Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham powered by CCDI

Anne-Marie Pham

Each month, Anne-Marie Pham, Vice-President, Engagement of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion interviews a leader who is a making a difference in Canada in the field of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Over the course of a year, you will hear from an eclectic group of people who inspire change. 

  1. SEP 18

    Season 4, Episode 7 | Guests: Noel Baldwin, Zahra Ebrahim - Skills Building and Inclusion through collaboration

    What can shift when organizations look outside the box to fill gaps together? This discussion is part of our Inclusion Table Talks, a series of CCDI's Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham podcast which dives deeper into pressing issues in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.  Joining us to explore these ideas are two guests: Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre, an organization committed to preparing Canadians for the next chapter of work, and Zahra Ebrahim, the CEO and co-founder of Monumental, which is a social purpose business working to advance equitable city-building and urban development.  Our conversation highlights new insights and opportunities for Canada to consider how to optimize our existing talent. We also discuss how larger institutions, such as government agencies, can effectively collaborate with community-rooted initiatives and vice versa. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about how these key players are working to build a better Canada. Key Points From This Episode: How Future Skills is working to shape the future of work. Zahra’s vision to resolve skills gaps across Canada.How the Future Skills Centre positions itself in preparing Canadians for the future of work.Challenges and opportunities for immigration in Canada. Preparing for digital transformation in the world of work. The driving force behind launching Monumental.What is behind the community partnership between Monumental and Future Skills Centre.Zahra’s project in the real estate industry. The success of the project and the gaps it has revealed.How Monumental is democratizing its existing curricula. The true impact of iterative support and collaboration. How larger institutions like government agencies can better collaborate with community-rooted initiatives.Ideas on how community organizations can partner with government agencies.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Zahra Ebrahim on LinkedInZahra Ebrahim on XMonumentalNoel Baldwin on LinkedInNoel Baldwin on XFuture Skills CentreCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

    48 min
  2. AUG 12

    Season 4, Episode 6 | Guest: Ken Lima-Coelho – International Youth Day

    In this special International Youth Day episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, Anne-Marie sits down with Ken Lima-Coelho, who is a dynamic storyteller, community builder, and President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. With over 25 years of experience spanning broadcasting, the arts, and youth-focused initiatives, Ken has dedicated his career to amplifying voices, building connections, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.  During their conversation, Ken shares his journey from his family's immigrant roots to becoming a leader in youth mentorship. He emphasizes that standing firm on values like equity is more important now than ever. The discussion provides a powerful look at how mentorship transforms lives, not just for young people, but also for the mentors themselves. It highlights the resilience and skills needed for the future of work, community, and society. Join us to hear Mr. Lima-Coelho’s vision for unlocking the potential of youth in Canada, why volunteerism matters for everyone’s growth, and how each of us can be a catalyst for change. Tune in now on your preferred podcast platform, or visit: ccdi.ca/podcast.  Key Points From This Episode: Ken’s diverse experience and his personal story. Building trust in community initiatives. What community and social good are truly built on. The life-changing role of mentorship.Why mentorship is mutually beneficial. How Ken saw his child develop after mentoring a younger child.Why the ultimate job of a mentor is not mentorship but creating resilience.What is behind Ken’s belief that we are all born leaders.The plummeting rate of volunteerism in Calgary.Why it is so beneficial to help others. A source of hope for the future: Generation Alpha. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ken Lima-Coelho on XKen Lima-Coelho on LinkedInKen Lima-Coelho on InstagramBBBS CalgaryCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionSee Different CanadaLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

    47 min
  3. JUN 27

    Season 4, Episode 5 | Guest: Senator Andrew Cardozo – Canadian Multiculturalism Day

