Here Comes Everyone

Discover the intricate tapestry of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that's shaping North America with "Here Comes Everyone."Experts Peter Trevor Wilson and Rodney Patterson join us for an enlightening journey through DEI's past, present, and future. We tackle the tough issues—legislative hurdles, societal resistance, and the complex realities of fostering equity within the workforce. Our guests bring clarity to the multifaceted business case for diversity and pull back the curtain on the nuanced challenges of group-based DEI initiatives. Learn more about Human Equity®, as we explore how educational backgrounds can inadvertently foster groupthink and limit organizational growth. Rodney lends his profound insight on creating workplaces where every individual's knowledge, skills, and unique contributions are valued. We confront the misinterpretation and misapplication of meritocracy and how it affects women and people of color, drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a just society. Leadership takes center stage with strategies from "The No Asshole Rule," reinforcing the importance of a respectful and inclusive company culture. Join us for a thought-provoking episode that promises to spark conversation and inspire change.For more info on my work as a conference emcee, spoken word artist, panel moderator and event designer check out my site at https://conferencebard.ca/

For the latest episode in our occasional series featuring poets my awesome co-host Kate Jenkinson and I are joined by Shane Schick.I've known Shane for many years both through his excellent writing on Customer Experience, IT and Men's Fashion as well as his work designing and emceeing business conferences.  Given what an accomplished writer he is it should have come as no surprise that he is also a wonderful poet.Shane is less of a performer than either Kate or I, but we found much common ground in this conversation,.  While Kate and I get on the stage, Shane sees his work as a "diary you want people to read".   What his "private" poetry and public journalism have in common is a focus on detail, the ability to create new, valuable insights,  and a lightness of touch that makes him easy to read even when he challenges how we see the world.I hope you enjoy this conversation.  You can check out Shane's business writing at https://360magazine.com/As always you can find out more about Kate, her poetry and HR practice at https://nextstephr.co.uk/For more info on my work as a conference emcee, spoken word artist, panel moderator and event designer check out my site at https://conferencebard.ca/

I first came across Tucker and his poetry at the start of the pandemic and was blown away by the power of his imagery and the way his delivery of his words take you to whole different realm.  His words create worlds.It was great to sit down with him and my co-host Kate to discuss his work - as a poet, keynote speaker and leadership guide.  It's wonderful to hear about how he create work that is deeply spiritual and then puts it to practical use with business audiences.I've witnessed the magic he can create for an audience (it was at a DEI event) and I hope our brief conversation here which includes him sharing his work, gives you a glimpse of the magic he can bring to your events.You can find out more about Tucker at https://www.tuckerbryantspeaks.com/For more info on my work as a conference emcee, spoken word artist, panel moderator and event designer check out my site at https://conferencebard.ca/

Forpartu this second episode my wonderful co-host Kate Jenkinson and I are joined by Phil Isherwood who is a Hospice Poet.  In this role he spends time with patients and their families and helps them navigate their illness and final journey through writing poetry.Phil demonstrates the power of poetry in this particularly challenging environment.  He speaks about the comfort his work brings and the kinds of thoughts that occupy the minds of those nearing the ends of their lives.While addressing the pain of grief,  Phil's work is above all a celebration of the lives of those he serves.  It was a privilege to sit with him and get a view into his world for half an hour.  I'm sure our listeners will feel the same.You can connect with Phil on Linked in at https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-isherwood-39a4ab23/Kate's website is https://nextstephr.co.uk/For more info on my work as a conference emcee, spoken word artist, panel moderator and event designer check out my site at https://conferencebard.ca/

For this first proper episode of Poetry Not Powerpoint, my co-host Kate of Next Step HR are delighted to have and our guest Rashad Rayford aka Rashad Tha Poet.This is a fitting place to start our exploration of poetry and business as I first met Rashad when he opened The Conference Board's DEI event back in June 2020.  It was the first time I'd included a poet/spoken word artist on a conference agenda and he immediately created an emotional engagement with the audience that carried over for the following three days of the event.I can only imagine the impact he has at in person events....In addition to being a great poet, Rashad is an inspirational speaker.  In this conversation he shares his approach to his work and how poetry enriches the experience of those who attend his speaking gigs.  As with all our guests he shares one of his own works as well as a poem that inspires him.You can connect with Rashad on his site at https://www.rashadthapoet.com/And Kate can be found at https://nextstephr.co.uk/For more info on my work as a conference emcee, spoken word artist, panel moderator and event designer check out my site at https://conferencebard.ca/

POETRY NOT POWERPOINT is a new series of conversations published as part of the podcast Here Comes Everyone.Co-hosted by Kate Jenkinson who is an executive coach and poet, each episode will feature a guest poet.  The guest will share a piece of their work as well as a poem that has inspired and influenced them.Together we will explore their approach to verse and spoken word and talk about the value that they as artists bring to their audiences particularly to businesses.  As The Conference Bard I firmly believe business events would benefit from featuring more poetry and fewer powerpoint presentations.  My hope is that hearing directly from some outstanding poets will convince you of this as well(you can find out more about Kate at her website https://nextstephr.co.uk)

