A Dog Called Diversity

Ever wondered why some colleagues approach work so differently from you? It's not just personality—it might be neurodiversity at play.

Jenny Turner, founder of Human Fabric, takes us on a fascinating journey into how different brain types function in the workplace. With approximately 20% of the population being neurodivergent (including conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia), understanding these differences isn't just an inclusion issue, it's a business advantage.

Jenny shares compelling reasons why organisations should embrace neurodiversity: the exceptional talents neurodivergent individuals often bring, the superior performance of cognitively diverse teams, and the enhanced leadership skills developed when managing diverse thinking styles. She reveals how the pandemic created an unexpected testing ground, with many neurodivergent people discovering they could thrive when freed from sensory-overloaded office environments.

Drawing from her personal experience with ADHD, Jenny provides  us with insights into both the struggles (like rejection sensitivity and difficulty starting certain tasks) and strengths (hyper-focus and innovative thinking) that come with neurodivergence. 

Her practical advice for organisations ranges from awareness training to simple accommodation processes that are typically low-cost but high-impact.

The conversation culminates in a profound realisation: we all process information differently, and when we adapt our work practices to accommodate these differences—like separating information-sharing from decision-making—everyone benefits. As AI increasingly handles systematic tasks, uniquely human capabilities like empathy and innovative thinking become more valuable than ever.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, manage diverse teams, or simply want to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode offers valuable information on how to harness the full spectrum of human potential.

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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In this episode, we sat down with Iain Schmidt, executive coach, speaker and facilitator who shared his transformative journey to redefine male allyship and inclusion. Iain opened up about his motivations, his desire to be a better role model for his children, and the societal stereotypes he aims to challenge for a more inclusive future.

Iain also went on to explain the complex emotions tied to male privilege, from being applauded for chores to the various stages of denial and anger men often experience. He introduces the grief model as a powerful tool for men to understand and process their privileges and biases. We also touch on systemic issues that allow toxic leaders to thrive and the lack of inspirational male role models, highlighting Iain's belief that true change requires a shift from mere behavioral guidelines to deep, genuine mindset changes.

Iain then shares insights from his own experiences, emphasizing the importance of continuous self-improvement and self-reflection. From challenging the low standards men often set for themselves to advocating for a mindset of abundance over scarcity, Iain’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone committed to fostering gender equality. Tune in to hear this compelling story and actionable steps towards the fight for a more equitable world.

Iain's website links:
https://transformbylearning.com/about-us/
https://blokecoaching.com/
https://foralexandsam.com/

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 Feedspo...

Join the ranks of visionary leaders and cultural champions in our latest episode, as we sit down with John Lombard, CEO of NTT Data. With a tapestry of international experiences enriching our discussion, John unveils the nuances of inclusive leadership that he's masterfully woven through a career spanning continents. From the art of communication across cultural chasms to the personal touches that define his life, including an enduring love for the Collingwood football club, this conversation is a masterclass in empathy, strategy, and the power of patience in the corporate world.

Our dialogue takes a meaningful turn as we confront the disparity in STEM representation, focusing on actionable strategies to empower women and girls in technology. John and I explore how tech giants can foster a culture of diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities that resonate with the ambitions of young female innovators. We also discuss the pivotal role of local leadership and cultural intelligence in steering multinational companies to success, all while highlighting the importance of well-being through sports and passion projects that round out the contours of a fulfilled life.

The episode culminates with an inspiring look at ArtDIS Singapore, a beacon of hope and creativity for individuals with disabilities. Reflecting on six transformative years on the board, we celebrate the triumphs and challenges of advocating for inclusion in Southeast Asia. Our conversation is a reminder of the arts' capacity to kindle joy, build communities, and challenge preconceptions. As we anticipate the future of AI and its potential for inclusivity, we reaffirm our commitment to a tech landscape where innovation and empathy coalesce to shape a more equitable 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 Feedspo...

Bike widowhood—a club I never expected to join, yet here I am, swapping stories with Sally Fenner, an author whose life reads like an adventure novel. My husband's obsession with mountain biking led us to Sally and her equally bike-mad husband, Mark, but that's just the starting point. Sally takes us on a narrative journey from the rugged trails of mountain biking from Canada to Mexico off-road to an enchanting carp fishing lake in the French countryside, painting a vivid picture of an unorthodox honeymoon and a life that embraces the unexpected. 

Sally's tale is one of transformation, from the bustling life in Sydney to the pastoral calm of France, where fish farming has become the family business. Our conversation weaves through the challenges and triumphs of rural entrepreneurship, the parallels between nurturing massive carp and majestic horses, and the quirky little details that make life so rich. It's an episode brimming with laughter, authenticity, and the kind of storytelling that might just reel you in, hook, line, and sinker.

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 Feedspo...

Discover the unexpected power of keeping your day job with side hustle guru Dannie Lyn Fountain, as she unveils her journey and the critical importance of income diversification. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the synergies between ADHD, autism, and side hustling—a discussion that promises to enlighten and inspire. With Dannie's latest book, "Keep Your Day Job," she shares not just her own trials, including being fired for her entrepreneurial endeavors, but also hands-on strategies for balancing corporate life with your passions on the side. Her wisdom, akin to that of a side hustle cult leader, is both guiding and galvanizing, offering a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of juggling multiple pursuits.

Then, we peel back the layers on how ADHD and autism intersect in professional settings, discussing the strengths these conditions can contribute to our side hustles. I open up about my own path through ADHD and the eye-opening realization of being autistic, revealing how these characteristics can be harnessed for success rather than seen as obstacles. The conversation also covers the nuances of executive functioning and why workplace accommodations are critical, underscoring a potent synergy between ADHD hyperfocus and autistic special interests that can transform a side hustle into something extraordinary.

Closing out the episode, we celebrate the recognition of my article in a Harvard Business Review publication and confront the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. We address the troubling trend of companies sliding away from their DEI promises and stress the need for ongoing, authentic efforts to foster true cultural change. As the "original side hustle gal," Danny leaves us with a resonant message: to support the vast array of professional and personal choices we face and to come together for an annual progress share—a call to celebrate our diverse journeys in work, life, and everything in between.

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 Feedspo...

Have you ever found yourself caught in a cycle that seemed impossible to break free from? Emma Gilmour, the driving force behind Hope Rising Coaching, certainly did. Both her candid revelations about navigating the alcohol culture, her journey through neurodiversity, and the empowerment found in confronting societal standards will resonate with many. We cover her past, along with the challenges of being autistic and ADHD, and how it led to a transformation that is nothing short of inspiring.

Rethinking our relationship with alcohol isn't just about cutting back; it's about understanding the deep-seated beliefs and marketing ploys that have shaped our perceptions. This discussion helps to reveal the alcohol industry's allure, examining the empty promises of relaxation and the deflective 'drink responsibly' rhetoric. We expose the ways women have been uniquely targeted and how this has affected our collective consciousness. This episode is a call to question the narratives we've been sold and to recognize the power of education and self-awareness in rewriting our stories.

Later in the episode, Emma introduces us to the Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment, offering hope and practical support for those reassessing their drinking habits. Her insight into the value of diverse thinking paves the way for societal change, and we share how to reach her for anyone drawn to her message. This episode isn't just a podcast; it's a journey towards understanding and change, with Emma Gilmore as our guide.

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 Feedspo...

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.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedspo...

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 Feedspo...

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 Feedspo...

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 Feedspo...