This week on episode 86 of Gent’s Talk, presented by BULOVA Canada, we had the pleasure of hosting Alen Palander, a Canadian creative whose journey from a war-torn childhood in Iraq to a prominent figure in the content creation world is nothing short of inspiring. Alen shared profound insights into his life, his work, and the philosophies that guide him. From fleeing the devastation of war to building a successful career in Canada, Alen’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of pursuing one’s passion. His reflections on personal growth, the pressures of content creation, and the importance of empathy provide valuable lessons for anyone striving to make their mark in the digital age.
Episode 86 of the Gent’s Talk podcast with Alen Palander:
From war to freedom
Alen’s early life was marked by the horrors of war. Born in a small town in northern Iraq, his family faced unimaginable challenges. “A lot of my family was murdered,” Alen recounted. “My dad’s entire family… my grandparents, my dad’s four sisters, his brother, his brother’s wife, and the baby all murdered.” This traumatic backdrop set the stage for Alen’s resilience and determination.
Forced to flee Iraq, Alen’s family endured a perilous journey on foot to Turkey, where they lived for a year waiting for their paperwork to be processed by the United Nations. Eventually, they were given the opportunity to move to Canada, a decision that changed their lives forever. “When we came to Canada, my life kind of changed drastically,” Alen said. “None of the concerns that we had back home were here.”
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Building a brand
Alen’s journey into content creation began with a love for architecture and design. Studying urban planning and design at the University of Waterloo and later pursuing a master’s degree in architecture at the University of Toronto, Alen found photography as a medium to express his artistic imagination. “Photography became this incredible outlet for me,” he shared.
His success, however, was not an overnight phenomenon. “Somebody might look at your profile now and go, oh, this guy is probably an overnight success,” Alen noted. “But a lot of people don’t understand it’s a lot of time in the making.” With over a decade of experience, Alen has built a strong personal brand that resonates with major brands and his audience alike. “Your personal brand is everything,” he emphasized. “It’s what you identify your work to be.”
The pressure of content creation
Navigating the world of content creation comes with its own set of challenges. Alen acknowledged the constant pressure to produce content and the high expectations from both his followers and the brands he collaborates with. “You have to take on a balanced approach,” he said. “Mitigating around various different brands is challenging because they all have their own different expectations.”
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However, Alen’s strong brand identity has helped him sustain his career. “Having a strong brand, a brand identity where they know that what I come up with is the right answer… there’s no questions about my creative focus or my creative perspective,” he explained.
Embracing change and innovation
As the digital landscape evolves, so does Alen’s approach to content creation. He highlighted the impact of new technologies like AI and the rise of platforms such as TikTok. “AI is a huge forefront runner for the future of what my job looks like,” Alen observed. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic and adaptable. “I’ve been always a big supporter of just kind of going with the flow of things and seeing where it takes you.”
Alen’s ability to pivot and find new opportunities has been key to his success. He shared his experience of transitioning from automotive photography to the world of Formula 1, a space he entered before it became mainstream in North America. “I want to focus on that. No one’s there. Let me go and be the first person in that industry.”
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The power of empathy and self-reflection
One of the most striking aspects of Alen’s personality is his emphasis on empathy and self-reflection. He believes that understanding oneself and maintaining a positive mindset are crucial for personal growth and success. “Empathy and humanity are the core of a person’s personality,” he stated. “If you can care about yourself, it means that you don’t want a day that you’re angry.”
Alen’s approach to dealing with life’s challenges is rooted in his experiences and the strength he draws from his family. “Our parents are everything,” he said, reflecting on the sacrifices his parents made to provide a better life for their children. This perspective has shaped his outlook on life and his work.
Looking ahead
As Alen continues to explore new avenues in content creation, he remains committed to staying true to his brand and values. His journey from a war-torn childhood to becoming a celebrated creative in Canada is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and dedication. Alen’s story is an inspiration to aspiring content creators and a reminder of the power of perseverance and authenticity.
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Gent’s Talk, presented by BULOVA
The Gent’s Talk podcast is proudly presented by BULOVA Canada. Season 6, episode 86 is now available to stream on all podcast platforms including, Youtube, Spotify, Apple iTunes/Podcasts, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Audible, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts! Seasons 1-6 are all on board Air Canada flights via the in-flight entertainment system. Please make sure to like, follow and subscribe. Your continued support throughout this journey is greatly appreciated.
