Today, Jay Brewster joins the show to discuss his work as Program Manager for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Shaw Communications. As a cis-gender, queer, white man who has an invisible disability, Jay focuses his work on cultivating belonging and creating safe spaces where people can be their authentic selves, which he achieves by collaborating with Shaw’s business leaders, employee resource groups, and business partners. Jay shares how he has turned what many might perceive as weaknesses into strengths in order to become the successful person that he is today, as well as the obstacles that he has faced throughout his life just for being himself.
“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey.”
“It’s so powerful when somebody can come into work and not have to pretend to be something else.” - Jay Brewster
Episode Highlights:
0:57 – Hafiz introduces Jay
5:39 – Jay's upbringing in and around Ontario, growing up with dyslexia, being gay in a heavily religious household
11:47 – working to creative inclusive work spaces at Shaw
16:40 – how he found his way into his role and coming out
27:15 – a message from our sponsors
29:11 – Jay’s message to others who are going through something similar
31:03 – why finding a supportive community was what helped Jay find his way
33:55 – how he brings his community-driven mindset to a large corporation
39:08 – is diversity inclusion in the workplace just lip service?
50:52 – the tenants of Jay’s wellness regime
55:02 – one accomplishment that he is proud of
56:49 – why Jay sees using his voice to amplify others’ as his purpose in life
58:24 – how you can support Jay, his work, and the movements that he is passionate about
Connect with Jay and support his work:
The Get Real Movement: thegetrealmovement.com
Pride at Work Canada: prideatwork.ca
Sponsors of this episode:
Bloom Benefits: www.bloombenefits.ca
Zelos: www.zelosglobal.com
Fit Kitchen: www.fitkitchenfood.com
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and the guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or affiliated companies