Inclusive Advantage

About The Guest:
Ryan Rigterink is an experienced leadership consultant, speaker, and author with over 24 years of leadership experience across four industries. He is the founder of Leaders Ops, a consulting company dedicated to helping business leaders create productive workplace cultures that drive growth and retain top talent.

In addition, Ryan is the founder of Workgaze, a software platform focused on building inspiring and innovative work environments. Through corporate events, executive retreats, workshops, and consulting programs, he shares proven strategies to enhance workplace productivity and employee engagement.

Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of the Inclusive Advantage Podcast, host Brenda Denbesten with Ryan Rigterink, a leading expert in purpose-driven leadership and workplace culture. Ryan shares his journey from the family business to becoming a thought leader in creating thriving work environments. 

Listeners will gain insights into the concept of Shared Purpose Economics, which emphasizes the mutual value created for both individuals and organizations. Ryan discusses the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, highlighting how self-awareness and genuine connections can enhance team dynamics.

Throughout the conversation, Ryan provides practical strategies for leaders to foster inclusive workplaces, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and engagement in driving innovation. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to cultivate a more meaningful and supportive work culture.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will inspire you to lead with purpose and empower your teams to thrive!

Key Topics Covered:

• Ryan's Journey to Leadership
• Shared Purpose Economics
• Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• Creating Thriving Workplaces
• The Role of Curiosity
• Practical Leadership Tips
• Building Authentic Connections
• Engagement and Inclusion

You can receive a free attrition/employee turnover cost calculator and tracker by joining the wait list at www.workgaze.com

Connect with Ryan Rigterink  on LinkedIn.

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About The Guest:
Cathy Derksen is a catalyst for change, dedicated to empowering midlife women to rediscover their brilliance and step into new possibilities. As the founder of Inspired Tenacity Global Solutions Inc., she provides women with the tools, confidence, and support they need to navigate major life transitions and create success on their own terms. After spending over a decade in the finance industry, Cathy made a bold career shift to focus entirely on inspiring and uplifting women worldwide.  

A 13-time Amazon #1 bestselling author, international speaker, and mentor, Cathy has built a platform that amplifies women’s voices through books, TV, and podcasts. She simplifies the publishing process, guiding women from concept to bestselling author in an exciting and seamless journey. Her work extends into STEM, leadership, and business, where she encourages women to challenge barriers, embrace innovation, and make a lasting impact.

Cathy lives near Vancouver, Canada, with her two children and two beloved fur babies. She finds joy in spending time in nature, traveling, and building meaningful connections with people around the world. Through her work, she continues to inspire women to dream big, take courageous leaps, and create a future filled with success and fulfillment.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Inclusive Advantage Podcast, host Brenda Denbesten welcomes Cathy Derksen, founder of Inspired Tenacity Global Solutions Inc. Cathy shares her inspiring journey from a decade-long career in finance to empowering midlife women to embrace new possibilities and achieve success on their own terms.

As a 10x bestselling author and international speaker, Cathy highlights the power of courage, community, and storytelling in navigating life’s transitions. She introduces her innovative platform that helps women share their stories through books, TV, and podcasts, and explains her all-in-one program designed to guide aspiring authors from concept to published bestseller.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, looking to support others in their journey, or ready to take bold steps toward their dreams. Tune in and become part of a global movement of empowered women!

Key Topics Covered:

• Empowerment of Midlife Women
• Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
• Courage in Life Changes
• Storytelling and Authorship
• Community and Connection
• All-in-One Author Program
• Personal Interests

Connect with Cathy Derksen  on LinkedIn.

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About The Guest:
Dr. Morley Muse, a Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer, is a trailblazer in STEM advocacy, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Co-founder of iSTEM Co., she champions women's employment in STEM, with initiatives like DEIR, a bias-free recruitment platform that won the Lift Women Social Impact Award. Her expertise spans PFAS mitigation, energy transition, renewable hydrogen, and waste-to-energy solutions. As a board director of Women in STEMM Australia and a co-chair of Science & Technology Australia's EDI Committee, she actively promotes diversity and inclusion. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2022 Women’s Agenda STEM Award, Dr. Muse continues to mentor and inspire future leaders in STEM.

