Episodes
In this episode, we explore equity with Dr. Aarti Shyamsunder Global Head of DEI at YSC Consulting.  Dr. Shyamsunder explains how the ‘E’ in DEI has led to a more systemic, macro-focus on how to balance access and opportunity, as well as a reassessment of the purpose of organizations today.  She shares how to  use the three ‘R’s to  Recognize barriers,  Rebalance pro-actively, and Reduce harm, and the impact of asking ourselves ‘what we can give up?’
Published 01/13/23
Published 01/13/23
In this week’s episode, we explore inclusive design with Pinar Guvenc, Partner at SOUR, an international hybrid design studio, with the mission of solving social and urban issues through sustainable and inclusive methodologies.  Pinar shares how inclusive design practices can benefit any project, at any organization, and bring us one step  closer to true inclusion, while saving time and money over the course of an initiative.  She also explains how we can start using inclusive design...
Published 01/06/23
In this week’s episode, we dig into diversifying that highest level of leadership - the Board of Directors.  Lisa Edwards, President & COO at Diligent, shares her experience with Board membership -  the challenges inherent in getting appointed, global progress of diversification, and how boards can take a more active role in driving change within their organizations. Lisa also explains why today’s Boards of Directors require new skillsets to effectively lead, and how that opens the door...
Published 12/16/22
In this week’s episode, we speak with Dr. Poornima Luthra, author of ‘Diversifying Diversity: Your guide to Being an Active Ally of Inclusion in the Workplace.’  Dr. Luthra shares how a holistic approach to diversity increases engagement and moves the needle on DEI.  She also tells us about the  Active Ally of Inclusion model, how to develop as active allies, and how to bring people with us on the journey.
Published 12/02/22
In this week’s episode, we discuss inclusive development with Dr. Lisa Toppin, Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Illumina.   Lisa shares her approach to creating development programs that benefit the employee and the business, allowing folks to succeed in the corporate world, without losing authenticity.  From ERGs, to Sponsorship, to leadership development, Lisa tells us how to design programs that are less illusive and more impactful.
Published 11/25/22
Join us for our third and final episode in our Glocalization in DEI mini series.  In this episode, we talk with Dr. Poornima Luthra, founder of TalentED Consultancy,  Associate Professor, author, and TedX speaker.  Dr. Luthra shares how companies must broaden the American narrative around DEI if they want to truly make a global impact, and the important role cultural context plays in designing and implementing a successful DEI initiative.  
Published 11/11/22
Join us for the second episode of our Glocalization in DEI mini-series.  In this episode, we talk with Emily Schur, Senior Vice President of Global Talent from Sunlife Financial.  Emily shares how to ‘think global’ to find commonalities, and how to ‘think local’ to meet the needs of specific communities within your organization.  She also shares Sunlife’s approach to ensuring glocalization shows up in five key areas - products, learning, operations, philanthropy and community, and engagement.
Published 11/04/22
Join us for the first episode of our Glocalization in DEI mini-series.  In this episode, we talk with Lauren von Stackelberg, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the Lego Group.  Lauren shares her experience leading DEI initiatives across six continents, and why it’s vital to ask people what they need, listen deeply, and leverage what you’ve learned to truly make an impact at the local level. 
Published 10/28/22
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Adrienne Trimble, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for the Sysco Corporation, and former president and CEO of The National Minority Supplier Development Council.  Adrienne shares why supplier diversity is a driver of economic and social change, and how companies can partner with underrepresented or underutilized businesses to benefit both the communities they serve and their own bottom line.
Published 10/21/22
In this week’s episode, we discuss how people-centered leadership can increase inclusion with  Laura Dominguez,  Head of People and Communities at Cisco Meraki.   Laura  shares how  taking a people-centered approach to things like hybrid work, recognition, and wellbeing have led Cisco Meraki to multiple ‘Great Places to Work’ lists, and how even small steps can help us connect with eachother and build a culture of inclusion.
Published 10/14/22
In this week’s episode, we unpack imposter syndrome with Fiona Ibáñez-Major,  Global Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Food+ by Compass Group. Fiona shares her own experience of Imposter Syndrome and explores how our workplaces can create and support feelings of inadequacy.  She also examines the stigmatizing nature of imposter syndrome, how it intersects with race and class, and how viewing the world in questions rather than answers can help us challenge the systems that...