One of Canada's most respected experts in the field of Diversity and author of The Human Equity Advantage, Peter Trevor Wilson joins us to discuss his upcoming article in Profiles in Diversity Journal.Our conversation begins with his encounter with Desmond Tutu over 20 years ago and how the Archbishop inspired a journey for Peter that continues to this day.  We quickly move on to discuss Peter's work over the years and how for him diversity has always been about the unleashing of the potential in all of us, at work and in life.  Given the influence Tutu has had on Peter he shares his perspective on our current moment informed by the idea of Ubuntu.  This idea which Tutu applied in the Truth and Reconciliation process in South Africa is taking on new relevance now in North America as on the one hand there is increased recognition of the inequities and injustices in our society while at the same time divisions seem to be deepening and becoming more volatile.Peter touches on his admiration for Obama ("the best President ever"),  the pointlessness of guilt ("you can't change anything by feeling guilty"),  the fundament truth that to be human is to screw up and the need to practice diversity built on recognizing every individual's uniqueness as well as our shared humanity.

Since before he developed the concept of Human Equity and wrote the book The Human Equity Advantage: Beyond Diversity to Talent Optimization in 2013, Peter Trevor Wilson has focussed on making lasting fundamental change in organizations.Having discussed the murder of George Floyd and the trial of his murderer in previous episodes, Peter is the ideal final guest of 2021 as he reflects on how to make the changes we have seen begun in the last year stick in organizations.  It is now more than a year and a half on from the murder of George Floyd after which many employers made bold public statements committing to greater equity and it is important that we explore how to ensure those commitments result in actions that produce lasting change.As with all my conversations with Peter his many years experience, deep humanity and wisdom mean we sometimes stray a bit from our planned discussion - but one thing you can be sure of is time with Peter is always well spent.To contact Peter and find out more about Human equity, visit his new site at https://www.humanequityadvantage.com

Having been inspired to host this podcast by the response I received at work to tragic loss (and by my friendship with my awesome co-host Sarah Hines), I urge you to listen to this important conversation with Sam Lillemoen.Sam lost his husband Brad suddenly two years ago.  While leadership and many colleagues at work were very supportive, Sam still found himself struggling with grief while at the same time having to perform at work and interact with a wide range of people.  Feeling alone, isolated and useen in his grief at times he decided to launch a "Friends of Grief" group modelled on the Affinity Groups for DEI at Expedia.   He was overwhelmed by the response.You see those who grieve at work are not really alone - it is such a common experience and through Friends of Grief Sam was able to connect with others living after loss - of loved ones, work, health, pets - and those wanting to support colleagues in these situations. Conversations began, sub groups formed and friendships were made.Grief is not an event, it is a journey and one that we don't need to travel alone.  Friends of Grief stands as a tribute to the memory of Brad and also shows how an individual can take the initiative on grief and create a community that brings comfort to so many grieving in the workplace.

Marilyn Johnson is Senior Director Sustainability at Clarivate and was recently named by The American Energy Society as one of the top 500 Global Sustainability Thought Leaders.Marilyn and her work are great examples of how DEI is increasingly influencing thought and action in other functions across the organization.  While the impact of DEI is perhaps most obvious in HR related areas such as Talent Management or Employee Wellbeing,  Marilyn explains how it has become a core principle guiding sustainability at Clarivate.Sustainability and Diversity both share a common characteristic - to be effective they can't be a function bolted on to the organization, they have to inform all activities in the organization.  They are thus natural partners in organizational transformation and culture.This is a thought provoking, stimulating conversation that invites listeners to think more expansively about DEI to drive lasting change.

Six years ago Mike Cameron's girlfriend was murdered by her ex-boyfriend who then took his own life.In this raw conversation we discuss this event and its aftermath and how Mike found the strength of purpose to carry on.  He shares his memories of Carissa and the day when everything changed.Mike's journey is testament to the power of gratitude and grace in the face of grief and his continuing work to end violence against women and teach men to turn from anger to empathy in the face of life's challenges stands as an ongoing memory to Carissa.Both Sarah and I were so grateful to Mike for sharing his story with us and we hope you find his vulnerability and strength as inspiring as we do.

