As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to recognize the truths of our shared history and to actively engage in reconciliation efforts. Building a racism-free workplace is an essential part of this ongoing journey, and learning from the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples is a key step forward.

In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we are joined by Elijah Blackbird, Culture Manager at the Beer Store, a valued five-year Employer Partner of CCDI, who has been working in diversity, equity, and inclusion for more than 25 years. Elijah, who also serves on the Board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada and coaches youth soccer, offers a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the diverse realities of Indigenous communities in Canada.

Elijah begins by highlighting the diversity of indigeneity in Canada and how a single act of inclusion shaped his life. He shares his vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing its deeper meaning, and explores the vital role of a Culture Manager. Elijah also discusses Truth and Reconciliation, urging Canadians to challenge their perceptions of Indigenous Peoples, and shares key lessons on inclusion and indigeneity. Tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Elijah Blackbird, Culture Manager at The Beer Store.
• Background on Elijah’s upbringing and heritage as part of the Crane Clan.
• How a teacher brought him to realize his strengths and needs.
• Elijah’s simple vision for Diversity and Inclusion in Canada.
• Parental leave, pension benefits, and reframing perceptions of what DNI work actually is.
• His evolving roles at The Beer Store over the past 25 years.
• The duties of a Culture Manager and why this position is so important.
• Thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation: why focusing on the truth is the most important.
• Challenging perceptions around Indigenous people in the beer industry.
• Understanding history, culture, and varying contexts through the lens of colonization.
• Where the power of DNI classes actually lies.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Elijah Blackbird on LinkedIn
• Elijah Blackbird on X
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
• The Beer Store
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Happy International Youth Day! Today, we celebrate the power and potential of young people to shape a more inclusive and vibrant future. Our latest episode of the Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham podcast features Kevin Lawler and Rowan O’Grady from the Whiteboard Collective (WBC), who are passionately working to ensure that young people from all backgrounds have access to meaningful job opportunities.

In this special episode, Kevin and Rowan share their inspiring vision for a society where youth are not only included but empowered to thrive. WBC is a social impact career accelerator dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating sustainable employment outcomes for marginalized communities across Canada.

Tune in as they discuss innovative career programs and their collaborative efforts with corporate partners to rethink talent acquisition and foster a more equitable society. Whether you're a young professional, an advocate, or an employer, this conversation is packed with practical advice on how to make a real impact.

Join us in amplifying the voices of young changemakers today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into our guests’ professional backgrounds and the important work they do at WBC.
• Unpacking WBC’s vision and their innovative career programs that make it a reality.
• Ways that WBC works with their corporate partners to promote sustainable employment.
• The mindset shift required to view diversity as an asset to your organization, not a liability.
• Challenges that employers face when admitting they have a diversity problem.
• Careers driving social impact: what goes into putting WBC’s tagline into practice.
• Inspiring examples of young candidates who have thrived through their programs.
• What an ideal partnership looks like for WBC, and how you can support their mission.
• How WBC is collaborating with CCDI’s See Different youth education initiative.
• Actionable advice for employers looking to improve their DEI outcomes.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Whiteboard Collective
• Whiteboard Collective on LinkedIn
• Whiteboard Collective on Instagram
• Kevin Lawler on LinkedIn
• Rowan O’Grady on LinkedIn
• Pinball Clemons Foundations
• CCDI ‘See Different’ Youth Education Initiative
• Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) Certification
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Episode 6: Show Notes

This summer, with Canada's natural beauty on full display, we acknowledge and express gratitude towards the original caretakers of this land. Today, we honour them here on the Leader Talks Podcast and reflect on our journey of learning and unlearning for progress. Committed to truth and reconciliation, we've partnered with many like-minded organizations, including the very impressive Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

In today's new episode, we are joined by Mohamed El Daly, Director of Outreach and Product Services at APEGA. Mohamed shares insights into the company's work and his role. We discuss APEGA's evolution, the social and business imperatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the importance of cultural awareness and cultural competence in Mohamed's work. Additionally, we explore the organization's commitment to improving representation of women and using research to uplift communities. You will also get a glimpse of other regulatory bodies excelling in DEI and reconciliation. Plus, Mohamed shares helpful tips for integrating DEI into your communities!

Available at your preferred podcast platform now, or visit: https://ccdi.ca/podcast/


Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Mohamed El Daly as he describes APEGA and his role at the company.
• APEGA's social and business imperatives for EDI and how these have recently evolved.
• The importance of cultural awareness and cultural competence in Mohamed's work.
• Why his role as Director of Outreach matters and how he instigates impactful change.
• Exploring APEGA's multi-year commitment to increase its representation of women.
• Why the company values research and uses it to improve workspaces and communities.
• APEGA's five-year plan, and how it aims to achieve its goals.
• Mohamed's observations of other regulatory bodies that are doing similar great work.
• Our guest's simple strategies for improving EDI in your workplace and community.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Mohamed El Daly on LinkedIn
• Mohamed El Daly on X
• APEGA
• CCDI Awards of Success
• Engineers Canada
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham