Community Business

In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we are thrilled to welcome Greg Morley, the former Global Head of Diversity at Moët Hennessy, a division of LVMH. With a wealth of experience in fostering inclusive environments across the Asia-Pacific region, Greg shares his insights on the significance of belonging in the workplace and how it can drive organizational success. Greg discusses his journey in diversity and inclusion, highlighting the importance of creating cultures where everyone feels valued and heard. He emphasizes that true inclusion starts with understanding the unique cultural contexts within which organizations operate and encourages leaders to engage with their teams to define what belonging means for them.

Key topics include:

·The inspiration behind Greg's book, Bond, which explores strategies for cultivating a culture of belonging.

·The critical role of leadership in driving diversity initiatives from the top down.

·How employee resource groups can effectively engage grassroots efforts while ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.

·The necessity of fostering common ground among diverse groups to build a more inclusive culture.

Join us for an enlightening conversation about the keys to creating thriving workplaces where everyone can succeed! Tune in now!

As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women we are thrilled to be joined by Priya Varadarajan, a dedicated advocate for gender justice and the founder of Durga. With over 23 years of experience in governmental affairs and civil society, Priya shares her insights on empowering women and girls to build agency and combat sexual violence in public spaces.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The inspiration behind Durga and its mission to prevent sexual harassment.

•The normalization of inappropriate behaviour and the need to shift societal narratives around women's safety.

•The importance of education and awareness in preventing violence against women, particularly focusing on sensitivity building among men.

•How Durga addresses intersectionality by working with the most vulnerable members of society.

•The role of corporate environments in safeguarding against violence and promoting awareness.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about advocacy, community engagement, and the essential steps needed to create safer public spaces for everyone!

Inclusion in American Politics | Up for Discussion with Brian Sims

On the eve of the US elections, we have an exciting episode discussing the ins and outs of US politics and its impact on diversity, equity and inclusion around the world. In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian Sims, a former Pennsylvania legislator and passionate civil rights attorney. Join us as Brian shares his journey from disability law to becoming a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, providing a unique perspective on the shifting landscape of inclusion across different political administrations.

As we approach the upcoming elections, Brian emphasizes the critical role that local politics play in shaping our everyday lives and the importance of civic engagement. We also discussed

• The evolution of LGBTQ+ rights under the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations.

• The significance of local elections in influencing civil rights.

• Insights on the future of affirmative action policies.

• The role of social movements in reshaping political conversations.

• The importance of active participation in democracy.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about advocacy, empowerment, and how each of us can contribute to a more equitable society!

Nearly 50% of Hong Kong can’t swim. Which is why programmes like Splash are needed in our community. In this episode of CB Up for Discussion, we're excited to welcome Simon Holliday, co-founder of the Splash programme, and Daisy Luscaw, a senior swim coach who has transitioned from participant to leader.

Splash is more than just a swimming initiative; it’s a transformative programme that empowers marginalized communities, particularly migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. Through swimming, participants not only gain essential life skills but also build confidence, social connections, and a sense of belonging.

Join us as Simon and Daisy share their personal journeys and the impact of Splash on mental well-being and social mobility. We’ll discuss:

The significance of swimming as a life skill and its implications for social mobility

The holistic benefits of physical activity on mental health

Inspiring success stories from participants who have found community and purpose through Splash

This episode is a celebration of resilience, connection, and the ripple effects that come from creating inclusive spaces. Tune in to discover how we can all contribute to a healthier, more supportive community!

As we approach World Mental Health Day this week, it's a perfect time to highlight the importance of visibility and support for LGBTQ+ youth. In particular, overcoming obstacles and maintaining positivity in the face of challenges. In our next episode of Up for Discussion, we are thrilled to welcome Abbie, the inspiring 15-year-old founder of the Rainbow Shoelace Project.

Abbie started this initiative to combat bullying and promote acceptance among young people. With over 280,000 packs of rainbow beads distributed globally, her project has become a symbol of pride and community for LGBTQ+ youth.

Join us as Abbie shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced in a small town, and how she turned her experiences into a powerful movement. We’ll discuss:

The significance of representation and visibility in schools

The impact of bullying on mental health

Abbie’s vision for a more inclusive future

This episode is not just about advocacy; it's about creating safe spaces where everyone can feel accepted and loved. Tune in to learn how we can all contribute to a brighter future for LGBTQ+ youth!

