Ever wondered why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is crucial for an organization's growth and development? Well, we've got the right person to discuss it. 

Meet Maria Morukian - a DEI consultant from Washington D.C. Maria's bicultural and multilingual upbringing, coupled with her family's experience as refugees, fueled her fascination with diverse cultural value systems. Throughout the episode, she unravels her journey to DEI work and shares the evolution of the DEI landscape over the past nine years, and beyond.

Maria talks about:

• The challenges leaders often encounter while making changes to their behaviours
• The performative approach to DEI, and its hindrances
• How altering power dynamics can provide more opportunities for those who have experienced harm
• How intergroup dialogue, storytelling, and perspective-taking can be instrumental in creating a harmonious community. 

Maria touches upon the emotional labor and the lack of mental downtime in this work, the complexities of DEI and social justice work, as well as the critical role of future DEI practitioners. 

Maria also enlightens us on the power of emotional intelligence learned from the most unexpected sources - our children - in creating an understanding community in our multicultural society. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in understanding DEI and its impact on our current social fabric.

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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For this very special 100th episode, Lisa Mulligan dives deep into the story behind her podcast 'A Dog Called Diversity' by speaking on things like how it started and how it's all going, along with touching on episodes that have been most special to her, while also answering her most asked question on how she goes about finding her guests for the show.

Podcasts like 'A Dog Called Diversity' are more than just an entertaining listen, they are platforms that give a voice to those who may not always have the opportunity to be heard. And as Lisa's story shows, it takes an incredible amount of dedication, passion, and hard work to bring such a podcast to life.

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...

Our guest this episode, Cathy Burke, is a seasoned leader, gaining much of her experience at The Hunger Project, a organisation that helps communities realize their own vision of a future free from hunger and poverty.

In conversation with Lisa Mulligan, Cathy gives us a glimpse into the lives of resilient women she encountered in villages worldwide, who left an indelible mark on her life and leadership vision.

As the discussion deepens Cathy shares on living and leading differently in our personal spaces, organizations, and the world at large. She shares the challenges posed by antiquated mindsets, and the necessity to embrace a new perspective to proactively tackle issues of the magnitude of climate change.

She stresses the need for extending grace towards ourselves and others amidst testing times, and you'll certainly sense her unmistakable passion for women in leadership roles, and why they don't need to be fixed to lead.

Lastly, Cathy enlightens us on how confronting reality can instill resilience, even in the face of adversity. She provides valuable insights on managing a successful business and maintaining optimism despite hurdles. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who aspires to be a better leader and effect a significant change in the world.

Here is Cathy's free Leaders Mindset diagnostic - to do individually and also use with teams. 

Cathy's book Lead In: Mindsets to Lead, Live and Work Differently can be found here and this coupon lead-in gives your listeners a 20% discount

Cathy publishes a weekly newsletter on leadership insights. Subscribe via www.cathyburke.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 Feedsp...

Get ready to be inspired by Curvy Sam, founder and community manager of Curvy AU, a flourishing online Facebook community for plus size people. With over 17,000 members and a variety of body-positive events, Curvy AU supports self-acceptance and access to well fitting fashion.

In this episode, Lisa and Sam talk about:

• Personal shopping experiences, unmasking the harsh truth about the lack of suitable clothing options for plus size people. 
• The inadequacies in size inclusivity at major department stores and fashion chains
• The need for realistic representation and visibility of people of size, in fashion marketing
• The less glamorous side of being a public plus-size figure, opening up about the toll online criticism can take on mental health. 
• Sam's collaborations with brands to push for more inclusivity, and
• Starting her own brand, At Home with Hilda to provide size inclusive robes.

This candid conversation illuminates the importance of different body types and sizes being represented in fashion, the changes that have been made in recent years, and the work that still needs to happen.

Join Curvy AU on Facebook
Follow CurvyAU on Instagram
Follow Curvy Sam on TikTok
Follow Curvy Sam on Instragram

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 considered the unique perspectives and strengths that neurodivergent people bring to the table?

In this episode, Callum McKirdy shares his personal experiences with dyslexia and ADHD, shedding light on the challenges he faces and the unique contributions neurodivergent individuals can bring to organizations.

Through his entrepreneurial journey, Callum emphasizes the importance of acceptance, finding creative ways to navigate daily tasks, and valuing the unique strengths of neurodivergent people.

