Best DEI Pro Finder Podcasts (2025)

1
Season 1 Finale - Highlights, Gratitude, and What’s Ahead for Season 2 7:18

Play Pause

8M ago7:18

7:18

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 emotion…

1
50 - The Art of Connection: How Leaders Can Use Storytelling to Build Empathy with Andre Bradford 34:15

8M ago34:15

34:15

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…

1
49 - From Role-Play to Real Results: Transforming Workplace Culture Through Practice with Katie McLaughlin 30:14

8M ago30:14

30:14

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…

1
48 - Emotional Intelligence and Self-Compassion: The Foundations of Inclusive Leadership with Juan Kingsbury 40:07

8M ago40:07

40:07

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: …

1
47 - Beyond Quotas: How DEI Drives Innovation and Resiliency in Organizations with Danni Buie 32:46

8M ago32:46

32:46

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 i…

1
46 - Empathy, Awareness, and Action: Building Inclusive Teams with Simpli5® 35:20

9M ago35:20

35:20

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 …

1
45 - The ROI of Inclusion: Linking DEI to Brand, Culture, and Business Success with Ayanna Anderson 32:29

9M ago32:29

32:29

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 transformati…

1
44 - Inside the Predictive Index: Data-Driven DEI for a More Inclusive Culture with DaSjaun Rose 30:41

9M ago30:41

30:41

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. …

1
43 - Conflict as a Truth Revealer: Building Inclusion through Honest Conversations with Dr. Jerry Fu 28:39

9M ago28:39

28:39

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 str…

1
42 - Beyond Metrics: Redefining DEI with Fairness, Experience, and Kindness at the Core, Insights from Shadé Akande 26:10

9M ago26:10

26:10

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 …

1
41 - Diversity Isn't Altruism - It's Good Business. The Positive Impact of Hiring Differently-Abled Talent with John and Mark Cronin 39:01

9M ago39:01

39:01

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, is joined by John and Mark Cronin, the dynamic father-son team behind John’s Crazy Socks. Together, they share their journey of building a multi-million-dollar business centered on a mission to "Spread Happiness" – a mission that comes to life by employing a team where over…

1
40 - Creating a Culture of Ownership and Generosity in the Workplace with Ryan Johnson 28:44

9M ago28:44

28:44

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Ryan Johnson, founder and CEO of 3 Sparrows Executive Services, about leadership that inspires true ownership in the workplace. With his background in business coaching and operations, Ryan shares his proven framework for transforming teams from “clock punchers” to engaged owners. He emphasizes the importance of …

1
39 - Transforming Healthcare Teams: The Power of Cultural Humility and Brave Spaces with Dr. Joe Sherman 35:59

9M ago35:59

35:59

In this powerful episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras sits down with Dr. Joe Sherman, founder of Joe Sherman, MD Coaching and Consulting. Dr. Joe brings over 35 years of experience as a pediatrician in diverse settings around the world, and now dedicates his work to helping healthcare professionals reconnect with their core value…

1
38 - Building Cultural Competence: Small Steps Toward Lasting DEI Change with Jebeh Edmunds 31:28

9M ago31:28

31:28

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, Juan Taveras speaks with Jebeh Edmunds, the CEO and founder of Jebeh Cultural Consulting. With over two decades of experience as an educator and speaker, Jebeh has dedicated her life to promoting positive change through multicultural education and equitable strategies. Jebeh shares how her lived ex…

1
37 - How Disability Inclusion Can Transform Organizational Culture with Sarah Kirwan 40:00

10M ago40:00

40:00

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, host Juan Taveras speaks with Sarah Kirwan, Founder and CEO of Eye Level Communications, a disability and woman-owned consulting firm. With her personal journey from misdiagnosis to becoming a fierce advocate for disability inclusion, Sarah brings a unique and powerful perspective to the conversati…

1
36 - Systemic Change, Not Charity: Moving DEI Work from Superficial to Sustainable with Ovell Barbee 27:54

10M ago27:54

27:54

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Ovell Barbee, owner and principal of Ask Ovell, and an HR and DEI executive with extensive C-suite experience. Ovell brings a wealth of knowledge from his leadership roles across various industries, sharing how he has leveraged both HR and DEI functions to dr…

1
35 - Getting Pay Right: Why Pay Equity is the Cornerstone of a Strong DEI Strategy with Salary.com's Lenna Turner 29:06

10M ago29:06

29:06

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host Juan Taveras sits down with Lenna Turner, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Senior Compensation Consultant at Salary.com. Lenna shares her unique perspective on the importance of pay equity as a cornerstone of any successful DEI strategy. With over a decade of experience in co…

