Diverse & Inclusive Leaders & CEO Activist Podcast by DIAL Global Leila McKenzie-Delis

When Vivien Burnett speaks of her climb from the bustling streets of southeast London to the pinnacle of HR at HH Global, you can't help but feel the strength of her purpose. We bring you a tale of passion, not just for people but for the diversity that makes us thrive. Alongside Vivien, Thomas Huscroft joins us to share his transformation from banking to a champion of inclusion, proving that the heart of a company lies in its embrace of every individual's uniqueness.

Our conversation journeys through the fabric of leadership, interwoven with personal growth and the courage to champion others. Vivien recounts her eye-opening gap year that expanded her world view, sowing the seeds for her dedication to creating an inclusive corporate culture. Thomas, with equal fervor, discusses the profound effect belonging has on every facet of the workplace, from engagement to mental health. Together, they are the embodiment of progress, illustrating how diversity and inclusion are not just HR buzzwords but the cornerstone of a thriving business.

We wrap up with a deep dive into the essence of connection in leadership. The stories of Vivien and Thomas highlight the indispensable role of mentors, emotional intelligence, and the genuine bonds we forge along our professional journeys. Their experiences remind us of the power of authenticity and the beauty of a workplace where everyone has a voice and feels safe to be themselves. So, let their stories be your guide, a beacon for your own path to leadership and the celebration of diversity every step of the way.

🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast
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Embark on an enriching odyssey with Josyln Dumas, an expert in the realm of Inclusion and Diversity at Elsevier, whose narrative illustrates the profound connection between the vibrancy of her dance background and her professional triumphs in talent development. Joslyn's story is a testament to the transformative potential of the arts, where her rise from the field of advertising to the pinnacle of IND work emerges as a beacon for nurturing talent and embracing diversity.

Feel the rhythm of perseverance and empowerment as Joslyn recounts her journey from an introspective individual to a dynamo of confidence, all through the grace of dance. Her personal anecdotes lay the foundation for a broader conversation on the necessity of creating inclusive spaces, where the arts serve as a vehicle for personal and community growth. The thread of dance weaves through the discussion, portraying a rich tapestry of generational influence and the enduring impact of creative expression in shaping inclusive environments.

Venture beyond the dance studio and into the heart of corporate culture, where the concept of psychological safety takes center stage. Through an engaging dialogue, we dissect the essence of a secure workplace, one that encourages risk-taking and celebrates the learning process. This episode isn't just about the steps we take in dance; it's about the leaps we make towards fostering innovation, cultivating diverse leadership, and nurturing an environment where every voice is heard and valued. Join us for an episode that dances to the beat of growth, inclusion, and the inspiring leadership journey of Joslyn Dumas.

🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast
📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app: https://community.dialglobal.org/
📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org 

🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.org
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Prepare to be whisked away on an insightful journey with Leila McKenzie-Delis, as I sit with the unparalleled Marc Coleman of Unleash. Together, we dissect the exhilarating evolution of the HR events industry and the nuanced art of fostering indispensable human connections in today's digital world. From Marc's unexpected shift from science to HR, to the extraordinary challenges and triumphs of a remote-first events business, his story is one of resilience and innovation amid the ever-changing corporate landscape.

As the conversation plunges into the metamorphosis of HR, feel the pulse of a sector once confined to the background now catapulting to the forefront of strategic business change. You'll be gripped by tales of technological revolution and how employee empowerment has reshaped the corporate environment, culminating in an era where Chief Human Resources Officers are the new architects of workplace culture and connectivity. Our discussion pinpoints pivotal moments, like our experience at a Chelsea football club event, that crystallize the importance of purpose-driven workplaces in retaining top-tier talent across generational divides.

Rounding out this deep dive, we explore the impending 2025 milestone set to herald a new era of global advancement and the sheer force of staying ahead in the leadership game. Discover the 'impact of inaction' philosophy—how inertia in the face of change can be the silent saboteur of success. We wrap up with a glimpse into the upcoming Las Vegas event, with its rich promise of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), laying the blueprint for the future of work. Join us for these riveting insights that are bound to embolden and inspire HR aficionados and leaders alike.

🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast
📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app here: www.dialglobal.org/community
📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org or www.dialglobal.org/contact-us

🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.org
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When Dr. Chuck Wallington, a visionary in the corporate realm and a passionate storyteller, graced our podcast, he didn't just recount his journey from a curious child to an illustrious executive at Cone Health, he also illuminated the path for future Black leaders. With a freshly minted book in hand, "A Seat at the Seasweet Table," Chuck offers an intimate glimpse into the successes and struggles of 30 Black executives navigating the tumultuous waters of today's business world. Our conversation ventured into the stark reality of African American men's scarcity in corporate leadership and how this drought limits mentorship and growth opportunities, an issue that resonates with my own experience as a Chinese, female, millennial leader.