Episode Summary:
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Inclusive Advantage Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the fascinating intersection of mathematics, economics, and gender equality. Join our guest, Dr. Morley Muse as she explores how numbers tell powerful stories and reveal the staggering economic impact of gender inequality on society.

We kick off the conversation by discussing the importance of mathematics as a storytelling tool, emphasizing that numbers do not lie and can illuminate the challenges we face in achieving equality. Our guest share insights from the federal government's gender equality task force, highlighting the eye-opening statistic that gender inequality costs Australia a staggering $128 billion. Imagine the positive changes that could be made with that money!

As we navigate through the episode, we encourage listeners to reflect on their own impact, no matter how small. We discuss the importance of self-introspection and how each of us can contribute to a more equitable society.

Whether you're a math enthusiast, an advocate for social change, or simply curious about the world around you, this episode is packed with engaging discussions and actionable insights that will inspire you to think critically and take action.

Key Topics Covered:

• The storytelling power of mathematics
• The economic implications of gender inequality
• Personal responsibility and making an impact
• Self-reflection as a tool for change

Connect with Dr. Morley Muse on LinkedIn.

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Guest: Kabri is a distinguished leader in construction program management, recognized for her expertise in technical risk assessment, effective communication, and fostering values-driven team environments. With experience managing projects ranging from $100M to $1B, particularly in aviation and higher education, she is celebrated for her strategic coordination of construction phasing and her ability to cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with clients and trade partners.

Her accolades include ENR's 2023 Top 20 Under 40, AGC of Washington's Rising Star award, and Construction Business Owner's Outstanding Women in Construction. A skilled speaker and writer, Kabri advocates for workforce health, field management training, and team development.

Grounded in her superintendent background, she emphasizes trust, safety, and quality in her projects, while balancing production with stakeholder expectations. Her leadership style prioritizes psychological safety, transparency, and leveraging field insights to shape team culture and improve design processes.

Summary: This podcast is focused on the importance of psychological safety in the construction industry, particularly at job sites. The speakers discussed how creating an inclusive environment can enhance collaboration and support among team members. They emphasized that psychological safety should align with operational and business goals, allowing individuals to feel secure while also achieving project objectives. The conversation highlighted the need for leaders to change their expectations and language regarding behavior, fostering a culture where microaggressions can be addressed openly. The speakers also shared insights on the value of diversity in the industry, particularly the positive impact of women entering traditionally male-dominated fields. Overall, the discussion aimed to inspire organizations to adopt practices that promote inclusivity and retain talent within the construction sector.

KeyPoint :

Psychological Safety in Construction:

• Essential for fostering collaboration and support at job sites.
• Promotes a secure environment where team members can speak openly without fear of negative consequences.

Alignment with Business Goals:

• Psychological safety should complement operational and business objectives, ensuring both individual well-being and project success.

Leadership Responsibility:

• Leaders must shift their expectations and language to create an inclusive workplace.
• Openly addressing microaggressions is vital to maintaining a respectful culture.

Diversity’s Value:

• Emphasized the positive effects of women entering traditionally male-dominated roles in construction.
• A diverse workforce contributes to innovation and a broader range of perspectives.

Retention and Inclusivity:

• Practices that promote psychological safety and inclusivity are critical for retaining talent in the construction sector.

Highlights:

• Psychological safety boosts team morale, productivity, and collaboration.
• Inclusive language and behavior are pivotal in setting a positive example.
• Microaggressions, when unaddressed, can hinder a safe and supportive workplace.
• The entry of women into the construction industry enriches the culture and expands opportunities for innovation.

