A Dog Called Diversity

Katie Rickson shares her journey living with bipolar disorder, from diagnosis after giving birth to her daughter to finding meaning through advocacy and running her own business with built-in flexibility. She shares the neurological differences of bipolar, the impact of hormonal cycles on symptoms, and her journey from shame to self-acceptance through reframing her condition as neurodivergence rather than illness. Listen in to learn about: • What bipolar disorder actually is, including...

Ever wondered why some colleagues approach work so differently from you? It's not just personality—it might be neurodiversity at play. Jenny Turner, founder of Human Fabric, takes us on a fascinating journey into how different brain types function in the workplace. With approximately 20% of the population being neurodivergent (including conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia), understanding these differences isn't just an inclusion issue, it's a business advantage. Jenny shares compell...

In this episode, we sat down with Iain Schmidt, executive coach, speaker and facilitator who shared his transformative journey to redefine male allyship and inclusion. Iain opened up about his motivations, his desire to be a better role model for his children, and the societal stereotypes he aims to challenge for a more inclusive future. Iain also went on to explain the complex emotions tied to male privilege, from being applauded for chores to the various stages of denial and anger men ofte...

Join the ranks of visionary leaders and cultural champions in our latest episode, as we sit down with John Lombard, CEO of NTT Data. With a tapestry of international experiences enriching our discussion, John unveils the nuances of inclusive leadership that he's masterfully woven through a career spanning continents. From the art of communication across cultural chasms to the personal touches that define his life, including an enduring love for the Collingwood football club, this conversation...

Bike widowhood—a club I never expected to join, yet here I am, swapping stories with Sally Fenner, an author whose life reads like an adventure novel. My husband's obsession with mountain biking led us to Sally and her equally bike-mad husband, Mark, but that's just the starting point. Sally takes us on a narrative journey from the rugged trails of mountain biking from Canada to Mexico off-road to an enchanting carp fishing lake in the French countryside, painting a vivid picture of an unorth...

Discover the unexpected power of keeping your day job with side hustle guru Dannie Lyn Fountain, as she unveils her journey and the critical importance of income diversification. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the synergies between ADHD, autism, and side hustling—a discussion that promises to enlighten and inspire. With Dannie's latest book, "Keep Your Day Job," she shares not just her own trials, including being fired for her entrepreneurial endeavors, but also hands-on strategies f...

Have you ever found yourself caught in a cycle that seemed impossible to break free from? Emma Gilmour, the driving force behind Hope Rising Coaching, certainly did. Both her candid revelations about navigating the alcohol culture, her journey through neurodiversity, and the empowerment found in confronting societal standards will resonate with many. We cover her past, along with the challenges of being autistic and ADHD, and how it led to a transformation that is nothing short of inspiring. ...

There are many paths to working in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and we love Bernadette Smiths. Before "bringing good vibes to DEI" she was a wedding planner for same-sex marriages. She has always been out there working on inclusion. Today, Bernadette is the CEO of the Equality Institute where she takes a holistic approach to create meaningful DEI work. In her book "Inclusive 360," Bernadette arms us with strategies to foster an environment where everyone feels valued. ...

Brigid Trenerry, a savvy researcher dedicated to the rich tapestry of workplace diversity and anti-racism is our guest in this episode of A Dog Called Diversity From Melbourne to Singapore to the USA Brigid shares her journey shaped by Aboriginal teachings and a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion. Her stories of tackling racial identity and spearheading transformative reconciliation programs will resonate with anyone in the pursuit of systemic equality. Brigid di...

We love having leaders in Diversity & Inclusion on the podcast. Katrina North is someone we have admired for a long time at The Culture Ministry. This episode peels back the layers of Katrina's story, revealing how her varied background led her to become a pivotal figure in creating inclusive work environments. She shares how the impact of mentors and a diversity of experiences can be harnessed to champion change. You will love hearing from Katrina! Support the show The Culture...

Gene Stowe joins us on A Dog Called Diversity to share his journey with religion, writing, film making and community that includes a path through racial unity and justice. As the son of a Presbyterian preacher, Gene's narrative weaves through his experiences as a Catholic, a Muslim, and his current unaffiliated stance, offering a rare perspective on humanity as one's true community. Gene brings to light a heartwarming saga of a small village, anchored in racial love and justice, ...

Have you ever been in a situation where you hesitated to applaud your own achievements, held back by an invisible societal leash? Join us as we sit down with Ravi Agarwal, (one of our favourite people here at The Culture Ministry). He is an agile culture transformation consultant, who passionately advocates for change in workplace culture and champions gender equality. Drawing insights from the #IAmRemarkable program, Ravi sheds light on the often-unrecognized challenges faced by women in...

Dr. Ellen Joan Ford is an impressive person. Her extraordinary life has taken her from the green pastures of New Zealand to the icy expanses of Antarctica. Her decade of service as an engineer officer in the New Zealand Army is filled with tales of igloo-building, leading humanitarian efforts, and the challenges that come with being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment. But Ellen's journey doesn't end with her military career; she's made groundbreaking strides in military l...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to not just draft policies but truly embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the very fabric of an organization? Join us as John Ray, DEI Lead for Hato Hono San John, shares his remarkable journey from rural Australia to becoming a beacon for inclusivity in the workplace. Growing up among diverse wildlife as a zoo tour guide, John cultivated a keen sense of observation and empathy, skills that would later underpin his transition into the human-centric ...

Ever found yourself mystified by the changes your body undergoes during menopause, or felt alone in navigating its choppy waters? Sarah Connor, the esteemed Queen of Menopause, joins us today to share her insightful journey from confusion to clarity and how she's flipping the script on menopause misconceptions. With a tale that begins with her own perimenopause struggles and culminates in the creation of "Menopause Over Martinis," Sarah's transformative story is a clarion call for open dialog...