Global Leadership, Positivity, and Well-Being in a Changing World with Vinay Kumar
Release Date: 10/11/2023
Bringing Joy to Change: A Conversation with Judy Oyedele
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Maroukian welcomes Judy Oyedele, founder and principal consultant of Joyedele Consulting. Judy is an organizational development practitioner and executive leadership coach with over a decade of experience helping leaders across sectors break out of the status quo and lead with clarity, ease, and strong boundaries. Judy shares reflections on her upbringing as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in Texas and how early messages around worthiness and faith shaped her identity and resilience. She and Maria explore the evolution of self-worth beyond...
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“Rewriting the Wellness Script: Melanie Smith’s Holistic Path to Healing”
Culture Stew
In this live and in-person episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with the dynamic Melanie Smith, founder of Moves with Melanie, a health and wellness company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. With a powerful blend of pharmacy expertise, fitness instruction, and integrative nutrition coaching, Melanie shares her personal and professional journey one that took her from a military childhood to pharmacy school to a life changing pivot into holistic wellness. Maria and Melanie explore: How growing up as a “military brat” shaped Melanie’s go for it mindset The realities of burnout in...
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Healing Racial Trauma and Reimagining Mental Health with Dr. Monnica Williams
Culture Stew
This episode of Culture Stew dives deep into the intersection of race, mental health, and systemic change with special guest Dr. Monnica T. Williams, a renowned clinical psychologist, professor, and leading researcher in racial trauma and mental health disparities. Dr. Williams joins Maria to explore the profound impact of racial injustice on psychological well-being—and how culturally informed care can lead to healing and transformation. Together, they discuss the history and ongoing harm of structural racism in mental health systems, the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapies for BIPOC...
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Knowledge is Power: Dismantling Bias with Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman
Culture Stew
Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman returns to Culture Stew to dive even deeper into the emotional, cultural, and systemic layers of anti-racism, leadership, and psychological wellness. A renowned clinical and consulting psychologist, Dr. Abdulrehman shares insights from his groundbreaking tools like "Bias Outside the Box," his ongoing research, and his work as founder of tesbias.com and livingwithracism.com. We explore the intersections of social justice and psychological health, the realities of DEI work in both Canada and the U.S., and the personal narratives that shape his mission. From challenging...
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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,...
info_outlineIn this thought-provoking episode, Maria is hosting solo while Roger is on a well earned vacation. She speaks with Vinay Kumar, a Leadership Coach, Certified Professional Facilitator, OD Consultant, Podcaster, Global Nomad, Wildlife Stalker and Records Collector! They engage in a wide-ranging conversation exploring the intersections of global leadership, positivity, and well-being in the ever-evolving landscape of work and culture. They discuss the impact of technology, travel, and the COVID-19 pandemic on how we approach leadership and the importance of fostering gratitude and positivity in our daily lives.
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Key Takeaways:
The Evolution of Global Leadership
Maria and Vinay explore how global leadership has evolved over the years, from managing international teams to working with multicultural workforces in a digital and remote world. They emphasize the need for leaders to adapt to new challenges, such as building deep connections in a virtual environment and fostering intercultural skills.
The Power of Gratitude and Positivity
The discussion delves into the relationship between gratitude, positivity, and well-being. Vinay highlights the importance of gratitude as the foundation of positivity, stressing that recognizing and appreciating what we have can lead to a more positive mindset. The hosts share personal experiences and emphasize the role of positivity in facing adversity.
The Shift in Priorities and Mindset
Maria and Vinay encourage leaders and individuals to reflect on their priorities and values, especially in a fast-paced world. They discuss how the pandemic has prompted people to reevaluate what truly matters in their lives and how positivity can emerge from a mindset of gratitude. The conversation highlights the significance of being present, grateful, and pragmatic.
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This podcast episode offers valuable insights into adapting to the changing dynamics of leadership, fostering positivity in everyday life, and maintaining well-being amidst evolving global challenges.
Learn more about Vinay and his podcast: SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE with Vinay Kumar