Workforce Unscripted

DE&I cannot succeed as a standalone initiative. Real impact happens when inclusion is embedded into how organizations hire, lead, measure success, and make decisions every day.

In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa are joined by Zara Marfo, Director of DEI Sustainability and Social Responsibility at TAG, for a candid and solutions-focused conversation on what it takes to move DE&I from intention to action.

Together, they explore the difference between performative efforts and truly embedded inclusion, where organizations often fall short despite good intentions, and how leaders can build accountability into talent strategy and workplace culture. Zara also shares practical insights on inclusive hiring, meaningful metrics, and the small but important shifts that can create long-term, sustainable change.

Whether you are a leader, recruiter, or employee looking to better understand what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice, this episode offers thoughtful guidance on building workplaces where DE&I is operational, measurable, and real.

Learning and development is no longer just a workplace perk. It is essential to how individuals grow, teams adapt, and organizations stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa are joined by Jennifer Jacob Rossi, Manager of Learning & Development at Adecco Canada, to explore why continuous learning matters more than ever. From AI and evolving skillsets to hybrid work and employee engagement, Jennifer shares practical insights on how organizations can build strong learning cultures and how employees can take ownership of their own growth.

Whether you are a leader looking to develop your team or a professional trying to stay relevant and adaptable, this conversation offers grounded, actionable advice for thriving in the modern workplace.

Our returning guests are back! Shiara Ramos Fernandez brings the latest Q1 labour market stats and trends, while John Cappelli provides the real-world employer perspective. In this episode, they uncover the surprises, highlight the biggest gaps between candidate expectations and employer needs, and share practical takeaways for business leaders. If you want to understand what’s really happening in Canada’s workforce and how to plan for what’s coming next, this episode is for you.

Mental health is no longer a side conversation at work. It is central to how we perform, grow, and sustain our careers.

In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa are joined by Maurice Wery, Global Wellbeing Manager, for an honest discussion on burnout, boundaries, and the importance of protecting your well-being for long-term success.

Maurice shares practical insights on how to manage pressure, maintain balance, and continue growing professionally without compromising your health. This conversation also challenges the idea that career success and well-being are at odds, offering a more sustainable and human approach to work.

Whether you are feeling stretched, looking to reset, or simply want to build healthier habits, this episode is a reminder that you do not have to choose between doing well and being well.

Returning to work after caregiving is not about starting over, it’s about starting from a place of strength, resilience, and experience.

In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa are joined by Michelle VanSluytman and Ashley Rauscher for an honest and encouraging conversation about what it really looks like to re-enter the workforce after time spent caregiving.

Together, they explore the mental hurdles many returners face, the confidence it takes to step back in, and the often-overlooked skills caregiving builds along the way from adaptability and leadership to problem-solving, empathy, and resilience. They also share practical advice for creating a strong re-entry plan and insights on how employers and recruiters can better support caregivers returning to work.

Whether you’re planning your next step or supporting someone on their journey back, this episode is a reminder that caregiving brings real, valuable experience and that those strengths absolutely belong in the workplace.

Work is about more than tasks and deadlines — it’s also about connection.

In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa are joined by Vanessa Duarte, Director of EmpowerWork Solutions at Adecco Canada, to explore the powerful role workplace friendships play in engagement, confidence, and long-term career growth.

From navigating your first job to building meaningful relationships in remote or hybrid environments, Vanessa shares honest insights on why connection at work isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s essential. Together, they discuss how the right relationships can support professional development, foster belonging, and help people thrive throughout their careers.

Whether you’re new to the workforce, adjusting to a new role, or simply looking to build stronger connections at work, this episode is a reminder that the relationships you form along the way can shape your experience — and your future.

AI. Automation. Economic uncertainty. If it feels like job security is constantly under threat, you’re not alone.

In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, we’re talking about how to deal with employment uncertainty in a world full of disruption and fear-driven headlines. Joined by Tao Qiu, Country President of The Adecco Group Canada, we explore what’s really changing in the labour market, what’s being overstated, and how workers can build resilience without burning themselves out.

This conversation covers both the practical and emotional sides of uncertainty, from skill-building and adaptability to managing anxiety and staying grounded when the future feels unclear. If you’re feeling uneasy about what comes next in your career, this episode is for you.

Leadership isn’t just about performance... it’s about people.

In this powerful episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa sit down with Joyce Russell, President of The US Foundation, to explore what it truly means to lead with joy, generosity, and grit.

Drawing from an extraordinary career journey spanning business leadership and philanthropy, Joyce reflects on the human qualities that define great leaders - empathy, resilience, purpose, and the commitment to lifting others along the way. She shares personal stories about the leaders who shaped her, the lessons she learned through transition, and what “putting the cherry on top” means when it comes to creating lasting impact.

From navigating change to balancing heart and results, this episode offers thoughtful insights for emerging and experienced leaders alike. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful leadership legacies are built not only on outcomes, but on how we show up for others.

Starting your first “real” job is a major milestone - and often a challenging transition. Beyond the excitement, many new graduates quickly realize that workplace expectations, unspoken norms, and day-to-day realities differ greatly from life in school.

In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa are joined by Mariana Gomez, former Digital Marketing Strategist at Adecco Canada, to share the insights many professionals wish they had in their first 90 days. From navigating imposter syndrome and workplace dynamics to understanding how to set yourself up for long-term success, this conversation offers practical, honest guidance for early-career professionals.

Thoughtful, reassuring, and grounded in real experience, this episode serves as a roadmap for new graduates looking to begin their careers with confidence and clarity.

AI is transforming recruiting - but is it creating opportunity or risk? On this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa sit down with Ray Chaaya, HR VP and Head of Talent & Employee Experience at Zurich, to explore how AI and automation are reshaping the hiring landscape.

Ray shares his insights on the risks of bias in AI-driven recruiting, practical steps companies can take to ensure fairness, and how organizations can build inclusive, future-ready workforces. From the challenges of automation to the promise of responsible AI, this episode provides Canadian employers with actionable strategies to harness innovation without compromising equity.

Whether you’re a recruiter, HR leader, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation offers a clear, human-centred perspective on AI, talent, and DEI in 2026.