Conflict Style: A Podcast on Different Perspectives
Conflict happens in every team. But in global and multicultural teams, misunderstandings often arise because culture shapes how we disagree, express emotions, and resolve conflicts. When we misinterpret the behaviour of colleagues from other cultures, trust can quickly erode.
Anna Kostecka, an associate of DiversiPro hosts the podcast What Works Across Cultures. In this episode, she speaks with DiversiPro’s founder and principal consultant, Hamlin Grange…
Associate Spotlight: Q&A with Samiha Sharif
Why is inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism (IDEA) important in your personal and professional life?
I realized early that people’s ability to have more choices was often influenced by their identity and that a society is only as adept at addressing adversity as meeting the physical, physiological, mental and emotional needs of people. That is what led me to social work: micro-level work as a psychotherapist, helping people access support and have more tools in their toolbox to access…
IDEACertified™: A Credible Standard for Inclusive, High-Trust Organizations
Despite the so-called “backlash” against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across both public and private sectors, organizations are facing increasing expectations to demonstrate real, measurable progress on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA). Good intentions and isolated training initiatives are no longer sufficient. What is required is evidence—grounded in data, aligned to legislation, and trusted by employees, stakeholders, and the public.
IDEACertified™ is DiversiPro’s trademarked, evidence-based certification program designed to achieve this goal. It provides organizations with a structured, defensible pathway to move beyond intention and toward sustained, organization-wide impact in IDEA practice…
Why Is It So Hard to Connect with Other Cultures?
For some time now, I have made it my mission to support connections between people, particularly those from different cultures. Yet, the more time I spend doing this, the humbler I become.
A week ago, while talking with friends, I initially stated that I respect and am open to all religions, but then went on to explain how the rituals in them made no sense to me and to question their relevance to one’s spiritual journey…
Associate Spotlight: Q&A with Kennedy Schultz
Why is IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) important in your personal and professional life?
I have always had a desire to learn about different cultures. After studying abroad in college, I realized that learning about other cultures helped me gain new perspectives on my own culture and our connection to the wider world. I started my career in language and culture education as a way to teach others about the richness of world cultures and the benefits of developing skills to broaden one’s perspective and create connections across global boundaries…
Off the Bookshelf: What If I Say the Wrong Thing?
If I was paid every time someone – often it’s a senior leader or manager in an organization – asked me “what if I say the wrong thing?”, I’d be a very wealthy man…
In Conversation With The Mental Health Commission of Canada
The mental health of employees is foundational to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) organizational culture because psychological well-being enables individuals—especially those from marginalized or underrepresented groups—to engage fully and safely at work. Likewise, strong DEI programs can positively influence mental health by addressing systemic stressors and creating conditions for all employees to thrive.
Associate Spotlight: Q&A with Adam Benn
What actions do you take to create inclusive environments in your own life?
In my life, I focus on making inclusion a daily practice, and living these values day to day. That means being intentional about making space at the table, understanding the environmental impact of my actions, aligning with businesses and organizations that share my values, and focusing on supporting my communities. For me, it is about taking actions to create a world that I would like to see when I am teaching about inclusion. It also means actively listening, learning, and being willing to change — whether that’s rethinking a decision, acknowledging my own biases, or creating opportunities for others to lead. I also try to build relationships across differences…
Inclusive City Planning: Q&A with Alexandra Lambropoulos
Inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism (IDEA) are foundational to my work in urban planning because cities thrive when they reflect and serve the diverse populations that inhabit them. IDEA informs my personal research interests in community economic development because it focuses on building strong, resilient local economies that benefit all residents.
Off the Bookshelf: North of Nowhere
Marie Wilson’s newly-published “North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner” is a tour de force.
Richly woven, it is part memoir, part documentary. It’s also the kind of book you’ll want to read more than once – not only because it reveals an important part of Canadian history, but because the overall story is so compellingly told.
The book starts with a story about Wilson’s mother-in-law watching Canadian TV at home in the Northwest Territories.