Culture Stew: Recent Episodes
Maria Morukian
Culture Stew is a show dedicated to exploring diversity, inclusion, and cultural identity in its many dimensions. We explore how our identities and values influence our personal and professional lives. Through interviews with scholars, journalists, scientists, and leadership development practitioners, we’ll delve into different concepts around cultural identity, explore how to lead diverse teams and organizations, and seek ways to build bridges across cultural chasms.
Gabriela Estrada is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, graphic designer and author. After working as a teacher for 5 years, Gabriela authored 2 autobiographical books and shortly after receiving her 200hr RYT certification, opened The Groove Chicago, a community yoga and art studio that centers all women of color in Avondale. Born and raised in Humboldt Park, Gabriela knows the power of community and giving back and is thrilled to help her community reach their highest potential through curated programming that fits their collective needs.
Chris Haigh is the Founder and Lead Consultant of True Change Associates, where they partner with organizations to build more equitable, inclusive, and socially just workplaces. With more than two decades of experience across higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, Chris specializes in leadership development, organizational change, and team building.
They have served in leadership and faculty roles at institutions including Brown University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Merrimack College, and the Federal Executive Institute, and have presented nationally at SXSW, the Racial Justice Institute at Creating Change, and the White Privilege Conference. Chris holds a master's degree in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and currently lives in Portugal with their wife, Vanessa.
In this episode of Culture Stew, Chris shares their personal journey of activism throughout their life-- from coming out in a small town to their journey of redefining the notion of family. Listen to this powerful conversation and leave feeling inspired to make a difference within your own sphere of influence.
In this episode of Culture Stew, we bring you the remarkable Emmy Award-winning journalist and author, Dion Lim. Dion has been known for nearly two decades as a TV news anchor and reporter, most recently with ABC News in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Dion made history as the first Asian American woman to anchor weekday evening newscasts at television stations in multiple major markets, including Kansas City, Charlotte, and Tampa Bay. Her reporting on racism and violence targeting Asian Americans has been featured on Good Morning America, 20/20, Nightline, and ABC News Live. Her work and advocacy have also been highlighted by PBS, NPR, New York Magazine, USA Today, and numerous other outlets.
Dion is also the author of the brilliant book, "AMPLIFY! My Fight For Asian America" (Third State Books). Through deeply personal anecdotes about her own life as a Chinese American, and her groundbreaking work as a journalist bringing forth the experiences of Asians during a time of heightened fear and hate, she provides the very first book to tackle one of the biggest political and social controversies of this century from the perspective of the AAPI community.
In our interview, Dion shared her experience reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on anti-Asian violence and how it transformed her work into something more personal and impactful. She shares some of the stories that most defined the #StopAsianHate movement, including the killing of Vicha Ratanapakdee, and how these stories forced the country to confront a much bigger and harder truth about who was being targeted and why. Dion also shares her views on the difference between activism and what she calls "activation," explaining why calling attention to undeniable racism isn't advocacy but journalism with urgency and moral clarity. Through her insights, you'll discover how storytelling, and amplifying the voices of those whose stories are often marginalized, can be a tool of empowerment, resilience, and community mobilization. Connect with Dion at DionLim.com Follow @DionLimTV on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Lilly Ghahremani is a recovering attorney who now "uses her powers for good!" as the co-founder and literary agent for adult and children's books at Full Circle Literary. She represents a wide range of authors and illustrators, thinking strategically about building lasting careers that are both productive and satisfying in a rapidly-changing publishing landscape. As literary agent, she's spent over two decades advocating for marginalized voices and transforming the publishing landscape. In this episode of the Culture Stew, Lilly reveals how the industry's biases and censorship, both overt and subtle, silence diverse stories and what we can all do to reclaim them. From supporting diverse authors to engaging in meaningful conversations Lilly and Maria explore how activism can be woven into daily life, making it accessible and impactful for everyone.
Ashley Brown is the Executive Director of Peace of Mind, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that is on a mission to equip kids with the mindfulness tools they need to manage big emotions, build healthy relationships, and become — in their words — peacemakers.
For over a decade, Ashley has championed educational equity and student success across diverse school communities. Whether she's designing curriculum, leading professional development for educators, or facilitating workshops directly with students, her focus has always been the same: creating learning environments where every child can thrive.
What Ashley and her team at Peace of Mind do is more than teaching breathing exercises and yoga poses. It's mindfulness woven together with brain science, conflict resolution, and social justice — giving kids not only the tools to regulate themselves, but the courage and agency to stand up for what's right in their communities.
Today we're talking about what it really looks like to teach peace, why this work is more urgent than ever, and how one small D.C. nonprofit is quietly building a global movement — one classroom at a time.
Allison Matulli, Ed.D., J.D., M.Ed. is an author, law professor, childhood educator, and Free Speech advocate and Fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. Dr. Matulli has dedicated her career to helping communities and their children understand the law, with specific attention to the First Amendment. Combining her legal training and education background, she is also the founder of The Little Lawyers, which empowers communities and children to learn the law. Dr. Matulli recently completed her Ed.D. with a doctorate thesis on Free Speech and Digital Citizenship. She is also a Global Fulbright Scholar focusing on how children experience freedom of speech in various countries worldwide, both online and offline. She is a lecturer at Howard University and serves as a criminal justice adjunct professor at Florida International University and affiliate faculty at the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership.
Her book, Your Freedom, Your Power: A Kid's Guide to the First Amendment (Hachette/Running Press Kids) has garnered broad interest from educators and free speech advocates and was named a Junior Library Guild Selection and included in the Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of 2023. She is the author of three forthcoming picture books. We Are Free (RISE x PRH) invites the youngest readers to understand how the First Amendment affects their lives and the world around them.
Matulli was named one of Miami's Most Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry by Legacy magazine, among other accolades.
Veryl Pow is a movement lawyer at the Sustainable Economies Law Center who practices at the intersection between solidarity economics, housing decommodification, and land liberation. An activist first, Veryl's politics developed from his grassroots organizing experiences in resistance movements that spanned Third World solidarity to abolitionist campaigns; and has since expanded to prefigurative worldmaking movements that attempt to transform social and economic relations from profit accumulation, extraction, and atomization to care, cooperation, and mutual aid in the here and now. The Sustainable Economies Law Center is a worker self-directed nonprofit that is one such experiment in worldmaking because of its non-hierarchical structure and democratization of decision-making and labor. You can learn more about the work of the Law Center through their 2026 Project Gallery. In the month of May 2026, the Law Center is running their annual, community-gathering Grassroots Fundraising Campaign. The theme this year is #AllHandsOnDeck, as we need as many hands to build strong ties in local communities to meet this moment of curated chaos in our federal government.
What is the role academics play in institutions, especially in the classroom, when it comes to supporting students' critical thinking around social issues? As we struggle with questions around free speech and what can or cannot be taught on campuses, how do educators navigate these issues, not necessarily from an administrative perspective, but from a student-focused one?
Dr. Todd Beer is an Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology and Anthropology at Lake Forest College in Illinois, where his research spans globalization, social movements, environmental sociology, and climate justice.
Dr. Devin M. Moran is a faculty member at Austin Peay State University's College of Education in Tennessee, teaching classroom management, instructional design, and the foundations of education. Dr. Moran is a sought-after speaker, researcher, and facilitator known for helping institutions build more inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environments.
In a media landscape shaped by algorithmic amplification, AI-generated content, and narratives that move faster than facts — credibility has become the scarcest resource in the room.
Lyanne Alfaro is an award-winning journalist, a narrative advisor, and a former insider at some of the most influential institutions shaping how the world understands business, technology, and capital.
Her latest venture, Project Reliable, is an independent initiative working at the intersection of narrative strategy, media posture, and ethical influence.
In this conversation, Lyanne shares how we can engage in everyday activism in how we consume, question, and share media. We also discuss the importance of organizations being intentional in how they respond to crisis situations to build credibility and trust.
Find out more about Lyanne and her projects at:
https://projectreliable.com/
https://www.monedamoves.com/
Dr. Leigh Ann Simmons wants to give women tools to better advocate for themselves at every stage of their health journey. As a medical practitioner and researcher, Dr. Simmons has published extensively on health disparities and is a leading scholar in promoting behavioral interventions to improve equity in health care. Dr. Simmons is a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis and co-director of the Perinatal Origins of Disparities (POD) Center at UC Davis. She is the author of an upcoming book that will help women advocate for their care and help healthcare professionals become better allies for women's health.
"At the roots of Collective Power is the idea that we can do more collectively than we can do individually." On this week's episode of the Culture Stew, Maria interviews Kelly and Christine Wyche, co-founders of Collective Power, an organization founded with the purpose of assisting underserved communities facing the challenges of climate change, aging infrastructure, and unsustainable lifestyle practices. Together, they explore how to imagine new infrastructures for sustainable living, scaling from book clubs to broader communities.
We will get a sneak peak into their new book "Building Community with Collective Power: A Practical Tool," which outlines how you can bring this work to life in your own community. Find out more about Collective Power at https://www.ourcollectivepower.com/
How can the food we choose to eat, as well as the practices we use to source, prepare, and share our food, be a source of activism and liberation?
Karina Sanchez (she/they) is a holistic health and wellness practitioner and food justice organizer. She co-leads Veggie Mijas Chicago, supporting plant-based education, mutual aid, and community programming for Queer BIPOC communities. Karina is an herbalism apprentice with Urban Growers Collective, a yoga teacher through the Latina Sweat Project, and an energy healing apprentice at Verde Holistic Wellness Studio, where she studies Mesoamerican healing practices and facilitates trauma-informed, culturally rooted wellness offerings.
With over a decade of experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and community engagement, Kari brings a strategic and relational approach to systems change. In recent years, she has hosted workshops and community spaces that invite participants to begin decolonizing their relationships to food, health, and healing. Her work centers reconnecting people to their bodies, the land, plant medicine, and ancestral wisdom as pathways toward individual and collective liberation.
Ways to Connect With Veggie Mijas
- Follow on Instagram:
- National: @VeggieMijas
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Chicago: @VeggieMijasChicago
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Donate via the website to support programs, including community fridges, food access, and education.
- Purchase the digital cookbook, Manteniendo Nuestra Cultura, available on the Veggie Mijas website — a celebration of plant-based recipes rooted in culture and tradition.
- Partner or work with Veggie Mijas: they offer services and collaborations for individuals, teams, and organizations interested in plant-based education, food justice, and sustainable, equitable food systems.
In this episode, Maria sits down with Manny Hernandez and Elena Soboleva, co-founders of Scream Club™, to explore what it looks like to create spaces where people no longer have to hold it all in.
Manny, a men's coach and breathwork practitioner, and Elena, a personal brand expert and community leader for women entrepreneurs, are aware of the impact of societal gender norms on mental health and wellbeing. Together, they share how their own lived experiences led them to build a community that challenges norms around silence, emotional suppression, and rigid gender roles, inviting people to be honest about stress, anger, grief, and joy.
In our conversation, we explore the rapid growth of Scream Club, the power of collective release, and why building authentic, human-centered communities is not just healing, but necessary in a world that constantly asks us to perform instead of feel.
Scream Club is now in multiple cities across the U.S. and abroad, bringing communities together to release the stresses of their daily lives collectively as a group.
What does activism really mean? This season, we're centering the idea that justice and equity are not only pursued through protests, but also through everyday actions that shape how we show up for ourselves, our communities, and the world around us.
Whether it's teaching women how to advocate for their healthcare needs, buiding sustainable communities through homesteading, relearning ancient wisdom related to food, or collectively screaming over a body of water to promote mental wellbeing, our guests this season will demonstrate how activism takes many forms across disciplines and lived experiences. Each episode highlights how individuals and communities are redefining activism in ways that are creative, relational, and deeply human.
Buckle up and tune in!
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Maroukian welcomes Judy Oyedele, founder and principal consultant of Joyedele Consulting. Judy is an organizational development practitioner and executive leadership coach with over a decade of experience helping leaders across sectors break out of the status quo and lead with clarity, ease, and strong boundaries.
Judy shares reflections on her upbringing as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in Texas and how early messages around worthiness and faith shaped her identity and resilience. She and Maria explore the evolution of self-worth beyond external validation, particularly in academic and professional environments, and how redefining identity is a powerful act of liberation.
They dive into Judy’s approach to culture change—one that prioritizes joy, justice, and human-centered leadership—and the challenges and rewards of coaching and podcasting. Judy also discusses her own podcast, Transformation Horizon, which amplifies stories of people driving change through organizational development and human connection.
Whether you're a coach, change leader, or just someone craving deeper joy in your work, this episode offers meaningful insights and actionable wisdom.
In this live and in-person episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with the dynamic Melanie Smith, founder of Moves with Melanie, a health and wellness company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. With a powerful blend of pharmacy expertise, fitness instruction, and integrative nutrition coaching, Melanie shares her personal and professional journey one that took her from a military childhood to pharmacy school to a life changing pivot into holistic wellness.
Maria and Melanie explore:
- How growing up as a “military brat” shaped Melanie’s go for it mindset
- The realities of burnout in the healthcare system and the bold decision to walk away
- Why her retreats offer a rare mix of structure and radical freedom for women
- How imposter syndrome and racialized beauty standards show up in the wellness space
- The power of building inclusive, body-positive, and evidence-informed spaces for healing
Melanie brings humor, honesty, and a no nonsense approach to helping others thrive emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This episode is a must listen for anyone navigating burnout, craving more authenticity in wellness, or searching for a place where they truly belong.
Learn more about Melanie’s work at mymoveswithmelanie.com
This episode of Culture Stew dives deep into the intersection of race, mental health, and systemic change with special guest Dr. Monnica T. Williams, a renowned clinical psychologist, professor, and leading researcher in racial trauma and mental health disparities. Dr. Williams joins Maria to explore the profound impact of racial injustice on psychological well-being—and how culturally informed care can lead to healing and transformation.
Together, they discuss the history and ongoing harm of structural racism in mental health systems, the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapies for BIPOC communities, and the responsibilities practitioners hold in advancing equity in clinical settings.
Key topics:
- Understanding and addressing racial trauma
- Culturally responsive clinical practices
- The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment
- The intersection of research, advocacy, and clinical care
About our guest:
Dr. Monnica T. Williams, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Ottawa, where she holds the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Disparities. She directs the Behavioral Wellness Clinics in Ottawa and Connecticut, and her research—spanning over 200 publications—focuses on BIPOC mental health, racial trauma, and cultural competence. She has been featured in NPR, CTV, CBS, the New York Times, and more.
Learn more:
- Website: monnicawilliams.com
- Certification Program: racialtraumahealing.com
- Anti-Racism Training: EB Training Solutions
- Retreat Video: YouTube
Connect with Dr. Williams:
- X (formerly Twitter): @DrMonnica
- Instagram: @drmonnica
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/monnicawilliams
Listen & Subscribe: Find this episode and more at https://msmglobalconsulting.com/category/culture-stew-podcast/ or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman returns to Culture Stew to dive even deeper into the emotional, cultural, and systemic layers of anti-racism, leadership, and psychological wellness. A renowned clinical and consulting psychologist, Dr. Abdulrehman shares insights from his groundbreaking tools like "Bias Outside the Box," his ongoing research, and his work as founder of tesbias.com and livingwithracism.com.
We explore the intersections of social justice and psychological health, the realities of DEI work in both Canada and the U.S., and the personal narratives that shape his mission. From challenging Canada’s polite silence around racism to launching the Celebrate Everything campaign, Dr. Abdulrehman is redefining how we create inclusive communities and healthier organizations.
He also shares about his new book, Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence, his latest research findings, and his publishing venture: Leading with Diversity Press. This episode is a rich conversation about knowledge, discomfort, transformation, and what it takes to build systems rooted in empathy and truth.
Key take aways:
- Discomfort is Necessary Real inclusion requires leaning into discomfort, not avoiding it.
- Bias is Human—but Action is Key We all have biases. The goal isn’t guilt, it's growth.
- Inclusion Isn’t Always Comfortable Psychological safety doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations, it means creating space for them.
- Data Doesn’t Replace Humanity Evidence matters, but empathy and context are just as crucial.
- CelebrateEverything Inclusion should be joyful and year-round not just during heritage months.
- Innovative Tools for Tough Problems From tesbias.com to Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence, Dr. Abdulrehman offers fresh, practical ways to tackle bias.
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian interviews Paolo Gaudiano, a dynamic voice in the DEI space whose journey to this work is anything but traditional. With advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and neuroscience, Paolo brings a deeply analytical lens to a field often led by personal stories and emotion. As the founder and Chief Scientist of Aleria and author of Measuring Inclusion: Higher Profits, Happier People Without Guesswork or Bias, Paolo is on a mission to make inclusion measurable, actionable, and undeniable.
Throughout the conversation, Paolo shares his personal backstory from growing up in Italy and confronting cultural misunderstandings, to discovering how his lived experiences and scientific training could converge to reshape how organizations approach equity. He talks about the importance of understanding exclusion not just inclusion and how centering those experiences can reveal the hidden gaps in our workplaces and systems.
This episode explores how data and narrative can work hand-in-hand to foster more inclusive environments, and why those in positions of privilege have a unique opportunity and responsibility to drive real change.
Listeners will take away:
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A deeper understanding of why inclusion needs to be visible to be measured
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How Paolo’s interdisciplinary background shapes his data-first DEI approach
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Practical strategies that connect inclusion to business outcomes
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Why it’s time to move from good intentions to evidence-based action
Remember to review and comment to send us your feedback!
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with psychologist and behavioral scientist JonRobert “Tat” Tartaglione to explore the complexities of human behavior, persuasion, and the psychology behind social change.
Tat shares how his winding path from philosophy major to behavioral scientist was driven by a deep curiosity about human nature. He introduces a compelling metaphor of the mind as private property, explaining why people instinctively resist even the most well-intentioned efforts to “plant new ideas.”
Through stories, research, and his signature clarity, Tat breaks down why social context matters, how polarization can be misunderstood, and what DEI leaders can learn from behavioral science to drive lasting progress. Whether you're a changemaker, leader, or just curious about what actually moves people this episode will leave you thinking differently about influence, connection, and how we navigate differences.
Welcome back to Culture Stew! In this special Women's History Month episode, your host, Maria Morukian, reflects on the strength of women in leadership, the power of collaboration, and why we need to rethink the way we define workplace success.
Inspired by a conversation with her daughter, Maria shares an insightful analogy comparing the cooperative and resilient nature of lionesses in a pride to the way women support each other in communities and workplaces. She challenges the outdated, aggressive leadership models often associated with masculinity and highlights research-backed reasons why organizations thrive when they embrace more collaborative and inclusive cultures.
In this solo episode, Maria dives into the pressing challenges facing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the wake of the new administration's executive orders. With DEI programs under increasing scrutiny and pressure, Maria discusses the broader implications for organizations in both the public and private sectors, and what they can do to uphold their commitments to equity and inclusion.
Explore the incredible journey of Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the turbulent 1960s to his role as a global diversity consultant, Elmer's story offers a unique perspective on the fight for racial justice.
In this episode, Elmer Dixon shares his experiences as a Black Panther Party co-founder, detailing the challenges they faced, such as government opposition and surveillance. His journey from activism to a diversity consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies.
Key Takeaways:
Relevance Across Eras: Elmer's experiences with the Black Panther Party in the 1960s echo today's struggles for racial justice, highlighting the enduring fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
Community Empowerment: The Party's grassroots initiatives, including food assistance and healthcare, exemplify the power of community-based programs in addressing racial disparities.
Legacy and Adaptation: Elmer's transition to a diversity consultant emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies and collective action in the ongoing battle for equality.
Join us for a powerful conversation with Elmer Dixon, shedding light on his remarkable journey and his unyielding commitment to advancing racial justice. Don't miss this episode on the podcast.
In this compelling episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Dr. Carolyn Sufrin, medical anthropologist, obstetrician/gynecologist, and a leading advocate for the reproductive health and rights of incarcerated women. Dr. Sufrin shares her journey from delivering babies shackled to a bed as a young resident to leading groundbreaking research and advocacy for some of the most marginalized individuals in the healthcare system.
Dr. Sufrin reflects on how her early experiences shaped her commitment to systemic change and justice, emphasizing the need for compassionate healthcare, accurate data, and dismantling oppressive structures. Her team’s pivotal PIPS Project revealed staggering gaps in care and outcomes for pregnant individuals in carceral settings, highlighting the need for community-based alternatives and policy reform. Together, Maria and Dr. Sufrin explore how the intersection of race, gender, and reproductive justice underscores the urgency of reimagining healthcare for incarcerated individuals.
Key Topics:
- The story that inspired Dr. Sufrin’s advocacy journey
- Racial disparities in incarceration and reproductive healthcare
- Systemic challenges and reforms in carceral healthcare
- The power of reproductive justice as a framework for change
- Collaborative and abolitionist approaches to reimagine justice
Mentioned Resource: Belly of the Beast (documentary): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11454670/
Connect with Us: Visit MSM Global Consulting for more insights and resources. Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us and using #CultureStewPodcast.
We are reheating one of our favorite Culture Stew episodes! If you missed this fascinating interview with Dr. Shaista Khalji from Season June 2020, take a listen. More than ever, we need leaders who are committed to treating all humans with dignity, compassion, and respect. -- Dr. Shaista Khiliji is a professor of Human and Organizational Learning and International Affairs at George Washington University. Her research focuses on issues related to Macro Talent Development, Diversity & Inclusion, humanizing organizations/ leadership, and individual experiences with inequality. Happy Holidays from MSM Global Consulting!
In this deeply reflective episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian reconnects with Wendy Moomaw, founder of the Conscious Collaboratory, executive coach, facilitator, and systems thinker. Wendy brings her expertise in embodiment practices and her passion for uncovering leaders' potential to explore and co-create new futures with their teams and communities.
Maria and Wendy dive into a heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of moving from "holding up a lens" to "holding up a mirror." They explore the vulnerability and courage required for social change agents to confront their own biases and truths reflected in others. Wendy shares her insights on the shift from doing DEI work to being justice and equity—living these principles at a cellular level and infusing them into every aspect of life.
The conversation also touches on systemic oppression, the challenges of reimagining entrenched structures, and how practices like storytelling, embodiment, and emergent strategy can guide us toward hope and possibility. Wendy's thought-provoking questions, rooted in her extensive experience and wisdom, will leave you pondering your own journey in leadership, equity, and social change.
Key Topics:
- Shifting from "doing" to "being" in DEI work
- Embodiment practices as a catalyst for systemic change
- The power of storytelling and warm data labs in fostering connection
- Reflecting on personal biases and embracing vulnerability as leaders
- Reimagining racial equity and patriarchy from a place of discovery
In this solo episode, host Maria Morukian reflects on themes from the Culture Stew November Newsletter, exploring the challenges and opportunities in continuing the fight for social change amid a tumultuous post-election climate.
Maria shares personal insights inspired by her father’s lessons as a history teacher and invites us to consider how patterns from the past can guide us toward a brighter, more equitable future. She introduces the TRU framework as a way to reconnect with our purpose and sustain the long journey ahead.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Reflecting on the Election Results: How the election highlights systemic divides and what it means for ongoing efforts toward justice.
Personal Practices for Resilience: Maria’s strategies for maintaining peace and momentum, including “Yes Days,” creative outlets, and nurturing community connections.
Finding Inspiration in the Orbital Perspective: How shifting our view can empower transformative thinking and collective action.
The TRU Framework
- Transcend the Static: Finding quiet amidst the noise and reconnecting with purpose.
- Redefine the Concept of Care: Moving beyond self-care into community and systemic care practices that sustain activism.
- Unleash Our Wild Imagination: Dreaming boldly of a just future and believing in its attainability.
When the work feels overwhelming, remember you are not alone. Reach out, and together, we’ll remain TRU.
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Kai Stowers, a chemist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant and Coach. Kai shares his journey from the lab to a career centered on building high-performing, inclusive teams, driven by a passion for both science and the human dynamics of leadership. Through candid stories, he reflects on the challenges of embracing one’s full identity in professional spaces, especially as a transgender man in male-dominated fields. Maria and Kai explore the importance of empathy, community, and the resilience needed to create lasting change. They discuss the complexities of navigating workplace culture as a scientist, the transformative power of trust in leadership, and the role of vulnerability in growth and solidarity.
About Kai Stowers, MA, PCC: Kai Stowers is a scientist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant with a passion for building inclusive, resilient teams. After beginning his career as a chemist focused on novel therapeutics, Kai's interest shifted toward understanding the impact of leadership and culture on human potential and organizational success. Today, Kai is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with a master’s in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University. His unique perspective as a transgender man and his dedication to mindfulness, intentional development, and learning bring a rich depth to his coaching practice.