Published 10/07/22
This week is a bit different as Fiona Young hands over the hosting reigns to Zoe Allerding, Head of Programs at Hive Learning. Learn about what led Zoe to work in DEI and what to look forward to in the coming episodes.  
Published 09/23/22
We were joined by Leigh Lafever-Ayer, VP of HR, and Ashley Hever, Director of Talent Acquisition from Enterprise this week. They shared practical tips on how to navigate learning in a hybrid world and embed long-lasting behaviors as well as keeping those ‘water-cooler’ conversations going.  
Published 09/16/22
Our guest this week is former MP and current VP of DEI at Snap Inc. Oona King. In this episode, Oona shares with us the ACT report, part of a new initiative to align the tech industry around collective action for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She shares the top recommendations for organizations, including operationalizing DEI and modeling and incentivizing inclusive leadership. You can read the full report here and connect with Oona on LinkedIn.
Published 09/09/22
Dr. Tracey Leghorn, Chief Human Resources and Health and Safety Officer at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, joins us this week. Dr.Leghorn discusses how SUEZ have successfully democratized their HR strategy at every level and shares insight into how they're progressing towards gender equality in a typically male-dominated industry.   If you want to reach out to Dr. Tracey Leghorn connect with her on Linkedin or reach out through her Twitter
Published 07/29/22
Author and Director at Catalyst Collective, Katy Murray, joins us to shares insights from book on how to be an effective change agent at work, the problem with toxic productivity and the burnout obsession culture.
Published 07/22/22
Blandine Lacroix, Corporate Vice President, Strategy & Rare Disease at Novo Nordisk, shares the 3 things that she believes make an inclusive leader, the power of bringing your whole self to work and the power of a human-centric approach to leadership. 
Published 07/15/22
This week we talk with Watikqua Lange of T. Rowe Price to discuss the importance of DEI leaders looking after their own mental health with the weight of their roles. Watikqua offers some unique inputs on how companies can improve cultural competency through supplier diversity and what's worked for her in her mission to scale culture change.
Published 07/08/22
In this week’s episode, we speak to Ripa Rashid, Managing Director and Head of Inclusion and Diversity at the investment bank Cowen. Ripa is a well-known figure in the DEI world and has been a part of it even before inclusion was a standard word in the vocabulary. Ripa shares how she uses the head, heart, and hand mechanism to understand how human behavior drives change. Why DEI can actually be harder than rocket science as the metrics designed to understand human behavior are so much harder...
Published 07/07/21
In this week’s episode, we speak to Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer at The PGA of America. Sandy speaks to us about the history of The PGA of America and how they’re taking ownership to create a more inclusive environment. She also tells us how they’re looking at the operations of the business through the inclusion lens as well as celebrating micro-moments of inclusion to create real sustainable meaningful change over time.  Follow Sandy on Linkedin: ...
Published 06/30/21
In this week's episode, we speak to Patrick Colvin, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Americas at Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking. Patrick shares his insights on the positives of ERGs and what to watch out for, including providing proper governance to stop ERGs from becoming Siloed. As well as touching on the importance of recognizing and embracing generational differences at work.    Follow Patrick on LinkedIn: ...
Published 06/23/21
In this week's episode, we speak to Franklin Reed, Executive Director of Inclusion and Diversity at  TEKsystems. Franklin talks to us about inclusion in the tech industry and the barriers to attracting and hiring talent. He shares his advice on how we need to reimagine the hiring process to match the innovation and drive of the tech industry. Franklin also talks to us about his thoughts on bringing in diverse cohorts to help people feel like they’re not ‘the only and lonely’ in organizations...
Published 06/08/21
In this episode, we speak to René Carayol MBE, a leading executive coach, author, public speaker, and broadcaster. René shares the importance of storytelling in understanding the lived experiences of others, sharing some of the stories that helped shape his path. As well as sharing how DEI leaders should focus on emotive stories to influence and persuade executives and to grab their attention to get them on board with your DEI strategies.    Find out more about René’ and his work:...
Published 06/03/21
In this episode, we speak to Jiquanda Nelson, Senior Director of Global Community and Culture at Concentrix. Jiquanda describes herself as a ‘corporate activist’ and shares the ways she is being intentional about the change she makes, including expanding the language of DEI to represent everyone and building a development program focused on underrepresented groups built around sponsorship, equity, and belonging.    Follow Jiquanda here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiquandanelson/ Follow...
Published 05/27/21