    How can Canada move forward in building a truly inclusive society in the face of growing polarization and resistance to DEI efforts? In this new episode of Inclusion Table Talks, CCDI's new sub-series of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, Anne-Marie sits down with Senator Andrew Cardozo, public policy expert, community leader, and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout his career, Senator Cardozo has held leadership roles across government, regulatory bodies, and civil society, working to advance social and cultural policy in Canada. Senator Cardozo shares his experience of working in the Canadian government, highlighting his involvement in cultural policy, and human rights. He offers insights on the current DEI landscape in an informative discussion covering the role of the Senate in shaping public policy, how Canada’s identity has always been rooted in diversity, and why the narrative around DEI is under threat. Senator Cardozo also examines the forces driving anti-DEI rhetoric, the complexities of today’s social debates, and what leaders and communities can do to foster meaningful, inclusive dialogue. Join us to hear Senator Andrew Cardozo's vision and hope for the social, cultural, and political landscape of Canada, and his ideas on how to take back control of the DEI narrative. Tune in now on your preferred podcast platform, or visit: https://ccdi.ca/podcast/ Key Points From This Episode: Senator Cardozo’s career journey, from newcomer to a leader in public policy and the Senate.How the Canadian Senate functions and its role in shaping long-term, inclusive public policy.Why Canada’s foundation is rooted in identity politics and is central to the country’s evolution.Explore the laws and policies that have advanced diversity and inclusion in Canada.Hear how today’s anti-DEI rhetoric is reframing the narrative, and why this shift is crucial.Find out why certain groups have become focal points in public debates around DEI.How evolving language and terminology can unintentionally alienate potential allies.The importance of meeting people where they are and fostering inclusive conversations.Challenges facing young men today and why approaches must recognize their experiences.Learn why fostering healthy public dialogue and supporting traditional media is vital.What gives Senator Cardozo hope for Canada’s future.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Senator Andrew CardozoSenator Andrew Cardozo on LinkedInSenator Andrew Cardozo on XCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

    41 min
  4. MAY 23

    Season 4, Episode 4 | Guest: Teresa Woo-Paw

    “How can we break the Bamboo Ceiling and build a more inclusive Canada?” In honour of Asian Heritage Month this May, we are thrilled to welcome Teresa Woo-Pawn for this inspiring episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. As a trailblazer in human rights advocacy, Teresa made history by becoming the first Asian Canadian woman elected to the Alberta legislature. Throughout her career, Teresa collaborated with diverse communities across Canada to promote inclusivity and equitable representation of Asians in all spheres of society. In this episode, she shares how her family's immigration story and cultural background have informed her activism and public service. We delve into the importance of telling a fuller, more inclusive history of Canada, the persistence of Yellow Peril stereotypes, and the challenges of the Bamboo Ceiling in leadership. In addition, Teresa reflects on the evolution of Asian Canadian networks, sharing practical advice for developing cultural competency and resources for deeper learning. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help build a more equitable future for Asian Canadians and guidance for allies looking to offer meaningful support. Key Points From This Episode: Canada’s richly diverse and multicultural Asian population.Teresa’s election as the first Asian Canadian woman in the Alberta legislature.The story of her family’s immigration, which began with her two grandfathers.How her cultural background has shaped the way in which she works and lives.Asian Heritage Month and its role in telling the full history of Canada. Underreporting of the statistics and experiences of Yellow Peril bias and stereotypes. Unpacking solutions to the problem of the Bamboo Ceiling in leadership.How the Asian Canadian network has evolved and formalized over time. Developing cultural competency as Asian Canadians and allies to the community.Digital resources for those who wish to dive deeper into this topic. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Teresa Woo-Paw LinkedInAsian Heritage Foundation CalgaryAct 2 End RacismAction Chinese Canadians Together (ACCT) FoundationCanadian Race Relations FoundationCanadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

    41 min
  5. APR 30

    Season 4, Episode 3 | Guest: Jake Stika – Unpacking toxic masculinity

    Our latest podcast continues the new series, Inclusion Table Talks, which is included in our regular programming. In this episode, Anne-Marie Pham speaks with Jake Stika, Executive Director at Next Gen Men, about men's essential role in the DEIA ecosystem. Jake reminds us of the damaging impact of perpetuating our patriarchal system and how his organization is actively working to include men and boys not only for allyship but also benefactors whose life experiences are valued and important.   Jake emphasizes the need to recognize how the active exclusion of men has negatively affected their roles and contributions within DEIA efforts and shares insights into reframing this narrative for true inclusion.   Listener discretion advised: This episode contains a brief discussion of Jake’s personal story, which touches on sensitive topics including substance use, depression, self-harm, bullying, and suicide. These references occur between 6:10 and 7:55. If you find these topics distressing, we encourage you to pause, skip this section, or seek professional support as needed.  Key Points From This Episode: Jake Stika describes who he is and what inspired him to cofound Next Gen Men (NGM). Why men only think critically about masculinity much later in life than they probably should.The ins and outs of NGM as it continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary.  How the company’s gender equity training protocol differs depending on the client.Why some men are omitted from gender equity conversations and how we can include them. How men are viewed as a societal problem to solve instead of as people who need help. The importance of men and women supporting each other in diverse gender debates.Why empathy (for everyone) matters and why we shouldn’t forget accountability.How capitalism is driving many conversations about gender equality and how we can fix this.  Toxic masculinity: What it means, how it manifests, and why its wording needs a reshuffle.Jake critiques popular gender-based terms with advice on how to avoid them.How the everyday person can support gender equity initiatives in rethinking masculinity.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jake Stika on LinkedInJake Stika on MediumNext Gen Men Voice Male MagazineJermal Alleyne Jones on LinkedInAdolescenceNGM Library ‘Incels: A Guide to Symbols and Terminology’Canadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

