DiscoverDiverse & Inclusive Leaders & CEO Activist Podcast by DIAL Global
Diverse & Inclusive Leaders & CEO Activist Podcast by DIAL Global
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Diverse & Inclusive Leaders & CEO Activist Podcast by DIAL Global

Author: Leila McKenzie-Delis

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Bi-weekly podcast show featuring conversations with inspiring thought leaders of today, unearthing their unique stories of diversity, inclusion, belonging, equity and culture. 

259 Episodes
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Embark on an enriching odyssey with Josyln Dumas, an expert in the realm of Inclusion and Diversity at Elsevier, whose narrative illustrates the profound connection between the vibrancy of her dance background and her professional triumphs in talent development. Joslyn's story is a testament to the transformative potential of the arts, where her rise from the field of advertising to the pinnacle of IND work emerges as a beacon for nurturing talent and embracing diversity.Feel the rhythm of perseverance and empowerment as Joslyn recounts her journey from an introspective individual to a dynamo of confidence, all through the grace of dance. Her personal anecdotes lay the foundation for a broader conversation on the necessity of creating inclusive spaces, where the arts serve as a vehicle for personal and community growth. The thread of dance weaves through the discussion, portraying a rich tapestry of generational influence and the enduring impact of creative expression in shaping inclusive environments.Venture beyond the dance studio and into the heart of corporate culture, where the concept of psychological safety takes center stage. Through an engaging dialogue, we dissect the essence of a secure workplace, one that encourages risk-taking and celebrates the learning process. This episode isn't just about the steps we take in dance; it's about the leaps we make towards fostering innovation, cultivating diverse leadership, and nurturing an environment where every voice is heard and valued. Join us for an episode that dances to the beat of growth, inclusion, and the inspiring leadership journey of Joslyn Dumas.🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app: https://community.dialglobal.org/📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org 🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.orgContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
When Dr. Chuck Wallington, a visionary in the corporate realm and a passionate storyteller, graced our podcast, he didn't just recount his journey from a curious child to an illustrious executive at Cone Health, he also illuminated the path for future Black leaders. With a freshly minted book in hand, "A Seat at the Seasweet Table," Chuck offers an intimate glimpse into the successes and struggles of 30 Black executives navigating the tumultuous waters of today's business world. Our conversation ventured into the stark reality of African American men's scarcity in corporate leadership and how this drought limits mentorship and growth opportunities, an issue that resonates with my own experience as a Chinese, female, millennial leader.This episode is a melting pot of poignant reflections and practical wisdom, examining the underrepresentation issues in executive roles and celebrating the triumphs of those who have broken through the glass ceilings. We delve into the stories of these executives, their combat with VUCA challenges, and the critical role of allies and sponsors in my personal narrative, highlighting the transformative power of diversity in leadership. A mosaic of perspectives is showcased, with Chuck's eye-opening research and interviews underscoring the importance of authenticity and the pressing need for inclusion in workplace cultures.Glean insights from Chuck's defining principles for success, which are anchored by faith, recognition of one's innate talents, and the strength drawn from family and community. Through laughter and earnest discussion, we learn the significance of mentorship, the influence of role models like Ken Chenault, and the importance of lifelong learning and data-driven decisions. By the end of our time together, the indomitable spirit of those who forge forward, despite the corporate realm's challenges, serves as a testament to the resilience and community bonds that sustain us.🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app https://community.dialglobal.org/share/ljg71bsbWLspcnU-?utm_source=manual📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org or www.dialglobal.org/contact-us🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.orgContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
The story of DeShaun Wise Porter, VP and Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement at Hilton, always reminds all of us about the profound impact one's heritage can have on their aspirations and achievements. DeShaun's journey from the finance world to the pinnacle of HR leadership is both fascinating and inspiring, embodying the tenacity and dedication required to build inclusive and thriving workplaces. She shares invaluable insights on the transcendent nature of people-centric skills and how, through authenticity and mentorship, one can lift others while achieving personal success.The resilience encoded in DeShaun's DNA, inherited from ancestors like her Tuskegee Airman grandfather, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Our conversation unveils how this legacy has not only shaped her approach to life and work but also reinforced her belief in the symbiotic relationship between economic growth and ethical action. The narrative of her family's enduring strength serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to prosperity through the power of diversity and unwavering support for each other's potential.Closing the episode with DeShaun, we explore the tangible strategies that can effect change within organizations, especially in the hospitality industry where diversity at senior levels is still burgeoning. She offers sage advice on building emotional resilience and maintaining momentum in the journey towards a more inclusive corporate landscape. It's a discussion brimming with practical wisdom for anyone looking to foster a supportive environment where every individual has the opportunity to shine. Her philosophy—rooted in authenticity, mentorship, and early relationship nurturing—provides a playbook for those aspiring to lead with impact and intent.🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app https://community.dialglobal.org/share/ljg71bsbWLspcnU-?utm_source=manual📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org or www.dialglobal.org/contact-us🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.orgContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
When Melody Moore took a courageous leap, leaving behind a tenured NHS position to start anew in Canada, little did she know the journey would transform her into a DEI luminary and an inspiring voice for change. This episode peers into Mel's riveting narrative, tracing the pivotal shifts that launched her from healthcare to a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, now sharing her insights as a consultant and author. Her story is a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of leadership, self-discovery, and the profound belief in the impact one can have on the world.As Mel's tale unfolds, we tread the path of integrating identity and experience into the professional realm, touching on the nuances of LGBTQ+ experiences and the solo voyage of single parenthood. In a candid exchange, I share my own strides as a single parent in the corporate sphere, alongside the lessons of empathy and efficiency parenthood instills. We then venture into the heart of my upcoming book, exploring an innovative team model that marries the best of high-performance strategy with the tenets of DEI, setting the stage for organizations to harness a culture of intellectual humility, psychological safety, and a continuous growth mindset. Join us for a conversation that reimagines the essence of inclusion, directly at the intersection where personal journeys meet professional aspirations.📔 Melody Moore recently released a book called "The Inclusive Team: How to Build and Develop Inclusive High Performing Teams" and you can get it here: https://amzn.to/3T5hmMj🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app https://community.dialglobal.org/share/ljg71bsbWLspcnU-?utm_source=manual📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org or www.dialglobal.org/contact-us🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.orgContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
What if diversity wasn't a zero-sum game? What could you achieve if you understood the power of connecting with diverse audiences and truly grasped the value of stakeholder engagement? Join us as we take an in-depth look at diversity and inclusion in the business landscape with Alicin Reidy Williamson, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer at Yahoo. This isn't just about ticking boxes and making sure the workplace is representative. It's about how a diverse and inclusive environment can drive positive change and prosperity.Alicin gives us a masterclass in communication and leadership. She shares their insights on the importance of resilience, the abundance mindset that comes with embracing diversity, and the vital role that a Chief Diversity Officer plays in an organization. We address the misconception that diversity is a zero-sum game and instead focus on the benefits it brings to innovation, economy, and the very identity of a business. For those interested in the role of the CDO, she even provides some invaluable advice. Our exploration doesn't stop there. We discuss the need to support female founders, create equitable workplace policies, and address the impact of inaction on diversity initiatives. We also talk about the need for businesses to constantly adapt and evolve to stay relevant in our ever-changing digital world. The wealth of knowledge shared in this conversation is invaluable for those looking to foster diversity and inclusion in their own organizations. Don't miss out on an episode that could transform the way you view diversity and inclusion in business.Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
What if the secret to success goes beyond financial achievements? Join us as we explore this concept with our guest, Chris Mouskoundi, Non Executive Director, The Ocean Partnership. Chris takes us along his unique career journey, starting with his upbringing in an immigrant family that instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. We get an insider's view into the role his Greek-American background played in shaping his passion for diversity, inclusion, and equity, and how it guided him to his surprising love for tax and led to his active involvement in various boards and organizations.Now, imagine a workplace where diversity and inclusion aren't just buzzwords, but the foundation of success and innovation. We dive into this critical topic, revealing that a shocking 30% of minority individuals worry about fitting in, which inhibits their full contribution. Through sharing my personal coming out journey and its impact on my career, along with the economic significance of diversity, we shed light on the importance of an inclusive and accepting work environment. We also delve into the concept of success that extends beyond just financial achievements, and the importance of finding role models who inspire us. Tune in for an episode that's packed with inspiring stories, insightful discussions, and empowering messages of self-acceptance.Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
