strategy, storytelling, and human connection, you’ll be left in the dust. Find out why Rohail believes that relying solely on your product’s features is a recipe for failure, and what you should be doing instead.Learn how to:Create a lasting connection with y...
2026-01-2811 min
The Path We ChoosePakistani Entrepreneur Builds a Global AI Business | Ahsan Mashkoor | TPWC EP08In this episode of The Path We Choose (TPWC), host Umer Farooque sits down with Ahsan Mashkoor, the Pakistani entrepreneur who built WAI Industries, a global AI company, from scratch. From navigating challenges in starting a business with limited resources to innovating in the AI space, Ahsan shares his journey of resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurship.This conversation is packed with actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators in North America who are looking to scale their ventures globally. Learn how to leverage the power of human capital, strategic decision-making, and mindset shifts to create lasting...
2026-01-261h 21The Path We ChooseThe Hidden Power of Body Language in Communication | EP07 ClipWhat if the difference between getting hired and getting ignored isn't your resume—it's how you tell your story?In this powerful continuation of the conversation with Rohail Hasan Siddiqui, founder of Master Orator and corporate communication coach, host Umer Farooque dives deeper into the non-verbal side of communication—the body language, facial expressions, and storytelling techniques that separate great speakers from forgettable ones.This isn't about memorizing scripts or faking confidence. It's about understanding the psychology of the person listening to you—and using every tool at your disposal to make them feel heard, engage...
2026-01-2408 min
The Path We ChooseWhy Anyone Can Be a Great Public Speaker | EP07What if the most powerful tool you have isn’t your résumé, your network, or your technical skills? What if it’s simply how well you communicate—and how intentionally you listen?In this episode, host Umer Farooque sits down with Rohail Hasan Siddiqui, founder of Master Orator and corporate communication coach. They dive into the art of public speaking, the ethics of communication, and why being a great speaker is about authenticity and listening, not just performance.Rohail shares his journey from a fifth-grade poetry competition to founding a business that helps CEOs, professi...
2026-01-191h 02The Path We ChooseThe Truth About Sales Nobody Tells Beginners | EP06 ClipMost people struggle with sales because they quit too early.This conversation dives into why closing takes volume, how to overcome the fear of being pushy, and why delivering results matters more than short-term profit. A real look at sales, trust, and long-term thinking.
2026-01-1412 min
The Path We ChooseOutbound, Sales, and the Mindset That Built a 7-Figure Business | EP06What if success in business isn’t about talent, luck, or having the perfect idea?What if it’s about committing to one direction long enough that failure becomes unreasonable?In this raw and deeply honest episode, host Umer Farooque sits down with Josh Dueck, founder of JKD Agency, to unpack what it actually takes to build a business from nothing—no safety net, no shortcuts, and no excuses.Josh shares his journey from being a varsity athlete and engineering student to dropping out of university at 20, making almost no money for nine months...
2026-01-131h 03The Path We ChooseThe Secret to Scaling Your Business Through Better Systems | EP05 ClipEmail isn’t just a personal nuisance—it’s a business asset. Learn how to create processes, delegate effectively, and optimize your workflow so your business runs smoothly, even if you’re a small team or solo entrepreneur.
2026-01-0710 min
The Path We ChooseKAOS to Systems: Building a Business That Runs Without You | EP05What if the cure to chaos in your business—and your life—isn’t a new tool, hire, or strategy?What if it’s simply getting clear on what you actually do, how you do it, and why it matters?In this deeply practical episode, host Umer Farooque sits down with Deanne Kelleher, founder of Kaos Group and author of the upcoming book Organize Optimize Profit, to explore the systems, processes, and human decisions that make or break a business.Deanne’s story starts early—organizing spice cupboards while other kids played. That instinct led...
2026-01-051h 21The Path We ChooseYour Phone Is Rewiring Your Brain and You Don’t Even Notice | EP04 ClipDopamine used to come from effort, creativity, and connection. Now it comes cheap from endless scrolling. When boredom turns into stress and stress turns into screen time, your brain slowly rewires itself. This is why death scrolling isn’t harmless and why learning to step away matters more than ever.