1
34 - Diverse by Design: Transforming Workplaces Through Belonging and Innovation with Kenneth Walker 34:40

10M ago34:40

34:40

Your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Kenneth Walker, EVP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Culture at Per Scholas, a national nonprofit focused on expanding tech career opportunities for underrepresented communities. With 18 years at the organization, Kenneth brings a unique perspective on fostering cultures of belonging and inclusion. In thi…

1
33 - Leveraging the Power of Kindness to Create More Inclusive Workplaces with Michael Neece 31:48

10M ago31:48

31:48

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host Juan Taveras speaks with Michael Neece, President of Our Future is Kind and author of In Kind: Consciously Craft a Meaningful Life and Career. Michael shares his journey from working in planetariums to leading teams in the pharmaceutical industry, where he discovered the transformative po…

1
32 - Beyond Compliance: Tiffany Yu’s Roadmap to Authentic Disability Allyship 34:29

10M ago34:29

34:29

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Tiffany Yu, an award-winning disability advocate, social entrepreneur, and founder of Diversability. Tiffany is also the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. In this episode, Tiffany shares powerful insights on disability inclusion, challenging ableism, and rethinking workplace accommodations. Tiffany delves int…

1
31 - From Theory to Action: Getting Started with DEI as an HR Manager with Kari Heistad 36:45

10M ago36:45

36:45

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Kari Heistad, CEO of Culture Coach International, a DEI expert with 30 years of experience helping organizations build inclusive cultures. Kari is known for creating "Aha moments" that shift perspectives and foster deeper connections in the workplace. In this episode, Kari shares: The critical importance of align…

1
30 - Unlocking Neurodiversity: Creating Workspaces Where All Brains Thrive with Dr. Matthew Zakreski 44:49

10M ago44:49

44:49

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Dr. Matthew Zakreski, co-founder and lead psychologist at The Neurodiversity Collective. Dr. Matt is an expert in supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, giftedness, and dyslexia, and has delivered over 500 talks worldwide on neurodiversity, mental health, and advocacy. In this e…

1
29 - Cultural Competence and Emotional Intelligence: The Keys to Inclusive Leadership with Dr. Alejandra Mielke 36:30

11M ago36:30

36:30

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Dr. Alejandra Mielke, founder of Alejandra Mielke PhD Coaching and Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development and a deep commitment to fostering Latino professional growth, Dr. Mielke brings a wealth of knowledge on creating inclus…

1
28 - Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women to Lead in Tech with Limor Bergman Gross 32:41

11M ago32:41

32:41

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Limor Bergman Gross, executive coach and former engineering leader, to discuss empowering women in the tech industry to break through career barriers. With over two decades of experience in tech, Limor shares her journey from being one of the few women in eng…

1
27 - DEI is Not Optional: Tony Chatman on Leading for the Future of Work 30:57

11M ago30:57

30:57

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Tony Chatman, President of Chatman Enterprises and a corporate relationship expert known for his work in dismantling the dysfunction that hinders organizational success. Tony is an expert on leadership, culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), helping organizations foster environments where people and…

1
26 - Reversing Quiet Quitting: The Impact of Leadership and Psychological Safety with Taeler Hammond 33:08

11M ago33:08

33:08

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Taeler Hammond, CEO, Founder, and Managing DEI Consultant of Nouveau Paige Consulting. Taeler brings her industrial-organizational psychology and leadership development expertise to the conversation, focusing on how organizations can foster environments where…

1
25 - From Words to Action: How Communicators Can Drive Real DEI Change with Kim Clark 36:51

12M ago36:51

36:51

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Kim Clark, Founder and Owner of Kim Clark Communications, a no-nonsense DEI communications agency where language leads to action. Kim is a dynamic leader in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) communications, with a unique approach that integrates storytelling, internal communications, and DEI str…

1
24 - Behavioral Intelligence: Choosing Inclusive Leadership with Jay Johnson 34:09

12M ago34:09

34:09

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Jay Johnson, co-founder of Behavioral Elements and a two-time TEDx speaker. Jay is an expert in behavioral science with over 20 years of experience in empowering teams, growing profits, and elevating leadership. In this episode, Jay delves into the science of bias and the crucial role behavioral intelligence play…

1
23 - Cultivating Calm, Compassion, and Creativity in the Workplace with Dr. Lee Cordell 37:00

12M ago37:00

37:00

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Dr. Lee Cordell, the CEO and Founder of the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety. Dr. Lee is a certified clinical trauma professional with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, organizational leadership, and neuropsychology. As a neurodivergent multiracial woman and a trauma survivor, she brings a d…