In this special episode of Culture Stew, recorded at the University of Colorado Denver, we explore the transformative power of Ember: Igniting and Sustaining a Community of Equity Practitioners. We had the privilege of sitting down with all four facilitators, Maria Morukian, Chris Haigh, Aaron Barlin and Carmen Foster, to dive into discussions about the critical role of community in driving equity work, the concept of emergent change, and the journey toward gaining a liberatory mindset.
Our conversation touched on how change often arises organically through collaboration and mutual support, emphasizing that real, lasting transformation requires not just action, but deep, intentional reflection on how we engage with systems of power and privilege.
Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to UC Denver and the Learning Commons for providing a beautiful, inspiring space to make this conversation possible. Special thanks to Kerri Clarke and Dennis DeBay for their support, time, and thoughtful planning, as well as the recording studio for making this a seamless experience. Without their partnership, this podcast and the Ember program would not have been the same.
Learn more about Ember on the MSM Global Consulting Website: https://msmglobalconsulting.com/home/ember-igniting-and-sustaining-a-community-of-equity-practitioners-2/
Welcome to the first episode of Season 6 and the 100th episode of Culture Stew! This season, the podcast focuses on gender equity through an intersectional lens, highlighting the stories of diverse women and femme-identifying individuals whose experiences are often overlooked or misrepresented. In this episode, we are joined by Devin M. Moran and Jasmin M. Robinson, two scholars conducting research centered on Black women’s leadership and the unique challenges they face, particularly in predominantly white spaces. Devin and Jasmin share their insights on balancing the pursuit of justice with the necessity of self-care, offering reflections on how to sustain passion and purpose in this important work.
Devin M. MoranDevin is a learner, educator, and advocate for educational equity with over 11 years of experience in K-12 and higher education. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Miami University, her research focuses on Black feminists, Black women’s pedagogies, and intergenerational joy. Devin is based in Chicago and enjoys fitness, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and indulging in sushi or buffalo wings.
Jasmin M. RobinsonJasmin is a consultant, educator, and DEI strategist with more than 12 years of experience in higher education, K-12 schools, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. As the Director of DEI Initiatives for MSM Global Consulting, Jasmin is also working toward a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, with research focused on the experiences of Black women in historically white institutions. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, thrifting, and exploring brunch spots around Chicago.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Black women’s leadership experiences in predominantly white institutions
- Challenges and barriers for Black women leaders
- Strategies for balancing justice work with self-care
- Insights into Black feminists and Black women’s pedagogies
- The importance of intergenerational joy and community
Links & Resources:
- Devin M. Moran – LinkedIn
- Jasmin M. Robinson – LinkedIn
- MSM Global Consulting
Tune in Next Episode: Join us as we continue exploring gender equity through an intersectional lens with more incredible guests and stories. Don’t miss out!
Welcome to season six! This season, we are going to be experimenting with some new approaches and focusing on a central theme where exploring the experiences of women from an intersectional perspective, shifting the focus from deficit-based narratives to stories of strength, creativity, and resilience. Gender equity is a universal issue, and with reproductive rights under attack and the ongoing fight for trans and non-binary inclusion, these discussions are more critical than ever. We’re excited to welcome a lineup of inspiring guests, from those amplifying marginalized voices in literature to advocates for incarcerated women's reproductive rights. Together, we’ll dive into these issues with curiosity, hope, and a commitment to building a more equitable society.
In the third episode of our Summer Reflection Series, Todd Culp shares his experiences in conflict zones around the world. Learn how authentic connections and embracing change can bridge divides and promote peace. Todd's stories highlight the universal nature of humanity and the power of genuine communication, reminding us of the importance of seeing beyond differences to find common ground.
From Conflict to Connection: A Journey with Todd Culp
In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science and history. With extensive research spanning regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Ireland, Todd’s journey provides a rare glimpse into the realities of violence, terrorism, and the pursuit of peace.
Todd Culp’s Biography:
Dr. Todd Culp’s journey began in 1993 during the first Palestinian Uprising in the Middle East. He resided in the West Bank, conducting interviews with militant groups such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas, seeking to better understand the turmoil surrounding him. His experiences have since taken him to regions where terrorist attacks and violence are all too common. Notably, he interviewed Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, including an assassin serving a 284-year prison sentence.
Apart from his research and teaching, Todd actively collaborates with peace activists, committed to confronting the ongoing violence in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He often leads educational tours into these conflict zones to provide a firsthand look at the harsh realities of these battles.
Key Takeaways:
The Universal Nature of Humanity: Todd highlights the remarkable power of travel in breaking down cultural barriers and discovering the shared human experience. No matter the culture or politics, humor and laughter serve as bridges that connect us all. Authentic human connections can be formed when we are willing to laugh at ourselves and look beyond differences.
The Call for Authentic Voices: Todd emphasizes the importance of taking risks to be an authentic voice for peace and humanity. While his own experiences may sound extreme, he encourages listeners to recognize that there are countless ways to make a difference. Small acts of involvement, such as supporting peace activists, can have a significant impact.
The Value of Embracing Change: Todd highlights the inherent risk in life and how embracing change can lead to a more meaningful existence. In today’s often sterile and protected environments, stepping outside one’s comfort zone can provide a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the midst of ugliness, and pressure can lead to inspiring heights.
Our Summer Reflection Series continues with Elmer Dixon, whose journey from co-founding the Seattle Black Panther Party to becoming a global DEI consultant showcases the power of activism and strategy. Elmer shares powerful stories of standing strong against racial injustice and the Black Panther Party's community work. Discover how community efforts continue to play a crucial role in the fight for racial justice and equality.
Die Standing with Elmer Dixon
For those individuals and groups who have been the target of oppression and injustice, liberation is about finding voice to raise attention to those injustices, and at the same time centering the needs of the community. And…it’s about adapting and evolving our work to not only involve activism but also strategy.
Elmer Dixon’s journey from antiracist activism to global DEI and intercultural consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies.
Elmer shares his experiences as a co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party, detailing an incredible story of standing strong in the face of adversity and danger. He also recounts the often untold story of the Black Panther Party’s community work, ensuring that families and children not only had adequate food, shelter, and healthcare, but also a sense of cultural identity and pride.
Elmer's experiences with the Black Panther Party in the 1960s echo today's struggles for racial justice, highlighting the enduring fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
Elmer's subsequent metamorphosis to global DEI consultant emphasizes that all of us may need to pivot, to adapt our strategies and approaches in service of advancing the battle for equality.
As part of our Summer Reflection Series honoring the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we explore how embracing a liberatory mindset can drive strategic change. Kay Suarez, director of Equity in the Center, shares how waking up to new perspectives can transform community-driven equity work. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and the role each of us can play in creating a more equitable world. Kay's insights remind us that liberation is a communal effort, not a solo journey.
Summer Reflection Series - Episode 1: Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez
As part of our Summer Reflection Series honoring the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we explore how embracing a liberatory mindset can drive strategic change. Kay Suarez, director of Equity in the Center, shares how waking up to new perspectives can transform community-driven equity work. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and the role each of us can play in creating a more equitable world. Kay's insights remind us that liberation is a communal effort, not a solo journey.
— – –
Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez
Join us in the first guest episode of the season as Maria and Roger have an enlightening conversation on the intersection of race, equity, and culture. Our special guest, Kay Suarez, a leading expert in this field, delves deep into the nuances of building an inclusive society where everyone has a fair shot at success.
In this episode, we explore:
The importance of acknowledging the importance of DEI work
Strategies for promoting racial equity in our communities
How embracing different perspectives can lead to innovation
The role each of us plays in creating a more equitable world
Tune in as we unravel the layers of race equity culture and uncover actionable insights that can help us build a more inclusive and harmonious future. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on Culture Stew!
That's a Wrap on Season 5 of Culture Stew!
We’ve come to the end of another incredible season of Culture Stew. Thank you to all our amazing guests who brought insights, laughter, and profound lessons to our conversations.
In this season finale, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano dive deep into the emotional journey of DEI work, addressing both the heartfelt challenges and the practical hurdles of navigating resistance and advocacy. They explore the emotional toll DEI work can take, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and validating this labor.
Maria and Roger discuss how essential it is to foster environments where individuals can openly share their struggles and set realistic boundaries. They also underline the significance of building authentic relationships with marginalized communities, practicing self-care, and maintaining accountability in this demanding field.
Tune in as they share personal stories of facing pushback and resistance, offering valuable insights and advice on how to persevere and thrive in DEI work.
In this poignant episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian engages in a profound conversation with Danne L. Johnson, Kai Stowers, and Wendy Moomaw. Together, they explore the multifaceted nature of joy, offering insights on how to cultivate resilience and authenticity in challenging times. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the guests delve into the deeper dimensions of joy, discussing its intersection with self-awareness, societal pressures, and the pursuit of authenticity. From sensory experiences in nature to moments of self-knowing, they share practical strategies for reclaiming joy and resilience amidst adversity.
As the conversation draws to a close, Maria Morukian and her guests leave listeners with a powerful call to action. They invite listeners to embrace authenticity and cultivate joy as essential pathways to personal and collective empowerment. Encouraging listeners to explore their own joy practices and deepen their self-awareness, the guests emphasize the transformative potential of joy in navigating life's challenges. By reclaiming joy and embracing authenticity, listeners can embark on a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and meaningful connection with themselves and others.
Key Discussion Points:
Defining Joy: The guests explore the nuanced definition of joy, distinguishing it from happiness and positivity. They discuss how joy manifests in different aspects of life, from sensory experiences to moments of self-knowing.
Cultivating Joy: Sharing personal practices and reflections, the guests delve into how they cultivate joy amidst societal pressures and challenges. They highlight the importance of self-awareness, presence, and embracing authenticity.
Resilience and Self-Knowledge: Reflecting on the intersection of joy and resilience, the guests emphasize the role of deep self-knowing in navigating adversity. They discuss strategies for reclaiming power and resilience in the face of systemic barriers.
Guests:
Danne L. Johnson: An accomplished professional specializing in building inclusive cultures, Danne L. Johnson brings deep expertise in implicit bias and impactful training. She is the founder of Our Work LLC, a renowned DEIB firm.
Kai Stowers, MA, PCC: From a background in science to becoming a Leadership and DEI Consultant, Kai Stowers partners with leaders to foster inclusive teams. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University.
Wendy Moomaw: A systems thinker and executive coach, Wendy Moomaw empowers leaders to navigate complex challenges with intentionality. She holds an MBA/MS Finance from the University of Maryland and is certified in various coaching methodologies.
In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano meet with Veronica H. Moore, a dedicated professional with a profound passion for enhancing educational experiences and fostering inclusive environments.
Veronica shares insights from her diverse background, spanning leadership, program development, and community advocacy. She discusses the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being in enacting social change, highlighting the power of nature and community building.
The conversation delves into Veronica's journey of self-discovery, the impact of early messages on her life choices, and her commitment to advocating for others. She shares the inspiration behind her children's book, "Rosie's Special Gift," which celebrates kindness, empathy, and the transformative power of nature.
Listeners gain valuable insights into nurturing personal wellness practices and finding one's place within advocacy efforts. Veronica emphasizes the interconnectedness of wellness, disruption, and social justice, urging listeners to prioritize self-care to better serve their communities.
To learn more about Veronica H. Moore and her work, visit her website at VeronicaHMoore.com.
Empowering Mental Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett, a mental wellness strategist, speaker, therapist, and podcast host. Dr. Pritchett's extensive expertise spans from clinical psychology to social work, guiding organizations and individuals towards prioritizing mental wellness and emotional intelligence.
Themes Explored:
Empowerment Through Identity: Dr. Pritchett shares her journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's identity and advocating for oneself amidst societal challenges, particularly for Black women.
Manifestation and Hope: Delving into the power of hope and manifestation, the conversation highlights how envisioning possibilities and setting intentions can lead to transformative change, both personally and professionally.
Navigating Challenges with Purpose: Through anecdotes and insights, Dr. Pritchett discusses strategies for navigating systemic barriers, maintaining balance, and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
Tune in to gain invaluable insights into mental wellness, empowerment, and effective advocacy from Dr. Dominique Pritchett on Culture Stew.
Learn More about Dr. Pritchett: https://www.dominiquepritchett.com/
Join us for a dynamic discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace in this episode of Culture Stew. Our guest, Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, CEO and Strategic Advisor of Carol Parker Walsh Consulting, is here to share her expertise and insights.
