#equity

Getting a job is proving difficult for many who have immigrated to Canada, even for those professionally qualified. More needs to be done to ensure that new and immigrant professionals are given a platform to earn their keep, and the more diverse, equitable, and inclusive those environments are, the better!

In observation of Black History Month, and to help us dive deeper into this topic, we are joined by Nketti Johnston-Taylor for our new podcast episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. Nketti is the executive director of the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), an organization that connects newcomer professionals to strategies that will lead to successful employment outcomes. After taking a brief look at the history of her home city of Calgary, we learn about her immigration story, how it ties into her professional background, and everything there is to know about CRIEC and the work that they do.

We discuss Nketti’s mindset during the early years of her immigration and her assessment of the cultural barriers that prevent immigrants from finding work in Canada. She also shares her advice for employers to create more hospitable workplaces, as well as some tips for international professionals on how to find work in a new country. Tune in for all this and more!

A huge 'thank you!' to Reliance Home Comfort for sponsoring this episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief look at the cultural history of Calgary.
• Dr. Nketti Johnston-Taylor's background and immigration story.
• Her mindset during her first few years of assimilating into Canadian culture.
• Why she struggled to find a sense of belonging when she first moved to Calgary. 
• The systemic and cultural barriers that prevent qualified immigrants from finding work. 
• What Canada can do to better support newcomers and internationally-trained professionals.
• Insight into CRIEC and its various initiatives. 
• Tips for international professionals who are struggling to find work in Canada.
• Advice for employers to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on LinkedIn
• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on X
• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on Instagram
• CRIEC
• Making Changes
• Prairie Centre for Excellence in Mentoring
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

What does it take to transform a company from having virtually no diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to implementing a comprehensive strategy that spans the entire organization?

To help us answer this question, we are joined by Normand St-Gelais for the first episode of season 3 of CCDI’s podcast, Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. Normand is Director of Corporate Responsibility at Sodexo, a dedicated long-term CCDI Founding Employer Partner. For Sodexo in Canada, his role encompasses Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability, and overseeing their Stop Hunger Foundation.

We sit down with Normand to discuss his career at Sodexo, the company’s transformative journey on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how they went from virtually no DEI strategy to establishing six well-thought-out resource groups that play an invaluable role in representing the diversity of their organization. We get into the policies that were reviewed and established once DEI became an organizational priority, the impact this has had on company culture, key challenges they experienced along the way, and a whole lot more.

To hear the full scope of their ongoing DEI evolution along with Normand’s advice for companies starting out on their diversity, equity, and inclusion journey, be sure to tune in for this informative conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Normand’s work at Sodexo and the key role he played in their transformative DEI journey.
• The six resource groups that were established to better represent the diversity of Sodexo.
• A breakdown of the policies that were reviewed upon making DEI an organizational priority.
• Why there was a need for Sodexo’s Council for Indigenous People.
• How changes in DEI have positively impacted the culture at Sodexo.
• The importance of including DEI principles in recruitment strategies.
• Why it’s critical for company leaders to support DEI principles throughout the organization.
• Some of the pushback and challenges Normand experienced.
• Unpacking why it’s important to create a space for Caucasian men within DEI.
• Insights on the connection between DEI and corporate responsibility.
• How Sodexo has helped clients with their DEI efforts.
• Normand’s advice to companies at the beginning of their DEI journeys.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sodexo
• Normand St-Gelais on LinkedIn
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In today's new podcast episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we're delving into the intricacies of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We've noticed the profound impact this war has had on colleges, teams, and workplaces. Sorting through the vast amount of information available is challenging as it's tough to discern the facts from the misleading or inaccurate information circulating. 

Joining us today is Brian Carwana, Executive Director at Encounter World Religions Centre, to help navigate and come to grips with this complex issue. Brian is an esteemed figure in the realm of religious literacy, with a wealth of experience spanning two decades in the field. Brian has actively engaged with diverse sectors, imparting insights and expertise on religious diversity and pluralism.

In our conversation, we unpack the complexities of the war and its impacts on society and workplaces in Canada. We discuss the history of the war, the nuance factors resulting in an ongoing war, and its overall impact on Canadian society. Gain insights into the different perspectives on the war, the national discourse on the topic, how the conflict is creating tensions in the workplace and more. Brian also provides advice to leaders and employees for navigating the discourse with compassion and how to foster understanding of each other perspectives in the workplace.

 Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of violence, conflict, and sensitive geopolitical issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which may be distressing or triggering for some Listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Overview of the war and where the current issues stem from.
• Reasons for the immigration of Jewish people into Palestine.
• Critical aspects to keep in mind when discussing the topic.
• The role of the British and the United Nations in the conflict's history.
• How previous suffering on both sides has led to war.
• Insights into the historical oppression of both communities.
• He unpacks what each side seeks to accomplish.
• Brian explains the national discourse in Canada surrounding the war.
• Problematic ideologies and language used in the national discourse.
• Discover how the war is impacting people in Canada.
• Common problems and tensions felt in the workplace about the war.
• Advice for leaders for navigating the topic within the workplace.
• Why increasing education around religious minorities is essential.
• Creating safe environments for robust and honest conversations.
• Final words of wisdom Brain has for listeners.

For further resources on the background of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, check out these two blogs here: https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/10/11/background-on-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/; https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/11/02/backgrounder-on-israel-palestine-part-ii/

To delve into understanding Antisemitism, explore this comprehensive blog: https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/10/26/why-do-they-hate-the-jews/

Additionally, to gain insights into Palestinians and the Muslim Other, visit: https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/11/08/palestinians-and-the-muslim-other/

Nature is the perfect classroom for learning about the importance of diversity. 

By simply stepping outside and observing a natural environment for a few moments, we will most likely see one of the greatest examples of how a diverse system can thrive.

The natural world shows us how wonderfully different and unique species can all thrive together in a balanced, harmonious ecosystem. 

The same principles can apply to all areas of human existence. We create a beautiful world by celebrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. 

We can learn a lot from nature!

Welcome to Episode Twenty-Nine of The Nature of Wellness Podcast. 

On this episode, we sat down with Sav Sankaran, Orvis Inclusion & Engagement Business Partner, passionate hunter and angler, and a nationally acclaimed touring bluegrass musician.

A first-generation American, Sav has been an associate at The Orvis Company for over a decade. He is a founding member of Orvis’ Justice Equity Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) committee. He helps to lead the company’s DEI and engagement efforts, helping the company make the outdoors and the outdoor industry more inclusive. He is also a board member of Minority Outdoor Alliance (Season One, episode 14). Sav is a proud Penn State Nittany Lion with a Diversity & Inclusion certificate from Cornell University.

Join us as we talk to Sav about barriers to outdoor access, the power of being true to ourselves, what companies can do to create successful DEI initiatives, and how to embrace nature to build your identity. 

Sav discusses the power of bringing us together through music, the lessons nature can teach us about equality, the importance of including diverse voices in company initiatives, and how finding and nurturing our communities is important. 

At the end of the episode, Sav was gracious enough to share the new song “Moments” from his band Unspoken Tradition. 

We left this conversation celebrating how wonderfully harmonious, diverse, and special our world is.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast. It helps us extend the reach of these powerful messages.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Unspoken Truth Website:  https://unspokentradition.com

Unspoken Tradition Spotify Page https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ffmxtCun2OgtqJlvlanQv?si=Nhu1vaWOSOmU2gcj3rayCQ

Orris Angling for All:  https://www.orvis.com/angling-for-all.html

Minority Outdoor Alliance: https://www.minorityoutdooralliance.org

 * The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Niall Monahan. 

Today’s special episode of Leader Talks commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which is an important observance on November 20th each year to honour the memory of the transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. To mark the occasion, we are joined by Marni Panas, a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP), human rights champion, and a sought-after keynote speaker who is dedicated to creating safer and more inclusive places where everyone can be their whole selves. Marni believes that the most effective way to reduce discrimination is to get to know the humans behind the labels and identities ascribed to them, and in this episode, she shares some simple and effective ways to increase awareness, be better informed, unlearn our inherent biases, and be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about centring humanity and compassion and being an up-stander, not a bystander, tune in today!

