In recognition of the International Day of Tolerance on November 16, we’re exploring the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding through meaningful conversations. In the latest episode of CCDI’s Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we welcome Sonia Sangha, Global Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader at IKEA, for a deep dive into tolerance in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA).

With over 20 years of experience shaped by global, national, and regional perspectives, Sonia’s approach to DEIA is profoundly shaped by her background as a first-generation Indo-Canadian. Join us as we discuss Sonia’s career journey, from her early experiences to her advocacy for South Asian and LGBTQIA+ individuals in Ontario.

Listen to Sonia’s perspectives on allyship, and practical steps for fostering tolerance and challenging misinformation.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Global Senior Leader at IKEA, Sonia Sangha.
• IKEA’s Refugee Skills for Employment Initiative that Sonia co-created.
• Her personal journey to choosing a career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• How her early experiences shaped who she is.
• The challenge of racism and inclusion for South Asian individuals in Canada.
• Unpacking what might be behind racism and prejudice towards South Asians.
• How to raise awareness for workplaces on South Asian racism.
• Art, entertainment, and cultural events that bring people together.
• What allyship truly means in relation to combating misinformation and stereotypes.
• Some ideas on what it might look like to gain exposure to different perspectives.
• How the work that Sonia does is supporting the people of IKEA.
• Staying strong in the challenging arena of this work.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sonia Sangha on LinkedIn
• South Asian Immigration to Canada Statistics Chart
• Environics Institute - Canadian public opinion about immigration and refugees - Fall 2024
• Canada’s Far-Right is Targeting South Asian and Sikh Canadians to Incite Anti-Immigrant Hate
• Front Burner CBC podcast - The rise of anti-South Asian content online
• Stop AAPI Hate – Empowered/Imperiled – The Rise of South Asian Representation and Anti-South Asian Racism
• Rioters carry out violent, racist attacks across several British cities. What happened, and what comes next?
• South Asian newcomers to Canada say online hate is taking a toll
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we engage in a necessary and thought-provoking dialogue on Islamophobia in Canada, a pressing issue given the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, including current conflicts. We acknowledge that some listeners may find this discussion challenging and encourage you to proceed with care and self-compassion.

Our guest, Mohammed Hashim, brings over two decades of expertise as a human rights advocate to shed light on these critical issues. As the CEO of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and the lead of the National Hate Crimes Task Force with the RCMP, Mohammed offers a unique perspective on the impact of Islamophobia in Canada, especially within Muslim communities. We explore how diverse Muslim communities experience discrimination differently, the ways it manifests in workplaces, and the responsibility of employers to support employees through times of crisis.

Mohammed also delves into the complexities of advocating for human rights, offers insights on prosecuting hate speech, and shares guidance on nurturing empathy, humility, and creating meaningful change.

Tune in to this essential episode and join us in fostering more inclusive, understanding communities.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Mohammed Hashim on LinkedIn
• Canadian Race Relations Foundation
• Hate Crime Task Force
• Montreal
• Truth and Reconciliation Strategy in Montreal
• National Council Canadian Muslims
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to recognize the truths of our shared history and to actively engage in reconciliation efforts. Building a racism-free workplace is an essential part of this ongoing journey, and learning from the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples is a key step forward.

In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we are joined by Elijah Blackbird, Culture Manager at the Beer Store, a valued five-year Employer Partner of CCDI, who has been working in diversity, equity, and inclusion for more than 25 years. Elijah, who also serves on the Board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada and coaches youth soccer, offers a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the diverse realities of Indigenous communities in Canada.

Elijah begins by highlighting the diversity of indigeneity in Canada and how a single act of inclusion shaped his life. He shares his vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing its deeper meaning, and explores the vital role of a Culture Manager. Elijah also discusses Truth and Reconciliation, urging Canadians to challenge their perceptions of Indigenous Peoples, and shares key lessons on inclusion and indigeneity. Tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Elijah Blackbird, Culture Manager at The Beer Store.
• Background on Elijah’s upbringing and heritage as part of the Crane Clan.
• How a teacher brought him to realize his strengths and needs.
• Elijah’s simple vision for Diversity and Inclusion in Canada.
• Parental leave, pension benefits, and reframing perceptions of what DNI work actually is.
• His evolving roles at The Beer Store over the past 25 years.
• The duties of a Culture Manager and why this position is so important.
• Thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation: why focusing on the truth is the most important.
• Challenging perceptions around Indigenous people in the beer industry.
• Understanding history, culture, and varying contexts through the lens of colonization.
• Where the power of DNI classes actually lies.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Elijah Blackbird on LinkedIn
• Elijah Blackbird on X
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
• The Beer Store
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Happy International Youth Day! Today, we celebrate the power and potential of young people to shape a more inclusive and vibrant future. Our latest episode of the Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham podcast features Kevin Lawler and Rowan O’Grady from the Whiteboard Collective (WBC), who are passionately working to ensure that young people from all backgrounds have access to meaningful job opportunities.

