Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox

Join Jackie in an enlightening conversation with Nina Simons, Co-founder and Chief Relationship Officer of Bioneers, as they explore the profound intersection of nature and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Discover how Nina's transformative experience in a biodiversity garden led her to establish Bioneers and become a renowned social entrepreneur, speaker, and author. Gain insights into the vital role of embracing diversity in both the natural world and human social systems, and learn how the resilience of diverse ecosystems can inspire inclusive and thriving communities. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a trailblazer who has dedicated her life to promoting nature-inspired innovations for a better future.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

In this episode, Jackie Ferguson interviews Kai Weidie, the first Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Dentsu Media US. They discuss Dentsu's four pillars for guiding DEI work and the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership. Kai emphasizes the value of micro-actions in creating change, inspiring leaders to commit to diverse talent growth, and the critical role of C-suite buy-in. Tune in for valuable insights on advancing DEI efforts in the workplace.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

In this episode, host Jackie Ferguson is joined by Laura Sanderson, the head of Russell Reynolds Associates operations in the UK, with over 20 years of experience recruiting executives for board positions in the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 private, as well as mutual and family-owned firms based in London. As an expert in executive search, Laura shares her insights on the importance of building diverse and inclusive boards and how they can shape companies' futures through critical appointments. She discusses the drawbacks of appointing people who are too similar and the benefits of diverse perspectives in decision-making. Laura also emphasizes the need for ongoing personal development in leadership and the role of independent director roles as a stepping stone in an executive career. 

Tune in to this episode to learn more about the best practices for building diverse and inclusive boards and how they can positively impact organizations in the long run.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

In this special 100th episode of Diversity Beyond the Checkbox, host Jackie Ferguson is on the other side of the questions! Joined by critically-acclaimed author and guest host, Dr. Bob Batchelor, they reflect on the podcast's journey, discuss the importance of storytelling, and share their hopes for the future. Get a glimpse into Jackie's personality and hear about her favorite things, greatest accomplishments, and what's next for the podcast. Plus, Jackie receives a surprise video message from her loved ones congratulating her on the podcast's success and recent honor as one of Inc. Magazine's 200 Female Founders who are changing the world.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

In this episode, Dr. Meisha-ann Martin, Senior Director of People Analytics and Research at Workhuman, and host Jackie Ferguson, both graduates from the University of South Florida, explore the negative impact of microaggressions on employee engagement, productivity, and innovation. Microaggressions result from unconscious biases and can create a toxic work environment for underrepresented groups. Dr. Martin discusses how creating an inclusive and equitable work environment is critical to ensuring employee happiness, boosting productivity, and increasing profitability.

As a leading provider of employee recognition software, Workhuman helps organizations measure the impact of their recognition programs and connect recognition efforts to other strategic HR imperatives and businesses' bottom lines. In addition, Dr. Martin provides valuable insights into how recognition programs foster a culture of inclusivity and equity, highlighting the importance of taking a proactive approach to understanding and addressing microaggressions in the workplace. By listening to this episode, leaders and managers can gain valuable strategies and insights to create a more positive, productive, and inclusive work environment for all employees, including those from historically marginalized communities.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

Join Jim Morris, a Senior Strategist, and Inclusionist, on his journey of discovering his social identity as a cis-hetero White man and how it informs his work in inclusion. Jim discusses transformative moments in his life, including a conversation with Bernice Johnson Reagon, a founder of the women's singing group "Sweet Honey in the Rock," and an early childhood experience of witnessing a cross burning on his grandfather's property.

This episode sheds light on the essential role of empathy and action in achieving a world that works for everyone through exploring the power of inclusion and recognizing our social identities. Jim, a leading expert in the field, shares insights on DEI work and the essential qualities of grace and patience required to succeed.

Whether you are an educator, parent, corporate leader, or DEI professional, tune in for practical guidance on approaching and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This episode offers valuable tips on making diversity and inclusion stick in your organizations and communities.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

Join us as we sit down with Ruth Rathblott, an award-winning CEO, TEDx and inspirational speaker, and limb difference advocate, to discuss her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and embracing her uniqueness. Ruth shares how she learned to unhide and live authentically after hiding her missing left hand for 25 years. As a passionate advocate for creating inclusion for all, Ruth speaks on the gifts of being unique and the power of leveraging your individuality. In this episode, we explore the importance of including disability in the diversity conversation, the assumptions people make about abilities without asking, and the power of unhiding to create connections. If you feel the need to hide—and unhide—something, this episode is for you.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

Join Integrative Wellness Program Designer and Business Profit Growth Strategist, Dr. Fanike-Kiara Young, as she shares her expertise in mental health, trauma, and self-care. With a focus on personal development, mindset, and emotional intelligence, Dr. Fanike helps individuals navigate workplace wellness and business strategy, empowering them to achieve greater self-confidence and enhanced leadership. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation on designing effective wellness systems for yourself, your business, and your world.

Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence.

In this special episode to honor the end of Black History Month, Pastor Tony Lowden shares his incredible journey from growing up in a "trap house" in North Philadelphia to becoming President Jimmy Carter’s pastor. As the Vice President of Reintegration and Community Engagement at ViaPath Technologies and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, rehabilitation and reentry programs, Tony is committed to helping people nationwide rebuild their lives after being released and highlights the importance of taking action to help others.

In this episode, Tony shares his vision for building infrastructure to support communities in need, stories about his relationship with our nation’s oldest living president and the legacy he is leaving through his testimony and his work, impacting countless underserved individuals and communities across the United States.

We're looking forward to season eight starting soon, but we can't forget to listen back to these awesome lessons from season seven of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox! In this episode, you'll hear pieces of conversations from our episodes with...

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Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement, hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson, and is a production of Earfluence.