Baachu Talk

In this captivating episode, we have the privilege of hosting a truly exceptional figure, Jane Elliott. She's not just a globally recognized educator, lecturer, and diversity trainer; she's a unique voice with profound insights that seem to have sprung from a prejudice-free vacuum.

Honored with the prestigious National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education, Jane Elliott has dedicated her life to shedding light on the baselessness of prejudice and bigotry. Her journey, marked by fearless determination, has left an indelible mark on the world.

Jane Elliott's story unfolds in response to the tragic event of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, when she conceived the groundbreaking "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes Exercise." This transformative experiment, now celebrated worldwide, assigns individuals as inferior or superior based solely on their eye color, immersing them in the profound experience of marginalization. Through lectures, workshops, and videos, Jane Elliott's teachings continue to impact all who encounter them.

Listening to Jane Elliott is like entering a world where insightful opinions flow effortlessly, as if she were born in a prejudice-free vacuum. With unwavering determination, she dismantles defenses, prompting profound introspection and stirring uncomfortable emotions. We cannot shy away from the discomfort and unease she invokes as she fearlessly challenges, exposes, and confronts. In the midst of these stark moments, Jane Elliott emerges as a beacon of inspiration, motivating us all to confront our biases and embrace the transformative power of change. Join us as we delve into her extraordinary insights and the enduring legacy of her work.

Get ready for a riveting episode of Baachu Talk FM! 
Today, we have a trailblazing powerhouse joining us - someone who has shattered ceilings and transformed the industry over her storied career. I'm talking about the one and only Laurie Gilmer!

As President and COO of Facility Engineering Associates, Laurie has been a disruptive force for progress. She's ushered countless organizations into the future with her expertise in facility assessments, energy management, and sustainability. But Laurie is more than just an industry titan. She's a true leader dedicated to advancing FM as chair of the IFMA Global Board.

She lends her talents to guide the next generation. And she's always uplifting others on their journeys. In our conversation today, the brilliant Laurie Gilmer will give us a rare glimpse into her inspirational path. We'll learn about her vision, her secrets to success, and her blueprint for making waves in the FM field. This is sure to be a riveting and memorable episode with one of the most acclaimed women in facilities management! So join us for an electrifying chat with Laurie Gilmer - a true luminary lighting the way forward.

 Introducing Beena J Pallical, a catalyst for change in marginalized communities and a dedicated advocate for gender equality. With unwavering determination, she has ignited policy shifts within both Central and State governments, advocating for the inclusion of Dalit women in policy formulation. Beena J Pallical is an Intersectional Feminist and Dalit women Leader and currently General Secretary, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR)-DAAA. After about a 10-year stint in the corporate sector in marketing, she decided to move to the social sector because of her interest in human rights and taking up social causes. Over the last thirteen years she has been with the NCDHR working on Dalit Economic Rights. Her focal point remains Economic Justice, meticulously addressing Gender Equity, targeted budgets, fiscal accountability, and governance.

For the past five years, her energy has been channeled into enabling youth to access education, yielding scholarships for over 1 lac students across 10 states. She also holds the helm of the Asia Dalit Rights Forum, ensuring Dalit concerns reverberate on both regional and global platforms. A member of the board at Victims Advocate International, Beena champions intersectionality as the bedrock for women's economic freedom and gender equality.

Her impact resonates globally, notably through her work with UN mechanisms like OHCHR in Geneva and the High Level Political Forum in New York. As a pioneering Dalit woman, she has been a frontrunner in the sustainable development goals, emphasizing marginalized voices and equitable financial management for their attainment. With fervent dedication, she embodies the ethos of change through capacity building, representation, and a gender-focused lens.

Her journey amplifies Dalit and Adivasi voices through international seminars, cultivating stronger policies for effective implementation and forging a brighter future.

Introducing Sherif: a seasoned facility management expert with over 26 years of experience spanning Housing, Housekeeping, Landscape, Real Estate, Sustainability, and Transportation Departments.

