The Inspire Podcast

In this episode Bart interviews Sanjay Patil, a Consultant with The Humphrey Group about his life and professional journey. Sanjay is an experienced human rights lawyer whose globe-spanning career has been driven by a desire to help create spaces for others to be heard. In the course of his career he has embraced self-awareness, mindfulness and a commitment to going slow as fundamental to leadership. He shares his insights with Bart, and talks about how these tools are particularly relevant for any leader who wishes to be intentionally inclusive. A powerful conversation for anyone wanting to better know themselves, manage their emotions, and lead inclusively.

00:49 Welcome

01:00 About Sanjay

01:43 Why he's on the podcast

02:57 Career path

05:30 Finding clarity of purpose

06:26 Moral obligation to do Human Rights work

08:01 The commonality in all of humanity

09:21 Locus of control

10:35 3 big learnings that Sanjay has learned

11:39 The intention to create a space where people can be seen and heard

12:29 How can leaders create inclusive spaces?

12:40 Example of how to do it

13:30 Resources available to do the work

14:46 How to proceed?

14:53 Not a box-ticking exercise

16:36 How do you implement these programs?

17:06 Example: Anti-Asian hatred

18:13 Inclusive leadership -- the shallow way

18:33 Metrics?

19:04 Require a profound shift in consciousness

19:20 Need to allow the messiness to happen

20:18 So many dimensions to inclusivity

20:29 Thinking wholistically

21:14 The importance of slowing down

22:31 How to go slow?

23:46 Monkey mind

24:28 Meditation retreat

25:40 Make time for reflection

26:13 Guard your reflection time

27:43 Bart: hyperactive hive-mind

29:54 What do you have control over? A: your actions and reactions

34:42 Thank you

36:01 End of real-time interview

In this episode Bart welcomes David Miller, former Mayor of Toronto, head of the World Wildlife Foundation and now Director of International Diplomacy for C40 Cities. David shares his life's journey and how from a young age he has been driven to address inequity and bring about positive change in the world. Along the way he has developed a set of principles for communicating his ideas in a focused, authentic way. He shares these principles with Bart illustrating them with examples from his rich career. The conversation is invaluable for anyone who wishes to communicate their ideas with confidence and authenticity.

00:50 Welcome to the podcast

01:00 Intro to David's Career by Bart

02:11 Miller's story

02:23 Early years in England

03:04 Class differences

05:21 Driving question: Why are there inequalities?

06:43 Mother's experience of class

07:50 Knowing who you are and what you stand for...

08:11 Drive change

09:09 Clarifying what you stand for

10:18 How to get across "who you are" to people

10:51 Write down what you're trying to achieve

14:17 Avoiding cheap talking points

16:24 Bart's anecdote about academia

16:36 How to use that clarity of thinking.

17:50 Environmental Work Example

22:17 Successful leaders use language that is real and use examples

22:48 Bart's book on Jargon

23:27 Biden's strength as a communicator

24:46 Corporate communications

26:03 Executive communications

27:44 Knocked on 275,000 doors!

28:59 New importance of communication in today's world

29:13 Examples of good corporate communications

30:50 Lightening round

31:09 Greta Thunberg

31:22 Al Gore

31:40 Best mayors...

35:11 Running on a campaign of RAISING taxes!

37:41 Barts closing thoughts about hope

38:31 Outro

39:07 Next episode teaser

For more information about David Miller follow him on Twitter @iamdavidmiller and his book “Solved: how the great cities of the world are fixing the climate crisis” can be found here:

https://utorontopress.com/9781487506827/solved/

It's not easy at the top... and when you listen to this episode, you'll understand the unique challenges leaders face and how to overcome them. Bart is joined by Nancy MacKay, Founder and CEO of Mackay CEO Forum, about the challenges facing senior leaders and the keys to unlocking their own potential. Nancy shares how the pressures - internal and external - facing leaders can sap their motivation, reduce their impact and even cause them to burnout. She explains how she counsels leaders to pursue self-mastery so they can know themselves, lead with purpose, and be more fulfilled in their work. Nancy's advice is valuable not just for CEOs but for anyone who wants to lead more authentically.