1
22 - Driving Innovation by Creating Loyalty and Significance in the Workplace with Barry Labov 29:58

1y ago29:58

29:58

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and CEO of Labov Marketing, Communications, and Training, Barry Labov. Barry is a renowned entrepreneur and brand strategist with over four decades of experience in the marketing industry. As a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Barry shares his unique approach to discovering and celebra…

1
21 - Shifting Our Unconscious Filters to Foster Equity in the Workplace with Sara Taylor 30:29

1y ago30:29

30:29

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and President of deepSEE Consulting, Sara Taylor. Sara is a nationally recognized thought leader in cultural competence, with over 35 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As the author of "Thinking at the Speed of Bias," Sara shares her proven frameworks and tools for shiftin…

1
20 - Exploring Intersectionality: A Framework for Inclusive Leadership with Intersectional Group's Zhou Fang 33:16

1y ago33:16

33:16

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and principal EDI Practitioner of Intersectional Group, Zhou Fang. Zhou is a trailblazer in the EDI space, leading the Intersectional Group with a focus on integrating EDI into strategic planning rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. Her approach is rooted in intersectionality, a framewo…

1
19 - Creating Cultures of Belonging by Unlocking Conscious Inclusion with TopDog Learning Group's Dr. Steve Yacovelli 32:04

1y ago32:04

32:04

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Gay Leadership Dude, Owner, and Principal of TopDog Learning Group, Dr. Steve Yacovelli. Steve emphasizes the importance of being consciously inclusive, which involves actively working to create a sense of belonging for all individuals within an organization. This approach goes beyond simply acknowledging div…

1
18 - Servant Leadership: The Key to Fostering Belonging and Inclusion with The Johnson Leadership Group's Kevin Wayne Johnson 30:49

1y ago30:49

30:49

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group, Kevin Wayne Johnson. Kevin Wayne Johnson's journey began in Richmond, Virginia, where he grew up as the son of a US Marine and a federal government employee. His career path took him from the Richmond public schools to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he majored in …

1
17 - The Power of Co-Creation: Transforming Organizational Norms and Behaviors with cosyn's Joana Dos Santos and Eric Rodríguez 32:28

1y ago32:28

32:28

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of cosyn, Joana Dos Santos and Eric Rodríguez. Joana and Eric emphasize the importance of co-creation in their approach to DEI and change management. Co-creation involves actively involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring that diverse perspectives are consider…

1
16 - Creating Constructive Cultures of Belonging: Strategies for Inclusive Leadership with Potential Unleashed Consulting's Jahmad Canley 34:16

1y ago34:16

34:16

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO of Potential Unleashed Consulting, Jahmad Canley. Jahmad's consulting firm, Potential Unleashed Consulting, is dedicated to helping organizations create inclusive cultures of belonging. The name "Potential Unleashed" reflects Jahmad's passion for enabling people and organizations to reach their full poten…

1
15 - The Power of Reframing: Transforming Workplace Culture for Equity and Inclusion with Safe Haven Dialogues' Dr. Frank Douglas 34:15

1y ago34:15

34:15

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO of Safe Haven Dialogues, Dr. Frank Douglas. Frank emphasized that the challenges in DEI work often stem from a reluctance to embrace demographic changes and a misunderstanding of the potential for growth and innovation through diversity. He highlights the need for organizations to understand and address t…

1
14 - Embracing Diversity of Thought: The Impact of Cultural Backgrounds on DEI Work with Essraa Nawar 32:53

1y ago32:53

32:53

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Assistant Dean for Library DEI Initiatives and Development (Full Librarian) at Chapman University and the Host of the TV Show “Salon Essraa: The TV Show Telling Inspiring Stories One Egyptian Expat at a Time, Essraa Nawar. Essraa's journey is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and fostering inclu…

1
13 - Breaking Barriers: Unconventional Approaches to Inclusive Leadership with Diversity in Action Global Movement's Drocella Mugorewera 23:29

1y ago23:29

23:29

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Diversity Trust Builder of Diversity in Action Global Movement, Drocella Mugorewera. Drocella's story is one of remarkable transformation. As a refugee from Rwanda, she faced the daunting challenge of fitting into a new culture. Yet, she turned these trials into an asset for companies, creating the Diversity …

1
12 - Redefining DEI for the Modern Workplace with Disruptive Inclusion's Dr. Jennifer Sarrett 31:31