Key points from this episode:

• A glimpse into Marni’s personal journey and the many adjectives that describe her.
• Marni’s commitment to advancing social justice; which she calls a privilege.
• The hope that she has for young people in the face of rising hatred and transphobia.
• Why you don’t need to be an expert in gender or sexuality to have compassion.
• How the simple act of getting to know someone can reduce discrimination.
• The awareness and education you can achieve on your own as an ally.
• Reflecting on the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).
• How leaders and employers can be better allies to trans and non-binary individuals.
• Why centring humanity and embracing discomfort are crucial elements of allyship.
• Final thoughts on the importance of looking beyond identity.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Marni Panas
• Marni Panas on X
• Marni Panas on LinkedIn
• Marni Panas on Instagram
• Transgender Day of Remembrance
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Islamic History Month, observed in October, is dedicated to commemorating, enlightening, educating, and fostering a deeper understanding among fellow Canadians about the diverse and valuable contributions of the Muslim community to society.

In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we take a moment to celebrate the contributions of Muslims to Canada and discuss the many issues the community still faces. To help us unpack this nuance topic is Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia. Amira is a prominent journalist and human rights advocate who has made significant contributions to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in Canada. She has also worked in communications and human rights within Canada's labour movement and played a key role in promoting the civil liberties of Canadian Muslims.

We start by delving into some interesting facts about the Muslim community and the state of islamophobia in Canada. Then, we discuss the background of the Muslim community in Canada, the concept of multiculturism, and the progress being made to combat Islamophobia. Amira shares details about her role, the essential work she is doing, and the many challenges Muslim communities currently face. 

We explore the intersection of race and religion in xenophobia, the hurdles younger Muslim generations must overcome, the impact of toxic narratives, common misconceptions surrounding Islam, and more. Tune in and gain a deeper understanding of the Muslim community in Canada with Amira Elghawaby! 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Amira Elghawaby
• Amira Elghawaby on LinkedIn
• Amira Elghawaby on Instagram
• Amira Elghawaby on X
• Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC)
• Blackfoot Confederacy
• Canadian Labour Congress
• ‘Canada's Multiculturalism - Worth Defending’
• ‘Canada’s unions: urgent action needed to end Islamophobia, protect Muslim communities’
• The Myth of the Muslim Tide
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

*Please note this episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, on Islamophobia, which was produced before the October 2023 Israel-Palestine conflict, does not reference this conflict and the impact on groups affected. CCDI is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and we stand against both antisemitism and Islamophobia. We offer valuable resources to employers seeking assistance in addressing these challenges. To learn more about what organizations can do to define and combat antisemitism in the workplace and beyond, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p1vXLuA1X0 for CCDI's free webinar: Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace.

Can you imagine scaling your business up to $100 million? Join us as we engage in a riveting discussion with Richard C Wilson, the Founder of the Family Office Club. We'll unearth strategies that industry titans like Mark Cuban and Elon Musk stand by, such as the power of effective communication through emails and the essence of building genuine relationships.

In this episode, Richard reveals five key insights culled from his own experience of writing over 150,000 emails in the past 15 years. Learn how to master the art of brevity, add value upfront and remember that no one owes you a reply. Also, discover how to maximize the ROI from events and the benefits of databases in cultivating meaningful relationships. If you're passionate about taking your business to the next level, this episode is just for you.

This is part #10 of 19 in the $100 million rainmaker mini series. 

To learn more about Jonathan's recession resilient mobile home park real estate Fund, as our next Fund raise is $50 million only for accredited investors: https://www.midwestparkcapital.com/

To learn more about Jonathan's highest level business growth consulting and fractional CMO services. And upcoming group zoom entrepreneur masterminds:
https://www.revenueascend.com/consulting/

The Family Office Club was founded in 2007 and has now become the largest association in the industry with over 4,000 registered ultra-wealthy investors (Richard C Wilson is part owner of the Accredited Investor Podcast):
 https://familyoffices.com/

Sign up to get on the list for the World's Most Exclusive Social Networking App: https://www.prestigesocialapp.com/

New Kava beverage, it's buzzy not boozy (sign up to potentially win a year supply for free):
https://www.drinkwowipop.com/

To those looking to potential exit or sell their business or talk about potential business roll up partnerships:
https://www.businesscashout.com/

Join one of the fastest growing real estate groups on Facebook, which is our 22,400 Multifamily Investor Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451061265284414