At HAMZA ASSOCIATES, Sherif's role as a Structural Engineer led to the design of the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina, backed by UNESCO sponsorship.

Educationally, Sherif boasts an MBA from AUC, a Master of Science in Engineering, and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Cairo University.

Currently, Sherif's influence resonates as the Africa FM Chair, Co-Founder, former Vice Chair of EGYFMA, and Global FM board member representing EGYFMA. His membership in APPA Institute for Facilities Management adds to his prestige.

Sherif's impact extends to AUC as an FM instructor, subject matter expert, and course developer. Additionally, he serves as a LEED Auditor for FM 41,000 via BSI, showcasing his commitment to sustainability.

Sherif's legacy shines as a driving force in facility management, inspiring through expertise, innovation, and unwavering dedication.

Get ready for an engaging and thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Professor Ram Puniyani. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of this remarkable individual, who made a courageous decision to take voluntary retirement from IIT Bombay in 2004. His mission? To dedicate himself to promoting harmony and peace.

Currently serving as the President of the Center for Study of Society and Secularism in Mumbai, Professor Ram Puniyani is deeply involved in various secular initiatives. He has played a pivotal role in investigating reports on human rights violations against minorities, shedding light on crucial issues.

Throughout his career, Professor Ram has been a vocal advocate for democracy, fearlessly confronting the rise of communal politics. He challenges prevailing myths about minorities and fearlessly addresses the politics of terror, all while championing the path to peace and justice.

Tune in to discover the wealth of knowledge in his books, including "Caste and Communalism," "Indian Nationalism versus Hindu Nationalism," and "Religious Nationalism, Social Perceptions, and Violence." His recent works, "Religion, Politics, and Women's Equality" and "Bursting Myths Against Minorities," showcase his commitment to promoting understanding and dispelling stereotypes.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Professor Ram Puniyani has received prestigious awards, including the India Gandhi National Integration Award, the National Communal Harmony Award, and the Mukundan C. Menon Award.

In this enlightening episode, we'll delve into Professor Ram Puniyani's impactful journey, his dedication to societal change, and the accolades he has rightfully earned. Join us for an inspiring conversation that addresses critical issues, challenges preconceptions, and celebrates the power of knowledge.

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable career of John Carrillo, who boasts over 40 years of experience in facility management and corporate real estate within the technology sector. Having recently retired as the Director, Planning, Design, and Construction, West Region for AT&T, John's responsibilities encompassed overseeing project management for a staggering 40 million square feet of space across 13 western U.S. states and Guam.

Throughout his journey, John has achieved impressive feats, including managing as many as 1,500 FM employees, developing strategic programs, building a missile factory, and decommissioning a nuclear reactor. He has also been actively involved in the global FM community, presenting at various association events and offering coursework on FM, real estate, and ISO 9001 quality processes.

Currently, John is sharing his expertise through global virtual presentations on digitization technology in the workplace, post-pandemic FM trends, and sustainability and resilience in the built environment. Notably, he was elected as Chair of Global FM by the Global FM Board of Directors, a prestigious role he assumed in February 2021.

In this episode, we explore John's inspiring journey, from his childhood and the influence of his father in shaping his architectural aspirations to his education during challenging times like the Soviet Era and the Vietnam War. We'll learn how he unexpectedly entered the FM industry due to economic pressures, the challenges he faced while managing organizations and fields through different roles and companies, and his experiences with the evolving FM industry and digitization.

John also shares insights into the power and impact of global FM organizations in enhancing skills, sharing best practices, and improving the industry. We'll gain valuable perspectives on his experiences during the pandemic and how it transformed into a hybrid workplace setting. Throughout the discussion, John acknowledges the influential people in his career and offers valuable advice to aspiring FM leaders.

Tune in to this insightful episode as we unpack John Carrillo's rich and diverse career, exploring the transformation of the FM industry and the lessons he has gathered along the way.

Hey there, welcome to Baachu Talk: Equity Matters, the podcast that's all about celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion through the power of incredible human stories! Get ready to be inspired by the fearless DEI advocates who are shaking things up and making a difference in every corner of our world.