The last two eighteen months have seen an explosion of interest in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in employers across North America.  This has often been characterized by bold statements by corporations committing to creating greater equity both for employees and for the communities they operate in.But you can't do diversity by declaration - it requires concrete action by leaders and colleagues on a daily basis.  Given the workload most of us struggle with, it can seem daunting to many to have to now account for diversity in our everyday actions.Small wonder then that so many employees are choosing to become part of "The Great Resignation" driven in large part by a feeling that they no longer belong with their existing employer.It is this challenge that Maureen Berkner Boyt addresses through her company The Moxie Exchange,  that empowers everyone to become more inclusive and create a culture of belonging.In this conversation Maureen and I discuss the six fundamental skills leaders need to make inclusion a reality and drill a bit deeper into three of them - Listen Deeply, Stay Curious and Consciously Include. You'll hear how you can have the information you need to be inclusive at your fingertips when you need it rather than rely on your memory of a training course you may have taken a few months ago.You can find out more about Maureen and her company at https://themoxieexchange.com

Grief is not just about when you lose a loved one.  We experience grief whenever we face loss, something many have experienced during the pandemic - whether this be loss of job, status, financial security, routine, human connection, or loss of health.In this episode we explore grief as an aspect of living with a serious health diagnosis with Jennifer Hollington as our guide.  Many people came to know Jennifer as I did through her daily blog that she began immediately after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  In it she records the day to day experience of living with cancer,  her treatments, her thoughts about her changing world.  Jennifer's ability to face the reality of her situation head on and communicate her emotional, professional and health journey has been an inspiration to many and it was a privilege to have her join Sarah and I as she shared her thoughts on issues such as:The initial shock of diagnosis and her responseThe role of community in providing supportHow gratitude helped her overcome adversityNeeding to focus on the here and now - as a friend said to her early on "don't die while you are yet alive"Anticipatory griefGrief at the loss of work and healthHow sometimes it comes down to Grit - finding an inner strength to move forward when things get really tough

One of the great privileges of working in the field of DEI is the sheer variety of people I get to meet and know - Case in point the opening panel of my most recent DEI event featured an Irishman who grew up during the Troubles, a Zimbabwean poet and a DEI leader from Mexico who now leads that function at a leading US tech company.That event was also where I first met Ashley - Advocate, Author, VP of Diversity in Financial Services.  One of the many things that makes her special is she recognizes the diversity we all have within us and urges and coaches people to take their uniqueness and use it to power their success.Based on her own life experiences, that include homelessness, harassment and overcoming discrimination, Ashley shares her inspirational message of not trying to fit in but rather connect with who you are and share that gift with the world.  Ashley shows you how you can take to heart the now common adage of "bringing one's whole self to work" and how you can use that energy to drive success in your career and lifeThis is an essential message for both DEI leaders and individual employees.Ashley details 10 empowering actions you can take in her book Empowering Differences. While we touch on most in this conversation we concentrate on four of them:Know YourselfInspireDevelop Your StrategyTake ActionYou can find out more about Ashley and her work at www.empoweringdifferences.com or get a copy of her book Empowering Differences

For this first episode of our bi-weekly series Grief, Gratitude, Grace, my co-host Sarah Hines and I are joined by Chandra Ramamurthy from Mumbai.Chandra was familiar with grief through her work as a psychologist working with AIDS patients before she suffered the most profound loss of her only child Naman to suicide.Sarah and I had the privilege of sitting down with Chandra for this wide ranging discussion on grief.  Chandra's spirit shines through as she shares Naman's story and speaks about her professional experience and about grief as India saw shocking pandemic death tolls during the summer of 2021.As she shares her story, Chandra explores the importance of speaking openly about grief, how it brings us together as humans while also isolating us, the importance of gathering and supporting one another, the healing power of gratitude and the need for grace.   Sarah and I are so grateful to Chandra for her willingness to tell her and Naman's story with  us and with you our audience.  I am sure anyone grieving or comforting those who grieve will agree that this is an essential conversation that will help many find a way forward after loss.

Peter Trevor was a guest on the podcast shortly after the killing of George Floyd and he is joining me again to talk about his the recent Chauvin verdict.We discuss his reaction to the verdict. He shares why though there is a lot of work to be done before we can achieve genuine inclusion, equity and justice in society he has faith that real progress is being made.  He points to the wide recognition that systemic change is needed, the engagement of so many people outside the Black community in the process, and the energy and commitment of young people,  as key sources of hope.We also talk about how multiculturalism has to mean more than celebration - it has to mean standing up for one another.  And we revisit Peter's advocacy for looking to  African models of justice and those of Indigenous peoples here in Canada citing the example of  Mandela and others - Ubuntu.  This leads me to first to challenge Peter asking if we should forgive Chauvin (that's not our job) and then to a discussion of the role of scapegoating.While we cover a lot of ground - from Rodney King, to Barak Obama, Trump, from mental health to concepts of justice, to hope for the future, we plan another conversation soon where we will dig a bit deeper into how employers can grasp this moment to create greater equity within organizations.You can contact Peter Trevor at his website at https://www.humanequityadvantage.com

