Scotiabank

Supports and coordinates the project management execution and the end-to-end implementation of Global Risk Management initiatives on behalf of SVP & Head, Retail Credit Risk, by globally ensuring business strategies, plans and initiatives are supported in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures.

Sr. Project Manager, Strategy & Transformation, Retail Credit Risk - Global Risk Management

Senior Product Manager, Retail Savings

Newcomers ON FIRE!

Welcome to The Newcomers ON FIRE! Show with your host Miguel Abascal

Listen to people like you sharing their journeys, struggles and their breakthroughs

Be ready to be inspired to take control of your time, career, finances and future.

Fulfil your potential, become the person you are meant to be and make your dreams a reality.

www.OnFire.show

Founder & Host

Thrive Faster

Helping overqualified Newcomers earn more and live happier.

Join us in making the Canadian Dream a reality for newcomer families!

Founder

UnstoppableMe.rocks

Have you ever looked in the mirror and said to yourself: – “I thought I would be farther ahead already”

If you have. You are not alone.

Miguel Abascal was an executive of a famous coffee distribution and franchises company in Mexico. He had certifications, a Master’s degree, and significant experience as a leader of a large team leading large projects.

Nonetheless, he couldn’t find a job in his profession and for his first 5 yrs in Canada he worked in survival jobs while crashing his confidence. He refers to these years as the years of nightmares and constantly losing his sleep not knowing if he would make ends meet.

Thanks to great mentors and coaches he found his way and now he is living his Canadian Dream. Since then he has been helping hundreds of people to find their ideal job faster.

He discovered his passion for helping people at a networking event after talking with a few newcomers who told him “I have learned more in this 20 min than in my last 2 yrs. in Canada”.

We obsess with providing value and sharing key insights with our members. To get a better job you need to master these 3 M’s:

    Your Mindset
    Your Marketing
    Your Momentum

Join us and learn how to find your ideal job faster

It’s time to retire your survival job and start living your Canadian Dream.

Product Manager, Wealth Savings

Senior Product Analyst, Retail & Wealth Savings

Project Manager

Project Analyst II

Financial Services Representative

Customer Service Representative

RenderLife.com

3D marketplace for graphic designers and studios. Led requirements gathering, vendor research and project charter preparation for the selection and implementation of financial and time management systems.

Achievements:
•	Conducted project kickoff and achieved definition of scope, plan, resources, vendor alternatives and requirement traceability matrix in 3 months.
•	Finished the project with a 20% reduction in budget due to negotiation techniques.

Primerica Life Insurance Co of Canada

Largest Independent Financial Services Marketing firm in North America.

Achievements:
•	Got promoted to District leader in 18 months primarily by identifying needs and requirements from key stakeholders and following up until completion.  
•	Designed and delivered five community-based financial seminars to more than 100 people on how to increase income, reduce debt burden and achieve financial independence.

Financial Advisor

Bankruptcy Specialist

Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

•	Organized and coordinated annual fundraising event: Canadian Hispanic Business Awards 2010
•	Developed comprehensive database which captured specific demographics and statistics of ongoing members.

Special Projects Coordinator

Comercializadora Fernandez Rivero, S.A. de C.V. - La Parroquia de Veracruz

Manufacturer and distributor of specialty coffee, vertically integrated from the coffee farms to the retail distribution for key clients such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. Managed operational projects focused on cost reduction, quality assurance and technical improvement. Supported executive decision-making by identifying, evaluating and recommending key improvement initiatives.

Achievements:
•	Increased revenue by 200% and profit margins by 10% in 3 years by improving operation processes and customer service, reducing waste and establishing quality management.
•	Designed, developed and implemented the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 in 18 months getting the certification before planned.
•	Led development of financial system linking marketing, production, QA, procurement and key performance indicators to provide real-time information and reduce excess of inventory by 50%
•	Analyzed and forecasted trends, issues and opportunities for all the different client segments, assisting in the development of their marketing campaigns.
•	Developed activity-based cost analysis and supervised performance and operation margin for large international accounts, including Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.
•	Analyzed and modeled success drivers for new retail store openings, saving $10,000 over 2 weeks for each of 25 locations.

Sr. Product Manager & Program Director

Helping Newcomers Thrive Faster! 🚀 

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why you're not farther ahead in your career? 
If you have, you're not alone. 

I am here on a mission to empower individuals like you, to achieve professional success and fast-track your Canadian dream. 

As a passionate mentor and coach, my sole focus is on empowering overqualified and underemployed Canadian newcomers. Together, we'll reignite your confidence, secure your ideal job, and embark on a fulfilling Canadian journey. Learn more about my impactful work at www.ThriveFaster.ca.

But why am I so dedicated to this cause? 

Let me share my story. As a former executive of a prestigious coffee distribution company in Mexico, I arrived in Canada filled with qualifications, a master’s degree, and years of leadership experience. However, my job search proved to be an overwhelming challenge, leading to five years of survival jobs and a shattered confidence. 

