Inclusive Leader Spotlight

Hosted by DEI Pro Finder

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Dec 2024

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About the show

Are you an advocate for DEI in your organization? Have you navigated the complexities of fostering an inclusive culture? We want to hear from you! "Inclusive Leader Spotlight" is always looking for guests who can share their journey, challenges, and insights with our audience. At Inclusive Leader Spotlight we're not just talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — we're celebrating the leaders who breathe life into these values. Our podcast is a beacon for those who are not only advocating for change but are actively shaping a more inclusive future in their workplaces. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.deiprofinder.com/podcast-guest.

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51 recent

December 16, 20247 min

Season 1 Finale - Highlights, Gratitude, and What’s Ahead for Season 2

Join host Juan Taveras as he wraps up Season 1 of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight podcast with a heartfelt reflection on the journey so far. This special episode highlights the most powerful insights, strategies, and themes shared by our inspiring guests throughout the season.Discover the key takeaways from Season 1, including:The power of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in leadershipPractical ways to operationalize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)Why kindness is essential for building cultures of belongingJuan also shares an exciting sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 2: deeper conversations, more fascinating guests, and even more actionable insights to help you lead inclusively.Whether you’ve been following since the first episode or are tuning in for the first time, this episode is a celebration of inclusive leadership and a preview of the impactful conversations ahead.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

December 11, 202434 min

50 - The Art of Connection: How Leaders Can Use Storytelling to Build Empathy with Andre Bradford

Your host, Juan Taveras, closes out Season 1 of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight with an inspiring conversation with Andre Bradford, award-winning poet and motivational speaker, known by his stage name, S.C. Says. Andre uses slam poetry to explore identity, mental health, and social justice, creating transformative experiences that foster empathy and connection.In this episode, Andre shares:How storytelling builds bridges and fosters inclusion in the workplace.Why vulnerability and curiosity are essential skills for leaders.How authenticity—not perfection—creates trust and belonging in teams.Actionable strategies for HR and DEI leaders to incorporate storytelling into their work.Andre also performs a deeply moving poem on mental health, offering a raw and relatable reflection on resilience and the power of showing up.🎧 Tune in now for a masterclass in empathy, connection, and the transformative power of storytelling.To learn more about Andre's work, click HERE.To connect with Andre on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

December 9, 202430 min

49 - From Role-Play to Real Results: Transforming Workplace Culture Through Practice with Katie McLaughlin

Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Katie McLaughlin, founder and transformation artist at McLaughlin Method. With over 20 years of experience and a background in theater, Katie brings a fresh, creative approach to building healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures.In this episode, Katie shares her innovative strategies, including:Why team health is the new metric leaders need to track for organizational success.How to bridge the gap between theory and action through rehearsing real-world scenarios.The importance of self-awareness and starting with yourself to drive meaningful cultural change.Katie’s actionable insights and unique methods will inspire HR and DEI leaders to think differently about fostering trust, collaboration, and emotional intelligence in their teams.🎧 Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation! Listen now and start transforming your workplace culture today.To learn more about Katie's work, click HERE.To connect with Katie on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to take the Team Health Quiz Katie mentioned in the episode? Click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

December 4, 202440 min

48 - Emotional Intelligence and Self-Compassion: The Foundations of Inclusive Leadership with Juan Kingsbury

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras sits down with workplace dynamics expert Juan Kingsbury, Founder of Career Blind Spot. With over a decade of experience in human behavior and leadership coaching, Juan brings a refreshingly honest perspective on why DEI work is so challenging—and so worth it.Listen in as Juan shares:How leaders can turn workplace bias into opportunities for growth.Why emotional intelligence is essential for team success (and how to develop it).The role of self-compassion in fostering accountability and inclusion.How to bridge the gap between DEI theory and practice with actionable strategies.This episode is packed with insights for HR and DEI leaders who want to create meaningful, sustainable change in their organizations.To learn more about Juan's work, click HERE.To connect with Juan on LinkedIn, click HERE.To listen to Juan's podcast, Career Blind Spot, click HERE.To get a copy of Juan's book, A New Work Mindset, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

December 2, 202432 min

47 - Beyond Quotas: How DEI Drives Innovation and Resiliency in Organizations with Danni Buie

In this episode of Inclusive Leader Spotlight, host Juan Taveras sits down with Danette "Danni" Buie, founder and CEO of Thrive Limitlessly, to explore how DEI strategies can transform organizations.Danni’s unique co-collaborative methodology ensures that DEI initiatives are built with input from leaders, employees, and even customers, resulting in systemic change that aligns with long-term business goals. Together, they discuss:Why DEI is about creating equitable opportunities, not just meeting quotas.How inclusive leadership begins with listening and learning.The connection between workplace inclusion and organizational innovation.Strategies for embedding DEI into every facet of business operations.Whether you’re a DEI leader, HR professional, or business executive, this conversation offers practical advice for fostering environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.To learn more about Danni's work, click HERE.To connect with Danni on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

November 27, 202435 min

46 - Empathy, Awareness, and Action: Building Inclusive Teams with Simpli5®

Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Tyler Plant, Chief Revenue Officer at Simpli5®, to explore how self-awareness, empathy, and the 5 Dynamics framework can transform workplace collaboration. With over 20 years of experience leading sales and customer service teams, Tyler shares actionable insights into creating sustainable results by aligning people and process.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why self-awareness is the foundation of inclusive leadership.How empathy enhances collaboration without requiring agreement.The 5 Dynamics framework and its practical application for DEI and leadership strategies.How tools like Simpli5® mitigate biases and assumptions in the workplace.Why the human element remains essential in the age of AI.Tyler’s passion for improving the employee experience will leave you inspired and equipped with new strategies to unlock your team’s full potential.To learn more about Tyler's work, click HERE.To connect with Tyler on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

November 25, 202432 min

45 - The ROI of Inclusion: Linking DEI to Brand, Culture, and Business Success with Ayanna Anderson

Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Ayanna Anderson, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Highwire, to discuss the future of DEI leadership. With over 20 years of experience in PR, strategic communications, and community engagement, Ayanna shares how she leverages lived experiences to drive organizational transformation.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why retention is the new frontier for DEI and how to create experiences that make employees stay.✔️ How to shift from a call-out to a call-in culture that fosters accountability and growth.✔️ The role of collective DEI KPIs in embedding inclusion into every level of an organization.✔️ Why lifelong learning is critical for DEI practitioners navigating new frontiers like AI and startups.Ayanna’s insights are actionable, inspiring, and perfect for leaders looking to reimagine inclusion in today’s workplace.To learn more about Ayanna's work, click HERE.To connect with Ayanna on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

November 20, 202430 min

44 - Inside the Predictive Index: Data-Driven DEI for a More Inclusive Culture with DaSjaun Rose

Your host, Juan Taveras, chats with Deshawn Rose, VP and Partner at Mind Wire Consultancy, who has over 28 years in diverse fields like education, healthcare, and finance. Deshawn’s passion for problem-solving shines as he dives into creating inclusive workplaces, bridging communication gaps, and leveraging tools like the Predictive Index for DEI.In this episode, Deshawn discusses conflict as an opportunity for alignment, his TED questioning framework to foster curiosity over judgment, and the power of Predictive Index to reduce hiring bias. From creating safe, respectful work environments to celebrating the diversity of thought and strengths, Deshawn’s insights offer actionable steps toward building cohesive, inclusive teams.Listen in to gain tools and strategies that can make your workplace more inclusive and aligned with DEI goals!To learn more about DaSjaun's work, click HERE.Want to take the Predictive Index Assessment DaSjaun referenced in the episode? Click HERE.To connect with DaSjaun on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

November 18, 202428 min

43 - Conflict as a Truth Revealer: Building Inclusion through Honest Conversations with Dr. Jerry Fu

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Dr. Jerry Fu, founder of Adapting Leaders, who brings a unique blend of experience as both a pharmacist and leadership coach for Asian American directors and managers. In this episode, Jerry reveals how conflict, rather than being avoided, can serve as a powerful truth revealer in workplaces, helping to build stronger connections and drive real inclusion. He also discusses how leaders can reframe self-advocacy to align with organizational goals, transforming personal goals into mutually beneficial outcomes.In this episode, listeners will gain insight into the value of:Approaching conflict as a source of growth and honestyBalancing personal ambition with collective goalsMaintaining a DEI commitment beyond initial training and statementsDon’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your influence and create a workplace where people feel seen, respected, and empowered.To learn more about Jerry's work, click HERE.To get a copy of the guide Jerry referenced in the episode, click HERE.To connect with Jerry on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 

November 13, 202426 min

42 - Beyond Metrics: Redefining DEI with Fairness, Experience, and Kindness at the Core, Insights from Shadé Akande

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras welcomes Shadé Akande, the visionary Founder and CEO of One X League, the largest private social and professional network for Black and Afro Latina women executives and founders. With 18 years of HR experience at companies like Google, Verizon Wireless, and Walmart, Shadé has a wealth of insight on promoting DEI from the ground up, supporting leaders in creating workplaces that value every individual’s experience.Tune in to learn:Why DEI goes beyond diversity metrics to focus on fostering belonging and valuing unique perspectivesHow kindness in leadership can transform workplace culture and boost retentionPractical steps for expanding your circle and ensuring DEI is a continual, intentional processTo learn more about Shadé's work click HERE.To connect with Shadé on LinkedIn, click HERE.Want to learn more about Juan’s work at DEI Pro Finder? Check out his website HERE. 