Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham powered by CCDI Anne-Marie Pham

Today’s special episode of Leader Talks commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which is an important observance on November 20th each year to honour the memory of the transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. To mark the occasion, we are joined by Marni Panas, a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP), human rights champion, and a sought-after keynote speaker who is dedicated to creating safer and more inclusive places where everyone can be their whole selves. Marni believes that the most effective way to reduce discrimination is to get to know the humans behind the labels and identities ascribed to them, and in this episode, she shares some simple and effective ways to increase awareness, be better informed, unlearn our inherent biases, and be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about centring humanity and compassion and being an up-stander, not a bystander, tune in today!

Key points from this episode:
A glimpse into Marni’s personal journey and the many adjectives that describe her.Marni’s commitment to advancing social justice; which she calls a privilege.The hope that she has for young people in the face of rising hatred and transphobia.Why you don’t need to be an expert in gender or sexuality to have compassion.How the simple act of getting to know someone can reduce discrimination.The awareness and education you can achieve on your own as an ally.Reflecting on the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).How leaders and employers can be better allies to trans and non-binary individuals.Why centring humanity and embracing discomfort are crucial elements of allyship.Final thoughts on the importance of looking beyond identity.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Marni PanasMarni Panas on XMarni Panas on LinkedInMarni Panas on InstagramTransgender Day of RemembranceCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Islamic History Month, observed in October, is dedicated to commemorating, enlightening, educating, and fostering a deeper understanding among fellow Canadians about the diverse and valuable contributions of the Muslim community to society.
In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we take a moment to celebrate the contributions of Muslims to Canada and discuss the many issues the community still faces. To help us unpack this nuance topic is Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia. Amira is a prominent journalist and human rights advocate who has made significant contributions to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in Canada. She has also worked in communications and human rights within Canada's labour movement and played a key role in promoting the civil liberties of Canadian Muslims.

We start by delving into some interesting facts about the Muslim community and the state of islamophobia in Canada. Then, we discuss the background of the Muslim community in Canada, the concept of multiculturism, and the progress being made to combat Islamophobia. Amira shares details about her role, the essential work she is doing, and the many challenges Muslim communities currently face. 
We explore the intersection of race and religion in xenophobia, the hurdles younger Muslim generations must overcome, the impact of toxic narratives, common misconceptions surrounding Islam, and more. Tune in and gain a deeper understanding of the Muslim community in Canada with Amira Elghawaby! 


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Amira ElghawabyAmira Elghawaby on LinkedInAmira Elghawaby on InstagramAmira Elghawaby on XIslamic History Month Canada (IHMC)Blackfoot ConfederacyCanadian Labour Congress‘Canada's Multiculturalism - Worth Defending’‘Canada’s unions: urgent action needed to end Islamophobia, protect Muslim communities’The Myth of the Muslim TideCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham*Please note this episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, on Islamophobia, which was produced before the October 2023 Israel-Palestine conflict, does not reference this conflict and the impact on groups affected. CCDI is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and we stand against both antisemitism and Islamophobia. We offer valuable resources to employers seeking assistance in addressing these challenges. To learn more about what organizations can do to define and combat antisemitism in the workplace and beyond, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p1vXLuA1X0 for CCDI's free webinar: Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace.

Today, we’d like to celebrate the incredible work being done in our country to promote and fight for gender-based health equity. However, this work is far from finished and there is still so much more to do. For instance, Canada is 30th out of 146 countries when it comes to the global gender gap index. While this statistic may not seem immediately harrowing, it still highlights the persistent and systemic barriers against gender equity in the country that require immediate correction. Joining us today are two big players in the fight for gender-based health equity in Canada, Mike Casia and Sharlene Rutherford. Mike is the president and MD of Organon Canada, a global healthcare company focused on women’s health that works very closely with Sharlene and her organizations, the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation and the Women’s Health Collective Canada, which are centred around the same concerns. Our conversation tackles gender equity and health, why women’s health cannot be ignored, the consequences of villainizing conversations around women’s health, and the common health inequalities that are prevalent in Canada today. Mike and Sharlene also graciously explain the great work that their organizations are doing, the various partnerships that they’re involved in to drive the gender-based health movement forward, and what employers and everyday citizens can do to support gender and health equality, plus so much more!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Mike and Sharlene and today’s topic: Gender Equity and Health.How and why Sharlene became so passionate about gender equality and health equity. Why Mike chose to be a leader in the fight for women’s health. Where health fits into the gender equality conversation, and why it matters. The consequences of making women’s issues taboo. Taking a closer look at the common health inequities that women in Canada face. Why women’s health needs to be normalized and become part of our everyday speech.The work that Mike and Sharlene’s organizations are doing to promote health equity.What employers and the general public can do to support gender and health equality. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Mike Casia on LinkedIn 
Sharlene Rutherford on LinkedIn
Organon Canada  
Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation 
Alberta Women’s Health Foundation 
Women’s Health Collective Canada
‘Global Gender Gap Report 2023’ 
‘Surveying the Silence’
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Today, we are joined by thought leader and truth and reconciliation program facilitator Salena Starling, who is also the co-owner and president of Community of Big Hearts. Salena has personally been through Canada’s foster care system and, in this episode, she opens up about her journey. We discover how and why the foster care system disproportionately affects Indigenous youth and what needs to change to break stereotypes and address intergenerational trauma. Salena’s story illustrates the implicit challenges that Indigenous youths are born into and what can be done to support reconciliation efforts. Our guest is an exception, having made it out of the system as a healthy, successful individual. Tune in to hear about her efforts to break the cycle and what the rest of us can do to facilitate change.