Callum and Lisa explore the significance of diversity in the workplace, specifically neurodiversity, and discuss how leaders can create an environment where everyone can thrive by tapping into the unique strengths and perspectives of their team members.

Check out Callum's podcast You, Me & ADHD

Get in contact with Callum 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...

Belinda O’Connor has achromatopsia, an eyesight condition which affects her ability to see colours and have clear vision. Growing up she faced challenges accessing education and the workplace as a person with a disability, and she never thought she would be able to drive.

When Belinda discovered bioptic driving, a method for people with low vision to drive, a whole new world opened up for her. Through research and consultations with experts in Australia, she went through a series of assessments, driving lessons, and tests to obtain her license, and has been driving now for seven years.

Belinda and Lisa discussed Belinda's experience with using a bioptic device for driving and the importance of exploring options for people with different types of vision impairments to be able to drive safely.

Belinda is now known for her advocacy work for the formalization of bioptic driving in Australia, including the supply and demand side of the ecosystem, the role of various professionals, and the 2016 review of the Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines.

As we go to air, Belinda is on an overseas trip to investigate success factors and barriers for low vision and bioptic driving in Canada, USA, and the Netherlands, and to understand the unique circumstances of each jurisdiction.

As part of her Churchill Fellowship she will bring this knowledge back to Australia to improve and normalise low vision and biotic driving.

Want to know more? Join the  Bioptic Drivers Australia Facebook group

Check out this blog on bioptic driving

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...

Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with the immensely talented Michelle Rogers. This creative powerhouse, hailing from Gippsland, Victoria, has not let her chronic illness and disability stifle her passion for fashion.

As a successful model and photographer, Michelle is shattering stereotypes, advocating for diversity, and pushing for the inclusion of more body sizes, ages, and disabilities in the fashion industry.

Check out her instagram page.

Join us as we:

• Delve into Michelle's daily battles with complex chronic illness. 
• Learn about the monumental effort it takes her to perform tasks many of us take for granted, and 
• How she manages the unpredictability of her condition. 

Michelle's tenacity is evident as she discusses the logistics of preparing for major events, like fashion shows, all while dealing with everyday life challenges. 

We wrap up our conversation with a thorough discussion on the significance of understanding both visible and invisible disabilities. 

Learn from Michelle's personal experience of the emotional toll of having to prove a disability and the importance of shifting policies from requiring proof to understanding individual needs. 

This episode serves as a testament to Michelle's resilience and a call to action for increased inclusivity and representation. Tune in as her story unfolds.

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...

Charlotte Faul comes to disability inclusion work from her own experiences with chronic pain. 

In this episode Charlotte and Lisa discuss the challenges of creating an inclusive workplace for people with disabilities, particularly those with invisible disabilities like Charlotte's. 

Listen in to learn about ways to improve disability inclusion in the workplace including:

·      The importance of flexible working arrangements and inclusive leadership

·      Prioritising individual needs rather than creating a catalogue of accommodations.

·      Starting with education and normalizing conversations about disability

·      Collecting self-Identification data, and 

·      Focusing on inclusive leadership coaching.

Get in touch with Charlotte at Purple Consulting Group.

The woman we spoke about during this episode is Stella Young.

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...

Juliet Short is an Auckland based lawyer ,and mother of two girls. 

Her eldest daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three, which is very young. Most children are diagnosed between ages seven and eleven.

In conversation with Lisa Mulligan, Juliet discussed:

• Her daughter's experience with type 1 diabetes
• The challenges of managing insulin and blood sugars in such a young child
• The importance of technology and education in making it easier to manage type 1 diabetes, and
• The need for inclusivity and understanding from others in caring for those with invisible disabilities. 

Juliet talked about some books by Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor. You can find more information about Sonia and her books here.

Useful links
Diabetes New Zealand
Beyond Type 1
For anyone who might be interested in running the Auckland Marathon to raise funds for the Starship Foundation - Starship - Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon 2023 

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...

What's more important in Diversity & Inclusion work? Is it strategy? Or execution?

This episode is the recording of a live Zoom debate on 15 June 2023,with 4 amazing Diversity & Inclusion leaders , a live audience and moderated by Lisa Mulligan, from The Culture Ministry.

The Diversity & Inclusion leaders are:

• Florence Sai Wing Chan
• Chris Chen
• Emery Fung
• Tina Arcilla

What was the outcome? Listen in and learn :)

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...