There are many paths to working in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and we love Bernadette Smiths.

Before "bringing good vibes to DEI" she was  a wedding planner for same-sex marriages. She has always been out there working on inclusion.

Today, Bernadette is the CEO of the Equality Institute where she takes a holistic approach to create meaningful DEI work.  In her book "Inclusive 360," Bernadette arms us with strategies to foster an environment where everyone feels valued.

If you're keen on creating change, creating inclusive cultures, and celebrate every small win along the way, this episode is for you.

Want to work with Bernadette? Get in touch here. 

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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.

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Brigid Trenerry, a savvy researcher dedicated to the rich tapestry of workplace diversity and anti-racism is our guest in this episode of A Dog Called Diversity

From Melbourne to Singapore to the USA  Brigid shares her  journey shaped by Aboriginal teachings and a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion. Her stories of tackling racial identity and spearheading transformative reconciliation programs will resonate with anyone in the pursuit of systemic equality.

 Brigid discusses the essential role of leadership and the collective action that ushers in genuine diversity and inclusion policies. The conversation highlightz the tangible strides organizations have made, to change looks like in the real world.

We hope you enjoy this episdoe!

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

We love having leaders in Diversity & Inclusion on the podcast.

Katrina North is someone we have admired for a long time at The Culture Ministry. 

This episode peels back the layers of Katrina's story, revealing how her varied background led her to become a pivotal figure in creating inclusive work environments. She shares how the impact of mentors and a diversity of experiences can be harnessed to champion change.

You will love hearing from Katrina!

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

Gene Stowe  joins us on A Dog Called Diversity to share his  journey with religion, writing, film making and community that includes a path through racial unity and justice. As the son of a Presbyterian preacher, Gene's narrative weaves through his experiences as a Catholic, a Muslim, and his current unaffiliated stance, offering a rare perspective on humanity as one's true community.

Gene brings to light a heartwarming saga of a small village, anchored in racial love and justice, that's remained his focus for over thirty years. This narrative defies the stereotypes and paints a history rich in acceptance and harmony. The story, powerful enough to inspire both a book and a documentary, is relayed with the warmth and wisdom that only a seasoned reporter like Gene can provide.

Gene has a continued dedication to uncovering the multifaceted history of Marvin, North Carolina. His humorous anecdotes about family life, interspersed with reflections on the village's evolution from a historical standpoint, remind us that change and growth can indeed lead to a more inclusive and just society.

Check out the trailer of Inherit the Land and Gene's book Inherit the Land here.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

Have you ever been in a situation where you hesitated to applaud your own achievements, held back by an invisible societal leash?

Join us as we sit down with Ravi Agarwal, (one of our favourite people here at The Culture Ministry). He is an agile culture transformation consultant, who passionately advocates for change in workplace culture and champions gender equality.

Drawing insights from the #IAmRemarkable program, Ravi sheds light on the often-unrecognized challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries and the crucial role allies like himself play in initiating a progressive shift.

Listen in to engage in a thought-provoking conversation about male allyship, individual behaviors, and empathy as key components of culture change. Ravi shares practical tools to overcome biases and cultivate a more empathetic perspective and addresses the hurdles women face when advocating for themselves.

Did you know that Ravi is a huge Taylor Swift fan? He loves exploring the profound impact of Taylor Swift's lyrics and the clever satire woven into the Barbie movie. 

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

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.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

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.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

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.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

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. 

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...

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.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

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

Sign up to our newsletter.

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 in Feedsp...