I've walked in your shoes, experiencing the same challenges and hardships you are facing right now. 
My breakthrough came when I connected with exceptional mentors and coaches who guided me on the path to success. Today, I am living my own Canadian dream, and it fills me with immense joy to pay it forward by assisting hundreds of individuals in finding their ideal jobs faster.

People I've worked with have told me, "In just 20 minutes, I have gained more valuable insights than I have in my last two years in Canada!"

Join me on this transformative journey, and together, we'll retire your survival job and unleash your full potential. It's time to turn your Canadian dream into reality!

#NewcomerJourney #ProfessionalSuccess #ThriveFaster #UnlockYourPotential

Miguel Abascal

Plusgrade

- Shaping and optimizing core Talent Management workflows to drive efficiency, automation, and strategic alignment
- Designing inclusive and scalable employee experiences across the full lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding
- Leading employee journey mapping and engagement initiatives to identify and enhance high-impact moments
- Leveraging HR technology and AI to streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and improve data accuracy
- Embedding DEI principles across programs to ensure equity and inclusion are built into every touchpoint

People Experience and Operations Manager

Partner with senior leaders to align talent strategies with business goals across areas including performance management, succession planning, and organizational development. Lead initiatives that enhance employee experience, retention, and engagement, while supporting change management and leadership development. Provide coaching to managers, resolve employee relations issues, and ensure compliance with employment laws. Leverage HR data and insights to inform decision-making and continuously improve programs in collaboration with centers of excellence.

Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC)

I’ve joined the Board of Directors at MNLC — an organization that continues to empower newcomers and marginalized communities through holistic services, advocacy, and connection.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to support MNLC’s mission at the governance level, and to give back to a community that gave me so much.

Board Member

Mennonite New Life Centre

- Built an extensive network in Ontario with organizations and community leaders, who are specifically supporting empowerment of women
- Created a systematic, process-driven approach to partner outreach and relationship management
- Sustained excellent collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and sought out opportunities to leverage these relationships
- Demonstrated awareness of diversity, settlement and integration issues pertaining to newcomers to Canada
- Organized and hosted info sessions, job fairs and workshops
- Planned and maintained Social Media appearance and communication on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Wrote content and created designs for newsletters and Social Media platforms

HR Business Partner & Marketing Coordinator

T-Systems Switzerland

- Worked in partnership with colleagues across HR to advance the talent agenda and ensure the successful execution of annual cycle processes
- Successfully supported the following processes: Talent Review, Succession Management, Compensation and Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Recognition Programs, Leadership Development Programs, DEI Analytics
- Nurtured relationships with key stakeholders and managers within assigned business areas
- Provided leadership on projects and programs
- Hand-on experience with implementing DEI measures in the hiring process and beyond
- Executed change management and transformation initiatives
- Supported managers in connecting company goals with individual goals
- Developed and delivered onboarding sessions 
- Pro-actively translated business needs into HR solutions
- Developed and implemented talent attraction, recruitment, engagement and retention strategies, tracking, and monitoring of recruitment metrics (time to hire, early fluctuation, etc.)
- Co-designed, implemented, and supported reorganization and restructuring measures, as well as supported the agile transformation with The Loop Approach®

HR Business Partner & Talent Acquisition Partner

Swiss Red Cross

"Side by side" project for supporting underaged refugees without parents in Switzerland

Volunteer

Deutsche Telekom

- Created, adapted, and rolled out global regulations and concepts in the areas of employer branding and HR marketing
- lmplemented global concepts in online talent communications (e.g. Linkedln)
- Rolled out employer branding campaigns for different target groups (students, graduates, and professionals)
- Advised on HR marketing measures in Switzerland and Austria and planning of implementation

Employer Branding Consultant

Recruitment - Employer Branding - HR-Marketing - Project Management - ATS implementation, roll out and key-user

HR Specialist

Administration in SAP HR system - Attended on various job fairs and campus events - Created reference letters for employees - Coordinated HR-Marketing activities

HR trainee

Recruiter for Corporate Functions

Program Management Office: created regular reports to the CHRO

Management Assistant in HR Transformation

Global Internships Coordinator

BLT (Beament Leslie Thomas)

Recruiter (Summer Internship)

Nokia

HR Intern

I have grown as an HR professional and a person by living and working in the United Arab Emirates, UK, Germany, and Switzerland. My growth mindset has helped me to adapt, learn and thrive in those different cultures with a track record of progressive career development.

My strong business acumen and project management skills have been nurtured in the IT and telco industry and balanced by my dedication to support and enable people in need fostered during the years volunteering and working in the non-profit sector.

In Canada I started to learn and discover the issues women and immigrants face on the job market. I became an advocate of these vulnerable populations and have built relationships with organizations and community leaders, who see the value of real diversity and inclusion.

If my background resonates with you, follow me on LinkedIn and feel free to reach out!

taplio

The Battle

Miguel Abascal

Viktoria Manzar

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