Today, we have a real treat for you! I am beyond excited to introduce our exceptional guest, the one and only Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn. He's a total rockstar in the fields of education and psychology, and his dedication to understanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is seriously awe-inspiring. You won't believe the impact he's made!

Picture this: Dr. Strayhorn is not just any scholar; he's been recognized as a 'Top Diversity Scholar' by Diverse Issues in Higher Education! That's some serious street cred right there. But wait, there's more! He's penned down a whopping 12 books, including the award-winning 'College Students' Sense of Belonging.' And don't even get me started on his 200+ peer-reviewed journal articles. This guy is making waves!

But hold up, there's more to him than just the academic accolades. Dr. Strayhorn is the President and CEO of Do Good Work Consulting Group. Yep, he's out there partnering with institutions to make the world a more inclusive place. Oh, and did I mention he's a professor of Education and Psychology and the Director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University? Yeah, he's doing it all!

I had the privilege to chat with him, and let me tell you, it was mind-blowing! He's got this incredible passion for taking research and turning it into real-life improvements for those who need it most. Oh, and by the way, his research has earned him over $10 million in support from big-time foundations like the Lumina Foundation and National Science Foundation. Talk about making a difference!

And wait, there's more! His work has even been featured in The Washington Post and The Chronicle of Higher Education. It's like everywhere you turn, you see the impact of Dr. Strayhorn's work!

But enough from me; you've got to hear it straight from the man himself. So, grab your headphones, get comfy, and join us for this incredible conversation. We're going to talk about his journey, his work, and his thoughts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

So, are you ready to dive into the world of DEIB with Dr. Strayhorn? Let's do this!

Connect with Dr. Terrell 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrell_Lamont_Strayhorn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrell-strayhorn-phd/
https://terrellstrayhorn.com/

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Thomas Mitchell, a man who has seen facility management evolve from the 90s to the present day. We explore his transition from military service to the private sector, his influence in global initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities he sees in today’s facility management landscape. A thought-provoking episode for anyone keen on understanding the dynamics of leadership and the future of facility management.

 Educational Background: Unravel how Thomas Mitchell’s education set the foundation for his success in facility and asset management.

• Inspiration: Discover what motivated Thomas to build a career in facility and asset management.
• Military Service: Gain insights into his memorable experiences as a civil engineer officer in the U.S. Air Force.
• Transition to Private Sector: Understand how moving from the military to Booz | Allen | Hamilton shaped Thomas’s career trajectory.
• Joining IFMA: Explore what drew Thomas to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and how it sculpted his professional journey.
• Chairmanship at IFMA: Uncover the initiatives and projects he takes pride in from his time as Chairman of the IFMA Global Board of Directors.
• Influence on IFMA: Discuss the industry-advancing initiatives Thomas spearheaded as a member and former board chairman at IFMA.
• Community Influence: Learn how being part of IFMA’s community moulded his approach to facility management and leadership.
• Facility Management Evolution: Understand how facility management has evolved from the 1990s to the present day from Thomas’s perspective.
• Current Challenges and Opportunities: Identify the most significant challenges and opportunities in today’s facility management landscape, and hear Thomas’s advice on how to navigate them successfully.
• Advisory Roles: Explore how Thomas contributes to the advancement of the facility management field through his advisory roles, such as serving on the Facility Management Degree Program Academic Advisory Council.

Mark Levy is the founder of Levy Innovation LLC, a positioning and strategy firm that helps organizations and thought leaders differentiate by using, what he calls, a Big Sexy Idea. The ideas Mark and his clients have created are known worldwide by hundreds of millions of people.

Mark has consulted to some of the world’s most prominent companies and individuals, including CEOs of major brands; the former head of Strategy at the Harvard Business School; and thought leaders, such as Simon Sinek of “Start with Why” fame. Mark has also consulted to a TV special on the History Channel, as well as to the iconic TV and streaming series, “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”

In 2018, he was elected into the Million Dollar Consulting Hall of Fame. The hall’s founder calls Mark’s positioning and messaging skills “unparalleled.”

