Célébrons la Journée internationale sans régime! Dans une société où les idées de corps parfait et d'objectifs de remise en forme sont constamment imposées aux gens sous la forme de soi-disant « conseils », elles sont également à l'origine d'un grand nombre de discriminations, de préjugés et d'inégalités sur le lieu de travail. Aujourd'hui, orientons la conversation vers la positivité corporelle et l'acceptation de soi, promouvons une relation plus saine avec la nourriture et rappelons-nous l'importance de valoriser toutes les formes et toutes les tailles.

Edith Bernier, fondatrice de Grossophobie.ca, se joint à nous pour cet épisode de Conversations entre leaders avec Anne-Marie Pham. Edith Bernier est vulgarisatrice, autrice, conférencière et consultante. Bachelière en journalisme, elle est spécialisée dans la lutte à la grossophobie et dans l’inclusion des personnes grosses. Son second livre, Grosse, et puis? Connaître et combattre la grossophobie, est sorti en 2020 au Québec et en 2022 en Europe francophone chez les Éditions Marabout. Son 2e ouvrage, Grandir sans grossophobie, est en magasin depuis février 2023.

Rejoignez-nous alors que nous discutons de la dure réalité des pressions sociétales pour se conformer à des normes de beauté irréalistes et que nous entendons Edith partager son parcours personnel avec la grossophobie et le mouvement d'Acceptation des personnes grosses, soulignant la nécessité pour la société de reconnaître que le poids n'est pas une mesure de la valeur d'un·e individu·e. Nous découvrons également comment les gens peuvent devenir des allié·e·s dans la lutte contre la grossophobie et ce que les employeurs peuvent faire de façon pratique pour assurer un environnement diversifié et inclusif pour toutes les personnes.

Soyez à l'écoute pour entendre toutes les idées stimulantes d'Edith, et bien plus encore!

In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re using today’s conversation to take a closer look at women’s rights, and what is being done to elevate women’s voices from all over Canada.

Joining us in today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham is Shari Graydon, an award-winning author, speaker, print and broadcast columnist, and advocate for women’s rights. She is also the founder of Informed Opinions, a social mission project that seeks to amplify the voices of women and gender-diverse people to ensure that their experiences and insights help shape a more equitable and inclusive Canada.

In today's conversation with Shari, we delve into the current state of the media landscape in Canada, the progress that has been made in terms of gender, diversity, and representation, and what still needs to change. She tells us about the various initiatives that Informed Opinions have undertaken, their impact on women's lives and the conditions that motivated them to step into the political sphere. Shari also shares her recommendations for the media on how to improve gender equality, along with her advice to organizations on how to foster gender equality in the workplace. Be sure to tune in to hear all of Shari's thought-provoking insights, the urgent work being done by Informed Opinions, and much more!

Key points from this episode:

• Taking a moment to honour International Women’s Day.
• Introducing today’s guest Shari Graydon, founder of Informed Opinions.
• Shari’s hopes for the future of gender equality.
• The experiences that led to her becoming a fierce advocate for gender equality.
• Examining the difference between equality and equity through a gender lens.
• Reflections on the media landscape in Canada concerning diversity, gender, and representation; the progress that’s been made, and what still needs to change.
• Details on the Gender Gap Tracker: its benefits and shortcomings.
• The mission behind Shari’s organization, Informed Opinions, and the work that they do.
• An overview of their new campaign, Balance the Power, and how you can get involved.
• Examples of how women’s lives have been changed by Informed Opinions.
• Helping women step out of imposter syndrome, and why you don’t have to be “the best candidate” to share your informed opinion.
• Shari’s recommendations for the media on trying to improve gender equality.
• Advice on how organizations can improve gender equality in the workplace.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Shari Graydon
• Shari Graydon on LinkedIn
• Shari Graydon on X
• Informed Opinions
• Gender Gap Tracker
• Equal Voice
• Balance the Power
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Getting a job is proving difficult for many who have immigrated to Canada, even for those professionally qualified. More needs to be done to ensure that new and immigrant professionals are given a platform to earn their keep, and the more diverse, equitable, and inclusive those environments are, the better!

In observation of Black History Month, and to help us dive deeper into this topic, we are joined by Nketti Johnston-Taylor for our new podcast episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. Nketti is the executive director of the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), an organization that connects newcomer professionals to strategies that will lead to successful employment outcomes. After taking a brief look at the history of her home city of Calgary, we learn about her immigration story, how it ties into her professional background, and everything there is to know about CRIEC and the work that they do.

We discuss Nketti’s mindset during the early years of her immigration and her assessment of the cultural barriers that prevent immigrants from finding work in Canada. She also shares her advice for employers to create more hospitable workplaces, as well as some tips for international professionals on how to find work in a new country. Tune in for all this and more!