Have you ever wondered how a person's humble beginnings can shape their journey to becoming an influential leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion? Join us as we sit down with a phenomenal woman, Joanne Conway, who turns her challenging childhood into a powerful narrative of resilience and success. Joanne, the Head of Inclusion and Culture, International at DLA Piper, shares her story of growing up in disadvantaged areas and offers practical tips on how to navigate uncertainty and build strong networks.As we delve deeper into the conversation, we explore a topic that often stirs up discomfort – privilege. We share personal journeys of grappling with this concept and discuss how leaders can reflect on and address their privilege to foster inclusivity. Joanne even provides a sneak peek into our ongoing research on creating a framework for leaders to make systemic changes in organisations. The discussion doesn't stop there. We dive into the intricacies of diversity and inclusion in organizations, sharing our perspectives and experiences. We emphasize the need for patience, a strong foundation, and the crucial role of leaders in implementing diversity initiatives. So, tune in to enrich your understanding of diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity in the workplace.Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
Jenny Packwood, a name synonymous with sustainability and leadership, graces our podcast with her inspiring journey. Her story begins in the agency world as a PR professional and segues into her current role as KFC's Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, where she is transforming the global brand. As we navigate through her two-decade career, we delve into the pivotal role she's played in embracing the shift from CSR to ESG, reflecting the changes and expectations in the business world today.Life, however, has a way of throwing curveballs. Jenny courageously shares her personal battle when her late-husband was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, a struggle that deeply affected her mental health. The empathy and support she received during this challenging period from her KFC family has sparked a passion within her to actively address mental health issues in the workplace. Our conversation also highlights the untapped potential and resilience of single parents in the workforce, a personal experience for Jenny. We explore how diversity, inclusion, and belonging are not just buzzwords but are essential drivers for commercial success. We examine policies that empower women in leadership roles and discuss ways to address systemic breaks to achieve true equality. The episode is a profound reflection of Jenny's journey, her values, and her pursuit of creating an inclusive and diverse workspace.Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
How can a single experience mold your identity and shape your destiny? Our conversation with Cesar Wurm, the charismatic and empathetic VP of Commercial and Premium Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, has us grappling with these profound questions. He takes us down the memory lane, revealing a mesmerizing journey from heart-wrenching loss to finding his passion in hospitality, through a path filled with valuable connections and growth opportunities. Cesar's story is a testament to the power of human connection, underlining how every interaction holds the potential to influence and inspire.But the journey to success is never a bed of roses. It's more like a rollercoaster ride with its highs and lows, and Cesar is no stranger to it. He bravely opens up about the struggles he faced, including his battle with addiction and mental health issues. Caesar's thoughtful reflections on the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the pressing need to normalize seeking help are like a breath of fresh air. His insights into the changing definitions of success and the interconnectedness of our lives remind us that beneath the surface, we are all more similar than we are different. Steer clear of the usual rhetoric and join us for a thought-provoking conversation that transcends the ordinary.Listen to the full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/gjcbqun#inclusion #diversity #movingtheDIALContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
Ever pondered on the stark reality of a CEO's life or the power of personal branding? Well, you're in for a treat! We're thrilled to welcome Freddie Paxton, the dynamic CEO of the UK's leading personal branding agency, WOAW. Freddie takes us on an inspiring journey, sharing his transition from a university dropout to a C-suite executive. He peels back the layers of the CEO role, revealing its challenges and responsibilities - which can often be a far cry from the perceived glamour.Freddie's insightful narrative extends to the realm of personal branding in our digital age. He emphasizes that we all have a personal brand, often unconsciously, and harnessing it can yield significant benefits. With Freddie's expert guidance, we delve into the importance of carefully crafting our messages and the role of a robust personal brand in streamlining networking. His unique perspective on this emerging branch of marketing is a treasure trove of knowledge.We are not just about business; we delve deep into Freddie's life experiences and values. Growing up with a single mother, Freddie discusses the importance of hard work, mental health, and supportive environments. He even opens up about his favorite clients, mission-led campaigns, and influential books.Join us, and let's explore the intricacies of personal branding, leadership, and the transformative power of vulnerability together.Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Roisin Mackenzie, Chief People officer at Saga PLC"But ultimately it's it's all about back to listen to your colleagues - How are they feeling? What are they telling you? Because they will tell you if a culture is off, they will tell you if they don't feel like you've got an inclusive culture. So you have to focus on culture as much as you do your processes, diversity and who who you bringing in. If you haven't worked hard enough on making sure that culture is safe, inclusive, that people feel like they can get on, they can feel seen, they can feel themselves, leaders understand what it is, you're pushing water up a hill."You'll hear about:- Roisin's career journey and how she progressed to become Chief People Officer at Saga PLC- How the evolution of the role of the people function, ESG and diversity, inclusion and belonging has played out over the last decade- Saga's initiatives  involving diversity, inclusion. ERGs and the people function- How growing education and knowledge within stakeholder groups and investors has impacted ESG within organisations- The importance of