Key Points From This Episode: 
Introducing Salena Starling, President and Co-Owner of Community of Big Hearts.Salena shares her personal connection to Canada's child welfare system and its challenges.How and why the foster care system disproportionately affects Indigenous youth.The importance of reconciliation efforts to address intergenerational trauma.A reminder that the ‘60s scoop’ didn’t end in the 60s.What reconciliation involves and what needs to be done to support reconciliation efforts.The stereotype cycle affecting Indigenous people; what Salena is doing to break harmful stereotypes.Why it’s important to create safe spaces promoting dialogue and understanding.The role parents play in shaping their children's attitudes toward diversity and reconciliation.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Salena Starling on LinkedIn
Community of Big Hearts
CanU Canada
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Self-care refers to the intentional activities and practices that individuals engage in to nurture their physical, mental, and emotional health. Joining us today to help us understand the importance of self-care is Psychologist and Human Resources Consultant at Invictus Psychology and Consulting, Zuraida Dada. Zuraida is a seasoned psychologist specializing in adult individual therapy. She is known for her ability to create a warm, safe environment and provide empathetic, solution-focused care. Her main objective is to aid clients in reconnecting with themselves, strengthening their resilience, and enhancing their coping strategies. In our conversation, we uncover the importance of self-care through the lens of her personal and professional experiences. We unpack the negative stigmas of mental health, the value of psychoeducation, her positive psychology approach, and the causes of mental health issues. We also talk about safe places and the role of supervisors in mental health and hear invaluable advice on creating healthy work environments. Tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
Zuraida’s experience growing up in Apartheid South Africa.What sparked her initial interest in psychology.The state of mental health in Canada.Common misconceptions and stigmas regarding mental health.Zuraida shares her own mental health struggles.Separating the condition from the personality.Contributing factors to mental health conditions.How to create a safe and mentally healthy workplace.Advice for supervisors to create a healthy work environment.Providing effective support for employees.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Zuraida Dada on LinkedIn
Invictus Psychology and Consulting
The Canadian Psychological Association
The Mental Health Commission of Canada
International Self-Care Day (ISD)
Dr. Diane McIntosh
This Is Depression
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Today's guest is Kai Scott, and he is here to share his experience and expertise on the subject of pronouns and inclusive language. Kai is the President and Gender Strategist at TransFocus Consulting and has a great amount of insight into diversity in the workplace, with a focus on guiding thoughtful, respectful, and impactful conversations. In our chat, we get into some of the crucial areas of this discussion, including how to respond and react to mistakes, necessary nuances, creating safer workplaces, and more. Kai also unpacks the roots of TransFocus and a little of his career history and grounding in social science. So if you would like some fresh illumination on this important aspect of diversity and inclusion, how to be a better ally, and the ways in which we can all support change within companies, be sure to tune in! 
Key Points From This Episode:
Kai takes us through the personal journey that led him to where he is today.An explanation of pronouns and why they are so important. Examples of pronoun usage in the workplace.Advice for how to approach fruitful conversations regarding gender diversity.  Thoughtfulness and nuance in conversations. Kai talks about how employers can create safer workplaces.  How to react to the mistakes we all inevitably make and assumptions around damage. Where to find Kai online and learn more about TransFocus and their work!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Reliance Home ComfortKai Scott on LinkedInTransFocus Consulting TransFocus on LinkedInThe Surprisingly Simple Way to Transcend Differences About Gender TEDx TalkCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham