The Forum on Workplace Inclusion Podcast

In this episode of The Forum Podcast Julie Kratz shares stories, ideas, and research from her new children’s book, “Little Allies.” She discusses the importance and impact of having conversations about diversity, inclusion, and allyship earlier with the children in our lives. Julie wrote her book in response to difficult conversations about racism at home with her own daughters. “Little Allies” an...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast Amy Yip (Amy Yip Coaching) shares what mental fitness is, why it matters, skills & practices to build their own mental fitness, and how to apply it in cultivating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive workplace. If you’re physically fit, you’d be able to climb a steep hill without much physical stress. Same with mental fitness. The more mentally fit you are,...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Jennifer Brown (Jennifer Brown Consulting) shares actionable insights for leading in today's changing and uncertain environment, creating workplaces that are equitable and inclusive for all members, and becoming a purpose-driven organization. The nation’s future increasingly relies on corporate leaders doing the right thing. To maintain economic viability in t...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Wendy Vang-Roberts (Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement) and Yixiu Chen (State of Minnesota Department of Human Services) discuss the way unconscious biases show up in the form of microaggressions. Most volunteers are kind, amazing people who care about your cause and want to help others, so it’s rare that they would blatantly or intentionally say or...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Dr. Sheena Mason (Theory of Racelessness) returns for another timely deep dive into the Theory of Racelessness, which reflects two philosophical positions on “race” that are uncommonly taught & commonly misunderstood: skepticism—the belief that race does not exist in nature—& eliminativism—the position that the concept of race, whatever it is, should b...

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Lilian Eilers (The Blue Ocean Company) answer questions from listeners that attended our December 16, 2021 webinar Demystifying Culture: Building an Inclusive Culture that Lasts . Lilian Eilers answer questions from our listening audience around these talking points: What is SWAM? Doesn’t pandering to the SWAM group have a reinforcing effect on t...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast , Damion Jones shares his journey as Global Head, VP of Inclusion & Diversity at Bayer, the global pharmaceuticals and life sciences company. Damion has a unique perspective on how large health-focused companies like his can foster dialogues that promote inclusive work environments that help all employees thrive, and in turn, lead to better business outcome...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast , Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel (The XauSky Group) and Patrick Maniboon , "The Courage Hacker" anchor the conversation at the intersection of research, storytelling, and application where one uses agency on three levels - self, proxy, and organizational – to strengthen vital diversity leadership skills and nurture inclusive workspaces. By 2050, the demographic tre...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast , Trina C. Olson and Alfonso T. Wenker (Team Dynamics), layout the six-part process outlined in their forthcoming book, Hiring Revolution: A Guide to Disrupt Racism + Sexism in Hiring . Olson and Wenker share what they have done to find and hire teams of people that are incredibly diverse – across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious tradition,...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast , Arshiya Malik and Lisa Russell (Aleria) cover the top three do's and don'ts of measuring inclusion based on their work and time in the industry. As organizations plan their 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies, it’s a good time to reflect on what works, what doesn’t, and consider how we can really move the needle next year. In this episode,...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast , Tenzin Nordon (Get Ready Program) will address how individuals and organizations can foster women’s leadership by applying learnings from her research in the Tibetan community. Fostering women’s leadership is a story of inclusion. During this podcast, Tenzin Nordon, a researcher and community leader, will share her research on fostering Tibetan Women Leaders...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Dr. Jessica Isom explores specific strategies and tools to support young people of color transitioning into the workplace. This podcast provides mental health and wellbeing tips and guidance to young people of color who are transitioning into the workforce. Topics will include peer networks and support, the need to seek assistance, identification of symptoms,...

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Vannessa LeBoss (Communication Service for the Deaf) and Craig Radford (Communication Service for the Deaf) answer questions from listeners that attended our September 16, 2021 webinar Engaging with Deaf Customers and Employees . Vannessa LeBoss  and Craig Radford answer questions from our listening audience around these talking points: Orga...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Graciela Meibar (Graciela Meibar Consulting) and Jane Hyun (Hyun & Associates) explore the value Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) bring to an organization like developing internal talent, providing insights on sensitive DEI matters, and more. ERG’s remain a valuable resource inside companies. Yet, are organizations fully utilizing these networks? This...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Alli Strong-Martin (Lifeworks Services, Inc.) and Ashley Oolman (Lifeworks Services, Inc.) lead listeners through a discussion about how ableism and white supremacy interlock to hinder inclusion. Though one of the most intersectional protected classes, people with disabilities are often kept from full participation in communities and workplaces due to lingerin...

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Samreen Vora (Children's Minnesota) and Brittany Dahlen (Children's Minnesota) answer questions from listeners that attended our August 19, 2021 webinar Using Innovative Simulation Strategies to Dismantle Systemic Racism . Samreen Vora and Brittany Dahlen answer questions from our listening audience around these talking points: Bias mitigation st...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast,  Brittany J. Harris (also known as Brittany Janay) shares a thoughtful note of affirmation and loving accountability to Black folks working in DEI. The toll of working in DEI while Black is well documented and there are not many spaces that center the healing and nurturing that this toll calls for—particularly as Black practitioners work to dismantle the...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Minal Bopaiah (Brevity & Wit) will discuss key insights from social science, particularly psychology, on how audiences hear our messages and why they need to see the system if we really want things to change. If data and logic was enough to change people's minds, we wouldn't be arguing about climate change. There's a lot behavioral science can tell us...

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Farzana Nayani  (Farzana Nayani, Consulting and Training) answers questions from listeners that attended our July 15, 2021 webinar Connecting ERGs During Distanced and Polarized Times . Definition of acronyms: ERG = Employee Resource Group DEI = Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion BRG = Business Resource Group Farzana Nayani answers questions f...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Dr. Sheena Mason (Theory of Racelessness) deep dives into the concept of race and how by knowing more about race philosophy, we can begin to intentionally uproot racism in our everyday lives. Dr. Sheena Mason shares how the concept of race, while not rooted in biology or science, continues to be naturalized and viewed as something "of nature." The camouflaging...

In this special bonus episode of The Forum Podcast, Luiza Dreasher  (Mastering Cultural Differences) answer questions from listeners that attended our May 27, 2021 webinar Mastering Cultural Differences: Strategies for Leading a Global Workforce . Luiza answers questions from our listening audience around these talking points: Balancing assimilation. How to be culturally competent if cul...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Roselle Rogers (Circa) and Pamela Pujo (Affirmity) offer a practical and actionable guide to launching or refreshing your organization's DEI program. With the increasing pressures from the burgeoning discussion around race and diversity, many HR practitioners have been assigned the responsibility for developing a Diversity and Inclusion program in their organi...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Dr. Theodora Philip (TAP Consultants, LLC) and Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel (The XaySky Group) explore being an ally as Black Caribbean women, and, through storytelling, they share strategies to advocate and promote equity at work and in society. While much of the focus in recent times have been on racial, ethic, and LGBTQ+ discrimination and disparities, who is...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Zaylore Stout (Zaylore Stout & Associates, LLC) and Jim Potts (Potts & Associates) explore domestic terrorism, how DEI professionals can recognize potential threats, and practical ways to implement situational awareness. The world is changing. Communication and technology are bringing our shores closer together. The internet presents an opportunity for...

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Ha-Keem Abdel-Khaliq (Cargill) explores the need to consider the well being of leaders and the demands it places on them when charged with driving diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization. You are leading a social revolution! If you think of the revolution as a journey that we are all embarking upon to create long-lasting change, we often for...