Ten years ago Suzanne's then daughter Aviva announced that she was transitioning to become male and would henceforth be known as Skyler.  A decade later Suzanne is sharing that moment and the journey that began that day as a mother.  In doing so she has told an authentic tale of how this change impacted her and provided an essential guide for anyone close to a transgender person - whether parent, sibling, colleague, friend or boss.In this episode we discuss some of the issues from the book - her initial reaction, her fear for her son's future, the confusion, some grief and what she has learned from the experience and of course the question of bathrooms.  Throughout our conversation I was reminded of Skyler's words from the book, that we all need to show "curiosity, compassion and love" towards others.The book includes a chapters by Skyler and Gender Specialist Dr Helma Seidl as well as a chapter on Gender transitioning in the workplace and a very useful glossary of some of the terms often used when discussing gender transition.You can purchase the book at Suzanne's website at https://whengenderisinquestion.com

Lots of great advice in this episode from Addie Greco-Sanchez as I interview her about her book The Five Minute Recharge.If like me you are currently suffering from a bad case of pandemic fatigue this is for you.  In the book Addie shares 31 proven strategies to help boost your energy, increase your focus and get back on track - for this discussion we focus on five.With the end of Covid19 in sight we will all need to harness our internal resources to rebuild - and hopefully this conversation will provide some ideas on how you can rebuild yourself first.(And my apologies to Addie as this was recored in early December so there are some references to "the holiday season" - events intervened preventing me from publishing till now.  I hope you will all agree it was worth the wait)

As 2020 draws to close,  many of us turn our thoughts to 2021 and reflect on our goals and aims for the coming year.  Which makes it the perfect time to revisit that resume you may not have updated for quite some while.Because the fact is that despite all the changes in the workplace in recent years and increasing digitization of recruitment, your resume remains the foundation of your search for new opportunities.In this episode I discuss how to upgrade your resume with Darcy Roberts who draws on her extensive experience as a recruiter, executive coach and expert in leadership.  We run through some of the main lessons of her Resume In An Box (available on her website at https://spiralbydesign.ca/resume-in-a-box/ ):We talk about how you can:1. Quickly create a resume that lets you stand out from the crowd and helps you land more interviews so you can start applying for Work you love tomorrow.2. Discover how to identify your unique career highlights so you capture the attention of potential employers.3. Learn the secrets to tweaking your resume so it makes it past HR's AI screening software and into the inbox of the hiring manager.4. Power up your LinkedIn profile so you get contacted by employers.

Few industries have been hit as hard by Covid19 as the event business.  And few organizations have been able to pivot to virtual events more successfully than Proof Experiences.As someone who has designed and hosted business conferences for over 20 years I was keen to hear what Kelly Power, SVP at Proof Experiences had learned along the way.  I'd seen the posts on LinkedIn about the successful events she'd run for clients but I wanted the down low on what works and what doesn't in the virtual space.Kelly doesn't disappoint, providing the inside scoop on how to deliver memorable event experiences to clients.  If you have any role organizing events of almost any kind you won't want to miss this conversation.

Religion, or faith at work, is a critical dimension of Diversity and Inclusion but one that too often doesn't get the attention it deserves.  Founded in 1992, The Tanenbaum Centre works to foster greater understanding between people of different faiths and is a great resource for those looking to incoporporate religion or faith into their DEI practice.For this episode of Here Comes Everyone I'm joined by Leslie Funk who will share her insights into the dynamics of religion in the workplace.  With faith and religion being such a central part of many people's identity this episode is also essential listening for anyone working in the area of workplace culture or who believes that workplaces are best when we can all be our whole authentic selves.

When I first met La'Wana she was a DEI leader at a major Pharma company - she was speaking at a diversity conference about how employers can engage more actively in social issues that reflect their internal commitment to inclusion.  It was a great session well received by the audience but there was a sense that organizations were not doing nearly enough in this area, or even feeling that they should.Now in 2020 more organizations are stepping up, the most visible example being the NBA, and there is a widespread recognition that employers can no longer simply stand on the sidelines.  We have a long way to go, but the environment has changed.So I was keen to hear La'Wana's latest thoughts on this, but before get there we had a great conversation about DEI and how it relates to coaching, conflict, empathy, privilege, imposter syndrome and the role of ERGs.

In the time of Covid, with he blurring of boundaries between work and life, the increased stresses caused by the virus and social isolation, and the dire predictions about the impact all this is having on our mental health, we all need the wisdom of Dr Jamie Gruman.While Dr Gruman's work spans the gamut of HR and business I asked him to join me specificallly to share some of the insights from his book Boost: The Science of Recharging Yourself in the Age of Unrelenting Demands.  While written a couple of years ago, this is very much a book of our times.Dr Gruman walks us through his RNU model - Rebuild, Nourish, Unhook - that you can apply to your downtime so that it genuinely replenishes you and raises your energy.  If you've ever come back from a vacation wishing you could have had another week, or if you struggle to maintain your energy at work, Dr Gruman's approach is for you. 