Time Stamps

00:00 Teaser

00:17 Show lead-in

00:56 Intros

02:04 What is CEO Forum?

02:44 The value of being part of an exec group?

03:33 People need peer support

04:12 What is inspired leadership? Why do people crave it?

04:46 Leaders are not taking care of themselves...

05:48 What do you need to do to inspire yourself?

06:20 Story of a CEO struggling

09:08 Inspiring leadership

09:57 How do you inspire yourself?

11:21 Judgement free

11:47 Time, ego mastery, social contribution, innovation mastery, proactive health mastery,

12:37 Relationship mastery, passion mastery

14:12 3 key things people need to do

14:34 Time mastery (prioritization)

18:49 Mental toughness

19:57 90-day action plan

20:42 Ego mastery

21:17 Signs that your ego is getting in the way

22:29 How to handle an ego that is getting in the way

22:49 Negative ego state = "crazy talk"

23:01 Remove yourself when you're in a negative emotional state

23:44 Make a commitment to be judgement free

24:34 3-minute rule

25:10 Commit to surrounding yourself with other positive people

27:24 Book: "Good morning, I love you"

28:14 3 - Relationships are everything!

29:24 Trust and Love -- the biggest game-changers

30:03 Seek out people who are game-changers

31:39 Covid challenges

32:19 What can people do to begin with relationship mastery?

32:29 Business speed-dates

33:21 Different types of speed-dates

35:17 Parting thoughts....

37:24 Thank you

37:53 Outro

For more information on Mackay CEO Forums please visit their website: www.mackayceoforums.com

In this episode Bart interviews Ronan Levy, Founder and Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health, one of the world's leading psychedelic companies, about his non-traditional career choices. Ronan, who began his professional career a corporate lawyer, soon found himself hating his working life, and set out on a series of risky yet authentic ventures in pursuit of fulfilment. From working in the music business, to a stint at an online dating site he won't name (!) to becoming a pioneer in canabis, Ronan has had a lifetime of experiences. His insights help make clear that even if you aren't always successful, following your authentic passion will make you more fulfilled along the way.

Time Stamps

00:00 Teaser

00:17 Show leading

00:52 Introduction

01:35 Leaving the traditional path of "success"

01:54 The path of the lawyer

02:41 Working in law -- I hated my life

03:24 Happiness comes from progress towards your goals

03:39 Setting real goals

03:58 MTV lawyer

04:21 Online dating company lawyer

05:16 Opportunity can be found in cultural taboos

06:49 What questions should people ask to discover their authentic calling?

07:37 Don't rationalize -- check in with yourself

08:09 Listen to your feelings

08:42 Calling into work "well"

08:57 What makes you feel good to be alive?

09:05 Freedom to explore

09:30 Leaving work

09:59 First business - Toronto Gold

10:46 What's the icky factor of cash for gold

12:00 Joined EO - Entrepreneurs Org

12:31 Mastermind talks

13:43 Cannabis industry

15:24 Golden handcuffs

18:07 Do well by doing good

18:52 Canadian Cannabis Clinics

20:50 Medical benefits

23:08 Facing resistance -- getting energy from it

23:58 Resistance steels my resolve!

24:40 The stern foe of all sham

25:59 Most recent venture -- Field Trip Health

27:38 MDMA breakthrough therapy

29:52 Proactively pursuing own mental/emotional growth

30:42 Resistance to idea of psychedelics

31:43 World leaders in advancing the therapeutic application of psychedelics

32:46 Legal access to psychedelics is happing sooner than people thought

33:15 Next generation of molecules

36:10 What's your next journey?

37:23 OUTRO

www.fieldtriphealth.com

www.meetfieldtrip.com

www.fieldtripping.fm

Entrepreneurship is hard. Leaving a stable career to start a firm with uncertain prospects, winning customers, hiring staff, gaining access to capital... the challenges are many for those who aspire to build their own businesses. And if you're a Black entrepreneur you face the additional barriers of unconscious bias, inequity or even racism.

In this episode tech entrepreneur Andrew Bromfield joins the pod to share his story of leaving a predictable career to create his own business. He also explores how he deals with the additional obstacles faced by Black entrepreneurs, why some well-intentioned government efforts to help aren't helpful at all, and how he gives back to the next generation. Andrew provides guidance to anyone who wants to be an ally to Black, and the broader group of BIPOC business owners.

Timestamps:

00:55 Introducing Andrew and Formative

01:39 Introducing 100 Strong and LinkedIn post Andrew wrote

02:21 Government loan program for Blacks

03:06 Don't need "charity"

04:08 The Entrepreneurial voice

05:08 His story

05:18 Came from entrepreneurial family -- lots of support and confidence

05:56 Entrepreneurial parents

09:11 Price Waterhouse Coopers

10:26 Systemic biases that black people face?

10:56 Educational Streaming

13:23 Advocate for yourself

17:17 Visible representation importance

18:54 Leaving PWC and starting new firm

19:39 Build a foundation

20:28 Startup challenges

21:37 Lessons for new entrepreneurs

22:08 Growth mindset and understanding things change

22:47 Mistakes WILL happen -- accept and learn

22:56 Resilience

23:26 "This is earth, not heaven"

23:47 Do you face racism in Canada today?

24:09 Not for him

24:19 Mindset is key to handling prejudice

25:11 Opening bell for the nasdaq

27:36 You don't make those introductions if you have a problem with race...

28:02 How you perceive things

29:56 Allyship

30:19 Consider a wider range of vendors when putting out a bid

33:32 How to find out more about 100 strong

35:53 Thank yous

Links to Formative Innovations Inc.

Company: www.formative.ca

Foundation: www.100strong.ca

A nuclear submarine is one of the most intense and inhospitable environments in the world. For three months crews are put into a vessel that operates in hostile territory while being powered by a nuclear reactor. In this conversation John Gregory Vincent shares how the decades he spent in these vessels led him and his partner Deb Cake led them to develop a system to create inclusive teams. They take me into what The Submarine Way is, and how you can apply it to your team or organization. The chance to hear about life below the surface and the unique imperatives of teamwork are fascinating and John brings his experiences to life in this conversation.

01:01 Introductions

01:25 Background

02:23 What is the Submarine Way?

05:22 Life on a nuclear submarine

06:13 Create a system where you can work through your bias, racism, people you don't like

08:42 5 steps to inclusive workplace

09:03 1 ONBOARDING

11:23 No silos on a sub

12:07 Corporate onboarding - what leads to culture of inclusion

13:24 2 EVERYONE MATTERS, IF THEY CONTRIBUTE

14:16 You do more with less

14:42 Pressure to perform

15:59 Support

16:50 How people help you unlock your ability

17:19 Qualification

18:54 How to bring contribution into corporate setting

19:08 Talent is important

19:20 Mentorship

20:17 Focus on talent

21:34 3 CREWMUNITY

22:09 Crew

22:54 Every person is a leader in a crew

23:45 How to handle deep-seated difference in a crew

24:23 Put getting things done ahead of biases

26:18 Bias is deepseated. Build skills to look beyond bias.

28:08 4 OMBUDSMEN

30:31 The Rumour Mill

35:18 5 MISSION

35:44 Hyperfocus on results that fit in with mission

36:14 Understand your role

36:33 Activity driven focus is a huge detriment to organizations

36:43 The illogic of typical business schedules

37:17 Measure performance by RESULTS

37:47 Fight the submarine

38:53 How to use Mission in business

39:28 Discuss individual roles

40:44 Example of an amazing culture

43:22 Bart summarizes what they've talked about

44:11 Do you miss the military

45:46 Can you take this to the non-military world?