2026-01-0111 min
The Path We ChooseHow Sleep, Stress & Modern Life Are Making Us Sick | EP04What if the cure to modern stress, anxiety, and chronic illness isn't found in the future—but in our evolutionary past?In this groundbreaking episode, host Umer Farooque sits down with Dr. Patrick Owen, evolutionary biologist, nutrition scientist, and author of upcoming book The Mismatch Era, to explore why modern humans are struggling—and what we can do about it.Dr. Patrick’s journey began with a dream to become an ethnobotanist, living off the land and studying medicinal plants in remote corners of the world. But his path took a sharp turn when he discov...
2025-12-291h 19The Path We ChooseThe Power of Perspective with Tammy Cunnington | EP03 ClipTammy Cunnington’s journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of perspective. After a life-changing accident at age six, Tammy navigated years of recovery, learning to adapt to a new reality while finding her identity through sport.
2025-12-2309 min
The Path We ChooseHow a Six-Year-Old Plane Crash Survivor Became a 2x Paralympian | EP03In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Umer Farooque sits down with Tammy Cunnington, a two-time Paralympian, author, and resilience advocate whose life story redefines what it means to overcome adversity.At just six years old, Tammy's life changed forever when a plane crashed at an air show, leaving her in a wheelchair and severely damaging her left arm. What followed was a year in the hospital, 25 surgeries, and a lifetime of learning to navigate a world that wasn't built for her. But through it all, Tammy chose the harder path—the path of strength, courage, an...
2025-12-2259 minThe Path We ChooseBob Molle on Eastern Philosophy: Building Strength, Relationships & Unlocking True PotentialIn this insightful episode, Bob Molle dives deep into his journey with Eastern philosophies and the life-changing lessons he’s learned along the way. Discover how he embraced the principles of integrity, inclusiveness, and honesty, and how these ancient teachings shaped his approach to wrestling, business, and relationships. Bob discusses the powerful concept of “relations vs. relationships,” emphasizing the importance of building strong, authentic connections, and how this philosophy has driven his success both on and off the mat.He also shares his thoughts on “willpower” as a driving force behind success and how focusing on strengths rather tha...
2025-12-1813 min
The Path We ChooseGet Comfortable Being Uncomfortable (Bob Molle's Playbook) | EP02Olympic silver medalist, two-time Grey Cup champion, and six-time Hall of Famer Bob Molle shares the unfiltered playbook behind resilience, relationships, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable.Born into a competitive household in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan—one of four boys constantly wrestling, fighting, and competing—Bob learned early that life rewards those who refuse to settle. By age 21, he was ranked fifth in the world in wrestling.Just 18 days before the 1984 Olympics, Bob underwent emergency back surgery. Most people would have given up. He didn’t.He watched the opening ceremonies from a hospital bed, tears...
2025-12-151h 01
The Path We ChooseHow Marco Pasqua Turned Every “No” Into His Life’s Purpose | EP01Speaker, entrepreneur, and accessibility advocate Marco Pasqua shares how resilience, authenticity, and The CUBE Principle helped him transform early adversity into lifelong purpose.Born three months premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months, Marco grew up without special accommodations. His parents pushed him to adapt, problem-solve, and refuse limitation. Lessons that shaped the mindset he still carries today.Marco is now an award-winning accessibility consultant, keynote speaker, and author of From Potential to Purpose. He also created The CUBE Principle, a framework that teaches you how to Creatively Utilize Your Best Energy to build...
2025-12-081h 13
The Path We ChooseThe Path We Choose | TrailerWelcome to The Path We Choose, a podcast built on one simple obsession: Why do people become who they become? Ever since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by the minds behind the stories—the doctors, athletes, scientists, innovators, and everyday people who chose a path and committed their lives to it. That curiosity only grew as I built my publishing company and met individuals from every corner of the world—professional athletes, doctors, top executives, and people leading some of the largest organizations on the planet. The more I talked to them, the more I realized: Everyone’s path i...
2025-12-0501 min
Introducing The Joy Foster PodcastEntrepreneurship 101: Honest and TruthThe Joy Foster Podcast is excited to share with you, Umer Farooque, Founder of Kontact Group and an incredible speaker. Before coming to Canada alone in the year 2022 from Pakistan, Umer was always told that there is no opportunities to succeed, but he had a different opinion of himself.The reason why I word it that way, is because you’ll understand when you listen, I mean seriously to his story, filled to brim with wisdom, guidance, knowledge and truth! Umer uses hi...
2025-02-1831 min