Claim OwnershipInclusive Leader Spotlight
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Are you an advocate for DEI in your organization? Have you navigated the complexities of fostering an inclusive culture? We want to hear from you! "Inclusive Leader Spotlight" is always looking for guests who can share their journey, challenges, and insights with our audience.
At Inclusive Leader Spotlight we're not just talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — we're celebrating the leaders who breathe life into these values. Our podcast is a beacon for those who are not only advocating for change but are actively shaping a more inclusive future in their workplaces.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.deiprofinder.com/podcast-guest.
At Inclusive Leader Spotlight we're not just talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — we're celebrating the leaders who breathe life into these values. Our podcast is a beacon for those who are not only advocating for change but are actively shaping a more inclusive future in their workplaces.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.deiprofinder.com/podcast-guest.
51 Episodes
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Join host Juan Taveras as he wraps up Season 1 of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight podcast with a heartfelt reflection on the journey so far. This special episode highlights the most powerful insights, strategies, and themes shared by our inspiring guests throughout the season.Discover the key takeaways from Season 1, including:The power of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in leadershipPractical ways to operationalize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)Why kindness is essential for building cultures of belongingJuan also shares an exciting sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 2: deeper conversations, more fascinating guests, and even more actionable insights to help you lead inclusively.Whether you’ve been following since the first episode or are tuning in for the first time, this episode is a celebration of inclusive leadership and a preview of the impactful conversations ahead.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, closes out Season 1 of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight with an inspiring conversation with Andre Bradford, award-winning poet and motivational speaker, known by his stage name, S.C. Says. Andre uses slam poetry to explore identity, mental health, and social justice, creating transformative experiences that foster empathy and connection.In this episode, Andre shares:How storytelling builds bridges and fosters inclusion in the workplace.Why vulnerability and curiosity are essential skills for leaders.How authenticity—not perfection—creates trust and belonging in teams.Actionable strategies for HR and DEI leaders to incorporate storytelling into their work.Andre also performs a deeply moving poem on mental health, offering a raw and relatable reflection on resilience and the power of showing up.🎧 Tune in now for a masterclass in empathy, connection, and the transformative power of storytelling.To learn more about Andre's work, click HERE.To connect with Andre on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Katie McLaughlin, founder and transformation artist at McLaughlin Method. With over 20 years of experience and a background in theater, Katie brings a fresh, creative approach to building healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures.In this episode, Katie shares her innovative strategies, including:Why team health is the new metric leaders need to track for organizational success.How to bridge the gap between theory and action through rehearsing real-world scenarios.The importance of self-awareness and starting with yourself to drive meaningful cultural change.Katie’s actionable insights and unique methods will inspire HR and DEI leaders to think differently about fostering trust, collaboration, and emotional intelligence in their teams.🎧 Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation! Listen now and start transforming your workplace culture today.To learn more about Katie's work, click HERE.To connect with Katie on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to take the Team Health Quiz Katie mentioned in the episode? Click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras sits down with workplace dynamics expert Juan Kingsbury, Founder of Career Blind Spot. With over a decade of experience in human behavior and leadership coaching, Juan brings a refreshingly honest perspective on why DEI work is so challenging—and so worth it.Listen in as Juan shares:How leaders can turn workplace bias into opportunities for growth.Why emotional intelligence is essential for team success (and how to develop it).The role of self-compassion in fostering accountability and inclusion.How to bridge the gap between DEI theory and practice with actionable strategies.This episode is packed with insights for HR and DEI leaders who want to create meaningful, sustainable change in their organizations.To learn more about Juan's work, click HERE.To connect with Juan on LinkedIn, click HERE.To listen to Juan's podcast, Career Blind Spot, click HERE.To get a copy of Juan's book, A New Work Mindset, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of Inclusive Leader Spotlight, host Juan Taveras sits down with Danette "Danni" Buie, founder and CEO of Thrive Limitlessly, to explore how DEI strategies can transform organizations.Danni’s unique co-collaborative methodology ensures that DEI initiatives are built with input from leaders, employees, and even customers, resulting in systemic change that aligns with long-term business goals. Together, they discuss:Why DEI is about creating equitable opportunities, not just meeting quotas.How inclusive leadership begins with listening and learning.The connection between workplace inclusion and organizational innovation.Strategies for embedding DEI into every facet of business operations.Whether you’re a DEI leader, HR professional, or business executive, this conversation offers practical advice for fostering environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.To learn more about Danni's work, click HERE.To connect with Danni on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Tyler Plant, Chief Revenue Officer at Simpli5®, to explore how self-awareness, empathy, and the 5 Dynamics framework can transform workplace collaboration. With over 20 years of experience leading sales and customer service teams, Tyler shares actionable insights into creating sustainable results by aligning people and process.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why self-awareness is the foundation of inclusive leadership.How empathy enhances collaboration without requiring agreement.The 5 Dynamics framework and its practical application for DEI and leadership strategies.How tools like Simpli5® mitigate biases and assumptions in the workplace.Why the human element remains essential in the age of AI.Tyler’s passion for improving the employee experience will leave you inspired and equipped with new strategies to unlock your team’s full potential.To learn more about Tyler's work, click HERE.To connect with Tyler on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Ayanna Anderson, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Highwire, to discuss the future of DEI leadership. With over 20 years of experience in PR, strategic communications, and community engagement, Ayanna shares how she leverages lived experiences to drive organizational transformation.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why retention is the new frontier for DEI and how to create experiences that make employees stay.✔️ How to shift from a call-out to a call-in culture that fosters accountability and growth.✔️ The role of collective DEI KPIs in embedding inclusion into every level of an organization.✔️ Why lifelong learning is critical for DEI practitioners navigating new frontiers like AI and startups.Ayanna’s insights are actionable, inspiring, and perfect for leaders looking to reimagine inclusion in today’s workplace.To learn more about Ayanna's work, click HERE.To connect with Ayanna on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, chats with Deshawn Rose, VP and Partner at Mind Wire Consultancy, who has over 28 years in diverse fields like education, healthcare, and finance. Deshawn’s passion for problem-solving shines as he dives into creating inclusive workplaces, bridging communication gaps, and leveraging tools like the Predictive Index for DEI.In this episode, Deshawn discusses conflict as an opportunity for alignment, his TED questioning framework to foster curiosity over judgment, and the power of Predictive Index to reduce hiring bias. From creating safe, respectful work environments to celebrating the diversity of thought and strengths, Deshawn’s insights offer actionable steps toward building cohesive, inclusive teams.Listen in to gain tools and strategies that can make your workplace more inclusive and aligned with DEI goals!To learn more about DaSjaun's work, click HERE.Want to take the Predictive Index Assessment DaSjaun referenced in the episode? Click HERE.To connect with DaSjaun on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Dr. Jerry Fu, founder of Adapting Leaders, who brings a unique blend of experience as both a pharmacist and leadership coach for Asian American directors and managers. In this episode, Jerry reveals how conflict, rather than being avoided, can serve as a powerful truth revealer in workplaces, helping to build stronger connections and drive real inclusion. He also discusses how leaders can reframe self-advocacy to align with organizational goals, transforming personal goals into mutually beneficial outcomes.In this episode, listeners will gain insight into the value of:Approaching conflict as a source of growth and honestyBalancing personal ambition with collective goalsMaintaining a DEI commitment beyond initial training and statementsDon’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your influence and create a workplace where people feel seen, respected, and empowered.To learn more about Jerry's work, click HERE.To get a copy of the guide Jerry referenced in the episode, click HERE.To connect with Jerry on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras welcomes Shadé Akande, the visionary Founder and CEO of One X League, the largest private social and professional network for Black and Afro Latina women executives and founders. With 18 years of HR experience at companies like Google, Verizon Wireless, and Walmart, Shadé has a wealth of insight on promoting DEI from the ground up, supporting leaders in creating workplaces that value every individual’s experience.Tune in to learn:Why DEI goes beyond diversity metrics to focus on fostering belonging and valuing unique perspectivesHow kindness in leadership can transform workplace culture and boost retentionPractical steps for expanding your circle and ensuring DEI is a continual, intentional processTo learn more about Shadé's work click HERE.To connect with Shadé on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, is joined by John and Mark Cronin, the dynamic father-son team behind John’s Crazy Socks. Together, they share their journey of building a multi-million-dollar business centered on a mission to "Spread Happiness" – a mission that comes to life by employing a team where over half of the workforce has differing abilities. Through this conversation, John and Mark reveal the unique frameworks they use to foster true inclusion and belonging within their company, as well as actionable insights for any organization looking to build a more diverse, resilient team.Tune in to hear:Why diversity isn’t just altruistic – it’s a cornerstone of good businessHow John’s Crazy Socks has created a unified workplace where all abilities work side by sideProven strategies for intentional, community-driven recruitment and engagementJoin us to explore how John's and Mark's approach to DEI not only empowers their team but also delivers a powerful business advantage.To learn more about John's Crazy Socks, click HERE.To connect with Mark on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Ryan Johnson, founder and CEO of 3 Sparrows Executive Services, about leadership that inspires true ownership in the workplace. With his background in business coaching and operations, Ryan shares his proven framework for transforming teams from “clock punchers” to engaged owners. He emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy, generosity, and an abundance mindset to build trust and commitment across all levels.In this episode, Ryan explains how his three-part framework—empowering people, creating effective processes, and executing strategically—can help small business leaders boost team performance and loyalty. Tune in to learn actionable ways to foster a culture of shared purpose and resilience, from recognizing team contributions to embracing diversity and promoting continuous growth.Whether you’re an HR professional, DEI leader, or business owner, Ryan’s insights will inspire you to lead with intention and inclusivity. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to elevate your team and drive sustainable success!To learn more about Ryan's work, click HERE.To take the assessment referenced in the episode, click HERE.To connect with Ryan on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this powerful episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras sits down with Dr. Joe Sherman, founder of Joe Sherman, MD Coaching and Consulting. Dr. Joe brings over 35 years of experience as a pediatrician in diverse settings around the world, and now dedicates his work to helping healthcare professionals reconnect with their core values and find fulfillment in their work.Dr. Joe shares his personal journey of navigating burnout and discovering the importance of aligning with one’s values in the face of overwhelming professional demands. He talks about the pressures that healthcare providers face today, including spending two hours on administrative work for every hour of patient care. He also discusses the role of cultural humility in healthcare teams, advocating for brave spaces where discomfort leads to growth and improved collaboration.Whether you're a healthcare provider, DEI leader, or anyone interested in how personal values can transform professional fulfillment, this episode is packed with insights on building meaningful connections, improving team dynamics, and embracing cultural humility.🎧 Tune in now and learn how to create a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable healthcare environment.To learn more about Dr. Sherman's work, click HERE.To connect with Dr. Sherman on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras speaks with Jebeh Edmunds, the CEO and founder of Jebeh Cultural Consulting. With over two decades of experience as an educator and speaker, Jebeh has dedicated her life to promoting positive change through multicultural education and equitable strategies.Jebeh shares how her lived experience as an African immigrant in the U.S. informs her work and how she helps organizations build truly inclusive environments. From addressing implicit biases to facilitating uncomfortable yet necessary conversations, Jebeh provides actionable insights that will resonate with leaders looking to create lasting impact in DEI.Tune in to learn about:The importance of self-reflection and acknowledging biasesStrategies for making DEI work manageable with incremental goalsCreating psychologically safe spaces for inclusive dialogueHow to transform diversity initiatives into a movement, not a momentTo learn more about Jebeh's work, click HERE.To connect with Jebeh on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, host Juan Taveras speaks with Sarah Kirwan, Founder and CEO of Eye Level Communications, a disability and woman-owned consulting firm. With her personal journey from misdiagnosis to becoming a fierce advocate for disability inclusion, Sarah brings a unique and powerful perspective to the conversation.We dive deep into the challenges that individuals with disabilities face in the workplace, the systemic barriers to inclusion, and actionable strategies organizations can implement to foster genuine equity. Sarah discusses the importance of flexibility in job descriptions, the role of psychological safety in creating inclusive cultures, and why executive sponsorship is critical for driving long-term change.Whether you're an HR leader, a DEI practitioner, or a business professional looking to improve your organization's approach to inclusion, this episode offers essential insights into disability equity and leadership.To learn more about Sarah's work, click HERE.To connect with Sarah on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Ovell Barbee, owner and principal of Ask Ovell, and an HR and DEI executive with extensive C-suite experience. Ovell brings a wealth of knowledge from his leadership roles across