Embracing Joy: A Deep Dive into Cultivating Resilience and Authenticity
Release Date: 05/15/2024
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. ...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outline
Special Episode: Ember Roundtable at University of Colorado Denver
Culture Stew
In this special episode of Culture Stew, recorded at the University of Colorado Denver, we explore the transformative power of Ember: Igniting and Sustaining a Community of Equity Practitioners. We had the privilege of sitting down with all four facilitators, Maria Morukian, Chris Haigh, Aaron Barlin and Carmen Foster, to dive into discussions about the critical role of community in driving equity work, the concept of emergent change, and the journey toward gaining a liberatory mindset. Our conversation touched on how change often arises organically through collaboration and mutual support,...
info_outline
Culture Stew’s 100th Episode
Culture Stew
Welcome to the first episode of Season 6 and the 100th episode of Culture Stew! This season, the podcast focuses on gender equity through an intersectional lens, highlighting the stories of diverse women and femme-identifying individuals whose experiences are often overlooked or misrepresented. In this episode, we are joined by Devin M. Moran and Jasmin M. Robinson, two scholars conducting research centered on Black women’s leadership and the unique challenges they face, particularly in predominantly white spaces. Devin and Jasmin share their insights on balancing the pursuit of justice...
info_outline
Welcome to Culture Stew Season Six!
Culture Stew
Welcome to season six! This season, we are going to be experimenting with some new approaches and focusing on a central theme where exploring the experiences of women from an intersectional perspective, shifting the focus from deficit-based narratives to stories of strength, creativity, and resilience. Gender equity is a universal issue, and with reproductive rights under attack and the ongoing fight for trans and non-binary inclusion, these discussions are more critical than ever. We’re excited to welcome a lineup of inspiring guests, from those amplifying marginalized voices in literature...
info_outline
Summer Reflection Series - Episode 3: From Conflict to Connection with Todd Culp
Culture Stew
In the third episode of our Summer Reflection Series, Todd Culp shares his experiences in conflict zones around the world. Learn how authentic connections and embracing change can bridge divides and promote peace. Todd's stories highlight the universal nature of humanity and the power of genuine communication, reminding us of the importance of seeing beyond differences to find common ground. From Conflict to Connection: A Journey with Todd Culp In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science...
info_outline
Summer Reflection Series – Episode 2: Die Standing with Elmer Dixon
Culture Stew
Our Summer Reflection Series continues with Elmer Dixon, whose journey from co-founding the Seattle Black Panther Party to becoming a global DEI consultant showcases the power of activism and strategy. Elmer shares powerful stories of standing strong against racial injustice and the Black Panther Party's community work. Discover how community efforts continue to play a crucial role in the fight for racial justice and equality. Die Standing with Elmer Dixon For those individuals and groups who have been the target of oppression and injustice, liberation is about finding voice to raise...
info_outline
Summer Reflection Series - Episode 1: Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez
Culture Stew
As part of our Summer Reflection Series honoring the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we explore how embracing a liberatory mindset can drive strategic change. Kay Suarez, director of Equity in the Center, shares how waking up to new perspectives can transform community-driven equity work. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and the role each of us can play in creating a more equitable world. Kay's insights remind us that liberation is a communal effort, not a solo journey. Summer Reflection Series - Episode 1: Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez As part of our Summer...
info_outlineIn this poignant episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian engages in a profound conversation with Danne L. Johnson, Kai Stowers, and Wendy Moomaw. Together, they explore the multifaceted nature of joy, offering insights on how to cultivate resilience and authenticity in challenging times. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the guests delve into the deeper dimensions of joy, discussing its intersection with self-awareness, societal pressures, and the pursuit of authenticity. From sensory experiences in nature to moments of self-knowing, they share practical strategies for reclaiming joy and resilience amidst adversity.
As the conversation draws to a close, Maria Morukian and her guests leave listeners with a powerful call to action. They invite listeners to embrace authenticity and cultivate joy as essential pathways to personal and collective empowerment. Encouraging listeners to explore their own joy practices and deepen their self-awareness, the guests emphasize the transformative potential of joy in navigating life's challenges. By reclaiming joy and embracing authenticity, listeners can embark on a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and meaningful connection with themselves and others.
Key Discussion Points:
Defining Joy: The guests explore the nuanced definition of joy, distinguishing it from happiness and positivity. They discuss how joy manifests in different aspects of life, from sensory experiences to moments of self-knowing.
Cultivating Joy: Sharing personal practices and reflections, the guests delve into how they cultivate joy amidst societal pressures and challenges. They highlight the importance of self-awareness, presence, and embracing authenticity.
Resilience and Self-Knowledge: Reflecting on the intersection of joy and resilience, the guests emphasize the role of deep self-knowing in navigating adversity. They discuss strategies for reclaiming power and resilience in the face of systemic barriers.
Guests:
Danne L. Johnson: An accomplished professional specializing in building inclusive cultures, Danne L. Johnson brings deep expertise in implicit bias and impactful training. She is the founder of Our Work LLC, a renowned DEIB firm.
Kai Stowers, MA, PCC: From a background in science to becoming a Leadership and DEI Consultant, Kai Stowers partners with leaders to foster inclusive teams. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University.
Wendy Moomaw: A systems thinker and executive coach, Wendy Moomaw empowers leaders to navigate complex challenges with intentionality. She holds an MBA/MS Finance from the University of Maryland and is certified in various coaching methodologies.