Resource mentioned:

• Training Programs: Recommendations for leadership training focused on inclusivity and psychological safety.
• Organizations or Groups: Names of groups or associations advocating for diversity and inclusivity in construction, particularly for women.
• Books or Articles: Titles addressing leadership practices, psychological safety, and diversity in traditionally male-domin

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Guest: Christine Wan is a dynamic keynote speaker, educator, business and mindset coach, author, and poet with a career spanning over two decades. She is the Founder and Operational Director of C3 Childcare Group and C3 Education Group, which provide holistic, creativity-driven education for children from birth to Year 12. Her award-winning approach emphasizes a nurturing, family-centered environment that combines academic rigor with empathetic care, celebrating diversity and promoting self-expression. Her philosophy, "A single conversation creates golden threads of opportunities," reflects her belief in the transformative power of communication and mentorship.

Summary: This podcast featured a discussion on the challenges faced by women, particularly women of color, in male-dominated industries, with a focus on the experiences of Christine Wan, a business mindset coach. Christine shared her journey in corporate finance, emphasizing the difficulties of navigating a predominantly male environment. She highlighted the importance of mentorship, psychological safety, and flexible work arrangements in fostering inclusivity. Christine urged organizations to accelerate their diversity initiatives and create supportive environments for women, advocating for quicker implementation of policies that promote equality. The conversation underscored the need for assertiveness in career advancement and the significance of building networks for support.

Key points:

Challenges in Male-Dominated Industries: Addressed unique obstacles women, especially women of color, face in industries traditionally dominated by men.

Mentorship: Stressed the need for mentorship as a critical tool for women to navigate challenges, gain guidance, and develop confidence in their careers.

Psychological Safety: Emphasized the importance of creating a workplace culture where women feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and seek feedback without fear of repercussions.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Highlighted how flexibility can support work-life balance, helping retain and empower women in these environments.

Highlights:

Christine Wan’s Journey: Insights into Christine’s personal experiences navigating corporate finance, overcoming biases, and her strategies for resilience.

Impact of Mentorship and Psychological Safety: Real-life examples of how mentors and a psychologically safe environment have been crucial for women in their careers.

Practical Inclusivity Measures: Mention of specific policies like flexible work hours, family-friendly policies, and mentorship programs to create a more equitable workplace.

Resource mentioned:

Mentorship Programs:

• Organizations with structured mentorship programs (e.g., Lean In Circles, Women’s Business Network).

Books on Diversity and Inclusion:

• Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
• How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
• Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez

Organizations and Networks:

• Women of Color in Tech and Business
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

Connect with Christine Wan: 

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

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Guest:  Heimy Molina, known as "Womengineer," is a dynamic professional in the engineering field with multiple roles and a commitment to empowering the next generation of engineers. Currently a Site Engineer at Gamuda, Heimy is deeply involved in shaping her industry as the Founder of Build Your Brand (BYB) and the Deputy Chair of Young Engineers Australia (YEA). She also works as a Casual Academic at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), imparting her knowledge to aspiring engineers, and co-authored the insightful book Secrets of The Construction Industry (SOTCI), offering valuable perspectives on navigating the industry. 

Summary: This podcast has featured a discussion with Jaime Molina, a site engineer originally from the Philippines, who shared her experiences in the construction industry, which she described as aggressive and male-dominated. Jaime emphasized the importance of resilience, communication, and learning from failures as key components for success in her field. She introduced her ABCs of onboarding: Ask questions, be teachable, and have Courage, highlighting that courage involves acting despite fear. The conversation also touched on the challenges women face in STEM, particularly in construction, and the need for supportive environments to retain female talent. Jaime is actively involved in initiatives to encourage young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in engineering and construction, including speaking at schools and forming support groups for international students.

Key points: 

•  Jaime described the construction industry as aggressive, and male dominated.
• Emphasized resilience and strong communication skills as vital for success.
• Stressed the importance of learning from failures and remaining adaptable.
• Discussed the unique challenges women face in STEM, particularly in the construction field.
• Highlighted the importance of creating supportive environments to retain female talent in these industries.
• Jaime is active in initiatives to encourage young people, especially girls, to consider careers in engineering and construction. 
• She speaks at schools, provides mentorship, and creates support groups for international students in STEM fields.