Dr. Parker Walsh's impressive credentials include a J.D., Ph.D., and nearly three decades of experience in law, academia, and executive leadership. As an award-winning master-certified executive coach, personal brand strategist, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.
In this episode, Dr. Parker Walsh dives into the importance of fostering inclusive workplace cultures, strategies for overcoming resistance to DEI initiatives, and the transformative power of coaching for professional growth. With her Fearless: The Career Rebel Academy and extensive training catalog, she's empowering professionals to drive innovation and create inclusive environments.
In this podcast, we discuss:
- Embracing Authenticity: Explore the importance of authenticity in the workplace and its role in cultivating inclusive cultures.
- Overcoming Resistance: Discover strategies for addressing resistance and advancing DEI efforts within organizations, even in the face of challenges.
- Coaching for Growth: Uncover the transformative potential of coaching in promoting self-reflection and professional development, especially in the realm of DEI leadership.
Learn more about Dr. Parker Walsh - https://www.carolparkerwalsh.com/
In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ayanna F. Brown. Dr. Brown shares insights into her upbringing, highlighting the powerful messages she received at an early age. They delve into the importance of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) in education, discussing its evolution over time and its impact on student well-being and academic success. The conversation also explores the challenges facing DEI work, including misinformation and intra-community dynamics. Dr. Brown emphasizes the need for institutions to develop cultural competence and institutional will to create lasting change toward equity and inclusion.
Key Areas of Discussion:
Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT): Dr. Brown defines CRT as an approach that goes beyond cultural competency to encompass critical consciousness and sociopolitical responsibility. She highlights the importance of understanding students as complete human beings and fostering a sense of communal responsibility within education.
Challenges to DEI Work: The discussion addresses political attacks rooted in misinformation and intra-DEI challenges. Dr. Brown emphasizes the need for effective communication to clarify what DEI entails and how it benefits everyone. She also explores the dynamics within the DEI community and strategies to address them.
Creating Lasting Change: Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of developing cultural competence and institutional will within organizations to advance equity and inclusion. She advocates for consistent assessment and data collection to inform proactive actions toward greater equity, safety, and cultural responsiveness.
Visit Dr. Ayanna F. Brown's website, https://thought-spectrum.com/about/, to learn more about her work and listen to the full podcast episode for further insights!
In this engaging episode, podcast hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano delve into a multifaceted conversation with Scott Tharp, an esteemed scholar-practitioner and educational interventionist. With a rich background in social work, curriculum design, and program evaluation, Scott shares profound insights into the early messages and values that have shaped his personal and professional journey.
- Early Messages and Values: Scott reflects on the pivotal messages from his upbringing, including the emphasis on seeing the best in people and the profound impact of learning about hope and resilience during his undergraduate years. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his commitment to social justice and his belief in the transformative power of education.
- Political Nature of Education: Delving into the political landscape of education, Scott discusses the inherent politicization of educational practices and the importance of critically examining the choices made as educators. He highlights the necessity of framing educational work not as partisan politics, but as a means to challenge power structures and foster critical thinking in academic settings.
- Social Justice as a Process: Scott unpacks the concept of social justice as a dynamic process rather than a fixed goal, emphasizing the importance of continual learning, unlearning, and growth. Drawing from his expertise in curriculum design and program evaluation, he advocates for a nuanced understanding of activism within academia and beyond.
Scott Tharp is an active scholar-practitioner and educational interventionist, with research interests focusing on the development and assessment of social justice education curriculum and pedagogical practices. He has published scholarly articles in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Transformative Education, Multicultural Education, Multicultural Perspectives, and Whiteness in Education. Scott is also the author of two influential books: Doing Social Justice Education: A Practitioner's Guide for Workshops and Structured Conversations (2020) and Decoding Privilege: Exploring White College Students' Views on Social Inequality (2022).
Currently serving as the Associate Director for Academic Program Review and Assessment at the University of Illinois Chicago, Scott enhances students’ educational experiences by partnering with academic degree programs, institutes, and centers to regularly assess student learning and implement campus-wide review processes. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from the University of Illinois Chicago, an M.S.W. from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and a B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy from Elmhurst College, Scott also holds an appointment as Affiliated Faculty in the MSW Program at DePaul University. His expertise extends to serving as an assessment mentor for the Higher Learning Commission's Assessment Academy and his prior leadership role on the national leadership team for NASPA’s Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Knowledge Community as the co-Chair for the Professional Development.
Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful reflection, Scott and the podcast hosts navigate complex topics with depth and nuance, offering valuable perspectives on fostering inclusivity, challenging dominant narratives, and driving meaningful change in education and society.
Learn more about Scott:
- Doing Social Justice Education - Book
- Decoding Privilege - Book
- Friere deep cuts - Article
The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and the speaker.
In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Diana Cutaia. Together, they explore the intricate layers of identity formation, challenging gender norms, and reimagining success through the lens of peace-building. Join us as we unravel the threads of identity with Diana Cutaia.
Navigating Personal and Cultural Messages: Diana Cutaia shares insights into how the messages she received from her family, culture, and upbringing shaped her understanding of identity and her role in the world. Growing up as a middle child amidst trauma, she developed a keen awareness of her surroundings, which evolved into a valuable skill for her work.
Challenging Gender Norms and Expectations: Reflecting on her experiences as a CISgender woman, Diana discusses the pressures to conform to narrow gender stereotypes and the struggles she faced in finding her authentic self. Rejecting societal norms, she embarked on a journey to redefine what it means to express femininity and masculinity.
Coaching Peace: Redefining Success and Building Empathy: Through her initiative, Coaching Peace, Diana strives to transform the narrative surrounding sports and cultivate environments of compassion, respect, and understanding. By challenging traditional coaching methods rooted in competition and aggression, she advocates for a holistic approach that fosters empathy, equity, and genuine connection.
This episode delves into the complexities of identity formation, the importance of challenging societal norms, and the transformative power of fostering peace and empathy in communities. Join us as we unravel the threads of identity with Diana Cutaia.
Navigating the Complexities of Masculinity with Maura Barclay
In this enlightening episode, Roger Moreano and Maria engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Maura Barclay, a certified change management specialist with expertise in leadership, masculinity, and privilege. Maura's unique perspective and experiences, including her background as a bodybuilder, firefighter, and gymnast, add a fascinating layer to the discussion.
Key Takeaways:
Challenging Conversations Around Masculinity and Privilege: Maura delves into her work of facilitating challenging conversations around masculinity, particularly with male leaders who may come from a traditionally socialized idea of what it means to be a man. The trio explores the dynamics of power, hierarchy, and systemic dehumanization within social structures, emphasizing the importance of addressing toxic masculinity.
Male Policing and Bystander Paralysis: The conversation highlights the phenomenon of male policing, where men intimidate each other to maintain a culture of male domination. Maura discusses the concept of bystander paralysis, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to interrupt destructive behaviors.
Reframing Strength and Fear in Masculinity: Maura challenges the traditional notions of strength tied to physicality and problem-solving. The discussion focuses on reframing masculinity to allow for a broader definition that includes vulnerability and emotional expression. The fear of not conforming to societal expectations of strength is explored, along with strategies to address and reshape these perceptions.
This episode provides valuable insights into navigating conversations around masculinity, privilege, and leadership, offering a fresh perspective on dismantling toxic behaviors and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.
—Maura Barclay: Maura Barclay is a certified Change Management Specialist, a certified Talent Optimization Leader with Predictive Index, HRCI SPHR and a Neuro Facilitation Practitioner. She has had the privilege of bringing her thought leadership as a speaker, trainer and consultant to Fortune 500 companies, the US Military, and the International Monetary Fund among others. Prior to her current role as Director of People and Culture, she served as a consultant for nearly a decade as the CEO & Founder of Changing Greatly, a culture and talent consultancy specializing in creating psychologically safe, inclusive cultures where humans love to work.
In this insightful episode, Maria and Roger sit down with Lisa Mulligan, the founder and Director of The Culture Ministry. With a rich background spanning 20 years in global organizations, Lisa is a seasoned professional in human resources, organizational change, and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Her dream of establishing a pragmatic and experienced business offering D&I consultancy and support services has come to fruition through The Culture Ministry. Lisa's expertise extends across devising D&I strategies, implementing inclusion initiatives, and providing credible governance reporting. She is also the host of the popular podcast 'A Dog Called Diversity,' where she explores diverse stories to foster understanding and kindness.
During the episode, Maria and Roger delve into Lisa's extensive experience over the past decade. Lisa has been instrumental in supporting the development and work of employee network groups, addressing issues such as gender, LGBTIQ+, race, and disability. The conversation covers Lisa's role in devising D&I strategy, implementing initiatives, and responding to race discrimination, including the impactful work related to Black Lives Matter. Listeners gain valuable insights into Lisa's credible governance reporting, board paper preparation, and market research contributions to boards and executive teams.
A key takeaway from the episode is Lisa's dedication to building a more inclusive world. Through her podcast, 'A Dog Called Diversity,' she provides a platform for people to share stories of being a bit different, fostering understanding and kindness. The episode highlights the importance of addressing topics such as disability, mental health, racism, LGBTIQ+ issues, and gender stereotypes in the broader context of Diversity & Inclusion.
Don't miss this engaging episode with Lisa Mulligan! Tune in to 'A Dog Called Diversity' to explore the diverse narratives that contribute to a more inclusive society. Connect with Lisa and learn more about her impactful work at The Culture Ministry and follow @thecultureministry on LinkedIn. Take the first step towards greater understanding and kindness by immersing yourself in the world of Diversity & Inclusion through Lisa's unique perspective.
More about Lisa and The Culture Ministry: https://www.thecultureministry.com/about
A Dog Called Diversity: https://adogcalleddiversity.buzzsprout.com/
2022 Inaugural APAC Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Salary Survey Report: https://www.thecultureministry.com/2022-apac-di-salary-survey
In today’s episode, Maria and Roger are joined by the rest of the MSM Global Team, Jasmin Robinson, and Melissa Graetz. The conversation centered on reflections of 2023 and forecasts for 2024. The team shared what they are grateful for and the high moments from the past year at MSM Global Consulting. They delved into the current challenges they see in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and what keeps them up at night. They discussed strategies to sustain momentum in the face of resistance and pushback. Tune in for a candid and inspiring discussion on preserving joy and commitment in the pursuit of a more diverse and inclusive professional journey. Remember to write a five-star rating!!
Ryan Van Duzer, a Boulder native and seasoned adventurer, as he shares his incredible journey of falling in love with bicycle travel. Growing up in the scenic landscapes of Colorado, Ryan's early exposure to the Rocky Mountains and the outdoors instilled in him a deep respect for nature, a value that continues to shape his life.
From the open-minded and progressive community of Boulder to his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, Ryan's tales resonate with the importance of connecting with people and cultures. Discover how a once shy kid evolved into a confident explorer, fostering rich cultural exchanges with communities around the world.
As Ryan takes you on a ride through his adventures, from selling newspaper subscriptions in Boulder to cycling through remote villages in Baja Mexico, you'll gain insights into the transformative power of travel. Explore the challenges he faced, from storms and hurricanes to unexpected encounters, and learn how each experience contributed to his unique perspective on life. There’s even a moving tale about 2023’s Burning Man!
Ryan's stories highlight the beauty of embracing the unknown, the importance of open hearts in connecting with others, and the richness that comes from immersing oneself in diverse cultures. Join us for an inspiring episode that celebrates the spirit of adventure, human connection, and the magic of the open road.
Subscribe to Ryan’s YouTube channel here! https://www.youtube.com/@duzer
Find more information about Ryan’s book here! https://www.duzertv.com/mybook
Navigating Freedom of Speech in a Diverse Society With Greg Lukianoff
In this episode of Culture Stew, we delve into the complexities of free speech in a diverse society with Greg Lukianoff. This episode explores how American society can encourage and preserve a marketplace of ideas while being mindful of the impact, opportunities and potential consequences of unfettered free expression. This episode also addresses the challenge of fostering free expression on university campuses and understanding the potential impact on underrepresented and/or marginalized individuals and groups.
An unconventional perspective is introduced—the "Pure Informational Theory of Freedom of Speech." This viewpoint challenges traditional notions by emphasizing the value of understanding diverse perspectives and questioning the efficacy of banning offensive speech in a multicultural society. Join us as Maria and Roger talk with Greg about the following themes!
Collective Identity and Threat Perception
- Individuals' varied perceptions of threats are examined with a focus on historically marginalized groups. Who determines what constitutes a threat, and should speech ever be seen as such?
Speech, Mental Habits, and Censorship
- The discussion shifts to exploring the impact of speech on mental habits, emphasizing the importance of careful messaging.
Challenges on College Campuses
- The conversation delves into the challenges faced on college campuses, particularly concerning the clash between free expression and protecting marginalized groups.
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Learn more about Greg and his organization, FIRE, here: https://www.thefire.org/about-us/our-team/greg-lukianoff?category=1575
Bio:
Greg Lukianoff is an attorney, New York Times best-selling author, and the President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). He is the author of Unlearning Liberty: Campus Censorship and the End of American Debate, Freedom From Speech, and FIRE’s Guide to Free Speech on Campus, and he co-authored The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure with Jonathan Haidt. Most recently, he co-authored The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Destroys Institutions and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution with Rikki Schlott. Greg is also an Executive Producer of Can We Take a Joke? (2015), a feature-length documentary that explores the collision between comedy, censorship, and outrage culture, both on and off campus, and of Mighty Ira: A Civil Liberties Story (2020), an award-winning feature-length film about the life and career of former ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser.
Special Episode
In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science and history. With extensive research spanning regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Ireland, Todd's journey provides a rare glimpse into the realities of violence, terrorism, and the pursuit of peace.
Todd Culp's Biography:
Dr. Todd Culp's journey began in 1993 during the first Palestinian Uprising in the Middle East. He resided in the West Bank, conducting interviews with militant groups such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas, seeking to better understand the turmoil surrounding him. His experiences have since taken him to regions where terrorist attacks and violence are all too common. Notably, he interviewed Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, including an assassin serving a 284-year prison sentence.
Apart from his research and teaching, Todd actively collaborates with peace activists, committed to confronting the ongoing violence in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He often leads educational tours into these conflict zones to provide a firsthand look at the harsh realities of these battles.
Key Takeaways:
The Universal Nature of Humanity: Todd highlights the remarkable power of travel in breaking down cultural barriers and discovering the shared human experience. No matter the culture or politics, humor and laughter serve as bridges that connect us all. Authentic human connections can be formed when we are willing to laugh at ourselves and look beyond differences.
The Call for Authentic Voices: Todd emphasizes the importance of taking risks to be an authentic voice for peace and humanity. While his own experiences may sound extreme, he encourages listeners to recognize that there are countless ways to make a difference. Small acts of involvement, such as supporting peace activists, can have a significant impact.
The Value of Embracing Change: Todd highlights the inherent risk in life and how embracing change can lead to a more meaningful existence. In today's often sterile and protected environments, stepping outside one's comfort zone can provide a deeper sense of purpose. It's a reminder that beauty can be found in the midst of ugliness, and pressure can lead to inspiring heights.
Todd Culp's Books: The Friends Whose Names I'll Never Know Whiskey with Freedom Fighters, Tea with Terrorists
Explore the incredible journey of Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the turbulent 1960s to his role as a global diversity consultant, Elmer's story offers a unique perspective on the fight for racial justice.
In this episode, Elmer Dixon shares his experiences as a Black Panther Party co-founder, detailing the challenges they faced, such as government opposition and surveillance. His journey from activism to a diversity consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- Relevance Across Eras: Elmer's experiences with the Black Panther Party in the 1960s echo today's struggles for racial justice, highlighting the enduring fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
- Community Empowerment: The Party's grassroots initiatives, including food assistance and healthcare, exemplify the power of community-based programs in addressing racial disparities.
- Legacy and Adaptation: Elmer's transition to a diversity consultant emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies and collective action in the ongoing battle for equality.
Join us for a powerful conversation with Elmer Dixon, shedding light on his remarkable journey and his unyielding commitment to advancing racial justice. Don't miss this episode on the podcast.
In this thought-provoking episode, Maria is hosting solo while Roger is on a well earned vacation. She speaks with Vinay Kumar, a Leadership Coach, Certified Professional Facilitator, OD Consultant, Podcaster, Global Nomad, Wildlife Stalker and Records Collector! They engage in a wide-ranging conversation exploring the intersections of global leadership, positivity, and well-being in the ever-evolving landscape of work and culture. They discuss the impact of technology, travel, and the COVID-19 pandemic on how we approach leadership and the importance of fostering gratitude and positivity in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways: The Evolution of Global Leadership
Maria and Vinay explore how global leadership has evolved over the years, from managing international teams to working with multicultural workforces in a digital and remote world. They emphasize the need for leaders to adapt to new challenges, such as building deep connections in a virtual environment and fostering intercultural skills.
The Power of Gratitude and Positivity
The discussion delves into the relationship between gratitude, positivity, and well-being. Vinay highlights the importance of gratitude as the foundation of positivity, stressing that recognizing and appreciating what we have can lead to a more positive mindset. The hosts share personal experiences and emphasize the role of positivity in facing adversity.
The Shift in Priorities and Mindset
Maria and Vinay encourage leaders and individuals to reflect on their priorities and values, especially in a fast-paced world. They discuss how the pandemic has prompted people to reevaluate what truly matters in their lives and how positivity can emerge from a mindset of gratitude. The conversation highlights the significance of being present, grateful, and pragmatic.
This podcast episode offers valuable insights into adapting to the changing dynamics of leadership, fostering positivity in everyday life, and maintaining well-being amidst evolving global challenges.
Learn more about Vinay and his podcast: SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE with Vinay Kumar
Join us in the first guest episode of the season as Maria and Roger have an enlightening conversation on the intersection of race, equity, and culture. Our special guest, Kay Suarez, a leading expert in this field, delves deep into the nuances of building an inclusive society where everyone has a fair shot at success.
In this episode, we explore:
🌍 The importance of acknowledging the importance of DEI work
🤝 Strategies for promoting racial equity in our communities
💡 How embracing different perspectives can lead to innovation
🔗 The role each of us plays in creating a more equitable world
Tune in as we unravel the layers of race equity culture and uncover actionable insights that can help us build a more inclusive and harmonious future. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on Culture Stew! --- Kerrien is president and chief executive officer of Equity in the Center, a field-wide initiative to influence social sector leaders to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to achieve race equity. In 2018, EiC published Awake to Woke to Work: Building a Race Equity Culture, which details management and operational levers organizations utilize to center race equity and transform culture. A management consultant with over 20 years of experience, Kerrien led engagements to refine programs and scale impact for national nonprofits and philanthropies, as well as coached executives and social entrepreneurs of color whose work focused on eliminating race-based disparities. Kerrien is a graduate of Harvard College and London School of Economics. You can learn more about her work at www.linkedin.com/in/kerriensuarez. ---
Remember to send us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Send us your questions at CultureStew@MSMGlobalConsulting.com, and learn more about MSM Global Consulting, and sign up for the Culture Stew at www.msmglobalconsulting.com. Culture Stew is produced by MSM Global Consulting with sound engineering by Robert Graetz.
Culture Stew is back! Welcome to Season 5!
We’re excited to start off this season introducing Ember!
MSM Global Consulting and True Change Associates present. . . Ember - Igniting and Sustaining a Community of Equity Practitioners!
Join us for an exciting in-person event in Washington, DC, USA, October 24th-26th!
Ember is more than just a training program. It is a co-created, evolving, revolutionary experience that centers on collective learning and discovery, and a community for DEI practitioners to support and care for themselves and one another, to maintain momentum and motivation in their respective efforts. The program is intended to be rigorous and intensive. In addition to exploring and applying research-based knowledge and skills, participants will develop community in their cohort by engaging in self-reflection and storytelling, giving and receiving observations, and providing feedback and coaching to one another.
Learn more and register here!
Stay tuned for more episodes with Kay Suarez, Vinay Kumar, Elmer Dixon, Ryan Van Duzer, Greg Lukianoff, and Maura Barclay
Remember to send us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Send us your questions at CultureStew@MSMGlobalConsulting.com, and learn more about MSM Global Consulting at www.msmglobalconsulting.com.
Culture Stew is produced by MSM Global Consulting with sound engineering by Robert Graetz.
The season 4 finale of the Culture Stew podcast is here! With the help of our editor, we've pulled together clips from 5 different episodes to remind you of what we talked about this season, to inspire you to listen to the full episode if you haven't and to encourage you to take action.
This also gives us another moment to thank our guests! We couldn't do this podcast without you, and if we tried, and as awesome as Maria and Roger are, we would be missing out on the fantastic stories, experiences, and lessons our guests bring to every episode.
Please enjoy and remember to review, rate, and drop us a message at CultureStew@MSMGlobalConsulting.com!
On March 2nd, Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano hosted the first Culture Stew Conversation on LinkedIn Live: Segregating History: A conversation on anti-DEI efforts and what it means for DEI Practitioners, Educators, and Students This event showcased a dynamic conversation between the two about the history of oppression and anti-DEI rhetoric. Now, we have produced this event to be a part of the Culture Stew Podcast. Take a listen and then join us next time to wrap up Season 4!
Julia Gaspar-Bates, Roger, and Maria sit down to discuss the intricacies between DEI, intercultural communication, and community.
"With a Bachelor's degree in the Romance Languages, Julia is fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian, and currently studying Brazilian Portuguese, and is able to incorporate a deep understanding of the complexities of communicating across linguistic barriers into her work. In addition to her years in France, she has also lived in Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, and more recently, Ecuador and has traveled to more than 45 countries on five continents. Her workshops are peppered with personal anecdotes sharpened from a lifetime of interacting and working with people from different cultures."
Systemic Racism is everywhere. Systemic Racism impacts every aspect of our society. Whether it is in the educational system, the job market, access to resources, access to financial programs, and how our communities are encouraged or discouraged to succeed and more so what success looks like. Systemic Racism also impacts health. Maria and Roger discuss the history of crossfit, the landscape of the wellness and fitness arena, and who has access to these resources. Dr. Patrick Ford came to this conversation with passion and discuss how racism has affected the health and wellness of our BIPOC community members. Learn more and connect with Patrick here - @TheInclusiveClinician @ProjectOnyxDSM And see the Project Onyx website here: https://www.projectonyxdsm.com/meet-the-team
Learning about ourselves, our brains, and how we are structured can lead to a better understanding of ourselves and others. Maria and Roger discuss bias, behavioral patterns, privilege, and more, with Shannon Murphy.
Shannon Murphy, M.A. CEO & Co-Founder BrainSkills@Work
Shannon Murphy, CEO of BrainSkills@Work, applies neuroscience to help individuals be more inclusive, culturally agile, and more effective leaders. Shannon brings over 20 years of expertise in diversity and inclusion, intercultural management, and leadership development. She is co-author of book Neuroscience of Inclusion: New Skills for New Times, and the BrainStates Awareness Profile. She has successfully created and implemented large scale training initiatives (20,000+ employees) with companies like Deloitte, CHRISTUS Health, Medtronic, Deluxe, Barr Engineering, University of Michigan, Mayo Clinic, Boston Scientific, and others.
She has an M.A. in Intercultural Management and Leadership Development. In May 2012, she achieved advanced certification as a NeuroBusiness coach at Harvard with Dr. Srini Pillay. She was faculty at the Intercultural Communication Institute teaching neuroscience of inclusion, and an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business Executive Education. She is certified in the Intercultural Development Inventory, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Quantum Healing. She loves traveling, scuba diving, and spending time with her daughters.
https://www.brainskillsatwork.com/our-team
What is a Third Culture Kid? Are they adults? How does this cross-cultural experience impact the lives of TCKs? How do we cope with change and return to our parent culture? Megan Norton knows all too well these experiences and struggles. Megan discusses this, and more, with Maria and Roger in this eye-opening conversation. Learn more about Megan and her book here: https://adultthirdculturekid.com/my-first-childrens-book-coming-fall-2020/
“Third Culture Kids (TCKs) have typically spent a significant part of their upbringing crossing cultures. Their experiences can make it challenging to find, form, and sustain a sense of belonging to place and to people. Belonging Beyond Borders supports the journey of Adult Third Culture Kids in unpacking what it means to belong in their multiple communities: personal, professional, familial, cultural, spiritual.”
