The 21st Century Change Agent Baiba Žiga

I cannot believe that I am saying this, BUT but this is the final guest episode for season one of this podcast! This episode is the celebration of this whole season. So today we will be bringing all those intersections and levels and layers that make us, that we have been dissecting and digging deep into throughout the season, together.

2020 has been a year of finally giving DEI conversations the airtime they deserve, however we cannot always wait for a crisis before engaging in these conversations. But, before we see any progress, we need to come to terms with how we got to where we are today. We need to understand the ineffectiveness of one-off initiatives like hiring a head of D&I and implementing a standalone unconscious bias training. So, what will it take for us to to get where we need to go?

For that, I invited two expectational guests to join me: Stacey Gordon and Dr Shelton Goode. Stacey is a Founder and Chief Diversity Strategist at Rework Work, she is also a highly regarded public speaker, a Linked In Instructor and has just written a book called Unbias, that comes out on 31st March and is available for pre-order.

Dr Shelton Goode is the Founder and President of Icarus Consulting, he has held Chief Diversity Officer roles at various companies, has been named the TOP 10 D&I trailblazer by Forbes and has written a number of books, of which the latest is due to be published. 
 
On this episode you will hear:
1) The current state of D&I: Is there a conscious effort to make an impact?
2) Not 'another thing': How do we mainstream D&I?
3) The D&I training & education
4) The 'diverse' role of a Chief Diversity Officer.
5) Reimagining workplaces: What does the world beyond this look like?


Liked the conversation? Let me know by rating & reviewing this podcast and engage in the conversation on Twitter by using #changeagentpodcast.

You can follow and reach out to Stacey via:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/staceygordon
Website: www.reworkwork.com
Stacey's book: unbiasbook.com

You can follow and reach out to Shelton via:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sjgoode
Website: www.icarusconsult.net
Shelton's books: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07L7FCGJP

Get in touch with Baiba via:
Twitter: @BaibaZiga and @Consulting_LHC
LinkedIn & Instagram: Baiba Ziga
E-mail: info@lakehouse-consulting.com
Website: www.lakehouse-consulting.com (subscribe to a weekly newsletter with handpicked articles, podcasts, videos and books)

Baiba is a People and Culture Transformation Consultant, with a mission to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces through building cultural intelligence and better equipping organisations and their leaders. Get in touch with Baiba to talk about how she can help your organisation with cultural intelligence and leadership development on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion topics.

Thank you so much for tuning in! On today's episode I am joined by two guests from both sides of the Atlantic - Lily Fothergill from the UK and Pranam Lipinski from the US. Both are Gen-Z experts in their own right and ways. Through conducting research, working with organisations, universities and Digital Natives themselves. In this conversation we talked about Gen-Z greatest potential as well as some of the dark sides of being a Digital Native. This episode is packed with practical ways of finding, engaging, communicating, employing and getting the best out of Gen-Z in the workplace.

Gen-Z now is the largest generation in the world, having just surpassed Millennials, and within next 5 years, they will be the biggest workforce entering the labour marker. So what can you do to prepare? This is what we unpacked on this podcast episode.
 
Gen-Z expect Inclusion before Diversity as a standard! Therefore, having a culture of belonging is key! That has to go hand in hand with transparent and honest communication, authenticity and safety (both financial and emotional).

And remember, Gen-Z know when you DON'T have Gen-Z in the room and you are creating content for them after reading "Tips for Instagram content"... so get to know Gen-Z!

On this episode you will hear:


1) What is Gen-Z greatest power and biggest potential?
2) How do Gen-Z manage their time while always staying connected?
3) The dark side of being Gen-Z.
4) Protecting your energy in this digital world.
5) How do companies need to redesign workplace experiences for Gen Z?



Liked the conversation? Let me know by rating & reviewing this podcast and engage in the conversation on Twitter by using #changeagentpodcast.

You can follow and reach out to Lily via:
LinkedIn: lily-fothergill-24bb64a1/
Website: https://thinkhalf-full.com/

You can follow and reach out to Pranam via:
LinkedIn: pranamlipinski/
Website: https://workwithgenz.com/

Get in touch with Baiba via:
Twitter: @BaibaZiga and @Consulting_LHC
LinkedIn & Instagram: Baiba Ziga
E-mail: info@lakehouse-consulting.com
Website: www.lakehouse-consulting.com (subscribe to a weekly newsletter with handpicked articles, podcasts, videos and books)

Baiba is a People and Culture Transformation Consultant, with a mission to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces through building cultural intelligence and better equipping organisations and their leaders. Get in touch with Baiba to talk about how she can help your organisation with cultural intelligence and leadership development on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion topics

Thank you so much for tuning in for this special episode as part of Women's History Month. On this episode I am joined by Sally Mousa an international speaker, moderator and a global media presenter. Sally has lived in the Middle East for over a decade now, where she has been a presenter and producer on some of the region’s top platforms. As an Arab-Australian, Sally is passionate about powerful stories that break barriers, explore diverse narratives and are part of wider conversations driving change world-wide.