Before devoting his work full-time to Levy Innovation, Mark served as Chief Marketing Officer of an Inc. 5,000 experiential branding organization with clients such as Nordstrom, Time Warner, and Stanford University.

Mark is a keynote speaker. He’s spoken about strategy to dozens of organizations, including Adobe, American Express, and Google. He is in fact a member of the National Speakers Association, and served as the organization’s 2023 Winter Conference chairman. Previously, he served as an organizer for TEDx.

Mark is a writer. He has written for the New York Times, and has written or co-created five books, including  “Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content,” which has been published in eleven languages, and has been a bestseller in three different formats.
 
He has taught entrepreneurial strategy and persuasive business writing at Rutgers University.
 
Besides his positioning work, Mark creates magic tricks and shows. One of the shows he co-created, “Chamber Magic,” has run for over two decades, and appears on TripAdvisor as New York City’s highest-rated live show, ranked higher than even the musical “Hamilton.”

Simon Fanshawe OBE is a renowned diversity consultant, broadcaster, and author. With a passion for promoting inclusivity, he co-founded Diversity by Design, an organization dedicated to helping companies achieve true diversity in their senior leadership teams. In December 2021, Simon published his latest book, "The Power of Difference – where the complexities of diversity and inclusion meet practical solutions," which received critical acclaim. His expertise and contributions to the field led to him being voted the second Most Influential Thinker in 2022 by HR Magazine.

Currently, Simon serves on the Board of Powerful Women and holds the position of Chairman at Hexagon Housing Association. He has previously held prestigious roles such as Chairman of Sussex University, non-executive director of Housing & Care 21, Governor of the Museum of London, and Board member of Brighton Dome & Festival. With a career spanning over three decades, Simon has actively participated in campaigns advocating for equality and positive social change. He has served on the boards of various companies and charitable organizations. Simon's notable achievements include co-founding Stonewall and the Kaleidoscope Trust.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Simon was awarded an OBE in 2013 for his services to Higher Education. Furthermore, the University of Sussex bestowed upon him the honor of being made an Honorary Doctor for his exceptional contributions to diversity and human rights.

Dr. Craig Knight is Founder and Director of Identity Realization Limited (IDR), a commercial organization based in Scotland with strong connections to blue chip industry.  Dr Knight retains research links with global universities.  Working with various organizations, this combination of commercial focus and scientific application has seen Craig help realize increases in well-being of up to 40%, productivity of up to 32% and effective intelligence of up to 19%.

Craig has been at the forefront of Covid research projects. His commercial, post-doctoral research points to what people need to thrive when working from home and in the third space, as well as what the new, post-pandemic workplace must provide. 

Craig applies evidence-based science to improve leadership, employee retention, and the impact of design and management. Craig is a Chartered, Registered Doctor of Psychologist who has operated at Director and Managing Director levels across business leadership, design and consultancy sectors since the turn of the millennium.  

Published, peer reviewed studies by Knight and colleagues consistently show that the most important factors in a successful working environment are:

• a willingness by leaders to fully engage with employee input into business processes

• the development of open decision making

• developing trust

Building this new dialogue between psychology, leadership and staff has been at the heart of television documentaries, academic discussion and commercial debate.  IDR directly challenges existing leadership and management practices.  The effects are rapid, positive, dramatic and long lasting.

Dr. Robin DiAngelo is an Affiliate Associate Professor of Education at the University of Washington. In addition, she holds two Honorary Doctorates. She is a two-time winner of the Student’s Choice Award for Educator of the Year at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work. She is the co-author of the award-winning textbook: Is Everyone Really Equal: An Introduction to Key Concepts in Social Justice Education. In 2011 she coined the term White Fragility in an academic article which has influenced the international dialogue on race. Her book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism was released in June of 2018 and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List, where it remained for over three years and has been translated into 12 languages. It has now been adapted for young adults. Her follow-up book, released in June of 2021, is: Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm. Her latest book is The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups: Strategies For Leading White People in an Anti-Racist Practice. Her work or interviews have been featured in the New York Times, The Guardian, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NPR, PBS, and The BBC, among many other forums. In addition to her academic work, Dr. DiAngelo has been a consultant, educator and facilitator for over 20 years on issues of racial and social justice.

