Ideas for the Workplace

Hosted by Hedieh Azad

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2025

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EN-CA

About the show

Ideas for the Workplace is a podcast on HR and inclusion. Each month I will talk to leaders who are making their workplaces more inclusive and engaging and contributing to the bottom line and customer and client satisfaction.

Listen to episodes

8 recent

May 19, 202533 min

Inclusive Leadership with Shaen Ferguson

In this episode, Hedieh Azad, host of Ideas for the Workplace, chats with Shane Ferguson about inclusive leadership. Shaen shares her journey from social services to a 28-year career in HR, her passion for diversity and inclusion, and her approach to building a supportive and equitable team. They discuss the importance of empathy, listening, and continuous learning in leadership, as well as practical strategies for advocating for team members and addressing microaggressions.00:00 Introduction to Ideas for the Workplace00:26 Meet Shane Ferguson: Career Journey and Background01:38 Understanding Inclusive Leadership04:43 Building Trust and Empathy in Teams08:40 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Organization-Wide12:56 Strategies for Equitable Growth and Development19:44 Addressing Microaggressions and Discrimination26:21 The Role of Empathy in Leadership28:35 Advice for New Leaders on Inclusivity32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

May 19, 202523 min

Introvert Leadership: Navigating Leadership as the Quiet Leader with Alain Hippolyte

In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad converses with Alain Hippolyte, a seasoned leader known as the quiet leader, to explore his leadership journey and the importance of mentorship and emotional intelligence. Alain shares insights into how introverted leaders can effectively navigate their roles, overcome misconceptions, build inclusive teams, and foster trust. Listen in to learn how introverts can make impactful contributions and lead with kindness, transparency, and strategic relationship building.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:37 Alain's Leadership Journey01:34 The Role of Mentorship and Emotional Intelligence04:34 Quiet Leadership Explained07:08 Navigating Career as an Introvert09:45 Myths About Introvert Leaders11:04 Creating Inclusive Teams as an Introvert14:21 Handling Unconscious Biases16:36 Building Trust Within Teams20:50 Advice for New Leaders23:23 Conclusion

May 19, 202539 min

Navigating Stress and Burnout with Kristina Lamb

In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad sits down with Kristina Lamb, a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and wellness specialist, to discuss stress and burnout in the corporate environment. Kristina explains the continuum of stress, distinguishing between positive and toxic stress, and explores the critical factors influencing our stress response, including social context and support systems. The conversation delves into the physical effects of chronic stress, the concept of burnout, its causes, and symptoms. Kristina offers practical advice for both leaders and employees on how to manage stress and create a supportive workplace culture. Tune in to learn valuable insights on maintaining mental health and wellness at work.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:16 Understanding Stress: Good vs. Bad09:21 The Impact of Stress on Our Bodies16:00 Exploring Burnout: Causes and Symptoms20:28 Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Leaders and Employees37:01 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

May 19, 202536 min

Entrepreneurial Mindset with Jeff St. Denis

In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh is joined by Jeff St. Denis, the CEO and founder of Culture Catalyst. Jeff shares his journey into entrepreneurship, detailing his career from the hospitality industry to starting his own business amidst the pandemic. He discusses the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, the importance of a supportive community, and how to mitigate risks. Jeff also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into his work on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Tune in for an inspirational and informative conversation about building a successful business and fostering positive change.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 Jeff's Career Journey01:02 Starting Culture Catalyst02:53 First Steps into Entrepreneurship05:48 Culture Catalyst's Services10:04 The Entrepreneurial Mindset12:33 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur17:43 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship18:19 Building a Supportive Community21:01 Leveraging Entrepreneurial Resources22:25 Overcoming the Fear of Failure23:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs27:09 Starting Out as an Entrepreneur29:42 Consistency Over Perfection30:22 Setting Up a System for Success32:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement35:19 Connecting with Jeff St. Dennis#entrepreneur #culture #workplaceculture #canada

