Dr. Ellen Joan Ford is an impressive person. Her extraordinary life has taken her from the green pastures of New Zealand to the icy expanses of Antarctica.

Her decade of service as an engineer officer in the New Zealand Army is filled with tales of igloo-building, leading humanitarian efforts, and the challenges that come with being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment. But Ellen's journey doesn't end with her military career; she's made groundbreaking strides in military leadership research, advocating for authentic leadership and policies to support military parents, leading to real cultural shifts within the Army.

Navigating the complexities of leadership, especially within the rigid structures of the military, demands a nuanced understanding that Ellen has mastered. Her research sheds light on the prevalence of gender biases and the normalization of sexual harm, offering a blueprint for organizational change that centers on creating a sense of belonging, autonomy, and purpose.

This conversation with Ellen is not just an exploration of her personal endeavors but a deep dive into the systemic issues at play and the actionable solutions she proposes for a more inclusive workplace.

Here at The Culture Ministry we think people who write books are the cleverest people, so we couldn't wait to hear how Ellen's research and passion translates into her book #WorkSchoolHours:  A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces and the World.

Ellen's vision for a world where parents and leaders can create compassionate, accommodating work environments resonates deeply, offering practical steps towards change.

Listen in to to learn Ellen's story, her initiatives, and how her book is challenging the status quo of work and leadership.

Connect with Ellen here.

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to not just draft policies but truly embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the very fabric of an organization? Join us as John Ray, DEI Lead for Hato Hono San John, shares his remarkable journey from rural Australia to becoming a beacon for inclusivity in the workplace. Growing up among diverse wildlife as a zoo tour guide, John cultivated a keen sense of observation and empathy, skills that would later underpin his transition into the human-centric world of DEI.

Throughout our conversation, we navigate the subtle yet pivotal shift from policy to practice in creating an environment where every voice is heard and valued. John brings to light how a staggering 40% of internal communication in his organization is now DEI-focused, sparking vital conversations and leading to real change. With his story, we explore the power of visibility, accountability, and the inexorable drive that pushes DEI champions like him forward, even when progress seems painstakingly gradual.

But the journey doesn't end with policies and practices; it's about the people who bring them to life. In this heartening discussion, John emphasizes the critical role of allies, the transformative nature of Employee Resource Groups, and why it's essential to support a culture where asking questions is not just okay—it's encouraged. His optimism is contagious as he speaks of the growing number of employees who are not just curious but eager to engage with DEI initiatives, fostering a workplace where everyone truly belongs. So, be prepared to be inspired and remember, every question you ask is a step towards a more inclusive world.

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Ever found yourself mystified by the changes your body undergoes during menopause, or felt alone in navigating its choppy waters? Sarah Connor, the esteemed Queen of Menopause, joins us today to share her insightful journey from confusion to clarity and how she's flipping the script on menopause misconceptions. With a tale that begins with her own perimenopause struggles and culminates in the creation of "Menopause Over Martinis," Sarah's transformative story is a clarion call for open dialogue and support that transcends the boundaries of gender and age.

We're reshaping how menopause is perceived and discussed, one candid conversation at a time. Sarah's candid narration of bringing her two sons into the loop on women's health issues not only sheds light on the importance of inclusivity but also has us chuckling at the candid family moments that ensue. This episode amplifies the call for menopause education for all, highlighting the necessity of supportive relationships and workplaces that embrace this life stage with empathy and understanding.

As we wrap up, Sarah outlines her multifaceted approach to advocacy, from keynote speeches at the Shepherdess Muster to driving workplace wellness initiatives. The conversation illuminates pathways for connection through events, education, and shared experiences, while also spotlighting invaluable resources like the Australasian Menopause Society. Sarah's commitment to fostering understanding is an inspiring testament to the power of community, advocacy, and informed dialogue in breaking down the barriers of stigma surrounding menopause.

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Have you ever wondered how to leverage the power of connections for personal and professional growth? This week's podcast guest, Mel Kettle, sheds light on this.

The episode dives into Mel's journey from crafting annual reports to becoming an in-demand speaker, touching on her pivot to social media, her book "The Social Association," and her key insights on creating online communities.

Another central topic discussed just in time for International Womens Day, was the challenges women face in leadership roles, by underlining the profound impact of imposter syndrome on confidence and the pursuit of leadership positions.

Mel then speaks on her program, Thriving Leaders, which aims to help leaders make a lasting impact and find a more fulfilling way of working while also seeking to empower women and help them regain their confidence.

This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for anyone seeking to grow personally and professionally. It serves as a reminder of the power of connections, the importance of self-care, and the potential of women in leadership roles.

Follow Mel on LinkedIn and learn about Mel's work, her courses and her books here. 

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Discover the power of Employee Network Groups as Shivani Sondhi, leader at Vodafone, shares her insights on fostering workplace inclusion. Embark on Shivani's personal journey, from her beginnings in the UK to ending up in Luxembourg, and learn how she's driving change within Vodafone's multicultural landscape. This episode uncovers the challenges and profound rewards of leading an employee resource group, highlighting how such initiatives are essential for creating psychological safety and diverse representation in the corporate world.

As we examine the often-overlooked topic of recognition and compensation for ERG leaders, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the balance between volunteerism and professional acknowledgement. Shivani's roles at Vodafone present a unique viewpoint on the impact these groups have—not just on the individuals who lead them but on the entire organizational culture.