Yasmin is the Founder of Diverse Matters (https://www.diversematters.org) which seeks the promotion of the values of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity in organisations. Over 8 years’ experience as a successful and sought-after Executive coach, Trainer, Consultant, Speaker and Mentor, combined with a background as a lawyer practising for 12 years in a large international law firm, enabling professional people to achieve peak performance in inclusive workplace cultures. Established expertise in diversity issues, specializing in disability issues in the workplace via speaking, tailored webinars, workshops, events and coaching.

Yasmin is also the former Vice-Chair of the Disabled Solicitors Network at the Law Society and a multi-award winning international speaker, TEDx speaker and has recently been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Law for her work.

 Bärí A. Williams is an attorney and startup advisor and cofounder of The Runda Lab. She currently serves as an advisor to Vera, and fractional GC for Career Karma. Her primary practice areas include emerging technology transactions, privacy and data protection, IP licensing, and terms of service. She is also a published author with bylines in the New York Times, WIRED, Fortune, and Fast Company. She is the former Head of Business Operations Management for North America at StubHub, where she was responsible for business planning and operations to manage and oversee technical internal and external metrics, product innovation, and partnerships and drive P&L results across the company. Prior to StubHub, she served as Lead Counsel at Facebook doing legal work supporting Connectivity Labs to build drones, lasers, and satellites. During her Facebook tenure, she also built the company's Supplier Diversity Program.

She has served as an advisor to startups in the enterprise and e-commerce space, including Blavity (and AfroTech), Bandwagon, Owl (acquired by CallPass), and Telepath. She recently gave congressional testimony on bias in AI in financial services in Feb. 2020. Her book, Diversity in the Workplace: Eye-Opening Interviews to Jumpstart Conversations About Identity, Privilege, and Bias, was released on March 31, 2020, and she is awaiting her second book to be published, detailing her experience as a Black woman from Oakland working in tech in the heart of the Valley.

Welcome to Baachu Talk: Equity Matters, the podcast that boldly champions diversity, equity, and inclusion through the power of human stories. Join host Baskar Sundaram, a seasoned entrepreneur and leader, as he guides you through thought-provoking conversations with inspiring advocates who dare to challenge the status quo, smash barriers, and ignite positive change in every corner of our world.

In each episode, you'll hear heart-stirring narratives, frank discussions, and unshakable truths from those leading the charge towards a more equitable future. We shine a spotlight on the voices of social activists and human rights advocates, who have dedicated their lives to promoting equality and justice.

Baskar draws from his extensive knowledge and personal experience to offer invaluable insights and practical tips for fostering positive change in the workplace and the wider world. Through powerful stories and raw emotions, we forge a path towards a diverse, equitable, and inclusive future.

At Baachu, JEDI lies at the heart of everything we do, driving our commitment to excellence and positive impact. We stand firm against all forms of oppression, including racism, transphobia, classism, sexism, and xenophobia. We are continuously learning about injustice and are committed to dismantling discriminatory systems, policies, practices, and ideologies within ourselves and our networks.

Join us on this journey towards a more equitable and inclusive workplace. The Equity Matters Workplace Series offers informative, empowering, and inspiring insights and actionable tips that can help you drive positive change in your own organization. Whether you are a leader, manager, or employee, this podcast is for you.

So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's dive into the DEI universe, right here on Baachu Talk: Equity Matters! Stand up, speak out, and transform the world with us.

Nicola Lathbury is theMD of Hexagon FM, Recruitment specialists to the Facilities Management sector. Speaker & Chair of Women in FM and Midlands Region for the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). She is passionate about helping people carve careers to achieve their life goals and equipping companies with the most engaged and talented professional to deliver their business strategies. 

With over 15 years recruitment experience and three years operational as an FM, Nicola knows what good looks like, which is why customers in the public and private sector choose to work with her and the Hexagon brand. 

Delivering on promises and daring to be different.

Nikki used to have lots of hobbies before she adopted her daughter such as sewing, baking, cooking for friends and walking with her cockapoo Ruby. She also spend a lot of time volunteering for the industry, so that takes up her free time. Nikki is also involved with meditation and women’s circles and retreats to recharge. Currently, her time is spent doing things with her daughter who loves to be out exploring in the fresh air and loves animals. So, she has lots of trips to farms and zoos.

Nicola Lathbury is theMD of Hexagon FM, Recruitment specialists to the Facilities Management sector. Speaker & Chair of Women in FM and Midlands Region for the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). She is passionate about helping people carve careers to achieve their life goals and equipping companies with the most engaged and talented professional to deliver their business strategies. 

With over 15 years recruitment experience and three years operational as an FM, Nicola knows what good looks like, which is why customers in the public and private sector choose to work with her and the Hexagon brand. 

Delivering on promises and daring to be different.

Nikki used to have lots of hobbies before she adopted her daughter such as sewing, baking, cooking for friends and walking with her cockapoo Ruby. She also spend a lot of time volunteering for the industry, so that takes up her free time. Nikki is also involved with meditation and women’s circles and retreats to recharge. Currently, her time is spent doing things with her daughter who loves to be out exploring in the fresh air and loves animals. So, she has lots of trips to farms and zoos.

Jeremy has over 25 years of professional experience FM and Hospitality, working both client side and service provider side across the hospitality, utilities, defence, and energy sectors. He started his FM journey back in the early 1990’s and have held various management roles during that time working with companies like Norweb, North West Water, United Utilities and Vertex. 

In 2007, Jeremy joined EMCOR UK as a Key Account Director to lead their aerospace and defence business delivering integrated facilities services in highly complex manufacturing, production and R&D environments supporting mission critical products. In 2014 as Operations Director, he led UK Utilities Solutions and transformation services in electrical distribution, water and waste water services, before joining the EMCOR UK Board in 2017.

Jeremy is a founder of EMCOR UK’s Key Account Management programme, Lean Learning Academy, and was the lead director for our Collaborative Business Relationship Management strategy, resulting in EMCOR UK becoming one of the first six companies anywhere in the world, and the first FM company to achieve IS044001. Additionally, he supports special interest groups in social value and sustainability, and UK Charity Water Aid.

As an Executive Director, Jeremy leads EMCOR UK’s marketing, brand development and customer solutions activities. He is also a part of the management board with the Institute of Collaborative Working (ICW) and am a regular contributor and speaker at industry events.

Jeremy has over 25 years of professional experience FM and Hospitality, working both client side and service provider side across the hospitality, utilities, defence, and energy sectors. He started his FM journey back in the early 1990’s and have held various management roles during that time working with companies like Norweb, North West Water, United Utilities and Vertex. 

In 2007, Jeremy joined EMCOR UK as a Key Account Director to lead their aerospace and defence business delivering integrated facilities services in highly complex manufacturing, production and R&D environments supporting mission critical products. In 2014 as Operations Director, he led UK Utilities Solutions and transformation services in electrical distribution, water and waste water services, before joining the EMCOR UK Board in 2017.

Jeremy is a founder of EMCOR UK’s Key Account Management programme, Lean Learning Academy, and was the lead director for our Collaborative Business Relationship Management strategy, resulting in EMCOR UK becoming one of the first six companies anywhere in the world, and the first FM company to achieve IS044001. Additionally, he supports special interest groups in social value and sustainability, and UK Charity Water Aid.

As an Executive Director, Jeremy leads EMCOR UK’s marketing, brand development and customer solutions activities. He is also a part of the management board with the Institute of Collaborative Working (ICW) and am a regular contributor and speaker at industry events.