March 6, 2025Episode 89 min

Building Workplace Success with Atomic Habits

In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, hosted by Hedieh Azad, we explore the transformative power of small habits inspired by James Clear's 'Atomic Habits'. Learn how tiny, incremental changes can lead to massive improvements in productivity, leadership, and teamwork. Discover practical workplace examples and Clear’s four laws for building better habits. Find out how making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying can significantly enhance your workplace environment and culture. Tune in to implement these actionable insights and start improving one habit at a time.00:00 Introduction to Atomic Habits01:15 The Power of 1 Percent Improvement02:19 Identity-Based Habits03:34 The Four Laws of Behavior Change03:50 Make It Obvious04:39 Make It Attractive05:20 Make It Easy05:53 Make It Satisfying06:27 Habit Stacking07:12 Designing the Workplace environment07:51 Eliminating Bad Habits08:33 Conclusion and Takeaways

October 31, 2024Episode 524 min

Creating inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees with Wanda Deschamps

Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Neurodivergent Employees with Wanda Deschamps In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad talks with Wanda Deschamps, founder and principal of Liberty Co., about creating inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees. Wanda shares her personal journey, discusses the importance of inclusive leadership, and provides practical tips for organizations to attract, retain, and foster innovation through neurodiversity. Learn how to make your workplace more inclusive, from job postings to onboarding and beyond. For more resources, visit Liberty Co.'s website or connect with Wanda on LinkedIn. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:15 Wanda's Background and Career Journey01:25 Starting Liberty Co and Focus on Neurodiverse Employment03:02 Challenges and Statistics in Neurodivergent Leadership04:55 Inclusive Leadership and Neurodiversity07:43 Attracting and Retaining Neurodivergent Employees09:11 Inclusive Practices in Job Postings and Recruitment10:06 Onboarding and Retention Strategies18:08 Driving Innovation through Neurodiversity21:49 Final Thoughts and Resources

July 15, 2024Episode 442 min

Humanizing Leadership with Louise H. Reid

Humanizing Leadership: An In-Depth Conversationwith Louise H. Reid In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, hostHedieh Azad talks with Louise H. Reid, Founder, and Chief Empowerment Officerat LHR Leadership Development and Coaching. Louise shares insights about hermission to humanize leadership, focusing on enhancing communication,relationships, and inclusivity within teams. With a Bachelor of Science,multiple HR and coaching certifications, and over 20 years of experience,Louise discusses her book 'Humanizing Leadership' and the personal andprofessional motivations behind it. She explains the significance of'well-intentioned but ill-equipped' leaders and offers solutions throughstrengths-based methodologies like Clifton Strengths. Louise also emphasizesthe importance of trust, mindfulness, and the 'power of the pause' in effectiveleadership. The conversation also touches on building environments ofpsychological safety, the changing expectations of employees, and practicaladvice for new leaders. The episode concludes with ways to connect with Louiseand obtain her book. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 400:04 Meet Louise H. Reid01:45 Louise's Journey to Writing 'HumanizingLeadership'04:23 The Ill-Equipped Leader08:49 Understanding and Leveraging Strengths13:34 Building Trust and Psychological Safety16:58 The Four Characteristics of a Good Leader19:17 Navigating Post-COVID Workplace Dynamics27:24 The Power of the Pause33:36 Unleashing the Power of Your People40:33 Advice for New Leaders41:14Conclusion and How to Connect with LouiseConnect with Louise on LinkedIn or visit her website: http://www.humanizingleadership.com/.

June 17, 2024Episode 318 min

Erin Patchell and the Trained to Help Project

In this episode, Hedieh Azad, host of Ideas for the Workplace, chats with Erin Patchell about the Trained to Help Project. Erin discusses her inspiration behind the project, which aims to support businesses in making their premises more accessible for people with disabilities. They delve into the project's dual-faceted approach: a business training platform aligned with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and a consumer-centric website listing accessible businesses. Erin also highlights the challenges and future plans for the project, including expanding geographically and enhancing the training modules.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:46 Inspiration Behind the Trained to Help Project01:10 Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities02:42 Business Accessibility and Training Platform07:19 Pilot Program and Future Plans13:25 Impact on Disability Inclusion17:21 How to Get Involved18:30 Conclusion and Farewell