International Women's Day and Women's History Month in general, dates back to a demonstration at end of February 1908 NYC, after which 3 German delegates proposed such day is organised every year. The following year on March 19, 1911, IWD was marked for the first time, by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Women demanded that they be given the right to vote and to hold public office. They also protested against employment sex discrimination. 

In Russia for instance 8th March is a national holiday there. On March 8, 1917 in the capital of the Russian Empire, Petrograd, women textile workers began a demonstration, covering the whole city. It is often said that this marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution. Women went on strike for "Bread and Peace" – demanding the end of World War I, an end to Russian food shortages, and the end of czarism. 

This day has more and far broader meaning than just to celebrate women or womanhood. Women back then rose up not only for themselves, but for everyone. So it is important to reflect on the progress made and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. Because these women have created an over 100 year old movement for women's rights, civil awareness, anti-sexism, anti-discrimination and promoting equal rights.

Though the world has made unprecedented advances, no country has achieved gender equality. 

Women’s full and equal participation in all facets of society is a fundamental human right. Yet, around the world, from politics to entertainment to the workplace, women and girls are largely underrepresented. From access to education and rights to land ownership, to political participation and equal remuneration, women still lag behind men even in countries where there have been significant efforts to address gender inequalities.

On this episode you will hear:
1) "If you think Muslim women are oppressed, you don't know Muslim women!"
2) Being a good girl: The Unentitled Mindset
3) Realising the power of feminine energy
4) What makes a great leader?
5) Choose to challenge - it is a privilege!

Liked the conversation? Let me know by rating & reviewing this podcast and engage in the conversation on Twitter by using #changeagentpodcast.

You can follow and reach out to Sally via:
E-mail: 
LinkedIn/Twitter: sallymousa

Get in touch with Baiba via:
Twitter: @BaibaZiga and @Consulting_LHC
LinkedIn & Instagram: Baiba Ziga
E-mail: info@lakehouse-consulting.com
Website: www.lakehouse-consulting.com (subscribe to a weekly newsletter with handpicked articles, podcasts, videos and books)

Baiba is a People and Culture Transformation Consultant, with a mission to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces through building cultural intelligence and better equipping organisations and their leaders. Get in touch with Baiba to talk about how she can help your organisation with cultural intelligence and leadership development on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion topics.

Thank you so much for tuning in for the second half of my conversation with Celia Daniels, a trans gender woman, an entrepreneur, speaker and a global human and trans rights activist. This is a special episode as part of the LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK and the upcoming International Women's Day.

**WARNING: some of the content covered some people might find upsetting and trigger trauma, as we will touch on such elements as sexual harassment and self harm. If you do experience any of these, please seek help in one of the following organisations:

For the UK listeners: 
www.switchboard.lgbt | 0300 330 0630
www.samaritans.org | Tel: 116 123
www.sane.org.uk | 0300 304 7000

For the US listeners:
www.mhanational.org | 1-800-985-5990
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org | 1-800-273-8255

The word “transgender” – or trans – is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to them at birth. Although the word “transgender” and our modern definition of it only came into use in the late 20th century, people who would fit under this definition have existed in every culture throughout recorded history.

The trans community is incredibly diverse. Some trans people identify as trans men or trans women, while others may describe themselves as non-binary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, agender, bigender or other identities that reflect their unique personal experience. Some take hormones or have surgery and transition medically, while others may change pronouns and appearance and transition socially.

While trans people are increasingly visible in both popular culture and in daily life, they still face severe discrimination, stigma and systemic inequality. Some of the specific issues facing the trans community are: lack of legal protection, poverty, stigma and discrimination, violence, lack of healthcare coverage and others. 

This is an important story to be told and heard as part of the LGBTQ+ History Month, the upcoming International Women's Day and as part of every day conversations, as these conversations need to be normalised. 

On this episode you will hear:
1) Third Gender recognition - is that the ultimate goal?
2) Do LGBTQ+ Youth need to be protected from themselves?
3) The societal gender norms and language we use
4) Corporate D&I: Are you doing it for PR or social justice?
5) Being a trans ally

Liked the conversation? Let me know by rating & reviewing this podcast and engage in the conversation on Twitter by using #changeagentpodcast.

You can follow and reach out to Celia via:
E-mail: celiadaniels@gmail.com
LinkedIn/Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: celiasandaniels

Get in touch with Baiba via:
Twitter: @BaibaZiga and @Consulting_LHC
LinkedIn & Instagram: Baiba Ziga
E-mail: info@lakehouse-consulting.com
Website: www.lakehouse-consulting.com (subscribe to a weekly newsletter with handpicked articles, podcasts, videos and books)

Baiba is a People and Culture Transformation Consultant, with a mission to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces through building cultural intelligence and better equipping organisations and their leaders. Get in touch with Baiba to talk about how she can help your organisation with cultural intelligence and leadership development on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion topics.

Thank you so much for tuning in! On today's episode I speak to Celia Daniels, a trans gender woman, an entrepreneur, speaker and a global human and trans rights activist. This is a special episode as part of the LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK and the upcoming International Women's Day.