In this special episode, Kevin and Rowan share their inspiring vision for a society where youth are not only included but empowered to thrive. WBC is a social impact career accelerator dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating sustainable employment outcomes for marginalized communities across Canada.

Tune in as they discuss innovative career programs and their collaborative efforts with corporate partners to rethink talent acquisition and foster a more equitable society. Whether you're a young professional, an advocate, or an employer, this conversation is packed with practical advice on how to make a real impact.

Join us in amplifying the voices of young changemakers today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into our guests’ professional backgrounds and the important work they do at WBC.
• Unpacking WBC’s vision and their innovative career programs that make it a reality.
• Ways that WBC works with their corporate partners to promote sustainable employment.
• The mindset shift required to view diversity as an asset to your organization, not a liability.
• Challenges that employers face when admitting they have a diversity problem.
• Careers driving social impact: what goes into putting WBC’s tagline into practice.
• Inspiring examples of young candidates who have thrived through their programs.
• What an ideal partnership looks like for WBC, and how you can support their mission.
• How WBC is collaborating with CCDI’s See Different youth education initiative.
• Actionable advice for employers looking to improve their DEI outcomes.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Whiteboard Collective
• Whiteboard Collective on LinkedIn
• Whiteboard Collective on Instagram
• Kevin Lawler on LinkedIn
• Rowan O’Grady on LinkedIn
• Pinball Clemons Foundations
• CCDI ‘See Different’ Youth Education Initiative
• Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) Certification
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Episode 6: Show Notes

This summer, with Canada's natural beauty on full display, we acknowledge and express gratitude towards the original caretakers of this land. Today, we honour them here on the Leader Talks Podcast and reflect on our journey of learning and unlearning for progress. Committed to truth and reconciliation, we've partnered with many like-minded organizations, including the very impressive Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

In today's new episode, we are joined by Mohamed El Daly, Director of Outreach and Product Services at APEGA. Mohamed shares insights into the company's work and his role. We discuss APEGA's evolution, the social and business imperatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the importance of cultural awareness and cultural competence in Mohamed's work. Additionally, we explore the organization's commitment to improving representation of women and using research to uplift communities. You will also get a glimpse of other regulatory bodies excelling in DEI and reconciliation. Plus, Mohamed shares helpful tips for integrating DEI into your communities!

Available at your preferred podcast platform now, or visit: https://ccdi.ca/podcast/


Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Mohamed El Daly as he describes APEGA and his role at the company.
• APEGA's social and business imperatives for EDI and how these have recently evolved.
• The importance of cultural awareness and cultural competence in Mohamed's work.
• Why his role as Director of Outreach matters and how he instigates impactful change.
• Exploring APEGA's multi-year commitment to increase its representation of women.
• Why the company values research and uses it to improve workspaces and communities.
• APEGA's five-year plan, and how it aims to achieve its goals.
• Mohamed's observations of other regulatory bodies that are doing similar great work.
• Our guest's simple strategies for improving EDI in your workplace and community.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Mohamed El Daly on LinkedIn
• Mohamed El Daly on X
• APEGA
• CCDI Awards of Success
• Engineers Canada
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