This episode is a melting pot of poignant reflections and practical wisdom, examining the underrepresentation issues in executive roles and celebrating the triumphs of those who have broken through the glass ceilings. We delve into the stories of these executives, their combat with VUCA challenges, and the critical role of allies and sponsors in my personal narrative, highlighting the transformative power of diversity in leadership. A mosaic of perspectives is showcased, with Chuck's eye-opening research and interviews underscoring the importance of authenticity and the pressing need for inclusion in workplace cultures.

Glean insights from Chuck's defining principles for success, which are anchored by faith, recognition of one's innate talents, and the strength drawn from family and community. Through laughter and earnest discussion, we learn the significance of mentorship, the influence of role models like Ken Chenault, and the importance of lifelong learning and data-driven decisions. By the end of our time together, the indomitable spirit of those who forge forward, despite the corporate realm's challenges, serves as a testament to the resilience and community bonds that sustain us.

🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast
📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app https://community.dialglobal.org/share/ljg71bsbWLspcnU-?utm_source=manual
📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org or www.dialglobal.org/contact-us

🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.org
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The story of DeShaun Wise Porter, VP and Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement at Hilton, always reminds all of us about the profound impact one's heritage can have on their aspirations and achievements. DeShaun's journey from the finance world to the pinnacle of HR leadership is both fascinating and inspiring, embodying the tenacity and dedication required to build inclusive and thriving workplaces. She shares invaluable insights on the transcendent nature of people-centric skills and how, through authenticity and mentorship, one can lift others while achieving personal success.

The resilience encoded in DeShaun's DNA, inherited from ancestors like her Tuskegee Airman grandfather, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Our conversation unveils how this legacy has not only shaped her approach to life and work but also reinforced her belief in the symbiotic relationship between economic growth and ethical action. The narrative of her family's enduring strength serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to prosperity through the power of diversity and unwavering support for each other's potential.

Closing the episode with DeShaun, we explore the tangible strategies that can effect change within organizations, especially in the hospitality industry where diversity at senior levels is still burgeoning. She offers sage advice on building emotional resilience and maintaining momentum in the journey towards a more inclusive corporate landscape. It's a discussion brimming with practical wisdom for anyone looking to foster a supportive environment where every individual has the opportunity to shine. Her philosophy—rooted in authenticity, mentorship, and early relationship nurturing—provides a playbook for those aspiring to lead with impact and intent.

🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast
📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app https://community.dialglobal.org/share/ljg71bsbWLspcnU-?utm_source=manual
📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org or www.dialglobal.org/contact-us

🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.org
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As a parent, witnessing your child encounter barriers can ignite a passion for change that resonates far beyond the confines of home. That's precisely what happened to Nathan Coe, CEO of AutoTrader, when he saw his daughters confront gender biases. On our show, Nathan walks us through his awakening to the realities of diversity and inclusion, illustrating how these revelations have transformed AutoTrader into a beacon of equality, offering lessons that extend to us all about the essence of leadership in today's ever-evolving workplace.

With roots firmly planted in the working class, Nathan's journey to the helm of AutoTrader is a narrative of ambition, defying societal expectations, and the relentless pursuit of a culture steeped in positivity and social mobility. In our intimate conversation, he peels back the layers of traditional CEO roles, advocating for a leadership style that prizes trust and personal connection over top-down commands. This approach, he argues, is not only more aligned with today's societal needs but also carves a path for a new era of empowered, engaged teams and leaders who truly listen.

The synergy between diversity and commercial success is a tune Nathan knows by heart. AutoTrader stands as a testament to the potent blend of CEO activism with business strategy, demonstrating the genuine integration of diversity into the DNA of a company's objectives. This episode peels back the curtain on how diversity and inclusion are much more than just buzzwords but rather, the driving force behind a thriving, forward-thinking enterprise. Nathan's insights challenge us to consider how embedding these values into our businesses is not just a moral imperative but a strategic edge in a landscape that demands balance, innovation, and a deep respect for every individual's contribution.

🎧 Check our podcast audio here: www.dialglobal.org/podcast
📱 Join our Membership to access our DIAL Global Community Network app https://community.dialglobal.org/share/ljg71bsbWLspcnU-?utm_source=manual
📩 Contact us at hello@dialglobal.org or www.dialglobal.org/contact-us

🌐 Visit us on www.dialglobal.org
Continue the conversation on LinkedIn