various industries, sharing how he has leveraged both HR and DEI functions to drive meaningful, systemic change.Ovell shares the strategies he used to increase leadership diversity by 30% in just one year, the critical role of governance and accountability in DEI work, and why silence around difficult conversations is one of the biggest barriers to progress. He also talks about the importance of advocating for others and offers actionable insights for HR and business leaders who want to create more inclusive workplaces.Key Takeaways:How to connect HR and DEI for greater organizational impact.Strategies for recruiting diverse talent and increasing leadership diversity.The importance of systemic change—focusing on policies, practices, and procedures.How to overcome the challenge of silence in DEI conversations.Why advocating for others can create thriving communities.To learn more about Ovell's work, click HERE.To connect with Ovell on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host Juan Taveras sits down with Lenna Turner, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Senior Compensation Consultant at Salary.com. Lenna shares her unique perspective on the importance of pay equity as a cornerstone of any successful DEI strategy. With over a decade of experience in compensation, Lenna has been at the forefront of bridging the gap between equitable pay and inclusive workplace cultures.Listeners will learn about Lenna’s work developing internal DEI programs at Salary.com, including employee engagement strategies, launching Employee Resource Groups, and embedding DEI into new hire onboarding. She also dives into the Plunkett Pay Equity Framework, offering a roadmap for organizations looking to create equitable pay structures.Tune in for actionable insights on how to drive real change in your workplace and build a more inclusive and fair organization.Key Takeaways:How to start the pay equity conversation with senior leadershipThe importance of listening to employees when developing DEI strategiesHow to build ongoing DEI training programs that engage the entire organizationTo learn more about Lenna's work, click HERE.To connect with Lenna on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Kenneth Walker, EVP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Culture at Per Scholas, a national nonprofit focused on expanding tech career opportunities for underrepresented communities. With 18 years at the organization, Kenneth brings a unique perspective on fostering cultures of belonging and inclusion.In this episode, Kenneth shares how Per Scholas created its "Diverse by Design" initiative, which addresses the barriers underrepresented communities face when entering the tech workforce. He also dives into how the organization measures and tracks employee belonging, with engagement rates nearing 80%, and why continuous innovation is critical for DEI success.Tune in to hear Kenneth's inspiring insights on the intersectionality of identity, the importance of creating safe and brave spaces for dialogue, and the need to keep the "long game" in mind when building inclusive workplaces. Whether you're a DEI leader or looking to start your organization's diversity journey, this episode provides actionable takeaways for making meaningful change.To learn more about Ken's work, click HERE.To connect with Ken on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host Juan Taveras speaks with Michael Neece, President of Our Future is Kind and author of In Kind: Consciously Craft a Meaningful Life and Career. Michael shares his journey from working in planetariums to leading teams in the pharmaceutical industry, where he discovered the transformative power of kindness in leadership.Michael explores how curiosity and kindness are essential tools for inclusive leadership, helping leaders connect with their teams and foster environments where everyone feels valued. He delves into strategies for managing difficult personalities, the importance of self-care, and how to approach workplace challenges with empathy.This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world strategies to help leaders build stronger, more inclusive teams and navigate conflict with grace. If you're looking to enhance your leadership style and foster inclusivity, this conversation is not to be missed!To learn more about Michael's work, click HERE.To connect with Michael on LinkedIn, click HERE.To get your copy of Michael's book, In Kind: Consciously Craft a Meaningful Life and Career, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Tiffany Yu, an award-winning disability advocate, social entrepreneur, and founder of Diversability. Tiffany is also the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. In this episode, Tiffany shares powerful insights on disability inclusion, challenging ableism, and rethinking workplace accommodations.Tiffany delves into the "Me, We, Us" framework from her book, guiding listeners through the steps to becoming true disability allies. She also discusses the misconceptions around hiring disabled talent, the benefits of inclusive work environments, and how accommodations promote equity without lowering standards.This episode offers actionable strategies for leaders and organizations ready to embrace disability inclusion as an integral part of their DEI efforts.Tune in for a transformative conversation on how we can all contribute to breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces.To learn more about Tiffany's work, click HERE.To connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn, click HERE.To get your copy of Tiffany’s book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE.
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