"LGBTQ+ individuals have significant health needs that we actually have not really looked into or not widely addressed in places like Hong Kong.”

In this episode of Up for Discussion, we are excited to welcome Professor Edmond Choi from the University of Hong Kong, a leading expert in mental and sexual health, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Join us as Professor Choi shares his journey into LGBTQ+ healthcare research and discusses the unique health challenges faced by this community in Hong Kong. We will explore critical topics, including:

- The current state of healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals in Hong Kong

- The importance of inclusive sexual health education

- The impact of societal stigma on mental health and healthcare utilisation

- Strategies for improving health outcomes through better policies and practices

Professor Choi emphasises the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare solutions that cater to the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how we can advocate for better health resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a more inclusive society for all.

Learn More: www.communitybusiness.org

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we invite you to join us for a heartfelt and important episode of Up for Discussion. We are honored to welcome Jess Hulton, Director and Founder of The New Normal (TNN) charity in Hong Kong, and Désirée Fong, Director of Equity and Inclusion on the TNN HK board.

In this episode, Jess and Désirée share their personal journeys that led them to establish TNN, a charity dedicated to challenging mental health stigma and providing peer support to those in need. With over 1,200 individuals benefiting from their services, TNN is making a significant impact in the community.

We will explore critical topics, including:

- The importance of peer support in mental health

- The cultural challenges surrounding mental health discussions in Hong Kong

- The alarming rise in suicide rates and the factors contributing to this crisis

- Practical strategies for preventing suicide and supporting those in distress

Jess and Désirée emphasise that suicide is one of the most preventable issues we face, and they share their insights on how open conversations and empathetic listening can save lives.

Tune in for this essential discussion as we shed light on mental health, the power of community, and the steps we can all take to support one another.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we encourage you to reach out for help. Your mental health matters, and you are not alone.

Resources:

Hong Kong: Caritas 24-hour Crisis Line 18288

Singapore: Institute of Mental Health 6389 2222

India: 1Life +91 78930 78930

Mainland China: Crisis 800–810–1117 (for landline callers) or 010–8295–1332 (for mobile and VoIP callers)

Philippines: National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline 1553

Japan: TELL Lifeline 0800-300-8355

Other resources: www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/

Financial Literacy for Kids | Up for Discussion with Will Rainey

Did you know that 86% of people say their financial situation has worsened their mental health? In our latest episode of Up for Discussion, we welcome Will Rainey, author of Grandpa's Fortune Fables and a passionate advocate for teaching kids about money. Will shares his journey from investment consultant to empowering parents to educate their children about financial management. We explore:

- The importance of financial literacy for kids

- Societal taboos surrounding money conversations

- Practical tips for fostering healthy money habits

- How financial education shapes career choices and wellbeing

Will emphasizes the power of financial knowledge:

"If children know how to manage their money when they're young, it empowers them to make so many different decisions when they're adults."

This episode is essential for parents, educators, and anyone interested in breaking the cycle of financial illiteracy. Join us for an insightful discussion on raising financially savvy kids and creating a more secure future!

This Olympics made history with 193 openly out athletes winning a total of 42 total medals, ranking 7th if they were a country. In this episode of Up for Discussion, we have Alan Lang, the co-chair of Gay Games. He led a team of 270 volunteers, successfully raised 3.4 million USD, and organised 18 sports events along with opening and closing ceremonies. A true feat of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. In this episode, we discussed:

- Unique challenges LGBTQ+ athletes face in professional sports

- Transphobia in sports and how to educate people about this topic

- The recent controversy surrounding boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting

- How to create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes

Learn More: www.communitybusiness.org

How can we create impactful change in the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)?

In this episode of Up for Discussion, we welcome Jeiz Robles, Director of DE&I at Community Business and one of Involve's Top 20 Global LGBTQ+ Future Leaders. Jeiz, a Filipina, bisexual, neurodivergent woman, shares her journey from the corporate world to leading DE&I initiatives in Asia. We explore:

- The evolution of DE&I practices

- Pandemic's impact on employee wellbeing

- Emerging trends in workplace inclusion

- Importance of community building

- Supporting diverse identities in organizations

Jeiz offers a fresh perspective on measuring DE&I success:

"The real measure is when people can freely talk about their experiences, ideas, and themselves without second-guessing."

This episode is essential for anyone seeking to understand DE&I's critical role in creating equitable workplaces. Join us for an insightful discussion on fostering inclusivity in the modern workplace.