1y ago31:31

31:31

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and Director of Disruptive Inclusion, Dr. Jennifer Sarrett. Jennifer believes that inequity can be eradicated by recognizing our shared humanity. With over a decade of research and study, she has delved into the histories and perspectives of diverse groups, focusing on leveraging privilege and perspec…

1
11 - The Power of Inclusivity: Transforming Workplace Dynamics with Real Talk & Brave Spaces' Camille Leak 30:15

1y ago30:15

30:15

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Owner and Lead Facilitator of Real Talk & Brave Spaces, Camille Leak. Camille Leake is not your average DEI practitioner. She's a truth teller, a storyteller, and a trauma-informed facilitator passionate about helping individuals and organizations have transformative realizations. Her tagline, "Let's get comf…

1
10 - Creating Inclusive Workspaces: Strategies for Diverse and Equitable Organizations with Scholar Consulting's Dr. Brent Scholar 39:45

1y ago39:45

39:45

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and Consultant of Scholar Consulting, Dr. Brent Scholar. Dr. Scholar began by emphasizing the undeniable importance of personal and team development in crafting effective organizations. He shared that the key to a strong company and society lies in creating workspaces that are both diverse and inclusi…

1
9 - Building Inclusive Cultures in Global Organizations with Myriam Del Angel of Latinas in Corporate Myriam Del Angel 38:11

1+ y ago38:11

38:11

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Author, Mentor, and Speaker of Latinas in Corporate, Myriam Del Angel. One of the key themes Myriam touched upon was the critical role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Business Resource Groups (BRGs) in fostering a culture of inclusion. As the executive sponsor for the Latino BRG at Randstad and a contr…

1
8 - Leading with Cultural Humility: Building Inclusive Workplace Communities with Apoyo Coaching and Consulting's Dr. Joel Pérez 34:56

1+ y ago34:56

34:56

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Owner and Executive Coach of Apoyo Coaching and Consulting, Dr. Joel Pérez. Joel's story is as inspiring as his mission. As a first-generation college graduate and the son of Mexican immigrants, his personal experiences have deeply influenced his commitment to supporting leaders from minority communities. His…

1
7 - The Impact of Data-Driven Strategies on Organizational Change and Growth with Orange Grove Consulting's Jodi Detjen 38:47

1+ y ago38:47

38:47

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Co-Founder and Principal of Orange Grove Consulting, Jodi Detjen. Jodi's professional journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. She transitioned from a career in computer programming to academia and research, driven by a passion for organizational development and change management. Alongside her business part…

1
6 - Understanding and Supporting Teams: The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Amplify DEI's Vivian Acquah 38:19

1+ y ago38:19

38:19

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Certified Diversity Executive, DEI Coach, and Founder of Amplify DEI, Vivian Acquah. Vivian's journey into the world of DEI consulting is both personal and profound. As a black woman standing six foot one with vibrant hair and a headscarf honoring her Ghanaian roots, Vivian embodies her message of living "lou…

1
5 - Embracing Imperfection and Diversity: The Key to Heart-Centered Leadership with Deb Crowe 31:45

1+ y ago31:45

31:45

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO and Executive and Leadership Coach, Deb Crowe. Deb shared her passion for coaching leaders across various levels, emphasizing the importance of leading an authentic life. As a team facilitator and educator, she is committed to giving back by teaching senior leadership classes. Deb is working on her second…

1
4 - Navigating Unconscious Bias and Creating Inclusive Workplace Cultures with Magnificent Differences Consulting's Lakia Elam 37:18

1+ y ago37:18

37:18

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Principal of Magnificent Differences Consulting, Lakia Elam. Lakia brings over two decades of expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), hiring, and culture building. Her dedication to fostering workplace environments where diversity is not just present but celebrated is truly inspiring. Lakia's passion…

1
3 - Impactful Outcomes of Implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives with Dr. Jen O'Ryan 36:37

1+ y ago36:37

36:37

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Human-Centered Consultant, Inclusion, Diversity, and Representation Strategist, and Change Agent, Dr. Jen O'Ryan. Jen is not just an organizational strategist, author, speaker, and change agent; she's a visionary who sees the transformative power of human-focused change. Her mission aims to help organizations…

1
2 - Revolutionizing Workplace Equity: Unleashing the Power of ERGs with Visionary Development Consulting's Sharitta Marshall 36:44

1+ y ago36:44

36:44

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder of Visionary Development Consulting, Sharitta Marshall. Sharitta doesn't just talk about change; she embodies it. As the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of pioneering Black women, Sharitta carries the torch of her foremothers, striving to create a world where everyone, especially thos…