The primary focus of this podcast episode is the critical importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within corporate and academic environments, emphasizing that awareness and education are foundational to creating inclusive spaces. We delve into the multifaceted nature of DEI and explore strategies for increasing awareness and knowledge, which in turn fosters an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Our esteemed guest, Victoria Peltier, an accomplished business leader and inspirational speaker, shares her profound insights on the impact of DEI on both corporate culture and personal resilience. Through her compelling personal narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding identity and the necessity for inclusive practices. Our discussion serves not only to enlighten but also to encourage actionable steps toward fostering inclusive communities, underscoring that we all have a role to play in this pivotal endeavor.

Today I am joined by Victoria Pelletier and we have an enlightening conversation about bisexuality and DEI engagement. Victoria lives out loud and is a pivotal advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in workplaces and the LGBTQIA + community. Victoria doesn’t like the use of labels as she believes sexual identity is ever-evolving and there are many layers to figure out.

As a woman who identifies as queer, Victoria discusses the many misunderstandings of what it means to be bisexual and how it looks within the queer community. Also discussed in this episode is the importance of creating DEI workplaces using strategic intentionality. Strategic intentionality is hiring and inviting diversity into the workforce, which allows people to show up as their whole selves in the workplace. Join Heather and Victoria as they discuss the ways to be accepting, inclusive, and an ally.  

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

 

About our guest:

Victoria is a 20+ year Corporate Executive and Board Director – she is currently a Managing Director at Accenture. Nicknamed the “Turn Around Queen” by former colleagues and employers, Victoria inspires and empowers her team and clients to change mindsets and drive growth in business, leadership, and culture.

As someone who does not subscribe to the status quo, she is always ready for new challenges becoming one of the youngest Chief Operating Officers at the age of 24, a president by 35, and a CEO by age 41. 

Victoria was recognized as a Top 50 Business Leader in Technology by Insight Magazine in 2021 and a Mentor of the Year by Women in Communications & Technology in 2020. HSBC bank awarded her the Diversity & Inclusion in Innovation award in 2019 and she was IBM’s #1 Global Social Seller ranked by LinkedIn in 2019 and 2020 (and soon you will see her named to top Business Leaders in Technology by CIOLook Magazine)

As a prolific motivational and inspirational speaker, Victoria has delivered keynotes discussing the importance of personal branding and its impact on professional growth; being an empathetic leader in empowering employees; the power of DEI on corporate cultures, and building a life of resilience.

Social Platforms

 Website: 

https://victoria-pelletier.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/PelletierV29

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_pelletier_unstoppable/

Facebook:

 https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Pelletier.Speaker

Medium:

https://medium.com/@victoriapelletier

YouTubeChannel: https://www.youtube.com/c/VictoriaPelletierNoExcuses

YouTube Speaker Reel:

https://youtu.be/na8LwVeWsmE

Takeaways:

• The conversation surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is paramount for contemporary organizations, influencing corporate and academic cultures significantly.
• Awareness and education are essential components in fostering inclusive environments that embrace and celebrate diversity in all forms.
• Personal experiences shape one's understanding and approach to DEI, highlighting the importance of lived experiences in advocating for marginalized voices.
• Creating inclusive workplaces necessitates a strategic approach, ensuring equitable opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy