Leadership and Innovation Unlocked

Nadia and Rob zoom in on a strange anti-DEI resolution from dermatologists and discuss Google's Gemini AI's racially inaccurate depiction of historical events. Then, an Alabama mayor suggests Black athletes bypass the state over anti-DEI bill. 'Tide and Chanel's CEO is named a Time Woman of the Year. Finally, Nadia calls out all the heavy stuff going on in the world and Rob celebrates a big time s...

Nadia and Rob break down the latest tech DEI layoffs and a Supreme Court (lack of a) ruling that may signal a path forward in education and for companies. Then, they discuss a big deal for underrepresented founders and reveal a new entrant in the fight for greater diversity. Finally, Rob rants about the impact lawsuits have had on the Fearless Fund and Nadia gives us a preview of the upcoming Rife...

Dr. Fadia Nordtveit joins Inclusive Collective to talk about the link between sustainability and DEIB, how to align DEIB across functions as you develop you business model, and why she leans on data to drive change. Also, Nadia and Rob discuss Disney characters' efforts to unionize (and Rob gives a review of Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland) and Wisconsin Republicans' constitutional amendment limitin...

Nadia and Rob sort through the big moments from this year's Grammy Awards before circling back to Zoom's DEI layoffs and the results of a study on remote work. Then, they talk about the US Census' backtracking on a proposed change to identifying disability, and companies' efforts to root out child labor in their supply chains. Finally, Rob rants about age bias and Nadia highlights the work of a sp...

Nadia and Rob welcome Shahzia Noorally, host of the Equity Gap podcast and discuss Canada's polite racism, how leaders can acknowledge emotions and manage conflict this year, and the power of group career mentorship. They also discuss a report on a lack of gender representation in the music industry and a groundbreaking expose of slave labor in the US prison system. Later, they check in on Tesla's...

Nadia and Rob are joined by the dynamic executive recruiting duo of Christiaan Heijmen and Farad Ali to talk about inclusive network building, how real leaders are doubling down on inclusion, and why you shouldn't use the word "fit" in recruiting. They also applaud JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon's red-blooded, capitalist backing of DEI, and are taken back by Wayfair's recent layoffs. Later, Nadia rapid-f...

Nadia and Rob welcome theatre DEI expert DeWanda Smith Soeder to talk about cultural competencies needed to create and run a theatrical production, how cultural issues collide in wigs, wardrobe, and makeup, and lessons for other creative spaces. They also discuss the NFL's New England Patriots' new head coach's take on why "seeing color" is important and Rob takes us back to Utah for more anti-DEI...

Nadia and Rob check in on NY's efforts to make roadside Chick-fil-As stay open on Sunday (and guarantee drivers rights to fried chicken) and discuss Philadelphia's new mayor's actions to remove degree requirements for city jobs. Then it's "Yay!" for California's move to offer health insurance to undocumented immigrants, "Boo!" for Utah's anti-DEI governor, and "Yay, again!" for an increase in inve...

Nadia and Rob predict (with 100% guaranteed accuracy) what will happen in 2024 with predictions on Generative AI in HR, HR Tech, reverse discrimination lawsuits, quotas, childcare, and religion. They also offer predictions on the election, popular sayings, and the quality of Rob's haircuts. Hosted by Nadia Butt and Rob Hadley. Produced by Rifelion Media . Contact us: inclusivecollective@rifelion.c...

Nadia and Rob reflect on memorable guests before discussing another lawsuit claiming reverse discrimination at Hello Alice and a former Facebook DEI staffer's misdeeds. Plus, end-of-year well wishes and a nod to PwC's neurodiversity push. Read the articles: "Hello Alice files motion to dismiss case alleging racial discrimination": https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/hello-alice-files-motion...

Frederique Irwin, President and CEO of the National Women's History Museum joins Nadia and Rob to share her perspective on the state of affairs for women today, how tech will empower educators to better teach women's history, and why we should be cautious about using AI to learn history. Nadia and Rob also discuss an entrepreneur's plan to build AI detection and drones to stop mass shootings and a...

Charlotte Young Bowens, Founder and CEO of Conscious Gear, drops by to share her inspiring founder story with Nadia and Rob and to discuss her approach to inclusive design and how the universe conspires to help those that try. Also, a Johnson & Johnson employee's plea for longer bereavement leave sparks a broad conversation on inclusive family policies, and our hosts discuss how Aflac (and oth...