To learn more about mobile home investing, acquiring your first mobile home park and learn how to raise capital the easy and efficient way:  https://www.mobilehomewealthacademy.com  

https://linktr.ee/jonathantuttle

Accredited Investor Podcast- sign up to the email list and get notified of new episodes, bonus content, and potential deal opportunities: https://www.accreditedinvestorpodcast.com/

#capitalraising #privateequity #entreprenuer #venturecapital #sovereignwealthfund #capital #businessgrowth #startup #realestate #100million #entreprenuership #accreditedinvestors

Are you ready to supercharge your investment strategy? Join us for a captivating conversation with Richard C. Wilson, the Founder of the Family Office Club. We tackle the complex world of investment structures, exploring straight equity investments, convertible notes, and the custom structures often adopted by family offices. Together, we decipher the subtleties of these structures, sharing how you can leverage them to secure more deals and boost potential returns. You won't want to miss our deep dive into 'fake skin in the game', the importance of a well-planned investment structure, and the role performance fee-only structures play in building investor confidence.

That's not all! Listen in as we delve into the nitty-gritty of raising capital, exploring the Code GP structure, the Preferred Income Model, and dissecting the implications of setting a minimum investment. Richard offers insights on the importance of collateral in investment structures and how tweaking an investment structure can serve specific investor needs. From discussing upfront fees to the different share classes, we leave no stone unturned. So, grab your seat and join us on this enlightening journey as we illuminate the pathway to successful investment strategies with Richard C. Wilson.

This is part #8 of 19 in the $100 million rainmaker mini series. 

To learn more about Jonathan's recession resilient mobile home park real estate Fund, as our next Fund raise is $50 million only for accredited investors: https://www.midwestparkcapital.com/

To learn more about Jonathan's highest level business growth consulting and fractional CMO services. And upcoming group zoom entrepreneur masterminds:
https://www.revenueascend.com/consulting/

The Family Office Club was founded in 2007 and has now become the largest association in the industry with over 4,000 registered ultra-wealthy investors (Richard C Wilson is part owner of the Accredited Investor Podcast):
 https://familyoffices.com/

Sign up to get on the list for the World's Most Exclusive Social Networking App: https://www.prestigesocialapp.com/

New Kava beverage, it's buzzy not boozy (sign up to potentially win a year supply for free):
https://www.drinkwowipop.com/

To those looking to potential exit or sell their business or talk about potential business roll up partnerships:
https://www.businesscashout.com/

Join one of the fastest growing real estate groups on Facebook, which is our 21,500 Multifamily Investor Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451061265284414

To learn more about mobile home investing, acquiring your first mobile home park and learn how to raise capital the easy and efficient way:  https://www.mobilehomewealthacademy.com  

https://linktr.ee/jonathantuttle

Accredited Investor Podcast- sign up to the email list and get notified of new episodes, bonus content, and potential deal opportunities: https://www.accreditedinvestorpodcast.com/

#capitalraising #privateequity #entreprenuer #venturecapital #sovereignwealthfund #capital #businessgrowth #startup #realestate #100million #entreprenuership #accreditedinvestors

Today, we’d like to celebrate the incredible work being done in our country to promote and fight for gender-based health equity. However, this work is far from finished and there is still so much more to do. For instance, Canada is 30th out of 146 countries when it comes to the global gender gap index. While this statistic may not seem immediately harrowing, it still highlights the persistent and systemic barriers against gender equity in the country that require immediate correction. Joining us today are two big players in the fight for gender-based health equity in Canada, Mike Casia and Sharlene Rutherford. Mike is the president and MD of Organon Canada, a global healthcare company focused on women’s health that works very closely with Sharlene and her organizations, the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation and the Women’s Health Collective Canada, which are centred around the same concerns. Our conversation tackles gender equity and health, why women’s health cannot be ignored, the consequences of villainizing conversations around women’s health, and the common health inequalities that are prevalent in Canada today. Mike and Sharlene also graciously explain the great work that their organizations are doing, the various partnerships that they’re involved in to drive the gender-based health movement forward, and what employers and everyday citizens can do to support gender and health equality, plus so much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Mike and Sharlene and today’s topic: Gender Equity and Health.
• How and why Sharlene became so passionate about gender equality and health equity. 
• Why Mike chose to be a leader in the fight for women’s health. 
• Where health fits into the gender equality conversation, and why it matters. 
• The consequences of making women’s issues taboo. 
• Taking a closer look at the common health inequities that women in Canada face. 
• Why women’s health needs to be normalized and become part of our everyday speech.
• The work that Mike and Sharlene’s organizations are doing to promote health equity.
• What employers and the general public can do to support gender and health equality. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mike Casia on LinkedIn 

Sharlene Rutherford on LinkedIn

Organon Canada  

Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation 

Alberta Women’s Health Foundation 

Women’s Health Collective Canada

‘Global Gender Gap Report 2023’ 

‘Surveying the Silence’

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Today, we are joined by thought leader and truth and reconciliation program facilitator Salena Starling, who is also the co-owner and president of Community of Big Hearts. Salena has personally been through Canada’s foster care system and, in this episode, she opens up about her journey. We discover how and why the foster care system disproportionately affects Indigenous youth and what needs to change to break stereotypes and address intergenerational trauma. Salena’s story illustrates the implicit challenges that Indigenous youths are born into and what can be done to support reconciliation efforts. Our guest is an exception, having made it out of the system as a healthy, successful individual. Tune in to hear about her efforts to break the cycle and what the rest of us can do to facilitate change.

Key Points From This Episode: 

• Introducing Salena Starling, President and Co-Owner of Community of Big Hearts.
• Salena shares her personal connection to Canada's child welfare system and its challenges.
• How and why the foster care system disproportionately affects Indigenous youth.
• The importance of reconciliation efforts to address intergenerational trauma.
• A reminder that the ‘60s scoop’ didn’t end in the 60s.
• What reconciliation involves and what needs to be done to support reconciliation efforts.
• The stereotype cycle affecting Indigenous people; what Salena is doing to break harmful stereotypes.
• Why it’s important to create safe spaces promoting dialogue and understanding.
• The role parents play in shaping their children's attitudes toward diversity and reconciliation.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Salena Starling on LinkedIn

Community of Big Hearts

CanU Canada

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Self-care refers to the intentional activities and practices that individuals engage in to nurture their physical, mental, and emotional health. Joining us today to help us understand the importance of self-care is Psychologist and Human Resources Consultant at Invictus Psychology and Consulting, Zuraida Dada. Zuraida is a seasoned psychologist specializing in adult individual therapy. She is known for her ability to create a warm, safe environment and provide empathetic, solution-focused care. Her main objective is to aid clients in reconnecting with themselves, strengthening their resilience, and enhancing their coping strategies. In our conversation, we uncover the importance of self-care through the lens of her personal and professional experiences. We unpack the negative stigmas of mental health, the value of psychoeducation, her positive psychology approach, and the causes of mental health issues. We also talk about safe places and the role of supervisors in mental health and hear invaluable advice on creating healthy work environments. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Zuraida’s experience growing up in Apartheid South Africa.
• What sparked her initial interest in psychology.
• The state of mental health in Canada.
• Common misconceptions and stigmas regarding mental health.
• Zuraida shares her own mental health struggles.
• Separating the condition from the personality.
• Contributing factors to mental health conditions.
• How to create a safe and mentally healthy workplace.
• Advice for supervisors to create a healthy work environment.
• Providing effective support for employees.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Zuraida Dada on LinkedIn

Invictus Psychology and Consulting

The Canadian Psychological Association

The Mental Health Commission of Canada

International Self-Care Day (ISD)

Dr. Diane McIntosh

This Is Depression

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Alejandra Warren, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Plastic Free Future, focuses on the power of kindness and collective action for social change that protects the planet. The impact of her collaborative work in the reuse community is widely recognized via policy victories in California, nation-wide coalition-building, and most recently at the INC-2 negotiations in Paris. She was also the winner of The Reusies Activist of the Year 2022 award. 

Alejandra joins host Brooking Gatewood for a candid conversation about inclusive organizing for a waste-free world, with an approach that focuses on joy; celebrating the inherent wisdom in community; and extending a circle of compassion to all of nature. 