"Dr. Dhanfu E. Elston (pronounced: dah-nee-foo) serves as Complete College America’s Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for Strategy where he utilizes his national policy and campus expertise for practical application, implementation, and scaling of CCA strategies at institutions throughout the United States. He provides oversight of national external partnerships and has led CCA’s pathways initiatives, the Purpose First career alignment strategy, 15 To Finish national campaign, technology Seal of Approval, and scaling standards to close equity and institutional performance gaps. Elston has also coordinated relationships with Governor’s Offices, higher education state-wide systems, and national partners in their college completion efforts. Recently, he launched a national initiative with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to amplify completion efforts at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority-serving institutions. Over his higher education career in academic and student affairs, Elston has created and implemented comprehensive success and retention programs that have garnered national attention. He has been recognized as a champion of college completion policy initiatives at institutions that educate highly diverse and minoritized student populations." https://completecollege.org/
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria and Roger break down trust, failure and leadership with Noor Azizan-Gardner. In order to make long lasting change, and to be an effective leader, trust must be cultivated.
“Noor Azizan-Gardner, originally from Malaysia, is founder and president of Baru Global Group, LLC, a consulting company which assists organizations and institutions with building innovative inclusive organizational culture through fostering inspired leaders and employees. Previous leadership positions in DEI include the University of Missouri where she created the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative and later served as its Chief Diversity Officer. She led a team which provided consultation and services in the areas of diversity, cultural competency, equity, EEO compliance, Title IX, and ADA education and accommodation. “
Connect with Noor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-azizan-gardner-aa619b1/
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria and Roger break down trust, failure and leadership with Noor Azizan-Gardner. In order to make long lasting change, and to be an effective leader, trust must be cultivated.
“Noor Azizan-Gardner, originally from Malaysia, is founder and president of Baru Global Group, LLC, a consulting company which assists organizations and institutions with building innovative inclusive organizational culture through fostering inspired leaders and employees. Previous leadership positions in DEI include the University of Missouri where she created the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative and later served as its Chief Diversity Officer. She led a team which provided consultation and services in the areas of diversity, cultural competency, equity, EEO compliance, Title IX, and ADA education and accommodation. “
Connect with Noor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-azizan-gardner-aa619b1/
In this joyful and inviting conversation, Maria and Roger discuss identity, storytelling, and what it means to be Globaliscious with Patricia Malidor-Coleman. Patricia Malidor Coleman, due to a long career in the Travel Industry & Hospitality, specializes in International Business, Cross-Cultural consulting and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training in various fields such as International Education, Global Mobility, Global Corporate Compliance, Global Talent acquisition and Management. She has studied, taught and done business internationally for over 30 years. Ms. Coleman is very well acquainted with the various behavioral science profiles encountered in diverse market place locally and globally due to her personal life experience, rich ethnic heritage and diversified career achievements. She is a dual citizen of France and the USA.
She has developed and delivered various training, seminar and workshop sessions for study abroad, expatriate executives relocating overseas with their families, companies aiming at penetrating international markets, reaching a diverse clientele, providing multicultural service excellence, or managing a diverse workforce.
Much of her work has been combined with a highly trusted consulting practice for educational institutions in support of international student integration, global companies worldwide assisting in working effectively with virtual teams across cultures, talent development and management in cultural competence, global implementation of franchises, careful integration of mission statement, marketing programs and procedures in respect to local culture.
Learn more about Patricia and connect with her here: IG @azworldconnect @Miss Globaliscious www.facebook.com/patricia.malidorcoleman www.facebook.com/Globaliscious https://www.linkedin.com/in/azworldconnectionsinc/
On this special episode of Culture Stew, Maria and Roger take the microphone and have an in-depth conversation about what it means to be at work today.
Multiple aspects of our lives have changed over the past few years. Our priorities, what makes us happy, our values, and our interests have shifted whether we were aware of them or not. In the workplace, employees are also noticing these shifts and are taking more time to state their needs and interests.
In the Culture Stew Newsletter over the past two months, we have been discussing these shifts and what they mean for the future of work. On the top of this list, and where Maria and Roger spend some time on the podcast, is talking about flexibility in our choices, along with the importance of equitable workspaces, and how we need to continue to pay attention to our needs and others: Especially when it comes to managing and leading a team.
What do you need in your workspace to thrive, feel included, and do your best work? What do you need in your life to feel fulfilled? We discuss all of these today on Culture Stew!
https://msmglobalconsulting.com/category/culture-stew-podcast/
"Jasmin M. Robinson (she/her/hers) is the CEO and Founder of I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education and leads efforts to foster and maintain inclusive work environments that welcome, embrace, empower, and celebrate people.
Jasmin’s leadership and guidance span K-12 education schools, non-profit organizations, and corporate spaces. As a premier leadership and diversity strategist, she is responsible for guiding individuals, groups, and organizations through their journey to inclusive excellence."
Maria, Roger, and Jasmin wear their flannel shirts while talking about Jasmin's background, the ways where we can increase our outreach, and why this work is so important now, and in the future.
Learn more about Jasmin here: https://idealeducationllc.com/about
"Jasmin M. Robinson (she/her/hers) is the CEO and Founder of I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education and leads efforts to foster and maintain inclusive work environments that welcome, embrace, empower, and celebrate people.
Jasmin’s leadership and guidance span K-12 education schools, non-profit organizations, and corporate spaces. As a premier leadership and diversity strategist, she is responsible for guiding individuals, groups, and organizations through their journey to inclusive excellence."
Maria, Roger, and Jasmin wear their flannel shirts while talking about Jasmin's background, the ways where we can increase our outreach, and why this work is so important now, and in the future.
Learn more about Jasmin here: https://idealeducationllc.com/about
Alex Kronemer is the co-founder of Unity Productions Foundation (UPF). He is an award-winning film director, author and public speaker, with highly acclaimed films and documentaries exploring the history, culture and religion of Islam. Alex has won numerous awards for his work in promoting peace and interfaith understanding. His latest documentary, The Great Muslim American Road Trip, can be viewed on PBS.
Alex Kronemer is the co-founder of Unity Productions Foundation (UPF). He is an award-winning film director, author and public speaker, with highly acclaimed films and documentaries exploring the history, culture and religion of Islam. Alex has won numerous awards for his work in promoting peace and interfaith understanding. His latest documentary, The Great Muslim American Road Trip, can be viewed on PBS.
Sonja Ardoin grew up with this phrase loudly following behind her: “You work hard and you work a lot.” Looking at going to college and what her future held, education was the key. But when you go to college you become a doctor, a teacher, or a lawyer. Well, education became her path and passion. Maria and Roger speak with Dr. Ardoin about her story through higher education and what that looks like for first-generation and rural students. The journey through higher education is challenging in many ways and as a first-generation student, those challenges are new. Sonja discusses her path on how she found a sense of belonging in a whole new world. The systems we create are not created with every participant in mind. The goal is to find ways to dismantle harmful systems and create more equitable access to other systems. Learn more here: https://www.sonjaardoin.com/
Sonja Ardoin grew up with this phrase loudly following behind her: “You work hard and you work a lot.” Looking at going to college and what her future held, education was the key. But when you go to college you become a doctor, a teacher, or a lawyer. Well, education became her path and passion. Maria and Roger speak with Dr. Ardoin about her story through higher education and what that looks like for first-generation and rural students. The journey through higher education is challenging in many ways and as a first-generation student, those challenges are new. Sonja discusses her path on how she found a sense of belonging in a whole new world. The systems we create are not created with every participant in mind. The goal is to find ways to dismantle harmful systems and create more equitable access to other systems. Learn more here: https://www.sonjaardoin.com/
In this episode, Maria and Roger talk to the incredible Dr. Rohini Anand.
“Dr. Rohini Anand is a strategic global business leader and trusted board member who has successfully transformed cultures, built an iconic brand with an enduring reputation resulting in growing the core business and driving sales. Dr. Anand is a recognized pioneer and a sought-after expert on organizational transformation, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), executive leadership, human capital, and global corporate responsibility (CR). Her global experience, cultural dexterity, vast network and ability to influence leaders result in a reputation for judgment, integrity and accountability.
Her new book, Leading Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations, offers five proven principles for multinational companies to advance DEI with a nuanced understanding of local contexts across countries and cultures. https://www.rohinianand.com/book”
Welcome Back!
We are so excited for you to join us in Season 4 of Culture Stew!
This season we’re spotlighting more guests who aren’t necessarily DEI practitioners but are exploring and incorporating DEI in a wide variety of industries.
This work can’t just live in the small but mighty community of people who make DEI our career. It’s exciting to see so many people taking ownership and doing creative work around social justice, equity, and inclusion in fields like the fitness industry, community engagement and organizing, animal welfare, and personal wellness and therapy.
We will continue to share the stories of our hosts, Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano, and how they shape how we show up in this work. Like we say in the intro, we are not one dimensional and multiple realities exist, so we aim to ask the questions we are wrestling with, provide resources for further learning, and hopefully share the wisdom that we have gained during this process.
We’re looking to you for help in how to shape this podcast for you! What areas do you want to learn more about? Who are you looking to hear from? How are you engaging in this work? What questions do you have? Anything you feel like sending to us - email us at Culture Stew@MSMGlobalConsulting.Com - This is for all Culture Stew resources including the newsletter and the blog!
Join us for another season of learning, laughter, and listening to fascinating stories.
Let’s go and let’s get to work.
In this special episode of Culture Stew, we celebrate the year by looking back at some of our amazing conversations with our incredible guests. In this hour-long special, we take a listen to seven of our guests this year and reflect on the amazing conversations, questions, stories and lessons we’ve learned.
In this episode we will hear Maria and Roger as well as Jay Peterson, Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, Minal Bopiah, Jamie Washington, Judy Le, Stacey Gordon, and Rehman Abdulrehman!
Listen to their full podcasts here: https://msmglobalconsulting.com/category/culture-stew-podcast/
More about our guests in the clips:
Jay: How do we teach children to honor diversity and inclusion? Jay Peterson is a Canadian elementary school music teacher residing in London, Ontario. Jay has written the book Saxophone Sits Alone as a way to discuss inclusion and diversity in the classroom in an accessible yet powerful way.
https://www.amazon.com/Saxophone-Sits-Alone-Jay-Peterson/dp/166415826X
Jonathan:
Thesis: Crafting an identity: an examination of the lived experiences of minority racial and ethnic individuals in the workplace - http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/3475/
Meta Review of the Business Case for Diversity
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/49638/the_business_case_for_equality_and_diversity.pdf
The Performative Problem of Diversity and Inclusion
https://elementofinclusion.com/the-performative-problem-of-diversity-inclusion
The Propaganda Problem of Diversity and Inclusion
https://elementofinclusion.com/the-propaganda-problem-of-diversity-inclusion
Minal:
For more information, please visit https://theequitybook.com #TheEquityBook
Jamie:
For more information about Dr. Washington, visit his website at: https://washingtonconsultinggroup.net/jamie-washington#:~:text=Dr.,education%20for%20over%2036%20years.
Judy:
She is currently an instructor for the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University where she teaches a course on the Art and Practice of Influencing Without Authority. http://www.gotakeroot.com/about-index
Stacey:
“Stacey’s book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Release list and is also available at Barnes & Nobles, and wherever books are sold.”
Rehman:
Check out Rehman at https://leadwithdiversity.com/podcast and his new Bias Tool Kit: https://leadwithdiversity.com/bob/ Watch Rehman’s TedX Talk at: https://tedxwinnipeg.ca/speaker/rehman-abdulrehma
Veritas Culture, led by Vince Brantley and Chris Armstrong, guides culture exploration, understanding, and resolution in an inclusive, root-focused manner. Chris and Vince specialize in deep, honest dialogues that bring people together to explore challenging issues and topics. The Veritas Academy offers training, coaching, and facilitator certification programs on Diversity-to-Belonging and Culture Assessment facilitation.
https://veritasculture.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/veritas-culture/
Often known by her role in NBC's CHICAGO MED as Nurse Trinidad “Trini” Campos, Marie Tredway has been creating her own path forward. From an untraditional educational experience, to finding her passion in acting and in the arts, to making her mother proud, Maria, Marie and Roger take today’s podcast into talking about these area, and more. “Marie Tredway is a Chicago based director/actor/choreographer. Marie is passionate about being an advocate for marginalized voices through her work and storytelling.” You can hear her passion, her style and her ability to bringing you into this storytelling in today’s podcast.
To learn more about Marie, you and follow her on Instagram @mariegtred.
In light of the continued struggles we view everyday on the news, on our social media feeds, in countless stories and podcasts, how might we set aside judgment and instead, get curious?
Can we start with the fact that we are whole and human first? Can we stop othering people and placing them in superfluous boxes?
Today, Maria and Roger take the time to discuss these questions and more with Judy Le. In this powerful conversation, the three speak about flipping the narrative around others and how to connect with each other across differences, and how adaptive leadership plays a role. Additionally, the conversation revolves around the refugee experience and how our lives can change in a moment. This is the world we live in.
