What does it take to go from not knowing how to hail a cab in Manhattan… to becoming a Vice President of Technology Strategy at a global company? In this deeply moving and energizing episode, we sit down with Gustavo “Guga” Netto, who shares his remarkable journey from São Paulo to New York City with no English, no connections, and no safety net.

Gustavo opens up about the early years in survival mode working as a dishwasher, waiter, and roller-skating through Fifth Avenue to stay mentally afloat. But what makes his story extraordinary is the mindset shift he made: choosing growth over fear, and vision over circumstance. From discovering healing routines at Barnes & Noble to becoming a self-taught programmer during the internet boom

Whether you’re an immigrant navigating a new beginning or someone dreaming of a seat at the table, Gustavo’s story proves this: you don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to keep building. Because, as he says, “Survival is just the first stage. Then comes growth. Then comes abundance—and giving back.”

In this soul-stirring episode of The Zaka Podcast, we sit down with Rwandan-born author Cedric Muhikira, the brilliant mind behind Grow Your Roots Where You Land and Libaax. A self-taught writer and former youth leader, Cedric shares his deeply personal journey of immigration, identity, and the resilience it takes to carve out belonging in a new country. From his early days in Rwanda to rebuilding his life in America at age 25, Cedric opens up about navigating cultural fusion, loneliness, and the power of storytelling to humanize the immigrant experience.

This conversation is packed with insight for anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds. Cedric reflects on the importance of mingling across communities, advocating for yourself as a creator, and finding your voice no matter your background

Robenson Lauvince is a pioneer Haitian filmmaker, who’s redefining the narrative around Haiti and proving that purpose, passion, and persistence can shatter any ceiling. From secretly filming after hours while working a day job to becoming the first to bring a Haitian Creole-language film to the U.S. and Canadian box offices, Robenson opens up about the immigrant hustle, the courage to create without permission, and why he never starts anything he doesn’t finish. If you're a creative just getting started or a dreamer questioning your path, Robenson’s story will remind you: don’t wait for a seat build your own table. "Imagine it. Achieve it."