Resources: 

• Plastic Free Future
• Reusable San Mateo County
• Global Reuse Summit
• Podcast: Global Reuse on World Refill Day
• INC-2 Negotiations
• PR3

n today's episode of The Cadence with just bobby.t, we bring to you Shawn Kanugo, a strategic innovation keynote speaker and author of The Bold Ones. We delve into how Shawn has transformed from a sole innovator to an innovation entrepreneur and the myriad benefits he has accrued from his unique experiences.

This episode is a gold mine of insightful advice, enriching experiences, and practical tips that can potentially augment your journey.

More about Shawn Kanugo:

Website: www.shawnkanugo.com

Tweet me! @justbobbyt

My Newsletter: https://www.justbobbyt.com/newsletter

What are the strategies for managing cultural change? How can we measure the impact? And what are the emerging trends that may have an influence? In EP121, Toby Mildon, Founder & Director of Mildon, joins Melinda in an action-oriented discussion on creating organizational culture change. They explore various change management models and strategic frameworks leaders can implement to drive DEI initiatives and measure their impact across teams. They tackle the importance of DEI practitioners taking a human-centered approach to problem-solving and using data to identify and address significant issues in the workplace. They also share insights on emerging DEI trends and the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in business.


About Toby Mildon (he/him)

Toby Mildon, a leading expert in diversity and inclusion with a proven track record of success in helping some of the UK's largest companies - including the BBC, Deloitte, Sony, and HarperCollins Publishing - improve staff retention, brand innovation, productivity, and performance.

Toby's lifelong passion for D&I stems from his personal and professional experiences with inequality, and his belief that building a culture of inclusive growth is essential for organizational success. He created the Inclusive Growth Culture Program to help businesses like yours implement real change and avoid superficial diversity initiatives. If your company has more than 250 employees (or is expecting to grow to this size), Toby is the right person to help you drive your business forward and achieve new heights.

Moving beyond superficial diversity initiatives and building a culture of inclusive growth is essential because it addresses the underlying issues of inequality and creates a sustainable framework for continued growth and success. Companies that focus on this approach see better results, both in terms of revenue growth and employee engagement.

Diverse and inclusive workforces contribute to brand innovation and productivity because they bring together different perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more creative solutions and better decision-making. Looking to the future, Toby sees D&I becoming increasingly important for business competitiveness. He encourages companies to prepare themselves for these developments by prioritizing D&I and making it an integral part of their organizational strategy. By doing so, companies can become leaders in their industry and attract and retain top talent.


For more about Empovia, visit https://ally.cc. There, you’ll also find educational resources and highlights from this episode.


Connect With Toby

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tobymildon/

Connect With Us

YouTube: youtube.com/@empovia
Twitter: twitter.com/empoviaco
Facebook: facebook.com/empovia
Instagram: instagram.com/empovia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/empovia

Production Team

Creator & Host: Melinda Briana Epler
Co-Producers: Renzo Santos & Christina Swindlehurst Chan
Podcast Rocket: Rob Scheerbarth & Nina Rugeles


[Image description: LEA promo and photos of Toby Mildon, a White man sitting in an electric wheelchair with low haircut, salt and pepper beard, and navy blue long-sleeve shirt; and host Melinda Briana Epler, a White woman with blonde and red hair, glasses, red shirt, and black jacket.]

We are thrilled to welcome Brittany Gataveckas to the show as she helps us better understand Canada’s new 50-30 challenge. Brittany is the Manager of Social Sustainability at the UN Global Compact Network Canada, and her expertise as a project design and implantation specialist is critical in her work of helping Canadian organizations advance their gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. In our conversation, Brittany gives us a clear understanding of Canada’s 50-30 challenge and how this work could be a defining factor in improving human rights in Canadian workplaces. We discuss the role of the UN Global Compact Network Canada and other ecosystem partners in the government-led movement, the potential learning paths for participants of the challenge, how to join the 50-30 challenge, and everything you need to know before signing up. And if you are feeling overwhelmed by your involvement in the challenge, Brittany reminds us that it’s okay to start small, as long as you stay committed! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, the Manager of Social Sustainability at the UN Global Compact Network Canada (UNGCNC), Brittany Gataveckas. 
• Brittany’s background, and more information on her company and her current role. 
• How her work encompasses diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• The Canadian government’s 50-30 challenge and its merits on addressing human rights.  
• Taking a look at the ecosystem partners of the 50-30 challenge, including the UNGCNC.
• What’s being offered in the 50-30 challenge and the potential learning paths for participants.
• The steps that employers can take to join the 50-30 challenge. 
• Some things for businesses to consider before embarking on the 50-30 challenge. 
• A reminder that it’s okay to start small, as long as you stay committed to the cause! 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brittany Gataveckas on LinkedIn