More about Judy Le:
Judy Le has over 20 years of leadership development experience in the for-profit, non-profit, and higher education sectors. As CEO of TakeRoot, LLC, Judy works with clients to create meaningful change in their work and communities. Before starting TakeRoot, she served as the director of Leadership Rice at Rice University. She is currently an instructor for the Glasscock School at Rice University where she teaches all the courses of the leadership certificate, including the Art and Practice of Influencing Without Authority.
In another co-hosted episode of the Culture Stew Podcast, Maria and Roger have an emotional and heartfelt conversation on who we all are and what makes us that way. They talk about how to learn about why we are the way that we are and transform that into sustaining ourselves.
How do you learn more, build community, and find purpose within yourself?
How do you find peace? What makes your energy shift?
These questions, and more, encompass the conversation around what you need to do what you want to do.
Learn more about Tanya:
“Tanya O. Williams’ mission is to provide and create spaces in relationships, conversations, and communities for all people to feel seen and appreciated for their authentic selves. She believes that educating and working toward equity within organizations and working with individuals to invite them into their authentic power and agency will get us closer to that goal. Born and raised in a working class in Houston, Texas, Tanya is based in Brooklyn, NY leads Authentic Coaching and Consulting (www.authenticseeds.org ) to move closer to her mission and vision of a socially just world.”
Join us on another special episode where Maria Morukian and guest host, Roger Moreano welcome Dr. Randal Jelks to Culture Stew.
Come along as the three speak about the historical trends of civil rights, Dr. Jelks’ background, and his experience with DEI as a democratic process.
“Randal Maurice Jelks is Professor of African and African American Studies and American Studies. He is the co-editor of the academic journal American Studies (AMSJ). Jelks is an award-winning author and documentary film producer.”
Learn more about Dr. Jelks and his books:
African Americans in the Furniture City: The Struggle for Civil Rights Struggle in Grand Rapids,
Benjamin Elijah Mays, Schoolmaster of the Movement: A Biography,
Faith and Struggle in the Lives of Four African Americans: Ethel Waters, Mary Lou Williams, Eldridge Cleaver,
Muhammad Ali and Letters to Martin: Meditations on Democracy in Black America.
Connect with Dr. Jelks here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randalmauricejelks
In this episode of Culture Stew, joining Maria on the interview role is Roger Moreano. The two of them speak with Dr. Jaime Washington about all areas around what DEI means to us personally and professionally.
The three of them talk about the importance of family, the pervasiveness of everyday racism, and how the systemic nature of bias and racisim impact us in all areas of life. They also dive deep into where spirituality fits into DEI conversations.
Some more about Dr. Jamie Washington: He is the President & Founder of the Washington Consulting Group (WCG). “WCG was named by the Economist as one of the Top 10 Global Diversity Consultants in the world. Dr. Washington has served as an educator, administrator, and consultant for over 37 years.”
For more information about Dr. Washington, visit his website at: https://washingtonconsultinggroup.net/jamie-washington#:~:text=Dr.,education%20for%20over%2036%20years.
“Leading at the intersection of diversity, inclusion, and workplace culture, in her role as Executive Advisor and Diversity Strategist of Rework Work, Stacey Gordon coaches and counsels executive leaders on DEI strategies for the business.”
Maria and Stacey take this episode of Culture Stew and explore the complexities of belonging, culture change, and how this fits within our individual identities.
More information about Stacey:
“Stacey’s book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Release list and is also available at Barnes & Nobles, and wherever books are sold. Stacey is the creator of the #1 course on unconscious bias on the LinkedIn learning platform which has surpassed more than 1 million unique learners overall and has been translated into at least six languages. She has worked with people managers and executive leaders from companies such as American Express, ADP, Kia Motors, Hewlett Packard, Walmart, GE and many others to deliver notable sessions that support their D&I efforts. She earned her MBA from Pepperdine University Business School and her SHRM-SCP certification, as well as the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture Credential.”
On this episode of Culture Stew, Maria speaks with Alida Miranda-Wolffabout her journey into the DEI space, the building of Ethos, and her new book Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations that Last. They ponder the problems around DEI perseverance, pivoting and possibilities in this poignant podcast.
Alida Miranda-Wolff is the CEO and Founder of Ethos and author of the forthcoming book Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations that Last, set to be out February 15, 2022. Alida received her certification in diversity, equity, and inclusion from Georgetown University and has eight years of practitioner experience. In 2021, Alida was a recipient of the University of Chicago’s Early Career Achievement Award.
February 15th - Pre-Order Alida’s new book, Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations That Last!Learn more about Ethos Talent: https://ethostalent.com/our-team/
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria and Bradley Schurman discuss the complexities of demographics, generations, and the change in social structures.
They also discuss his book, The Super Age: Decoding our Demographic Destiny, “A demographic futurist explains the coming Super Age—when there will be more people older than sixty-five than those under the age of eighteen—and explores what it could mean for our collective future.”
Bradley Schurman is a demographic futurist and opinion maker on all things dealing with the business of longevity. Bradley is a social connector that has built his reputation by helping leading organizations harness the opportunities of our increasingly older and generationally diverse populations. His insights inform national leaders and c-suite executives around the world.Connect with Bradley: The Super Age
Looking Toward the Future: Three Big Trends for 2022
The Kids Are Not Alright (But They Are Going to be Just Fine)
Bradley Schurman on LinkedIn
The Super Age Twitter
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria and Bradley Schurman discuss the complexities of demographics, generations, and the change in social structures.
They also discuss his book, The Super Age: Decoding our Demographic Destiny, “A demographic futurist explains the coming Super Age—when there will be more people older than sixty-five than those under the age of eighteen—and explores what it could mean for our collective future.”
Bradley Schurman is a demographic futurist and opinion maker on all things dealing with the business of longevity. Bradley is a social connector that has built his reputation by helping leading organizations harness the opportunities of our increasingly older and generationally diverse populations. His insights inform national leaders and c-suite executives around the world.Connect with Bradley: The Super Age
Looking Toward the Future: Three Big Trends for 2022
The Kids Are Not Alright (But They Are Going to be Just Fine)
Bradley Schurman on LinkedIn
The Super Age Twitter
Today, we flip the table and interview Maria about her new book: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace (available to order today: https://www.td.org/book/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-for-trainers !)
Roger Moreano and Maria sit down to talk about what inspired her to write this book, who this book is for and where we are going in the DEI space and how to apply a DEI lens to our lives every day.
Learn more:
“Make DEI Training Foundational in Your Organization
When done well, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training creates space for courageous conversations that acknowledge hard truths around systemic inequities and explores topics that touch on people’s vulnerabilities in all facets of their lives. For those of you who do this work, there has not been a clear path to follow for making progress. As a DEI trainer, you have forged your own way and learned as you went.
With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace, the need for DEI trainers to go at it alone comes to an end. Expert facilitator Maria Morukian provides the guidance you need to develop the knowledge and skills required for DEI training. Morukian covers the historical underpinnings and rationale for DEI work; takes you through the process of organizational assessment, design, and delivery; and offers strategies for embedding DEI and promoting sustainability through collaborative practices and dialogues, allowing you to develop and understand your own identity lenses and biases. Reflection questions and worksheets are included in every chapter.”
Remember to sign up for our newsletter by visiting https://msmglobalconsulting.com/ and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
YouTube video clip: https://youtu.be/3Mn-fQvchBA
“A globally recognised authority on Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, Jonathan has a PhD from the London School of Economics which allows him to bring the academic rigour that his FTSE 100 clients expect.
He is currently writing a book to support his mission to help one million people around the world to make the workplace inclusive.”
On this episode of Culture Stew, Maria and Jonathan have an energetic and powerful conversation about Jonathan’s personal and professional journey into the Diversity and Inclusion field, service and contribution, identity, and how leaders can enact sustainable change rather than engage in performative allyship.
Listed below are items Jonathan mentions throughout the podcast.
Thesis: Crafting an identity: an examination of the lived experiences of minority racial and ethnic individuals in the workplace
http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/3475/
Meta Review of the Business Case for Diversity
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/49638/the_business_case_for_equality_and_diversity.pdf
The Performative Problem of Diversity and Inclusion
https://elementofinclusion.com/the-performative-problem-of-diversity-inclusion
The Propaganda Problem of Diversity and Inclusion
https://elementofinclusion.com/the-propaganda-problem-of-diversity-inclusion
Join us today as Maria and Kelly discuss the world of change, social intelligence, and her book LEAD THE CHANGE: The Competitive Advantage of Gender Diversity and Inclusion. They will ask questions about how social and family leave benefits all genders, how work-life policies can impact productivity, and what you can do to advocate and lead the change.
“Kelly has led the development of the Women in Mining Canada’s National Action Plan and is currently spearheading another 3-year progressive and more comprehensive national
action plan in the forest sector. Kelly's inclusive leadership style ensures everyone
feels heard and is engaged. She values both individual and intergroup differences in the
workforce. Kelly is a strong advocate for applying EQ skills such as empathy, impulse control, assertiveness, among others to help everyone find greater understanding of the benefits to gender diversity and inclusion – both social and economic.”
Learn more here: https://www.centreforsocialintelligence.ca/
In this episode of Culture Stew, Barbara and Maria dive into topics around leadership, diversity, and vulnerability. They also discuss Barbara’s new book - The Unexpected Gift. Emerging Anew After The Unthinkable, a powerful memoir that reveals the inspiring true-life story of one woman’s journey to self-discovery and renewal after the implosion of her marriage.
To listen to the rest of the podcast please visit https://msmglobalconsulting.com/categ or wherever you get your podcasts!
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria and Minal discuss privilege, leadership and how we can build support for equity in leadership and in ways to ensure that everyone thrives. Learn more about Minal: Minal Bopaiah is the author of Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives. She is the founder of Brevity & Wit, a strategy + design firm that combines human-centered design, behavior change science and the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility to help organizations transform themselves and the world. Bopaiah has written for the Stanford Social Innovation Review and The Hill and has been a featured guest on numerous podcasts and shows, including the Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU. She has also been a keynote speaker for many conferences, inspiring thousands with her credible, authentic, and engaging talks. For more information, please visit https://theequitybook.com #TheEquityBook
How do we teach children to honor diversity and inclusion? Jay Peterson is a Canadian elementary school music teacher residing in London, Ontario. Jay has written the book Saxophone Sits Alone as a way to discuss inclusion and diversity in the classroom in an accessible yet powerful way.
https://www.amazon.com/Saxophone-Sits-Alone-Jay-Peterson/dp/166415826X
Today we sat down with Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman to discuss bias and the psychological elements of our biased behaviors.
Check out Rehman at https://leadwithdiversity.com/podcast and his new Bias Tool Kit: https://leadwithdiversity.com/bob/
Watch Rehman’s TedX Talk at: https://tedxwinnipeg.ca/speaker/rehman-abdulrehman/
Join us for the third season of the Culture Stew Podcast! This season we'll continue to explore the many dimensions of our identities that influence our beliefs, behaviors, and blind spots, and serve up practical tools and strategies to engage in meaningful diversity dialogues, foster inclusion in our workplaces, and advocate for equity and justice.
Our guest this week, Omar L. Harris, has important insights to share in the intersection of servant leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Omar is founder of Intent Consulting. His work focuses on leadership and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion or J.E.DI. for short. He is the author of “The Servant Leader’s Manifesto” published in 2020 and the upcoming book Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss, coming out June 25, 2021. https://www.omarlharris.com/
How narrow might your news consumption be and what contributes to that?
Today's podcast guests will share insights from their recent book, Unbias the News - Tina Lee, Director of Ambassador Programmes at Hostwriter, Tanya Pampalone, Managing Editor of the Global Investigative Journalism Network, and Anuradha Sharma, an independent journalist.
To learn more about the book, please visit unbiasthenews.org or visit hostwriter.org
Today Maria interviews Dan Egol, co-founder and Executive Director of the Inclusion NextWork, a global network of emerging leaders passionate about innovating the ways we build relationships, organizations, and communities so that everyone can thrive. This episode explores the importance of fostering Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Social Justice (IDEAS) to drive true systemic change.
https://www.inclusionnextwork.org/about
Tamika Mason is the founder and CEO of Building for Mission, a consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals and mission-driven organizations maximize their impact through effective talent, organization development, and REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) strategy consulting.
https://buildingformission.com/
Ashish Kaushal is the owner of Hire Talent, a recruiting firm specializing in diversity. Ashish is also the founder of Consciously Unbiased, an organization dedicated to disrupting traditional diversity training to focus on true culture change. Ashish’s mission is to “connect the hearts and minds of people across organizations and industries to spark behavior change and drive inclusion.” In today’s podcast, we talk about how to raise the unconscious behaviors to the conscious level, develop strategic goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leverage technology to correct everyday behaviors. Find out more at https://www.consciouslyunbiased.com.
