Regardless of what station of life you’re in, you’ll find as people we are far more alike than we are different. This time we will take a trip down-under to welcome our first international guest all the way from Australia. Her story of courage and resilience is nothing short of remarkable.

Niti Nadarajah's example for women of colour will be inspiring to all women. Climbing to be the head of legal for a global multinational in Australia and Pacific Islands, her wonderful personality and beautiful accent will make listening to her experience that much more enjoyable.

We touch on many issues around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that surround women in the legal profession, including talking about the infamous “Old Boys Club” to suffering the unbelievable loss of a child. She teaches us how listening to understand, instead of listening to speak, is a great starting point in building cultures of belonging.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at http://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/niti-nadarajah/

Favourite Quote: “You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness” -Brene Brown

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

After repressing a lot of the microaggressions and traumas experienced growing up she decided it was time to get help. An open conversation around what it’s like to feel different in society and how that pushes you to places within yourself.

Gabriella Lachapel O’Brien brings a unique perspective of what it’s like for the LatinX community in America. Climbing the ranks of the male dominated construction industry is something she continues to do, recently being featured in a New York industry journal.

Her journey has been one of unlearning and relearning which is something she encourages everyone to do, especially when it comes to your ancestry. An honest conversation with a rising executive, this female powerhouse will make you think.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at http://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.instagram.com/gabilachapel/

Favourite Mantra: I can do hard things.

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

After growing up in the United Kingdom being harassed as a child by grown-ups for the colour of his skin, our next guest jumped on a plane with his family to move to the United States of America. Realizing he needed to fit in here, he quickly made changes, one of which was losing his accent posthaste.

He shares a few stories from his recruiting days and his opinions on where DEI falls flat. He brings his unique intersectionality with race and shares openly and honestly through this lived experiences.

Now he’s become a social media influencer and content creator on the platform LinkedIn. He specifically works with recruiters and shares inside knowledge on how organizations should be looking at the conversation of Diversity and Inclusion through a recruitment lens.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at http://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/recruitmentmarketing1/

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

A convicted felon who drinks 12-20 cups of coffee a day, shares how he turned it all around. A champion for the underdog, Matthew Higgins puts “Humanity” back into Human Resources.

An openly gay man who explored his sexuality as a male prostitute numb to the world around him. In this episode he recounts how an ex-boyfriend refusing to bail him out, was the turning point in climbing his way out from a very dark place in his life.

Today he removes barriers and breaks stigmas around mental health, felons and those without formal education. His smile, energy and joy adds life to those around him. If you want to witness vulnerability personified, listen in!

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at https://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhiggins-sphr/

Favourite Quote: “Would the little boy I once was look up to the man that I’ve become?”

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 The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

Being a Black professional living in America poses unique challenges as outlined by John Graham Jr. in his new book Plantation Theory. He shares with us the history behind Juneteenth, his thoughts on Independence Day and a message to “White people”.

This courageous conversation dives into his thought leadership on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as well as what he’s doing to enhance Employer Brands at Shaker Recruitment Marketing.

This episode provides a greater understanding of the Black professionals struggle between freedom and security.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at https://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngrahamcreative/

https://twitter.com/instagraham1906

Book: https://plantationtheory.com/#The-Book

Favourite Quote: "If who you are doesn't fit where you are, change where you are, not who you are." - Caroline Wanga, Chief Executive Officer of Essence Communications Inc.

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

When you see the bad, it’s hard to keep it to yourself. Jonaed opened our eyes to some of the injustices happening in education and the corporate world.

After observing faults with the fairness around diversity in the workplace he and a few partners founded a company called No Degree to help level the playing field for marginalized communities.   

In this candid conversation he shares the affectionate acronym used for PwC amongst other secrets that you won’t want to miss.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at https://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonaed/

Favourite Quote: Discipline is doing what you don’t want to do when you don’t want to do it.

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

Kindness makes the world go round. Sarika’s first memory in the USA were strangers literally taking the clothes off their back to keep newcomers from India warm.

Her insights into cultural diversity help to build our lens on the way specific communities think. Her passion for change is fuelled by her children and in this very honest conversation we learn more about the immigrant experience.

Weaved within this episode are her thoughts on what she calls “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement.”

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at https://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarika-bhakta-empowers/

https://www.instagram.com/sarika_empowers/

Book: https://nikeya-diversity-consulting-llc.square.site/product/power-up-super-women-stories-of-courage-and-empowerment/1?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Favourite Quote: "Do not go gentle into that good night." – Poem by Dylan Thomas

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

Can you imagine reaching a pinnacle of career success only to walk away from it all with no plans for the future other than self-care? In the pursuit of inner wealth, Ronnie left his position as a Vice President on Wall St.

In this episode he talks about humble beginnings and how his father was shot just months after arriving in New York from India.

A serendipitous meeting at the bar he worked at while putting himself through college led to a diversity internship on Wall St. that changed the direction of his life. While being introduced to the world of finance, business and philanthropy he came to the decision that some things are far more important than money including ones own mental health.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at https://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnie-gyani/

Website: ronniegyani.com

Favourite Quote: “he or she who dares, wins”

-unknown

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

Sitting on a porch with an idea and a bottle of beer is where this founder got his start. Today he has one of the fastest growing companies in America two years running.

Through his trials and tribulations he's built an incredible network of supporters and cheerleaders who've poured into his life - now he does the same for others.

He candidly shares stories of being an Italian American growing up in New Jersey and how having a tribe of mentors helped shape the man he is today.

His vulnerability and passion for doing the right thing is admirable. There is no secret to his success as he shares in this very honest conversation.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at https://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmagarro/

https://www.instagram.com/darebear16/

Favourite Quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  - Maya Angelou

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.

These two young women battled TikTok after receiving death threats, obscene images and hateful messages from online trolls.

Umber struggled to find her belonging in the world as a woman of colour living in rural Canada. Her voice was silenced after being harassed by a bunch of men who hated what she stood for.

As a psychology student and social justice activist she continued to fight alongside her big sister Afshan to reclaim her voice.

They highlight the power of community and resiliency to never give up for the things you believe in.

Want to learn more? Please subscribe, and check out our website at https://www.discourseagency.com

SHOW NOTES:

Umber Saiyan

Afshan Butt

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during this series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Discourse, its parent company or its employees. The accuracy of the information featured in this series has not been verified and is used solely for informational purposes. This series should not be considered professional advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Discourse, its parent company and its employees. Discourse expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other damages arising out of the opinions expressed by individuals during this series.