UN Global Compact Network Canada 

S. Sutton & Associates Inc.

The 50-30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In this episode...
I speak with McGeorge Law School Professor Emeritus Brian Landsberg.  Professor Landsberg shares his experiences as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, beginning in the tumultuous 1960s.  Our discussion offers an essential and enlightening history lesson for anyone interested in exploring the early roots of the Civil Rights movement.  Professor Landsberg shares his unique perspective, gained first hand during the 1960s and 1970s.

About our guest...
Professor Emeritus Brian K. Landsberg began teaching at McGeorge in 1986 and has continued to teach since taking emeritus status. His teaching is grounded in his experience as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, beginning in the tumultuous 1960s. His career in the Civil Rights Division began with trial work to vindicate the right of African-Americans in Alabama to vote, notably including the case the recognized the right to march from Selma to Montgomery to protest racial discrimination in voter registration. That work also became the basis for his book Free at Last to Vote: The Alabama Origins of the Voting Rights Act. Professor Landsberg also worked on some of the first cases to desegregate public accommodations and on fair employment and fair housing cases. As Chief of the Education Section, he helped litigate the cases that transformed the schools of the Deep South from the most segregated to the most integrated schools in the nation by the mid-1970's. He then became Chief of the Appellate Section, arguing cases in United States Courts of Appeals throughout the country, as well as working on Supreme Court briefs in seminal civil rights cases.

Professor Landsberg's teaching has covered a wide range of public law and advocacy topics, including Constitutional Law, First Amendment Law, Federal Courts, Federal Anti-discrimination Law, Civil Rights Law, Critical Race Theory, Appellate Advocacy, as well as courses for students in advanced degree programs. He directed, for five years, the McGeorge program, financed by the United States Agency for International Development, to train Chinese law professors in experiential legal education methods such as clinical legal education and trial and appellate advocacy. That project culminated in the publication of several books in Chinese to guide Chinese law professors and students in these subjects.

Professor Landsberg has continued to promote civil rights, as Chair of the Amicus Committee of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a national organizations of lawyers founded at the request of President Kennedy to provide legal representation on important issues of race discrimination. He is also Co-Chair of the Sacramento-Davis Chapter of J Street, a national pro-Israel, pro-peace organization.

In today's episode, we delve into the crucial topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fundraising. We explore how organizations can create more inclusive fundraising practices that not only benefit donors but also support communities and promote social change. 
Our guest, Lindsey Nadeau, shares valuable insights on how her organization has adopted inclusive fundraising practices that align with UNICEF USA values and foster diversity. We also discuss the importance of democratizing data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that fundraising strategies are effective, transparent, and equitable. In addition, Lindsey shares information on the Apra Ethics and Compliance Committee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Data Guide they have created to serve as a guide to the ethical manner of collection, storage, and usage of DEI data.
Additionally, we discuss how to measure the success of inclusive fundraising efforts, with a focus on KPIs that reflect the impact on both the organization and the community it serves. We also touch on how technology can play a role in democratizing data and making it more accessible to everyone. Join us for this insightful and engaging conversation about DEI and inclusive fundraising.

How do we ensure healthy, sustainable communities when we live in a system that so often prioritizes profits over people, especially those who are historically marginalized? Jose Bravo, Executive Director of The Just Transition Alliance, spends his days working on this very issue. And while there are no easy answers or quick fixes, one thing is clear: the most effective solutions will come from engaging those same communities that have been most harmed by entrenched systems of extraction and exploitation. 

Our host, Upstream's Chief Strategy Officer Priscilla Johnson, sits down with Jose for a wide-ranging and engaging conversation on localized solutions to the climate and waste crisis that put the health of people and the planet first. 

Resources: 

• Just Transition Alliance
• Justice40 Initiative
• The Produce Prescription Project
• Upstream's Climate, Plastics & Reuse toolkit

Women have been undervalued in the workplace for almost a century and a half! Today on the Leader Talks Podcast we are celebrating International Women’s Day with the incredible Kadie Ward to discuss gender inequality in the workplace. This episode is packed with some amazing insights into how women have been undervalued in work over the years, why legislation is essential in closing the gender wage gap, how gender diversity, equity, and inclusion create economic prosperity, and so much more! Kadie even shares some tools for how to make a difference in these issues and tells us how we can play a role in her vision for an inclusive Canada. To hear all this and more, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Kadie Ward. 
• A brief overview of Kadie’s illustrious career and the awards she’s received.
• Kadie tells us why the need for equality to achieve prosperity keeps her so engaged in work.
• A history of women in the workplace, how they’ve been undervalued, and how it’s changed. 
• How legislation is closing the gender wage gap faster than human rights. 
• What the economic value proposition of gender diversity is and its economic impacts. 
• Some examples of what we need to do to close the pay gap and some tools we can use.
• Kadie shares her vision for an inclusive Canada and what role we can play in it. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kadie Ward on LinkedIn
Kadie Ward on Twitter
Kadie Ward on Facebook
Pay Equity Solution for Small Businesses Toolkit
Level Playing Field Series
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In Episode 115, Melinda shares talks from previous Empovia events made by Black leaders Daisy Ozim, Angel Acosta, and Ashantè Fray that tackle the impact of Black history on our present and future. At Tech Inclusion 2019, Daisy discusses the long-term impacts of intergenerational trauma and how it is perpetuated through technology. She dives into 10 things allies can do to help create systemic change. In Angel’s talk on mindfulness and healing in tech at Tech Inclusion Global Summit 2020, he shares the power of mindfulness and healing practices to support ourselves through trauma from the global health crisis and racial divisiveness. At Tech Inclusion Conference 2020, Ashantè talks about the importance of intersectional allyship. She taps into ways allies can support people from intersectionally underrepresented groups, such as learning to acknowledge our privileges in various spaces, recognizing the impact of microaggressions, and understanding where we are in our allyship journey.

For more, visit https://empovia.co/podcast/.

About Daisy Ozim (she/her)

Daisy ​​Ozim is the Founder of DaisyOzim.co. She works at the epicenter of multidimensional education and awareness, technology, social justice and public health. Her goal is to help the public understand the ways in which these sectors coalesce to improve public, interpersonal and individual health. As a public health practitioner, she has spent the past 10 years involved in community organizing, youth development and working on various public health projects.

LI: linkedin.com/in/daisyozim/
FB: facebook.com/DaisyOzimCo
TW: twitter.com/daisysuniverse_
IG: instagram.com/daisysplanet_/

About Angel Acosta (he/him)

For the last decade, Dr. Angel Acosta has worked to bridge the fields of leadership, social justice, and mindfulness. Angel has supported educational leaders and their students by facilitating leadership training, creating pathways to higher education, and designing dynamic learning experiences that weave leadership development with conversations about inequality and healing for organizations. He designed the Contemplating 400 Years of Inequality Experience and is the Creative Director at the NYC Healing Collective.

LI: linkedin.com/in/dr-angel-acosta-1886653b/
FB: facebook.com/AngelAcosta16
IG: instagram.com/dr_angel718/

About Ashantè Fray (she/they)

Ashantè Fray (she/they) is a Black bisexual woman who is the owner and founder of Synchronized Souls Inc., which works in Corporate Wellness to aid organizations with their wellness programs and wellbeing of their employees. She helps companies to reduce their employee healthcare costs and absenteeism, boost employee morale to reduce turnover and improve workplace productivity through wellness webinars and speaking events, lunch and learns, and tarot readings as team activities.

LI: linkedin.com/in/ashant%C3%A8/
IG: instagram.com/_synchronizedsoulsinc/

[Image description: LEA promo and photos of Daisy, an African American woman with long black hair in twists; Ashantè, a Black bisexual woman with short pink hair; Angel, an Afro-latino male with dark hair and facial hair; and host Melinda, a White woman with blonde and red hair