June is the perfect month for critical reflection, as the various causes that we rally for and celebrate help us remember our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable Canada. Today we are joined by one of Canada’s most prominent social entrepreneurs and foremost expert in Indigenous economic innovation and workplace inclusion strategies, Kelly Lendsay. As the Founder, President, and CEO of Indigenous Works (formerly the Aboriginal Human Resource Council), Kelly is geared toward increasing the engagement of Indigenous people in the Canadian economy. Today is all about getting to know CCDI’s long-time strategic partner, Indigenous Works a little better, and we begin with how Kelly developed his passion for all things related to Indigenous inclusion. We explore the organizational setups of Indigenous Works and Luminary - Kelly’s newest ground-breaking initiative – and our guest details the opportunities that await by joining the DreamMakers Council. To end, Kelly reminds us of the important work that still needs to be done for Indigenous inclusion in Canada, and he gives us a glimpse into the upcoming annual Inclusion Works conference.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Canada’s water shortage reminds us of the work that still needs to be done.
• Getting to know Kelly Lendsay and why he’s passionate about Indigenous inclusion.
• Indigenous Works: what the organization is all about and why this work matters.
• Kelly’s vision for the new DreamMakers Council.
• Today’s most pressing issues and emerging opportunities in Indigenous inclusion.
• What to look forward to at Inclusion Works in October ‘24.
• The ins and outs of Luminary, and how this work impacts Indigenous inclusion efforts.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Kelly Lendsay on LinkedIn
• Kelly Lendsay on X
• Indigenous Works
• Luminary: Advancing Indigenous Innovation
• Rotman-ICD Directors Education
• The Assembly of First Nations
• Edwards School of Business
• The DreamMakers Council
• Inclusion Works ‘24
• National Indigenous Economy Strategy
• Strategic Science Fund
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Célébrons la Journée internationale sans régime! Dans une société où les idées de corps parfait et d'objectifs de remise en forme sont constamment imposées aux gens sous la forme de soi-disant « conseils », elles sont également à l'origine d'un grand nombre de discriminations, de préjugés et d'inégalités sur le lieu de travail. Aujourd'hui, orientons la conversation vers la positivité corporelle et l'acceptation de soi, promouvons une relation plus saine avec la nourriture et rappelons-nous l'importance de valoriser toutes les formes et toutes les tailles.

Edith Bernier, fondatrice de Grossophobie.ca, se joint à nous pour cet épisode de Conversations entre leaders avec Anne-Marie Pham. Edith Bernier est vulgarisatrice, autrice, conférencière et consultante. Bachelière en journalisme, elle est spécialisée dans la lutte à la grossophobie et dans l’inclusion des personnes grosses. Son second livre, Grosse, et puis? Connaître et combattre la grossophobie, est sorti en 2020 au Québec et en 2022 en Europe francophone chez les Éditions Marabout. Son 2e ouvrage, Grandir sans grossophobie, est en magasin depuis février 2023.

Rejoignez-nous alors que nous discutons de la dure réalité des pressions sociétales pour se conformer à des normes de beauté irréalistes et que nous entendons Edith partager son parcours personnel avec la grossophobie et le mouvement d'Acceptation des personnes grosses, soulignant la nécessité pour la société de reconnaître que le poids n'est pas une mesure de la valeur d'un·e individu·e. Nous découvrons également comment les gens peuvent devenir des allié·e·s dans la lutte contre la grossophobie et ce que les employeurs peuvent faire de façon pratique pour assurer un environnement diversifié et inclusif pour toutes les personnes.

Soyez à l'écoute pour entendre toutes les idées stimulantes d'Edith, et bien plus encore!

In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re using today’s conversation to take a closer look at women’s rights, and what is being done to elevate women’s voices from all over Canada.

Joining us in today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham is Shari Graydon, an award-winning author, speaker, print and broadcast columnist, and advocate for women’s rights. She is also the founder of Informed Opinions, a social mission project that seeks to amplify the voices of women and gender-diverse people to ensure that their experiences and insights help shape a more equitable and inclusive Canada.

In today's conversation with Shari, we delve into the current state of the media landscape in Canada, the progress that has been made in terms of gender, diversity, and representation, and what still needs to change. She tells us about the various initiatives that Informed Opinions have undertaken, their impact on women's lives and the conditions that motivated them to step into the political sphere. Shari also shares her recommendations for the media on how to improve gender equality, along with her advice to organizations on how to foster gender equality in the workplace. Be sure to tune in to hear all of Shari's thought-provoking insights, the urgent work being done by Informed Opinions, and much more!

Key points from this episode:

• Taking a moment to honour International Women’s Day.
• Introducing today’s guest Shari Graydon, founder of Informed Opinions.
• Shari’s hopes for the future of gender equality.
• The experiences that led to her becoming a fierce advocate for gender equality.
• Examining the difference between equality and equity through a gender lens.
• Reflections on the media landscape in Canada concerning diversity, gender, and representation; the progress that’s been made, and what still needs to change.
• Details on the Gender Gap Tracker: its benefits and shortcomings.
• The mission behind Shari’s organization, Informed Opinions, and the work that they do.
• An overview of their new campaign, Balance the Power, and how you can get involved.
• Examples of how women’s lives have been changed by Informed Opinions.
• Helping women step out of imposter syndrome, and why you don’t have to be “the best candidate” to share your informed opinion.
• Shari’s recommendations for the media on trying to improve gender equality.
• Advice on how organizations can improve gender equality in the workplace.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Shari Graydon
• Shari Graydon on LinkedIn
• Shari Graydon on X
• Informed Opinions
• Gender Gap Tracker
• Equal Voice
• Balance the Power
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham