When Rocket Science Meets DEI: Measuring Inclusion with Paolo Gaudiano
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian interviews Paolo Gaudiano, a dynamic voice in the DEI space whose journey to this work is anything but traditional. With advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and neuroscience, Paolo brings a deeply analytical lens to a field often led by personal stories and emotion. As the founder and Chief Scientist of Aleria and author of Measuring Inclusion: Higher Profits, Happier People Without Guesswork or Bias, Paolo is on a mission to make inclusion measurable, actionable, and undeniable. Throughout the conversation, Paolo shares his personal...
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Facts Don’t Change Minds. People Do. A Conversation with JonRobert ‘Tat’ Tartaglione
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with psychologist and behavioral scientist JonRobert “Tat” Tartaglione to explore the complexities of human behavior, persuasion, and the psychology behind social change. Tat shares how his winding path from philosophy major to behavioral scientist was driven by a deep curiosity about human nature. He introduces a compelling metaphor of the mind as private property, explaining why people instinctively resist even the most well-intentioned efforts to “plant new ideas.” Through stories, research, and his signature clarity, Tat breaks down...
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The Power of the Pride – Women, Leadership, and the Future of Work
Culture Stew
Welcome back to Culture Stew! In this special Women's History Month episode, your host, Maria Morukian, reflects on the strength of women in leadership, the power of collaboration, and why we need to rethink the way we define workplace success. Inspired by a conversation with her daughter, Maria shares an insightful analogy comparing the cooperative and resilient nature of lionesses in a pride to the way women support each other in communities and workplaces. She challenges the outdated, aggressive leadership models often associated with masculinity and highlights research-backed reasons why...
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Transcending the Static: DEI in a Shifting Landscape
Culture Stew
In this solo episode, Maria dives into the pressing challenges facing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the wake of the new administration's executive orders. With DEI programs under increasing scrutiny and pressure, Maria discusses the broader implications for organizations in both the public and private sectors, and what they can do to uphold their commitments to equity and inclusion.
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Reheated: Die Standing with Elmer Dixon
Culture Stew
Explore the incredible journey of Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the turbulent 1960s to his role as a global diversity consultant, Elmer's story offers a unique perspective on the fight for racial justice. In this episode, Elmer Dixon shares his experiences as a Black Panther Party co-founder, detailing the challenges they faced, such as government opposition and surveillance. His journey from activism to a diversity consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies. Key Takeaways: Relevance...
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Transforming Reproductive Justice: Advocating for Incarcerated Women with Dr. Carolyn Sufrin
Culture Stew
In this compelling episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Dr. Carolyn Sufrin, medical anthropologist, obstetrician/gynecologist, and a leading advocate for the reproductive health and rights of incarcerated women. Dr. Sufrin shares her journey from delivering babies shackled to a bed as a young resident to leading groundbreaking research and advocacy for some of the most marginalized individuals in the healthcare system. Dr. Sufrin reflects on how her early experiences shaped her commitment to systemic change and justice, emphasizing the need for compassionate healthcare,...
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Reheated - Humanistic Leadership: Prioritizing Human Dignity and Well Being for Better Business Results
Culture Stew
We are reheating one of our favorite Culture Stew episodes! If you missed this fascinating interview with Dr. Shaista Khalji from Season June 2020, take a listen. More than ever, we need leaders who are committed to treating all humans with dignity, compassion, and respect. -- Dr. Shaista Khiliji is a professor of Human and Organizational Learning and International Affairs at George Washington University. Her research focuses on issues related to Macro Talent Development, Diversity & Inclusion, humanizing organizations/ leadership, and individual experiences with inequality. ...
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Holding Up the Mirror: Reimagining DEI and Systemic Change with Wendy Moomaw
Culture Stew
In this deeply reflective episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian reconnects with Wendy Moomaw, founder of the Conscious Collaboratory, executive coach, facilitator, and systems thinker. Wendy brings her expertise in embodiment practices and her passion for uncovering leaders' potential to explore and co-create new futures with their teams and communities. Maria and Wendy dive into a heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of moving from "holding up a lens" to "holding up a mirror." They explore the vulnerability and courage required for social change agents to confront...
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Protecting Your Peace and Sustaining Momentum for Social Change
Culture Stew
In this solo episode, host Maria Morukian reflects on themes from the Culture Stew November Newsletter, exploring the challenges and opportunities in continuing the fight for social change amid a tumultuous post-election climate. Maria shares personal insights inspired by her father’s lessons as a history teacher and invites us to consider how patterns from the past can guide us toward a brighter, more equitable future. She introduces the TRU framework as a way to reconnect with our purpose and sustain the long journey ahead. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Reflecting on the...
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From Chemistry to Community: Kai Stowers on Science, Leadership, and the Human Side of Change
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Kai Stowers, a chemist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant and Coach. Kai shares his journey from the lab to a career centered on building high-performing, inclusive teams, driven by a passion for both science and the human dynamics of leadership. Through candid stories, he reflects on the challenges of embracing one’s full identity in professional spaces, especially as a transgender man in male-dominated fields. Maria and Kai explore the importance of empathy, community, and the resilience needed to create lasting change....
info_outlineJulia Gaspar-Bates, Roger, and Maria sit down to discuss the intricacies between DEI, intercultural communication, and community.
"With a Bachelor's degree in the Romance Languages, Julia is fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian, and currently studying Brazilian Portuguese, and is able to incorporate a deep understanding of the complexities of communicating across linguistic barriers into her work. In addition to her years in France, she has also lived in Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, and more recently, Ecuador and has traveled to more than 45 countries on five continents. Her workshops are peppered with personal anecdotes sharpened from a lifetime of interacting and working with people from different cultures."