    45 min
  6. FEB 21

    Season 4, Episode 2 | Guest: Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay - The rise of Anti-DEI rhetoric – Canadian perspectives

    CCDI is pleased to introduce 'Inclusion Table Talks', a new sub-series of our podcast: Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. This series brings together CCDI's  Employer Partners and thought leaders for in-depth discussions on the growing anti-DEI rhetoric and its impact on our collective vision of building a more inclusive Canada. We'll explore what DEIA truly is and isn't, address common misconceptions, and discuss the profound impact DEIA has had and continues to have on workplaces across Canada. In this episode, Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay joins us to unpack the rising prevalence of anti-DEI rhetoric. She is the Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). We begin by hearing from Dr. Finlay on the landscape of DEI across Canada, and what has set certain companies up for long-term success in this arena. Discussing diversity as an outcome of equitable policies, we explore the government’s role and the impact of the media on public opinion. We unpack the changing acronym, from DEI to DEIAT, and discuss some of the challenges increasingly associated with this work. Lastly, Dr. Finlay offers some advice on the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive future. Thanks for joining us. Key Points From This Episode: The rise of anti-DEI rhetoric today.Introduction and welcome to Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Director of DEI at ICBC.Dr. Finlay’s analysis of DEI in the Canadian workplace today. How long-term strategies have supported the companies that are still prioritizing DEI today.Reframing diversity is an outcome of equity. The lack of government intervention in this space. How the media is shaping public opinion in the US and Canada. Navigating anti-DEI rhetoric at ICBC.Why the acronym is changing from DEI to DEIAT.Common myths and misconceptions around what DEI is truly about.Tips on navigating the challenges that are increasingly associated with this work. Some of the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive Canada. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sara-Jane Finlay on LinkedInEquity and Inclusion Office of the University of British ColumbiaInsurance Corporation of British ColumbiaCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionThe Tyranny of MeritLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

    36 min
  7. JAN 22

    Season 4, Episode 1 | Guest: Kimberley Wakefield

    As we enter 2025, CCDI is excited to launch Season 4 of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. In the first episode of the year, we reflect on the challenges we face in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.  Positive psychologist Kimberley Wakefield joins us to share insights and tips for how to navigate 2025 with good intentions and the skills needed to take care of our mental well-being. We start our conversation by defining positive psychology and how it differs from traditional psychology.  Next, we discuss how Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory lays a foundation for understanding the role of positive emotions, considering what changes when we begin to notice and lean into positive moments. Touching on the power of gratitude, Kimberley shares a strategy for those who do not thrive on a gratitude practice. We also discuss what can change when you identify your strengths and how you can do so. Join us for an enriching conversation about building your positivity muscle, embracing gratitude, and playing to your strengths while understanding those of your colleagues!  Key Points From This Episode: Ideas to equip listeners to care for their mental health in 2025. Background on positive psychologist, Kimberley Wakefield. Positive psychology, how it differs from traditional psychology, and the negativity bias. Insight into the impact that negativity has on our brains.Barbara Fredrickson’s theory on the evolutionary basis for positive emotions.What changes when we train ourselves to look for and savour positive moments. Validating concerns while implementing positive psychology. Benefits of stopping, acknowledging, and breathing. What to do if a gratitude practice does not work for you. Using the VIA Character Strengths Survey to identify your strengths in the workplace.Keys to building psychological safety in the workplace. The part every person has to play in the positive environment of your workplace.Why your approach must change and develop with your needs.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Kimberley WakefieldKimberley Wakefield on LinkedInVIA Character Strengths SurveyCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

    51 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Each month, Anne-Marie Pham, Vice-President, Engagement of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion interviews a leader who is a making a difference in Canada in the field of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Over the course of a year, you will hear from an eclectic group of people who inspire change.