47:03 How to find out more about the Submarine Way

48:34 Thank Yous

49:27 Outtro

Links to The Submarine Way:

Official Website: https://www.thesubmarineway.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesubmarineway

For autographed books both UP PERISCOPE Putting Traditional Leadership in the Crosshairs and Diversity and Inclusion The Submarine Way: https://www.thesubmarineway.com/store/

For Amazon purchases of UP PERISCOPE: https://www.amazon.com/Periscope-Traditional-Leadership-Crosshairs-Diversity/dp/1642379611

For Amazon purchases of Diversity and Inclusion The Submarine Way: https://www.amazon.com/Diversity-Inclusion-Submarine-Way-Underwater/dp/1599329050/ref=pd_lpo_14_img_0/133-8510416-4787011?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1599329050&pd_rd_r=34b57484-c77c-428a-84e1-60ea08739687&pd_rd_w=3nE7h&pd_rd_wg=SuejY&pf_rd_p=a0d6e967-6561-454c-84f8-2ce2c92b79a6&pf_rd_r=4HQ5ZC9Z8F1CVC0KKGY0&psc=1&refRID=4HQ5ZC9Z8F1CVC0KKGY0

Vimeo Channel for their information library: https://vimeo.com/channels/thesubmarineway/

Whether you're just starting your career and are looking to get hired, or are well established and looking to grow your profile, one thing is for sure: you must build a digital presence. COVID has only accelerated the growing trend of building profile in a digital world, and today's successful professionals must master new ways of communicating and connecting. Michael Marra, Founder of Entre (joinentre.com), a professional network for entrepreneurs, joins me to talk about the new imperatives of digital networking.

Michael explores what it means to thrive in a "mixed reality", how success and credibility stem increasingly from digital presence rather than credentials, and how you must authentically build and maintain your presence. We talk Clubhouse, LinkedIn, Twitter, mistakes to avoid and more.

Notes from our conversation:

01:11 Intro

01:54 What is entre

04:22 "Mixed Reality"

05:35 Understand the digital economy

06:51 How will success be measured in the new economy

07:04 Skills > experience

08:05 Ability to adapt

09:16 How to build your network in the new mixed reality

10:58 Clubhouse

14:05 3 big pieces of advice for networking in digital age

14:41 Get on to trends early

18:08 Key Social networks?

18:58 Stay on top of News and how people are using it

20:09 Short-form video content

22:29 Reverse engineer the lifestyle you want

25:05 Personal brand?

26:43 See if people actually want what you're offering

28:06 Friction? maybe need to switch

28:46 Testing the market with social platforms

29:24 Who's doing it the best?

31:02 You have to produce content in your niche

31:56 Content speed is most important

34:00 Big mistakes to avoid

36:14 How to sign up for entre?

36:48 Outro

Listeners are welcome to join the Entre community of over 30k entrepreneurs for free at joinentre.com

Entre social pages:

https://www.facebook.com/joinentre

https://www.instagram.com/joinentre/

https://twitter.com/joinentre

https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinentre/

Every manager knows creating strong relationships with their employees is crucial to fostering high performance. But what do your employees REALLY want from you? In this episode of the Inspire Podcast Laura Sukorokoff joins me to share insights gleaned from interviews with hundreds of employees. Laura explains what employees want and need from their leaders and then outlines how you can authentically meet those needs. A must-listen for any manager. Highlights from the conversation include:

00:59 Intro

01:39 Training managers

02:45 The book

04:39 Stories about bosses

05:23 Managers are responsible for employee engagement without knowing how

06:18 Key learnings

08:39 Manager relationship is important!

10:23 Managers afraid that they don't know what to say

14:42 How to give negative feedback and keep a strong relationship

16:32 Annual performance reviews

17:33 Trust

18:14 Communicating about trust

20:37 RESPECT

21:20 7 leadership traits

21:57 Empathy

24:07 Promotion

26:06 Empowerment

28:27 Summing up

30:11 How to find out more

31:05 Thank you's

32:09 What's on next episode

Connect with Laura:

Website: www.cchangelearning.com

LinkedIn: Laura Sukorokoff

Twitter: @Laura Sukorokoff

You can also find her book here: https://www.cchangelearning.com/it-s-not-them-it-s-you

What does it mean to lead with purpose? How do you determine your purpose? How do you ensure your own purpose is aligned with your organization? William Onuwa tackles these questions in this episode of The Inspire Podcast. Drawing on lessons from his successful career he explores how finding who you are can make the practice of leadership not only more effective, but more fulfilling.

Highlights from the conversation:

00:45 Intro/Welcome

01:11 Leading with purpose

02:25 How do you make people feel?

03:08 your own purpose

03:34 What is the purpose of this role

03:59 Early career development

04:20 Mother's commitment to schooling

05:10 Mentorship

05:46 Leadership is about well-being of people

07:01 Time

07:44 Purpose vs Values

08:32 Dreamcatchers

09:05 Connect your purpose with organizational purpose

09:32 Mismatch with an organization

09:46 Questioning challenging values

10:16 Firing bottom 10% at GE

11:28 Is this what I want to do?

13:00 Servant Leadership

14:24 You owe them

16:18 Not the traditional way executives talk!

16:44 Did people trust this approach initially?

17:22 #USEYOURVOICE

18:14 Consistency over time

19:07 Transformation and Servant Leadership

19:30 Employ different influencing styles

20:10 Doing Layoffs/downsizing

21:05 Preserving dignity

21:53 How would you feel in their shoes?

22:42 Sort out yourself first

23:09 Advice on finding your own purpose

24:30 Portfolio of experience

26:23 Thank yous

In this episode of the Inspire Podcast, Bart speaks with Girish Ganesan, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion and Head of US Talent, at TD Bank. Bart and Girish discuss what the term ‘inclusion’ really means and what TD is doing as an organization to promote inclusion not only in the workplace but also in the broader community.

Here are some moments from the conversation:

Intro - 00:48.1

Covid challenges - 01:03.3

TD's commitment to inclusion - 01:33.4

TD's culture of caring - 01:55.4

What led you to this role? - 03:02.6

What happened when the pandemic hit? - 05:06.5

Globally shared experience - 05:32.0

Inequities are underlined - 05:50.8

Uncertainty - 06:18.4

How Covid will change diversity and inclusion? - 07:05.3

TD's response to covid - 09:16.0

Responding to George Floyd - 12:56.2

Acknowledgment, empathy and action - 13:25.9

Safe space sessions - 14:01.8

What were people saying in the sessions? - 14:26.8

How TD made safe conversations possible - 15:53.2

Top 3 things to turn dialog into action - 17:14.3

Commitments to representation - 17:22.9

Education and learning - 17:38.6

Course on Black experiences - 17:59.5

Professional development - 18:23.6

Align internal messaging with external messaging - 18:42.2

Supporting the Black community at large - 19:06.6

Mental health - 21:35.3

Storytelling - 21:56.2

Reducing stigma - 22:08.1

Mental health webinar - 23:13.1

#1 thing to do to support mental health - 24:14.4

Listening and prioritizing - 24:30.0

Stories matter - 25:01.3

"Listen to hear, not to respond" - 25:30.2

Looking forward -- what are TD's priorities? - 26:15.5

Stand together - every voice matters - 26:33.6

Advancing culture of inclusion - 27:47.2

Are you more or less hopeful a year into the pandemic? - 28:39.3

Links to resources you may wish to see:

TD Ready Commitment Report: https://www.td.com/document/PDF/ESG/2020-TDRC-Report.pdf

ESG Report: https://www.td.com/ca/en/about-td/for-investors/economic-social-governance-reporting/

TD's Stance on Anti-Racism: Combating anti-Black racism: https://stories.td.com/ca/en/article/actions-combating-racism-td

TD on addressing the impacts of anti-Asian racism and discrimination: https://stories.td.com/ca/en/article/actions-combating-racism-td