In this episode Antoine Mindjimba, Associate Partner, Culture, Diversity and Inclusion and Transformative Leadership, EY shares his perspective on leadership in the light of the two most pressing challenges facing organizations today - Covid 19 and the reckoning with race in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.Building on the a previous conversation with Peter Trevor Wilson, Author of The Human Equity Advantage, we take the opportunity to focus on the issue of leadership.  Antoine begins by walking us through a model that involves Purpose, Authenticity, Trust, Pragmatic Hope, Empathy and Lightening the Burden.We apply these concepts to DEI, discuss the impact of the BlackNorth initiative and conclude with some personal thoughts about how leaders can remain resilient in the face of uncertainty and change.

The June 22 episode featuring Peter Trevor Wilson was both the longest and the most popular episode to date.  This episode allows you to hear the highlights of this conversation.As the President of TWI International and the author of two books, the latest of which was The Human Equity Advantage: Beyond Diversity to Talent Optimization, Peter has been a tireless and inspirational advocate for greater inclusion in organizations based upon our common humanity.Drawing on this experience, plus his own life story, he shares his insights into the current moment and how we must all seize this opportunity to create equitable societies, institutions and organizations.Though short, Peter Trevor manages to cover a lot of ground including:1.What makes this moment different and how we need to grasp this opportunity to create a more just society2. How employers can best respond -  and most importantly what not to do3. The need to see that inclusion applies to everyone3. What he tells his kids about diversity and equity4. The need to understand history and rethink justice based on African and Indigenous North American traditions

Named after one of my favourite Elvis Costello tracks, in this episode Lorie shares both results of the BC Workplace Culture Scan report she recently completed with the Reframe Group as well as her personal mission to help create workplaces grounded on love.Among the topics we discuss are:1. Defining what culture is2. The central role of relationships to any culture and business 3. The importance of belonging - especially in the current environment as employers address racism in the workplace4. The impact of Covid19 on culture and why it makes it even more important5. Remote work and corporate culture6. The role of stories in building culture7. How culture changes as companies grow8. Cultural artifactsAnd of course love at work.....You can download the BC Culture report at https://reframeinsurance.ca/culture-report/

In this episode Vince shares insights from his two books,  The Leadership Contract and the just released Accountable Leaders. We cover a fair bit of ground including discussion of:The key role of accountability in leadershipThe critical importance of accountability to authentic leadershipWhy leaders need to build a community of leaders to be truly effectiveHow to show up as an accountable leader in times of crisisAccountability and inclusion in organizationsThe changing expectation on leadersLeading in a crisis - accountable leaders turn to each other not on each otherThe importance of a regular and honest gut check to make sure you are living your values and delivering results

No guest for this episode I'm afraid though I have an upcoming guest who will discuss privilege.In the meantime I wrote this short poem - still very much a work in progress.For expert perspectives on D&I check out previous episodes featuring Peter Trevor Wilson, Rebekah Steele and Camille Dundas

For this episode I invited my colleague Darcy Roberts of Spiral by Design to join me to discuss how employers can use LEGO®SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) with teams as they return to colocation as the COVID19 lockdown eases - as well as with blended teams of remote and colocated members and teams that are remaining remote.After briefly sharing the principles and process of LSP she shares the approach we have developed aimed at RESETTING & REENERGIZING your team by building, sharing and exploring models in the following four stages:MEDITATION - Reflecting on what you have lost and learned during COVID19 - an essential foundation for moving forwardCELEBRATION - Identifying the skills and resources that have enabled you to come through this crisis.  A great way to begin to build new energy and share what has worked.RECALIBRATION - Resetting the team for the next stage of development - reflecting on how to apply the learnings from the crisis so far and what need to changeACTIVATION - Creating a concrete set of principles and vision for the future.  Get your people thinking positively about what's nextLastly we can use LSP to democratically create a team charter to guide collaboration and action for the future!In designing this 2 hr workshop, we were struck by the key role of one of the principles of LSP - Everyone builds and everyone shares.  In today's world you need to ensure everyone has a voice - this is particularly critical in our diverse workforce and in the case of blended teams.  Leaders need to ensure that team members working remotely need to be on a level playing field with those who return to the office.  LSP is a powerful tool that helps ensure this happens.For further info you can contact Darcy through her website at https://spiralbydesign.ca

As the President of TWI International and the author of two books, the latest of which was The Human Equity Advantage: Beyond Diversity to Talent Optimization, Peter has been a tireless and inspirational advocate for greater inclusion in organizations based upon our common humanity.Drawing on this experience, plus his own life story, he shares his insights into the current moment and how we must all seize this opportunity to create equitable societies, institutions and organizations.Peter talks about why he thinks that it is different this time, the similarities and differences between Canada and the US, the role of leadership and the need to redefine justice by learning from the experience of Nelson Mandela, traditional African approaches and the practices of First Nations communities in Canada.

Giselle Kovary is a pioneer understanding the workplace through the lens of generations and employers globally seek her out for her expertise to help them create better workplaces for people of all ages.To gain a better understanding of the impact COVID19 is having on different generations Giselle launched a survey, and in doing so also donated over 1000 PPE for health care workers.  Hot off the press, we discuss the preliminary results from this survey and explore how different generations are responding to the challenge of COVID19 with a particular focus on Gen ZWe had this discussion only a short time after the survey results were in - For updates on new findings as Giselle and her team undertake further analysis check out her blog on her site at https://www.ngenperformance.com/blog

A couple of weeks ago I asked my LinkedIn network to share what they grieved most as a result of COVID19 intending to take their reflections and create a verse that would capture the full range of their feelings.You can hear this poem in the previous episode - for this episode Sarah Hines of Starling Minds and Founder of A Meaningful Death joins me to explore what it is that people are grieving and how might we best respond.We begin talking about change but the conversation quickly moves to the subject of hugs and then belonging,  which Sarah sees as the common thread running through the griefs that were shared.  We talk about touch deficit, haircuts, friends, travel, my on the spot theory about different levels of grief.  Sarah explores how the grief many feel who have lost loved ones during the pandemic gets mixed in with and complicated by regret and we talk about how some grief is more inward looking and about what we have lost whereas other grief is about what we could contribute.Along the way we talk about liminal time, the importance of rites of passage, the loss of purpose and what we need to do to build a better world.  Towards the end we briefly look at the death of George Floyd and its aftermath through the lens of grief before ending almost where we began with a few thoughts on hugging.Reading this I realize this conversation covered a lot of ground.  This means we barely scratched the surface of some issues and didn't get to talk about others.  I like to think this reflects the complexity and importance of the role grief plays right now as we navigate the unknown.

No guest on this episode I'm afraid - just me reciting a poem on grief.A couple of weeks ago I asked my network on LinkedIn to share what it was they grieved most as a result of COVID19.  My intention was to take their answers and combine them into a single verse that would capture the feelings in this moment.This is that verse - the next episode will be me discussing the poem with grief expert Sarah Hines, a previous guest on the show.  We will continue our earlier conversation focussing on the kinds of grief expressed in the poem.Thanks to all those who shared their thoughts and contributed to the first ever crowdsourced poem on LinkedIn.  As I note at the end, I plan to follow this up with another crowdsourced poem, this one on our hopes and vision for a post-Covid future

Jennifer Moss is a pioneer in the area of happiness at work and applying the principles of positive psychology and brain plasticity in the workplace.In this conversation we explore the continued importance of happiness as we all navigate the stresses and anxieties of living with the constraints imposed by COVID19.As well as happiness, Jenn shares her insights into building resiliency, post-traumatic growth, empathy, compassion as well as her latest work on burnout - a topic that is becoming increasingly important as more employers place greater emphasis on workplace mental health.I can't guarantee this podcast will make you happier but it will provide a ton of practical insight into how we can all better navigate a crisis both individually and as a community.

Stephane Grenier knows about crisis having been served in the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, Rwanda and Bosnia.Since leaving the military Stephane has continued the work he began there supporting mental health.  Now a well established leader in the field through his advocacy of peer support and the services he provides through his company Mental Health Innovations, he has a unique and valuable perspective on what we are all experiencing due to COVID19.In this conversation Stephane explains how living through the pandemic in many ways resembles his experiences in conflict zones around the world.  He shares how this impacts mental health, the need to be aware of fatigue and complacency, the essential role of peer support in an environment where clinical mental health resources are scarce and overworked, and explains what true resilience means in these challenging times.When Stephane speaks about mental health and wellness he does so from the heart.  His compassion for others and passion for offering practical solutions and support are clear throughout this compelling conversation.

Among the many things COVID19 has changed is learning.  One thing COVID19 hasn't changed is the human brain.In this lively conversation Lauren Waldman and I discuss her study of the brain and how to be effective, learning must be based on a thorough understanding of how the brain works. She discusses cognitive load, the folly of multitasking, the need to balance focus and diffusion and how to question our assumptions about learning.We specifically discuss what this means for learners, learning designers and leaders - emphasizing above all the critical importance of curiosity and the need to account for how our brains work when processing and adapting to change.Given the length of this podcast I was only able to scratch the surface of Lauren's work.  Luckily she has some webinars planned where she discusses her ideas and their application in more depth.  You can contact her to find out more through her website at https://www.learningpirate.com

This episode features a statement from someone we don't want to hear from.  