**WARNING: some of the content covered some people might find upsetting and trigger trauma, as we will touch on such elements as sexual harassment and self harm. If you do experience any of these, please seek help in one of the following organisations:

For the UK listeners: 
www.switchboard.lgbt | 0300 330 0630
www.samaritans.org | Tel: 116 123
www.sane.org.uk | 0300 304 7000

For the US listeners:
www.mhanational.org | 1-800-985-5990
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org | 1-800-273-8255

The word “transgender” – or trans – is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to them at birth. Although the word “transgender” and our modern definition of it only came into use in the late 20th century, people who would fit under this definition have existed in every culture throughout recorded history.

The trans community is incredibly diverse. Some trans people identify as trans men or trans women, while others may describe themselves as non-binary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, agender, bigender or other identities that reflect their unique personal experience. Some take hormones or have surgery and transition medically, while others may change pronouns and appearance and transition socially.

While trans people are increasingly visible in both popular culture and in daily life, they still face severe discrimination, stigma and systemic inequality. Some of the specific issues facing the trans community are: lack of legal protection, poverty, stigma and discrimination, violence, lack of healthcare coverage and others. 

Celia and I had an over 2 hours long conversation about her journey of living in a closet and eventually coming out, being transgender in the corporate America, building family and finding acceptance within herself and her community. And, I felt it was important for this story to be told and heard in full as part of the LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK this month, the upcoming International Women's Day and as part of every day conversations, as these conversations need to be normalised. 

On this episode I felt privileged to simply hold the space for Celia to tell her story.

On this episode you will hear:
1) Finding gender identity across geographies, races, religions and societies
2) 5 dimensions of the belonging journey
3) The power of unlearning
4) Trans and corporate America
5) "I did not choose this life..."

Liked the conversation? Let me know by rating & reviewing this podcast and engage in the conversation on Twitter by using #changeagentpodcast.

You can follow and reach out to Celia via:
LinkedIn: celiasandaniels/

Get in touch with Baiba via:
Twitter: @BaibaZiga and @Consulting_LHC
LinkedIn & Instagram: Baiba Ziga
E-mail: info@lakehouse-consulting.com
Website: www.lakehouse-consulting.com (subscribe to a weekly newsletter with handpicked articles, podcasts, videos and books)

Baiba is a People and Culture Transformation Consultant, with a mission to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces through building cultural intelligence and better equipping organisations and their leaders. Get in touch with Baiba to talk about how she can help your organisation with cultural intelligence and leadership development on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion topics.

Thank you so much for tuning in! On today's episode I speak to Dr Suzanne Wertheim on  everything language, and specifically in terms we use it in our day to day as well as professional settings. I thought it was a very timely conversation to have, as we are starting to debate and pay more attention to the words and language we use, and the emotional and historic meaning they carry.

Language is a social practice or tool that we use to communicate to each other; and it can be written, spoken, signed, 'speaking' through our eyes etc. As we communicate, one thing we often overlook is the power the language we use carries. 

People speak roughly 7,000 languages worldwide. Although there is a lot in common among languages, each one is unique, both in its structure and in the way it reflects the culture of the people who speak it.

Our linguistic choices can amplify a message. Or they can muddy it, and lessen its impact.

My today's guest is Dr Suzanne Wertheim, a researcher, consultant, and educator on issues relating to language and culture from San Francisco. The current focus of her work is on bias in both everyday interactions and organisational systems. Specifically in the ways that language expresses bias. Dr Wertheim also provides legal consulting on the language of bias and discrimination.

On this episode you will hear about:
1) Cultural and social impact on language engineering.
2) Evolution of language and how has our intake of information changed.
3) Erasure: missing historic narratives
4) Media: the power of dividing & uniting
5) How do we change narratives without dehumanising people?

Liked the conversation? Let me know by rating & reviewing this podcast and engage in the conversation on Twitter by using #changeagentpodcast.

You can follow and reach out to Dr Wertheim via:
LinkedIn: suzanne-wertheim-ph-d-1508464/
Twitter: @WorthwhileR&C
E-mail: wertheim@worthwhileconsulting.com

Get in touch with Baiba via:
Twitter: @BaibaZiga and @Consulting_LHC
LinkedIn & Instagram: Baiba Ziga
E-mail: info@lakehouse-consulting.com
Website: www.lakehouse-consulting.com (subscribe to a weekly newsletter with handpicked articles, podcasts, videos and books)

Baiba is a People and Culture Transformation Consultant, whose mission is to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces through building cultural intelligence and better equipping leaders. Get in touch with Baiba to talk about how she can help your organisation with cultural intelligence and leadership development on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion topics.

Resources and Further Reads:

https://news.stanford.edu/2019/08/22/the-power-of-language-how-words-shape-people-culture/

https://medium.com/and-beyond/the-power-of-language-bd910567f8e5

https://news.stanford.edu/2019/06/25/analyzing-tweets-republicans-democrats/