Arab Americans come from over twenty different countries and cultures, and have long been a part of the fabric of our country. Reposting an interview with Luby Ismail of Connecting Cultures, who has long been an advocate and educator on Arab and Muslim identity.
This date symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.
Yesterday, I had the honor of serving on a panel with an incredible group of women. Tina Tchen, President and CEO of Time’s Up, Fatima Goss Graves, President & CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play, and Mandy Bynum Mclaughlin, CEO of the Race Equality Project. https://www.linkedin.com/company/consciouslyunbiased/videos/
Moses Harris and Lawrence Humphrey are the co-founders of Tech Can [Do] Better, an organization was founded by Black tech employees to make the industry work better for people of color and marginalized groups. They are on a mission to drive equitable, measurable, and enforceable policies within the tech industry to elevate Black and Brown employees and communities.
My guest, Pranam Lipinski, co-founded Door of Clubs, an online platform that connects employers to diverse college student organizations. He has surveyed 15,000+ Gen Z’ers about the future of work, and held hundreds of focus groups with college student organizations. Pranam is passionate about bridging the understanding gap between Gen Z and other generations to create more empathy and effectiveness in the workplace.
Is it possible to be a refugee and still have privilege? How do we make space for the multiple layers of our complex stories? Margarita Rozenfeld is the President of Incite International, a consulting and coaching firm that helps organizations become more effective by aligning their vision, culture and people. She shares how her personal experience as an immigrant from the former Soviet Union has led her on a journey of self-discovery to define her unique identity and come to terms with white privilege.
http://www.inciteinternational.com
From the Archives: Reflecting back on where we were a year ago, I re-listened to this episode from January 2020 with Mary-Frances Winters of the Winters Group about inclusive conversations, Black fatigue, and ways to really engage in the work of allyship.
Inclusive Conversations: Fostering Equity, Empathy, and Belonging Across Differences
In today’s podcast, I had the opportunity to interview two incredible leaders and advocates for disability rights and inclusion – Holly Carmichael and Michael Murry of GT Independence.
On today’s show I have Kimberly Dailey, the CEO of Dailey Innovations. Kimberly is an organizational development specialist with over 20 years of experience partnering with clients to bring clarity, focus, and alignment to their diverse teams. Kimberly’s approach combines the arts, organizational behavior and psychology, and neuroscience. Her work with organizations brings together not just a collective emotionally powerful experience, but also provides an opportunity to conduct grounded research and strategic planning. Kimberly is the author of the upcoming book, Purposeful Creativity Methods: Building Insight and Connection in Business and Communities.http://daileyinnovationsinc.com/
Post- election we are hearing both messages of waging battle and messages of unity and healing. What will it take for us to let go of seeing anyone who disagrees with us ideologically as "the other side" with whom we are at war? It's time to rebuild as a nation but are we ready and how do we start?
Do you know how much the U.S. Census touches all of our lives? The abrupt closing of the Census 2020 puts vulnerable populations in jeopardy for years to come. My guest this week is Melissa Bird, the executive director of the DC Census 2020.
In today’s episode I interviewed Dr. Michael Baran, who is the co-author of the book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion. Michael is a Senior Partner and Digital Solutions Lead at inQUEST Consulting, He brings innovation and deep understanding to wide audiences, helping them think, lead, and interact inclusively. In addition to his consulting, Michael has taught at Harvard University and worked as a Principal Researcher at the American Institutes for Research.
Check out our conversation in iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio!
Ruth Littlejohn is an organizational development consultant, executive coach and change management facilitator, as well as a spiritual leader. Her most recent work involves facilitating affinity groups for African American and White women to have a safe space to engage in critical conversations about race with people of the same identity group.
Lobna “Luby” Ismail, founder and president of Connecting Cultures, is a facilitator and storyteller who has trained thousands of law enforcement officials and federal agencies on Arab culture and Muslim identity. In addition to her work in building cultural competence around Islam, Luby is also an advocate for disability rights.
You can find her at www.connecting-cultures.net and at www.linked.com/in/lubyismail.
Culture Stew is back for another season and we have some incredible guests lined up. This season we will focus on a range of hot topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including bias in the news, micro-aggressions, disability bias, and antiracism. Join the conversation!
Culture Stew is on a brief hiatus! As we prepare to bring you fresh content with amazing guests, please enjoy this episode from our archives with Tod Ewing, author of Seeing Heaven in the Face of Black Men. Tod was one of our first guests and his words carry special meaning for us right now as we search to build community across racial differences
Dr. Shaista Khiliji is a professor at George Washington University and the the Director of the OLL program. Along with her colleagues Jason Smith, Mia Amato Caliendo, and Zoe King, she is founding the Humanizing Initiative, which serves to develop more humanistic and inclusive leaders that foster organizational cultures that promote human dignity and well-being.
You can find out more by contacting Dr. Khiliji at sekhilji@gwu.edu or check out the website: humanizinginitiative.com
Dr. Shaista Khiliji is a professor of Human and Organizational Learning and International Affairs at George Washington University. Her research focuses on issues related to Macro Talent Development, Diversity & Inclusion, humanizing organizations/ leadership, and individual experiences with inequality.
What do we do in this moment of heaviness, when the rage and pain and heartache has hit such a fever pitch in our society? Musical groups practice staggered breathing, where they rotate breathing among themselves to create one strong, continuous melody. If we believe we're all in this together, and we want to address racial injustice in our society, it's time for white people to pick up the note so folks of color can take a breath.
We see so much written and discussed on the overall experiences of inequality for women in the workforce, but what is often missed is the disparate experiences based on racial and ethnic privileges. Kami Anderson and Joy Wiggins, co-authors of From Sabotage to Support: A New Vision for Feminist Solidarity in the Workplace, provide insights on how women are acculturated within systems that encourage them to sabotage one another. You can find the book on Amazon.
You can contact Kami at sojourningwhileblack@gmail.com and Joy at joy@joywiggins.com.
This week’s podcast guest is Joe Gerstandt. Joe is renowned speaker, author and advisor who works with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small non-profits in they diversity and inclusion efforts. You can find Joe on Twitter and LinkedIn @joegerstandt, and on his website https://joegerstandt.com.
What does it mean to decolonize organizations or institutions and why is it important for diversity, equity, and inclusion work? Listen to this thoughtful and provocative interview Lupita Gonzalez, an activist, consultant, and coach who brings a wealth of experience working with organizations on issues of racial equity and justice, resilience, and collective power. You can find more about Lupita at her website https://thethriveadvisory.com.
This podcast is edited and managed by
Derrick Michaud
Shelby Row Productions, LLC
www.shelbyrowproductions.com
We are launching a series of video and audio tutorials to support leaders managing their teams through times of crisis. In this week's episode, we focus on just checking in, asking powerful questions to find out how your people are doing rather than what they are doing. Check out the video series at https://msmglobalconsulting.com!
How do we build the world we want to live in, one in which everyone’s story is valued, and people feel a deep sense of belonging? Howard Ross, founder of Cook Ross, is a lifelong social justice advocate, and one of the world’s seminal thought leaders on identifying and addressing unconscious bias. Howard has written numerous books, including Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives, ReInventing Diversity: Transforming Organizational Community to Strengthen People, Purpose and Performance, and Our Search for Belonging: How the Need for Connection Is Tearing Our Culture Apart, His next book, Building Belonging: 9 Pathways to Creating Inclusive and Joyful Organizational Communities,will be published in 2020. Reach him at howard@udarta.com.
No matter where you work or what you do, you and everyone you know has been impacted physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by the novel Coronavirus known as Covid-19. In this special episode, Maria shares best practices for leaders and managers to support their teams during crisis.
How can we show up to and for one another, even when we differ greatly in our ideas and beliefs? How can we allow ourselves and one another to be imperfect, to make mistakes, and to come around to a new perspective that wasn’t available to us before?
Harvey Floyd II is on the faculty at UPenn’s Wharton School of Business, and a trainer and coach focusing on organizational dynamics, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What can be done to navigate the ongoing challenges for women to get on an equal playing field? Dr. Martha Miller is an expert in diversity and inclusion and a thought leader in gender equity for women leaders. She has taught at both Harvard and Yale University, and is the faculty director of the UCLA Anderson Women’s Leadership Institute.
How is resilience linked to diversity, inclusion and identity? What invisible wounds do people carry with them into the workplace and their personal relationships? How do we help ourselves and others build resilience, to not “spring back” but and thrive in our new existence? David Shade is an entrepreneur, a veteran, and a war hero, who served fearlessly for four years and then worked to navigate the challenges of PTSD after receiving the Purple Heart for his valor. His story is one of courage and transformation, and hopefully will inspire others to build resilience for themselves and others. Check out more of David’s story at his company’s website, atattentiondogs.com or his TEDx talk.
My guest this week is Mary-Frances Winters, the founder and CEO of The Winters Group, a consulting firm focusing on global organizational development and diversity and inclusion work. Mary-Frances is widely known in the diversity, equity, and inclusion field as a thought leader, and for the past 35 years she has impacted hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals with her provocative approach. She also has a blog with great resources and articles called The Inclusion Solution.
Chris Armstrong and Vince Brantley are the Co-Owners of Veritas Culture (www.veritasculture.com) and highly sought-after consultants, facilitators, speakers, and coaches in the areas of organizational culture and diversity and inclusion (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cultureexecutive. Their upcoming book, Unmasking the Culture Culprit, will be released March 2020!
This podcast is edited and managed by
Derrick Michaud
Shelby Row Productions, LLC
www.shelbyrowproductions.com
Dr. Carmen F. Foster is a native of Richmond, VA, with extensive professional experience in public administration, higher education administration, museum administration, community service and outreach. As an historian focusing on race and segregation in the South, Dr. Foster weaves fascinating stories of her childhood with historical data to illustrate the patterns of oppression that continue to pervade our society.
This podcast is edited and managed by
Derrick Michaud
Shelby Row Productions, LLC
www.shelbyrowproductions.com
Why do so many of us remain convinced we are going to fail or we're not good enough, even when all evidence points to the contrary? In this episode, Maria interviews a number of high achievers who have all at some point suffered from the imposter syndrome and explores ways to manage that pesky internal voice when it tries to make us play small in life.
Chris Haigh is the founder of True Change Associates (TCA). TCA’s mission is to work in community with people and organizations to move through personal growth to creating lasting institutional and systemic change around equity and inclusion.
Shilpa Alimchandani has been a trainer, facilitator, and consultant for 20 years, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and unconscious bias.
In this episode, I talk to Joe Shaffner, Senior Communications Specialist at the International Center for Research on Women, who is also an ardent activist for equity and social justice and the direct descendent of Stonewall Jackson.
Antonio Farias is the Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Florida, and has served in diversity leadership positions in higher education and government.
Kay Anuluoha is the co-owner of Kutula by Africana, an LA-based company specializing in authentic African fabrics and design, who has become the most sought-after costume design showroom for the TV and film industry, including serving as the costumers for movies like Black Panther and The Avengers. Kutula translates to “leap forward” in Zambian, and Kay embodies this concept. She provides consultation to companies and the entertainment industry on how to create inclusive organizations and celebrate the multidimensionality of African cultures. https://shopkutula.com
Tod Ewing is the co-founder of The Race Story Rewrite Project (https://www.racestoryrewrite.com), whose mission is to build community dialogues on race, prejudice, and embracing our oneness as a human family. He is also the the author of the book, Seeing Heaven in the Face of Black Men.
This podcast is produced by
Derrick Michaud
Shelby Row Productions LLC
www.shelbyrowproductions.com
This podcast endeavors to challenge assumptions of “us” and “them” that drive separatism and impede organizational and societal effectiveness. The rhetoric that is embedded in our public discourse can either create connection and remind us of our humanity, or disconnect and dehumanize. Culture Stew uses the art of storytelling to create connections, foster dialogue, and provide practical strategies for leading diverse organizations.
This podcast is produced by
Derrick Michaud
Shelby Row Productions LLC
www.shelbyrowproductions.com