DEI thought leader and author Aparna Rae joins Nadia and Rob to break down Tesla's struggles in Sweden, Lululemon's ill-conceived decision to crop a Muslim runner from its ads, and decades of bad behavior at the FDIC. They also discuss the failures of implicit bias training, Dove's initiative to bring inclusive hair design to gaming, and the role of white people in championing DEI. Read more about...

Nadia and Rob dissect the latest DEI news like two family members at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Our hosts dish on climate change impacts on gender and sexual minorities, why Amazon's Alexa sucks, a big deal for women's soccer, and the doctor fired for his social media posts on Israel-Gaza War. Later, Rob shares one researcher's efforts to draw attention to Black women scientists and Nadia cele...

Talia Cannistra, Partner at Port One Companies joins Nadia and Rob and shares her experiences in the heavily male-dominated worlds of architecture and construction, the advantages of diversity for her clients, and the role mentorship plays in helping overcome bias. Also, Nadia and Rob go early morning shopping at Walmart (and like what they see) and take a walk down Wall Street to find companies d...

Former Paralympian powerlifter and current PhD candidate Ali Jawad joins Nadia and Rob to talk about his journey from the Olympics to founder of the accessible fitness app AccesserCise. They also discuss Microsoft's efforts to push DEI accountability throughout the organization and Goldman Sachs's disappointing representation in leadership promotions. Later our co-hosts discuss a lawsuit against N...

Nadia and Rob are joined by Dr. Cathy-Mae Karelse, author of "Disrupting White Mindfulness," to break down how workplace notions of mindfulness can be problematic, how the industry generates stress, and how we can change systems to change society. They also discuss workplace retaliation for social media posts related to the Israeli-Hamas war and how return to the office mandates are driving discri...

Nadia and Rob are joined by Kyle Samuels, Founder and CEO of executive search firm and DEI advisory firm Creative Talent Endeavors to discuss surprising executive search trends, where companies go wrong in their DEI efforts, and how he is innovating to drive value for clients. They also discuss a shift in caregiving in the US as men take on more responsibilities for elder care and how a US-China t...

Executive coach Farah Hussain joins Nadia and Rob to learn how language can be limiting for expressing ourselves, problematic and stifling in organizations, but vital as we look to lead organizations in difficult times. Also, they discuss a new California law that requires VC firms to report who they invest in and the disturbingly accelerating trend of people who can't afford rent living in their...

Nadia and Rob welcome Health Equity and AI expert Dr. Maia Hightower to learn about how bias in AI drives healthcare inequity and how her startup, Equality AI, works to disrupt that bias. Also, Rob coaches on efforts to collect detailed demographic information and our co-hosts discuss how pay transparency laws led to discrimination lawsuits against SpaceX and efforts to lessen the sales tax burden...

Actor and comedian Aizzah Fatima stops by to talk about the theatrical release of her award-winning film, "Americanish," about the challenges of raising money from the Muslim community to make a film, and about how her early career stint at Google pushed her toward acting. Nadia and Rob also talk about how two judges in Georgia blocked the Fearless fund from extending grants to black, women entrep...

Nadia and Rob welcome wellness expert Rikimah Glymph to talk about the disconnect middle managers feel in implementing DE&I strategies, why young people are demanding more from workplaces, and why sometimes wellness looks like fried chicken (!). Also, Rob highlights growing Latino economic power and Nadia discusses repugnant market concerns in DE&I talent acquisition. Finally, Rob laments...

Nadia and Rob are joined by author Dr. Peter Huang to discuss how math, economics, law and humor can all work to combat racism in society. Our hosts also discuss former Rolling Stone editor Jann Wenner's comments on black and women musicians and Black America's favorite college football team and coach. Later, the NFL disappoints us again and the city of Boston centers inclusion in public services....

Nadia and Rob are joined by “Reimagine Inclusion” author and DEI leader Mita Mallik to discuss how companies can better support women, why organizations protect toxic employees, and how the tech industry can lead in DEI. Also, they discuss Florida’s intrusive bathroom rules, Lyft’s new product features, and Rob gives Nadia two minutes on communicating poor survey results. Later, Rob rants about th...

Award-winning podcast hosts Nadia and Rob are back and kick things off for the best season of IC yet! Our hosts reintroduce themselves and preview big things ahead for the show. Later, Nadia coaches Rob on inclusive language and we get a sneak preview of next week’s amazing guest. Hosted by Nadia Butt and Rob Hadley. Produced by Rifelion Media . Contact us: inclusivecollective@rifelion.com Find ep...