How to Talk to Strangers

Learn how to communicate effectively to build your network, enhance your career, and stand out at How to Talk to Strangers sponsored by TD Insurance.

This interactive professional development event will bring together alumni, students, and industry professionals, delivering the perfect blend of professional development and connection.

Hosted by leadership coach and networking expert Farhan Virji, get ready to be inspired by a panel of industry leaders, make new connections, and participate in speed networking sessions in a dynamic and engaging environment.

AGENDA:

5:15 p.m. – Check-in, Networking Reception and Complimentary Head Shot Photobooth

6:00 p.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks

6:15 p.m. – Panel Discussion: How to Talk to Strangers

7:00 p.m. – Speed Networking

8:15 p.m. – Wrap Up + Prize Draws

PANEL SESSION OVERVIEW

Whether guests are looking for career growth, business development opportunities, or leveraging industry expertise they will expand their perspective, become a better listener and improve their co-working skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Build Connections: Connect with industry leaders, fellow alumni and students.
• Gain Knowledge: Learn how to build professional relationships, expand networks, and enhance your skillset.
• Get Inspired: Enjoy a welcome remark from sponsor TD Insurance and hear from a panel of industry leaders who will share their experiences and perspectives.

PANELISTS

MIKE BATTISTEL, Building Science ’99

Mike Battistel is an industry innovator and President of Cascadia Windows & Doors who has led his company to earn over 50 industry awards and a top 10 ranking among the most innovative companies in British Columbia by BC Business. Under his leadership, Cascadia has become known for Net Zero Building Technology and developing some of the highest environmentally sustainable performance building envelope products in the industry.

A proud BCIT alumnus of the Carpentry and Architectural Building Technology programs, Mike has hired over 400 BCIT graduates and volunteers on the BCIT Alumni Association board of directors.

JESSICA GUTIERREZ

Jessica Gutierrez is a Senior Manager, Learning and Development at Vancity and is a leadership expert with a strong history of hiring BCIT students. Passionate about creating positive customer experiences and helping people to make measurable impacts, she specializes in coaching, empowering others, building community, and enhancing organizational capabilities.

PAULINE KONG, Critical Care Nursing Specialty ’12

Pauline Kong is an intensive care unit nurse by day, and board game designer and publisher by night. Wanting to bring joy to her patients, she performed as a magician, but after retiring from that, she co-founded Hot Banana Games with her business partner Marie Wong. Together, they created the Asian-themed tabletop and online game, Steam Up: A feast of Dim Sum which is now available internationally in four languages. A graduate of BCIT’s Critical Care Nursing program, Pauline relied on her network to refine and help bring the game to life.

MODERATOR

FARHAN VIRJI, Bachelor of Computer Technology ’05

Farhan Virji is a Leadership Coach and Workshop Facilitator at Kwela Leadership, Co-Founder of Gestur, and the CEO of Keyhole.co where he empowers agencies, brands, non-profits, and entrepreneurs to harness the power of social media. A graduate of BCIT’s Bachelor of Technology program, Farhan is a customer-focused executive with a passion for building teams, processes, and systems that enable organizations to scale without sacrificing the customer experience. Farhan also volunteers on the BCIT Alumni Association board of directors.