There is currently a lot of discussion about the mental health impact COVID 19 is having on individuals - increased stress, grief, loss of control, rising rates of suicide and depression, problems of addiction, fear, anxiety...The list goes on.In this conversation we hear about what the impact is at the level of the community.  Having grown up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles that saw sectarian violence fracture the community, Peter McBride has spent decades in mental health services, becoming an acknowledged authority on post conflict mental health.  Taking mental health impacts of The Troubles and other conflict as a starting point, Peter explores what we might expect to see as the threat of Covid 19 recedes and people emerge from self isolation into face to face interactions at work, for leisure and the day to day business of getting on with life.  This presents a different dimension over and above the individual impact on mental health.Peter will shortly be leaving Northern Ireland to continue his work in a new role at Keene State College in New Hampshire

 This episode features a lively conversation with Rebekah Steele who shares insights from her recent book INDivisible: Radically Rethinking Inclusion For Sustainable Results, co-authored with Alison Maitland.We discuss why so many D&I initiatives fail to deliver genuine inclusion in organizations, the relationship between inclusion and belonging and why now more than ever a radical approach to D&I based in part on design thinking is needed.  Rebekah also shares the essential link between D&I and sustainability.As with every episode of this podcast we explore how the guest's ideas apply in the current crisis and how they can contribute to building a better world for all as we move from our current "lockdown" to establish post-Covid norms.

Having designed and chaired over 20 change management conferences across North America I've seen and heard some of the continent's top change management experts.  Too many rely too heavily on models and loose sight of the people and the goals of change.  Not Jason.  While applying many of the principles of lean change he remains focussed on what works.  And if ever there was a time to focus on what works rather than change models it's now.In this episode Jason discusses the importance of the following:1.Putting Cause and Purpose above Urgency2. Replacing Communication with Meaning and Dialogue3. Thinking about Experimentation not Execution4. Rejecting notions of Resistance - think instead of Response5. Seeking opportunities for Co-Creation not Buy-InWe also talk about my least favourite change metaphor - "The Burning Platform"If you're not going through change right now you can safely ignore this episode.  If you are you might want to check it out.

I invited Jack Hourigan and Ellen Morita of Sway partners to join me for this episode because I knew they'd have some importance guidance for leaders and employees navigating the Covid Crisis.Faced with an unprecedented situation, with no clear end in sight we are all confronting new challenges in an environment of uncertainty.  Who doesn't need to improvise right now?But improv doesn't just help with managing work and building resiliency.  It offers the opportunity to focus on the moment, build stronger relationships and connections and become more innovative.  Among the things you'll learn are:1. The power of "yes and"2. Play the scene you are in3. There are no mistakes only opportunities4. How to overcome fear5. Building trust6. Thinking of your team as an ensemble where everyone has each others' backs 

Prior to COVID 19, Employee Experience was gaining momentum as a priority for organizations across the economy.   This conversation includes defining employee and workplace experience, how it impact performance and employer brand and why it is even more important now than before the current crisis.Stela Lupushor, Chief Reframer at Reframe.Work and Anna Tavis, Academic Director, Human Capital Management at NYU join me for this lively discussion.  Together they share insights from their just published research on Workplace Experience (available at www.workplaceexperience.com).Defining Workplace Experience as "the cumulative experiences workers have with an organization before, during, and after their employment journey, designed to maximize organizational and individual success." we discuss how this differs from employee engagement, the role of design thinking in creating great experiences and the role of leadership.You'll hear how COVID 19 will impact the employee and workplace experience and how organizations that retain their focus on this can emerge stronger and better placed to succeed once the virus recedes.

As the Covid 19 crisis continues so more and more people are experiencing grief and have colleagues, family members or friends grieving some loss.  Whether it be the death of a loved one or some other loss such as financial security, health, job, status, the ability to travel or gather, grief has become ubiquitous.There are few more important conversations right now than how we deal with grief in ourselves and others.In this episode we continue an important dialogue about grief that we began in an earlier episode with Brenda Marshall.  The focus here is firstly Sarah's belief that grief is not an emotion but a skill.  From there we go on to discuss how to mark grief when we cannot gather, how each of us can improve how we address grief, and how as leaders and colleagues we can provide support and comfort to those we work with experiencing grief.This is an ongoing conversation - each of us experiences grief differently.  My hope is that Sarah's insights help you better understand your own grief and that of others - I know I gained new perspective through our conversation that will help me going forward.

This episode features change expert Dr Jen Frahm discussing the ways organizations can think about and plan for the post Covid future.  Together we discuss the four routes she sees for companies - Reinvention, Reintegration, Renewal and Revolt.While emphasizing that organizations have a choice for the route they take, the environment, resources and their culture will constrain the possibilities ahead.We conclude by exploring how this model might and might not apply to individuals as they navigate the challenges and opportunities Covid 19 presents.  This conversation is a refreshing departure from so many discussions of "The Future of Work" that rely more on speculation and hope rather than a sober analysis of the current state and alternative routes to the future.

Widely known for his best selling books, The Coaching Habit and The Advice Trap, as well as his high energy, inspiring conference presentations, Michael Bungay Stanier sits down for a discussion of the relevance of his work right now.In the current environment people are looking to their leaders and managers for some level of certainty.  This creates the ideal environment for the Advice Monster to rear its ugly head.  To succeed leaders need instead to develop curiosity, humility and empathy so as to enable those they lead to thrive and succeed.To me Michael is Canada's Question Master - join us as he answers a few of mine.

Allan Kehler has been sharing his experiences with mental health and addiction with audiences across Canada for several years.  Though his speaking he has touched thousands of lives, inspiring many to "come out of the shadows", admit their struggles and begin a path of healing and health.His latest book, MENtal Health: It's Time to Talk focuses on men's mental health and features both Allan's own insights as well as the stories of many men.  Their stories of depression, anxiety, sexual abuse and suicide are moving and inspiring, demonstrating both the impact that these issues have but also the possibility of recovery.  It this work that we discuss in this episode

Camille Dundas is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. She is also a consultant with one of Canada's top social media first and the editor-in-chief of ByBlacks.com, Canada's #1 digital magazine serving Black Canadians. She has been recognized by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for her media activism and has led her team to win two national media awards. She is ranked as one of the top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.Camille is a sought after media expert, having spent 10 years as a news writer and producer for Canadian news programs such as CBC National, CP24 Breaking News and CTV's Canada AM.In this episode Camille shares her thoughts on how the changes we are seeing are creating a greater understanding of and appreciation for intersectionality helping us recognize the unique challenges each of us face as well as the unique contributions we all bring to the workplace.  She provides insight into how leaders can maintain a focus on diversity and inclusion during these tough times and even use current events to increase momentum for change towards more inclusive workplaces.Her positive message is the inspiration we all need right now!While she doesn't mention it in this episode, Camille has just become an official ambassador for Canadian company Learning Snippets. This micro learning platform delivers scenario-based D&I training by email, with immediate feedback built-in.

It might seem ironic but the advent of the restrictions on society during the Covid 19 crisis, in particular "social distancing" has sparked a major conversation about the impact of loneliness and isolation on mental and physical health.  And as people find themselves working from home, unable to socialize with friends and family, so they are asking themselves - how can I maintain a sense of connection?Few people are as well placed to address these issues than Pete Bombaci, Founder of The Genwell Project, a not for profit dedicated to human connection.  Pete comes to the discussion about how to stay mentally well during this period of forced isolation having studied the impact of loneliness and advocated for greater connection for many years.Joined by my daughter Jessica who had just emerged from a period of isolation after a friend tested positive, together we explore the impact of loneliness, what you can do right now to ensure you stay connected, and how we can maintain a sense of belonging as we live through this crisis and build momentum for even more human connection once this is over.  We also briefly discuss grief and the impact not being able to physically gather as normal is having on all of us.

In this episode I discuss grief in the time of Covid 19 with Brenda Marshall of the Solacium Group.Brenda is not a grief counsellor but rather consults with employers specifically on grief in the workplace.  Her insights have always been relevant and valuable but right now they are essential as work has changed dramatically and so has grief.Brenda shares her insights into this shift - from grief being something experienced by a person who then returns to work to non-grieving colleagues to a situation where we are all working remotely and many more of us will be experiencing grief.We discuss how both leaders and colleagues can adjust to this situation.  We explore grief as a response to losses other than the death (a job, financial security, status, some aspect of work), disenfranchised grief, grief without gathering, the hierarchy of griefs, and lots more.In less than 30 mins we just scratched the surface - I'll have Brenda back on a later episode and will have some other grief experts share their perspectives.

In this episode my guest isLiane Davey who is a leading keynote speaker and consultant on teams and author of The Good Fight.  I was expecting our conversation to focus on the subject of the book - how to manage conflict in teams and see it for what it is - a source of innovation and performance.  We certainly discussed this but listeners will also benefit from Liane's wise counsel on the area of change, leadership, managing remote teams and how to remain mentally well in these uncertain times.Liane shares vital insights for leaders that will prove immediately useful to leaders right now.

This episode features Manu Varma who works for Traction on Demand, a highly successful and fast growing B-Corp based in Vancouver that develops cloud based business solutions.While Manu has a day job he is also a frequent speaker at conferences across North America sharing his thoughts both on the business but also workplace culture and the central role of purpose to any organization.  In this conversation he talks about the culture at Traction on Demand, the company's mission and how it has pivoted in the current environment both by becoming completely virtual and in seeking ways they can use their skills and resources to assist in the front line in the battle with Covid19.In short, an inspiring conversation about one organization's culture journey and its resilience in the face of rapid, unexpected change.