Concluding with a focus on the broader implications of unpaid diversity work, this episode delves into Shivani's experiences reconciling her professional ambitions with her passion for D&I volunteerism. The conversation further explores the consequences of recognizing such contributions and the nuances between incentivizing work and staying true to selfless motivations. Join us as we celebrate the strength of networking and knowledge sharing, all while illuminating the path for those inspired to make a difference in diversity and inclusion.

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

From corporate marketing to community activism, our phenomenal guest Melissa Histon brings to life a journey that is as inspiring as it is illuminating.  In this episode Melissa  shares her fight against breast cancer, a successful shift from the corporate world to photography, and a life changing project in Nepal that documents the harsh reality of women and children trafficking.

The trip to Nepal led to the birth of The Sister Code and Got You Back, Sister charity. Hear about the profound impact this charity has made, offering support and resources to women escaping from violent homes and highlighting the urgency of addressing violence and abuse issues on a global scale.

We wrap up our episode with a focus on Melissa's personal growth journey as an advocate for domestic violence survivors. She shares her insights on how understanding and empathy can significantly transform societal attitudes towards domestic violence.

Tune in, and discover how you can contribute to making a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors.

Want to know more about Melissa and support her work? All the information is here.

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Have you ever wondered how much a company truly understands you as a customer? This episode features the candid insights of Debbie Levitt, a customer experience specialist known as the Mary Poppins of CX/UX.  In her work at Delta CX,  she challenges the status quo of marketing strategies.

Debbie's experiences in diverse cultures have armed her with a unique perspective on the importance of acknowledging the diverse needs and identities of customers.

In this discussion, we dissect the outdated practice of marketing predominantly to a majority demographic standard that is gradually losing relevance in our increasingly diverse society.

Debbie offers valuable insights into how companies can shift their marketing tactics to focus more on providing value to their diverse customer base. Drawing on her wealth of experience, she shares how a customer-centric approach can enhance business performance and foster customer loyalty.

She has written Customers Know You Suck: Actionable CX Strategies to Better Understand, Attract, and Retain Customers

Get in contact with Debbie here

This episode is a call to action for all companies to embrace diversity, and a guide to doing it right. Tune in, you're sure to learn something new about the world of customer experience and diversity!

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Imagine growing up in a world where you're encouraged to assimilate, to downplay your heritage, and to hide your identity. This was the reality for our guest, Tricia Montalvo-Tim, a successful corporate attorney and board director who spent two decades battling the emotional toll of feeling like an outsider in her own community and workplace.

In her conversation with Lisa Mulligan, Tricia shares her journey, to balance motherhood, a demanding career, and her authentic self in a corporate environment that didn’t always understand her unique background.

We also explore the continuous pressure women of color face in proving their worth in their careers. Tricia's perspective as a board director offers valuable insights into the importance of diversity in these leadership roles.

She emphasizes the importance of authenticity as the path to success and believes that anyone who ever felt like an outsider could benefit from her experiences.  She has written the  book Embrace the Power of You: Owning Your Identity at Work to share her wisdome and experience.

Get in touch with Tricia here

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Welcome to 2024!

In this episode Lisa welcomes you to 2024 and shares:

• Her word for 2024
• Three books she read over the Christmas/New Year break
• What's coming up for The Culture Ministry and A Dog Called Diversity, and 
• Guests she is looking for, for A Dog Called Diversity, and 
• Sponsorship opportunities

Here's the link for the books Lisa discussed:

• 10x is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
• Phosphorescence Julia Baird
• Bright Shining: How grace changes everything. Julia Baird
• The In-Between Christos Tsiolkas

Enrol in 6 Weeks to Get Started in Diversity & Inclusion

Grab a copy of the 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Salary and Market Survey here

Interested in sponsoring the 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Salary and Market Survey?

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Experience the journey of Dr. Lucy Burns: a medical doctor, a mother, and a woman living with muscular dystrophy. Throughout the episode, Lucy offers unique insights into her life and career, along with her own personal discovery of living with a disability and ultimately using it to shape her professional path. The birth of her child also brought her impairment into focus, pushing her to innovate and use her skills to impact the digital education space.

The episode later moves on to an issue often ignored which is the lack of accessibility for individuals with disabilities in both business and public events. The conversation uncovers personal encounters of people with disabilities in spaces that are not fully accessible, the frustrations they endure, and the urgent need for change. By illuminating these everyday challenges, we aim to inspire a greater understanding and drive a shift in societal norms towards increased accessibility.

Finally, we delve into the complex world of weight gain and insulin resistance as Lucy opens up about her personal experiences and shares insights into the intricate relationship between hormones, brains, and diet culture. While at the same time, challenging the act of listening to our bodies and unpacking the guilt around food. 

Whether you're eager to explore the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities or are interested in understanding the complexities of weight loss strategies, this episode offers a wealth of invaluable insights. 

The Culture Ministry exists to create inclusive, accessible environments so that people and businesses can thrive.

Combining a big picture, balanced approach with real-world experience, we help organisations understand their diversity and inclusion shortcomings – and identify practical, measurable actions to move them forward.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured on Feedspot's 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts

Thanks for listening. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.