A huge 'thank you!' to Reliance Home Comfort for sponsoring this episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief look at the cultural history of Calgary.
• Dr. Nketti Johnston-Taylor's background and immigration story.
• Her mindset during her first few years of assimilating into Canadian culture.
• Why she struggled to find a sense of belonging when she first moved to Calgary.
• The systemic and cultural barriers that prevent qualified immigrants from finding work.
• What Canada can do to better support newcomers and internationally-trained professionals.
• Insight into CRIEC and its various initiatives.
• Tips for international professionals who are struggling to find work in Canada.
• Advice for employers to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on LinkedIn
• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on X
• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on Instagram
• CRIEC
• Making Changes
• Prairie Centre for Excellence in Mentoring
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

What does it take to transform a company from having virtually no diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to implementing a comprehensive strategy that spans the entire organization?

To help us answer this question, we are joined by Normand St-Gelais for the first episode of season 3 of CCDI’s podcast, Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. Normand is Director of Corporate Responsibility at Sodexo, a dedicated long-term CCDI Founding Employer Partner. For Sodexo in Canada, his role encompasses Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability, and overseeing their Stop Hunger Foundation.

We sit down with Normand to discuss his career at Sodexo, the company’s transformative journey on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how they went from virtually no DEI strategy to establishing six well-thought-out resource groups that play an invaluable role in representing the diversity of their organization. We get into the policies that were reviewed and established once DEI became an organizational priority, the impact this has had on company culture, key challenges they experienced along the way, and a whole lot more.

To hear the full scope of their ongoing DEI evolution along with Normand’s advice for companies starting out on their diversity, equity, and inclusion journey, be sure to tune in for this informative conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Normand’s work at Sodexo and the key role he played in their transformative DEI journey.
• The six resource groups that were established to better represent the diversity of Sodexo.
• A breakdown of the policies that were reviewed upon making DEI an organizational priority.
• Why there was a need for Sodexo’s Council for Indigenous People.
• How changes in DEI have positively impacted the culture at Sodexo.
• The importance of including DEI principles in recruitment strategies.
• Why it’s critical for company leaders to support DEI principles throughout the organization.
• Some of the pushback and challenges Normand experienced.
• Unpacking why it’s important to create a space for Caucasian men within DEI.
• Insights on the connection between DEI and corporate responsibility.
• How Sodexo has helped clients with their DEI efforts.
• Normand’s advice to companies at the beginning of their DEI journeys.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sodexo
• Normand St-Gelais on LinkedIn
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In today's new podcast episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we're delving into the intricacies of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We've noticed the profound impact this war has had on colleges, teams, and workplaces. Sorting through the vast amount of information available is challenging as it's tough to discern the facts from the misleading or inaccurate information circulating.

Joining us today is Brian Carwana, Executive Director at Encounter World Religions Centre, to help navigate and come to grips with this complex issue. Brian is an esteemed figure in the realm of religious literacy, with a wealth of experience spanning two decades in the field. Brian has actively engaged with diverse sectors, imparting insights and expertise on religious diversity and pluralism.

In our conversation, we unpack the complexities of the war and its impacts on society and workplaces in Canada. We discuss the history of the war, the nuance factors resulting in an ongoing war, and its overall impact on Canadian society. Gain insights into the different perspectives on the war, the national discourse on the topic, how the conflict is creating tensions in the workplace and more. Brian also provides advice to leaders and employees for navigating the discourse with compassion and how to foster understanding of each other perspectives in the workplace.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of violence, conflict, and sensitive geopolitical issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which may be distressing or triggering for some Listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Overview of the war and where the current issues stem from.
• Reasons for the immigration of Jewish people into Palestine.
• Critical aspects to keep in mind when discussing the topic.
• The role of the British and the United Nations in the conflict's history.
• How previous suffering on both sides has led to war.
• Insights into the historical oppression of both communities.
• He unpacks what each side seeks to accomplish.
• Brian explains the national discourse in Canada surrounding the war.
• Problematic ideologies and language used in the national discourse.
• Discover how the war is impacting people in Canada.
• Common problems and tensions felt in the workplace about the war.
• Advice for leaders for navigating the topic within the workplace.
• Why increasing education around religious minorities is essential.
• Creating safe environments for robust and honest conversations.
• Final words of wisdom Brain has for listeners.

For further resources on the background of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, check out these two blogs here: https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/10/11/background-on-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/; https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/11/02/backgrounder-on-israel-palestine-part-ii/

To delve into understanding Antisemitism, explore this comprehensive blog: https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/10/26/why-do-they-hate-the-jews/

Additionally, to gain insights into Palestinians and the Muslim Other, visit: https://religionsgeek.com/index.php/2023/11/08/palestinians-and-the-muslim-other/

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 Panas
• Marni Panas on X
• Marni Panas on LinkedIn
• Marni Panas on Instagram
• Transgender Day of Remembrance
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader 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 Elghawaby
• Amira Elghawaby on LinkedIn
• Amira Elghawaby on Instagram
• Amira Elghawaby on X
• Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC)
• Blackfoot Confederacy
• Canadian Labour Congress
• ‘Canada's Multiculturalism - Worth Defending’
• ‘Canada’s unions: urgent action needed to end Islamophobia, protect Muslim communities’
• The Myth of the Muslim Tide
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader 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