Highlights:

Jaime’s personal onboarding philosophy for newcomers:

• Ask Questions: Encouraging curiosity and seeking guidance.
• Be Teachable: Openness to feedback and willingness to learn.
• Have Courage: Acting in spite of fear, especially in challenging situations.

Resources Mentioned:

• Support Networks and Groups for Women in Construction
• School Outreach and STEM Programs
• Guides on Building Resilience and Communication Skills
• International Student Support Initiatives

Connect with Heimy Molina:

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• Facebook

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Guest: Keely Mundle is an Environmental Engineer and Contaminant Hydrogeologist with expertise in managing and remediating contaminated sites. She has led projects in land development, oil and gas, and mining, with skills in site characterization, contamination assessment, and numerical modeling of chemical transport. Notably, she played a key role in designing a sequenced permeable reactive barrier (PRB) system at a former waste site in Western Australia, using innovative methods for contaminant treatment, including denitrification and the breakdown of trichloroethene.

Summary: The podcast is focused on the importance of psychological safety and effective communication in the workplace, particularly within male-dominated industries. The speakers discussed how understanding emotional intelligence and soft skills can enhance interactions and influence decision-making. They emphasized the need for organizations to create environments where employees feel safe to voice concerns, which is crucial for both mental and physical safety. The conversation also highlighted the challenges women face in balancing work and family life, advocating for flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies that support both mothers and fathers. The speakers shared personal experiences and insights on navigating career challenges, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity for companies to promote inclusivity and support for women in their professional growth.

Key Points:

• Psychological safety is crucial in the workplace, especially in male-dominated industries.
• Effective communication is enhanced by understanding emotional intelligence and soft skills.
• Environments where employees feel safe to voice concerns are essential for mental and physical safety.
• Challenges faced by women in balancing work and family life were discussed.
• The importance of flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies that support both mothers and fathers was emphasized.
• Keely Mundle shared personal experiences and insights on navigating career challenges.
• The significance of mentorship and the necessity for companies to promote inclusivity and support for women in their professional growth were highlighted.

Highlights:

• This podcast underscored the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace where employees can express themselves without fear of negative consequences.
• Effective communication was linked to emotional intelligence and soft skills, which were presented as critical for positive interactions and decision-making processes.
• The discussion on work-life balance for women included the need for supportive policies that recognize the dual roles of both parents.
• Keely Mundle's personal anecdotes provided a relatable perspective on overcoming career hurdles and the impact of mentorship.

Resources Mentioned:

• This podcast likely provided resources or references for further reading on psychological safety, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and soft skills.
• Information on best practices for work-life balance and inclusive policies for parents may have been shared.

Connect with Keely Mundle:

• Linkedin

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Guest: Wendy Anderson Cocke is the author of the best-selling books Making Flex Work: Defining Success on Your Terms and Reimagine Your Work: Managing Your Career Like It's Your Business as well as the founder of Engineering Leadership Solutions LLC, where she strengthens organizations through the development of people, processes, and best practices.

Wendy grew up being told she could be anything and learned first-hand that through hard work and perseverance a small business can become the lifeblood that fuels a family. She is a chemical engineer by training and spent over 20 years in Fortune 500 companies prior to opening her own technical consulting company and joining the faculty at Georgia Tech.

Summary: The podcast focused on leadership, workplace flexibility, and inclusivity, especially for women in male-dominated industries. Guest speaker Wendy Cocke emphasized the importance of leaders being brave and adaptable to support diverse teams. She advocated for flexible work models that cater to individual needs rather than sticking to traditional office hours.

Wendy shared personal stories about navigating gender biases and finding allies in the workplace, offering practical advice for women to take control of their careers. She highlighted the importance of building strategic relationships and using data-driven approaches in negotiations, leaving us with a powerful message of confidence and purpose.

Key Points:

• Leadership requires bravery and adaptability to support diverse team members.
• Importance of flexibility in work arrangements to accommodate individual needs.
• Challenges faced by women in the workplace, including gender biases.
• Need to find allies among male colleagues to navigate workplace challenges.
• Practical advice for women to take control of their careers.
• Focus on strategic relationships and the importance of data-driven requests in negotiations.

Show Highlights:

• Wendy Cocke's insights on leadership bravery and adaptability.
• The significance of workplace flexibility beyond traditional office hours.
• Personal experiences shared, highlighting gender biases and the search for allies.
• Strategic career advice for women, including leveraging data in negotiations.

Resources Mentioned:

• Leadership development programs that focus on bravery and adaptability.
• Flexible work arrangement policies and models.
• Strategies for building alliances and support networks in male-dominated industries.
• Data-driven negotiation techniques and resources for career advancement.

Connect with Wendy Anderson Cockey:

• Making flex work 
• Reimagine your work engineering leadership solutions
• LinkedIn

Making Flex Work: Defining Success on Your Own Terms https://amzn.asia/d/2Ne6OgA


Reimagine Your Work: Managing Your Career Like It’s Your Business https://amzn.asia/d/8N9bEG0

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Episode Title: Embracing Authenticity and Community for Career Growth

Guest: Adaeze Iloeje Udeogalanya, calling in from New Jersey, America

Summary:
In this episode, we delve into the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and how it impacts productivity, mental health, and a company's bottom line. Our guest, Ade Ze, shares her journey of finding her authentic self and the power of community in career development. We discuss the launch of the Ignite Membership program, focused on career and leadership training, and how it aims to support and facilitate success for women in the workforce.

Key Points:

1. The significance of psychological safety in fostering an inclusive work environment.
2. The impact of authenticity on personal and professional growth.
3. The role of community in providing support and advocacy.
4. The launch of the Ignite Membership program and its benefits.
5. The importance of taking intentional steps towards personal and career goals.

Show Highlights:

• Ade Ze's personal journey of self-discovery and embracing her full self at work.
• The detrimental effects of hiding one's true self and the benefits of authenticity.
• Strategies for organizations to create inclusive environments beyond policies.
• The value of mentorship and community in navigating career challenges.
• Practical advice for individuals to start taking steps towards their goals.

Resources Mentioned:

• Deloitte's research on the impact of authenticity at work.
• Details for the Ignite Membership program in the show notes.

Connect with Adaeze Iloeje Udeogalanya:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Exclusive offers for the listeners

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Episode Summary:

In this introductory episode of the Inclusive Advantage podcast, host Brenda Denbesten shares her inspiration for launching the podcast, rooted in her personal journey as a chemical engineer from Zimbabwe working in male-dominated industries like mining, manufacturing, and engineering. Brenda opens up about her own experiences, the challenges she faced, and the drive to create a platform that champions diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Listeners will get a sneak peek into the podcast’s mission to amplify the voices of women and underrepresented groups in industries where diversity is often lacking. Brenda explains how each episode will feature guests sharing real stories, practical advice, and insights that can empower individuals to thrive in these environments. The podcast aims to serve as a resource for professionals seeking to break barriers and build more inclusive and diverse teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Brenda’s Background: Learn about Brenda’s journey as a chemical engineer from Zimbabwe and her experiences navigating male-dominated industries.
• Podcast Mission: The Inclusive Advantage podcast focuses on challenges and opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in mining, manufacturing, and engineering.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Why diversity and inclusion are critical for creating thriving workplaces and fostering innovation.
• What to Expect: Future episodes will include practical advice, personal stories, and insights from experts and professionals who have successfully navigated similar challenges.
• Empowerment: The podcast is a space for individuals to gain insights that can help them grow and succeed in industries where diversity is often lacking.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I created this podcast to share the stories and strategies that can empower others to navigate and excel in industries where diversity is still a challenge.”
• “Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they are crucial elements that lead to better innovation, stronger teams, and more fulfilling careers.

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