psychological safety when it comes to D&I and performance- How do people and leaders make decisions when there are so many opinions- The importance of resilience to get through challengesContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Katherine Griffiths, the City Editor at Bloomberg."But it is the case still that I think in news in particular, it's a problem. If a parent needs to be out of the office, take time off. And I think it's got something to do with the very nature of the job, which is sometimes things need to be done immediately."You'll hear about:- A whistlestop tour of Katherine's life including her career history through various newspapers- Parenthood, particularly her experience of it in the workplace and what's needed for parents to be able to navigate the complexities of working and parenting in a world where gender roles meet company practices- The importance of investing in talent that exists within the organisation to prevent women within the organisation from hitting the glass ceiling- The evolution of how talent flows into an organisation, and how important closing off the opportunity gap is- Time off for parenthood, and how to navigate one's way back into their career- What organisations can do to support families and drive organisational cultureContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Ruben Alejandro Ramirez, the group head of Diversity and Inclusion for Syngenta Group"it all starts by understanding the space. For example, we have a global pride campaign as an entire group. However, we understand that in some places, this is illegal. So what we are trying to do this year is to have a low pressure campaign for those countries where pride is accepted and LGBTQ community is accepted, but then have our Respect campaign for the countries where we are not able sometimes even to speak about the topic."You'll hear about:- A whistlestop tour of Ruben' life including his heritage, international education and career, which is also how he met his husband, his passion for customer strategy  and how he ended up in D&I- Intersectionality, and how being a part of the LGBT community also helped him understand other underrepresented groups and showed him how to connect to people, to relate, and make his organisation a better, safer place- The importance of vulnerability in leadership  to find those points of intersection and make connections- Corporate life and  strategic planning in terms of D&I as something that can really make a difference to the business and the importance of going from awareness to  accountability- The role of the global D&I professional as an influencer, often is operating with limited resources  and engaging with different communities in an intersectional way- What the pride movement means to Ruben, and his experience with it within his role and companyContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Asif Sadiq, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Warner Brothers Discovery"At Warner Brothers Discovery, I'm looking at the internal elements. I'm looking at productions. I'm looking at our content. You know, how do we make it more diverse? How do we tell authentic stories? And that's how D&I should be positioned. In a way that you are really aligning to the internal and the external so that the messaging and what you truly believe in is consistent."You'll hear about:- A whistlestop tour of Asif's personal and professional journey including his early experience in different industries, his thoughts on authentic storytelling that is aligned with D&I, his Kenyan heritage, his family, race as a huge element while growing up and his views on disability inclusion- The need for D&I efforts to move away from alignment with the dominant culture, to give other minority cultures a chance to contribute and explore their own journey with alignment to company values- The need for safe spaces that allow for open conversation, the fact that diversity does not mean agreement on everything and importance of taking every opportunity to create a learning environment rather than jumping to cancel someone- How alignment in D&I helps create a sense of belonging within an organisation and a feeling of alignment with organisational values- The value of having a D&I role that reports to the CEO and has a seat at the table to shape how D&I fits into organisational culture and influence strategy- Authentic storytelling that represents the richness and diversity of a culture and its success storiesContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Salma De Graaff, VP People/(CHRO) at Skyscanner"People that have come from the people function that can lead an organization, they're also leading the people in an organization and finding a way to understand and facilitate both what generates great revenue and what are going to be the key elements that lead the company forward and also how do we create the environment able to thrive."You'll hear about:- Salma's rich personal history and her upbringing with an immigrant father and growing up in an Asian family with its educational pressures, through her career in sales into HR- How her move abroad made her understand privilege from an intersectional lens, but also started her on her travel history, living in the Netherlands, Suriname, Kinshasa, The Dominican Republic, Congo, Ethiopia and finally back to the Netherlands with regular trips to the UK.-  The importance of a strong understanding of the commercial lens, as well as the fast paced, modern world that we live in to give someone a commercial edge.- How Diversity and Inclusion, culture and intersectionality fit into Human Resources- The importance of coaching and mentoring, and how that became Salma's inflection point in terms of going after the role that she always said she wanted and he importance of self-belief in that journey.- How a company is also a community, and the important role that HR/People plays in creating an environment where employees can thrive.- What resilience really means in terms of work-life balance and the importance of finding it earlier in life.Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Clare Costello, Chief People and Inclusion officer at the Co-op"How many times have I said to somebody in the last decade, You're a fantastic negotiator. You can pull an RFP together, analyze data in such an immense way, massive thumbs up, humanity, stakeholders, kind of. Okay. But if you can get your people scaled up, you'll go from being a really good buy to being amazing. And it is that is the more people centric side that shifts the dial in terms of how we work together and the outcomes that you can get to."You'll hear about:- Clare's professional journey through accounting to procurement and now to people.- How to grow and develop relationships in terms of the supply chain, and in particular how to manage the more difficult parts of these relationships-  The importance of transparency and honesty in business relationships as well as creating a spirit of collaboration to make everyone feel a part of the business- The increasing number of organisations whether corporate, social enterprise or non-profits who are driving initiatives to benefit diverse and minority owned suppliers and communities- Clare's vision of the future when it comes to the future when it comes to procurement, diversity, inclusion, belonging, equity and also people - How social value works, and particularly in terms of ESG value and how procurement fits into people- How to standardise and measure the S in ESG to ensure it's something that is scientifically tracked and measured Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Zahoor Ahmad, Head of Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging at Coop and Executive Director at Alchemy Performance."Through emotional intelligence you can create a level of psychological safety and then people are accepting of ideas because they are non-threatening. However, if people enter their fight or flight mode when you approach them, you're not going to get much out of them."You'll hear about:- Zahoor's evolution through D&I including why he peaked at the age of 11, his Pakistani background, his experience of racism in public schools at a young age, how he's used his degree in psychology starting from social services to race equality to fire services, his career break where he wrote a novel and then continuing on to Royal Mail, the finance sector and finally to the Coop.- The differences he found within organisations at his various roles and what it means to be a forward-thinking D&I professional in today's world.-  The big failures of diversity initiatives across Zahoor's experience, particularly bearing in mind the cyclical nature of events leading to diversity fatigue.- How to elevate the narrative around D&I to use D&I to make things happen where it counts- Why is it important to step up and put our head above the parapet when it comes to critical issues of our time - The importance of the art of storytelling and persuasionContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Brendan Vaughan, Editor in Chief of Fast Company."There are enough organisations that truly do value work-life balance - the idea that you shouldn't have an always, always, always on culture or you will lose people. That's never been more true than it is these days."You'll hear about:- Brendan's evolution as a journalist and how he ended up as the Editor in Chief of Fast Company- How the meaning of productivity has changed since the pandemic, with people's priorities shifting and how the future of work continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern day.-  What Diversity means to Brendan,  how D&I has evolved in the media and how to embed D&I into every facet of the industry- How diversity plays out as it intersects with other facets such as race, disability etc- The importance of doing the right thing.Continue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Margaret Johnston-Clarke, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for L'Oreal."The most important decision I made at the time which I would recommend highly to anyone moving into this sphere today is to really understand the corporate culture of your organisation but also  what the business culture is like."You'll hear about:- Margaret's personal and professional story including her wonderfully rich and colourful career and background- The importance of understanding organisational culture and the intersection between brand, business case and social good-  How Margaret's role has evolved over the past 20 years, having been carved out because of L'Oreal's foresight about customer needs and the changing landscape- How to be more outspoken about leadership and social justice issues- Navigating tricky scenarios like finding the line between personal opinion and corporate communications and the importance of reverse mentoring-Employee resource groups, employee voice and the importance of both of those in communicationContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
In this week’s podcast, Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO and Founder of DIAL Global speaks to Raj Verma, Chief Diversity, Culture+ Ex Officer for Sanofi."One of the reasons why I put together the function that I lead today around diversity, culture and experience is because they are the reasons people join and they are the reasons people leave an organization."You'll hear about:- Raj's personal and professional story including his childhood moving from a predominantly brown and black neighbourhood to being a minority in his class, his educational background, and his career journey in DIBE starting from his first role in Dagenham, UK- Why DIBE is so important within an organisation, and why having great people within your organisation is important- The importance of putting the individual at the centre of transformation strategy, designing things for them and with them-  The 80/20 rule in creating culture, employee experience being a multi-way relationship and why people stay at an organisation- The relationship between D&I, ESG and HR- How Employee Resource Groups at Sanofi have evolved- Raj's experiences of working in cross-cultural environments including cultural awareness training, building psychological safety into conversations  with people from different cultures, the need to check biasContinue the conversation on LinkedIn
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