Happy Space Podcast with Clare Kumar 2n5t6j

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about deg for inclusion and accessibility. These encore episodes highlight conversations that continue to resonate—on neurodiversity, workplace design, and the small shifts that can make a big difference. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting a favourite, I hope these episodes offer fresh insight into how thoughtful design can help everyone show up and perform at their best. As the open-concept office proliferated, people took work away from the office to find quieter places where they could think. It's no surprise to me that millions of people have fallen in love with working from home. But, if we need to be in the office, shouldn't we have the option of neurologically safe spaces. You will have heard a lot about that with HoK design principals in episode 2. In this episode, I am thrilled to have Nook Director, David O'Coimin ing me to bring the Nook furniture experience to life. David is the founder & CEO of The DO Company, a product innovation organization delivering bold solutions to better integrate work and life. Enjoy our conversation as we explore how Nook helps calm an open-concept office and more: 00:03:16 Meet David O'Coimin 00:07:14 What is Nook? 00:10:25 What does Nook look like? 00:14:40 Different brains work in different ways 00:19:00 The importance of lighting 00:23:32 Productivity is personal   00:25:02 Hackability is they key    00:28:35 Fear of investing in workspaces 00:31:20 Implementation in hospitals 00:32:54 Citi Field New York   00:35:42 One size doesn’t fit all 00:37:21 Total cost of ownership LINKS Nook  The British Standards Institute Trauma-Informed Design Society Wiltshire Health and Care Pods in the Wiltshire hospital HoK Kay Sargent Episode 2 – How to Design with Sensitivity in Mind – HoK’s Kay Sargent and Mary Kate Cassidy Podcast Youtube version Learn more about and connect with David and Nook: Website: https://nookpod.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidocoimin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/nookpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nookwellnesspods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nookwellnesspods/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/nookwellnesspods 😀😃😄😁😆 This podcast is hosted by ClareKumar. As a productivity catalyst, highly sensitive executive coach, and speaker, Clare cultivates sustainable performance in busy professionals so they can keep making rich contributions in all areas of life and achieve greater fulfillment. She inspires leaders, professionals, employees, and entrepreneurs to respect humanity and boost performance through marrying productivity and pleasure. After all, why shouldn’t you have fun while getting things done? If you're a visual learner, please watch this episode on Youtube. Ready to learn more? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 Clare invites you to leave a review and a five-star rating wherever you listen to this podcast!  Don't forget to tell your friends to listen as well. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a happy space. 😊 Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi from Pixabay Production: Judith George - To Be Reel

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about deg for inclusion and accessibility. These encore episodes highlight conversations that continue to resonate—on neurodiversity, workplace design, and the small shifts that can make a big difference. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting a favourite, I hope these episodes offer fresh insight into how thoughtful design can help everyone show up and perform at their best. We have a declared global intent to be more inclusive of those with disabilities as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Despite being created in 2006 and with 183 countries on board, there is much work to do. Furthering this work is my guest today, Denis Boudreau. Find out how Denis connected his own feelings of being marginalized as a young boy to empathy and comion for the disabled community and why there is such a strong business case to create more inclusive organizations. He also shares his perspective on what is getting in the way of leaders from taking action and what to do about it. Denis Boudreau has been bringing his talent to inclusive design in the online world since the early 2000s. Today he is a consultant, trainer, coach and speaker helping organizations create truly inclusive digital experiences for everyone, especially those who are marginalized. Denis founded Inklusiv Communication to work with leaders who want to develop inclusive communication skills online or from the stage, and remove barriers for the up to 40% of the population who struggle with technology. CHAPTERS 00:03:06 What brought Denis to what he does now 00:06:10 Acts of comion for others 00:15:08 UN Convention for Rights with People with Disabilities 00:21:53 Why businesses should consider the disabled 00:28:14 What is holding leaders back? 00:31:51 Asking others what they need to work best 00:37:33 Is it safe to speak up? 00:39:26 Navigating around our disabilities 00:42:35 Denis’ 15 Keys LINKS For active links, visit www.clarekumar.com/podcast Ontario ADA Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessible Canada Act How Can a Watermark be a Human Rights Issue? Happy Space Work Style Profile Episode 30 – Creating a Speak-Up Culture – with Stephen Shedletsky Unlock your 15 keys to a diverse and empowered workplace The Inclusive Speaker: How to Truly Connect With All of Your Audience Without Leaving Anyone Behind IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) A blind person using a computer - credit Colorblind test - credit Police car chase - credit Map of Quebec - credit #weare22percent - credit Clare Kumar Group of disabled people - credit Someone in a wheelchair grocery shopping - credit Someone talking to HR - credit ASK Model - credit Learn more about and follow Denis: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity continually asking how can we invite the richest contribution from all. She coaches individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and inspires leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to  watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing by To Be Reel Production Assistant by Luis Rodriguez Song Credit: Cali by WatR. from Pixabay

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about deg for inclusion and accessibility. These encore episodes highlight conversations that continue to resonate—on neurodiversity, workplace design, and the small shifts that can make a big difference. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting a favourite, I hope these episodes offer fresh insight into how thoughtful design can help everyone show up and perform at their best. If we want our world to be more inclusive, we need to pay close attention to accessibility - the ease with which individuals can participate - at work, at home, and in daily life. Disability consultant Marjorie Aunos shares her highly relevant personal and professional lived experience. We explore what compelled Marj to dedicate her life to ing adults with intellectual disabilities at a tender 20 years old, what motivated her when she became a paraplegic as a single mom to her 16-month-old son, and how to be a better ally to those who have accessibility challenges. Marjorie Aunos, Ph.D. is a researcher, speaker, and consultant on accessibility and inclusion. She teaches organizations and educators to solution-find and build environments that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to families with disabilities. Marjorie is an internationally award-winning speaker, author of Mom on Wheels: The Power of Purpose as a Paraplegic Parent and contributing author to We Got This: Essays By Disabled Parents. Her TEDx talk “What we can learn from disabled parents” has over 150,000 views.   CHAPTERS 00:03:20   Marjorie's journey 00:08:00   Building networks 00:14:40   An invitation for greater empathy 00:16:47   Purpose from a young age 00:21:00   What has shifted in recent years? 00:24:30   Visible vs. invisible challenges 00:27:55   How and when to help 00:30:14   Do we treat those with disabilities differently? 00:34:00   Acknowledge the disabled as experts   LINKS Fyre Festival Benny & Joon (1993) UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities How Can a Watermark be a Human Rights Matter? Hidden Disabilities Rick Hansen Foundation Hold That Door…! Opportunities to Improve Accessibility are Closer Than You Think ing Air India Flight 182 What we can learn from parents with disabilities | Marjorie Aunos | TEDxWesternU   IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Marjorie and Thomas - credit Marjorie Aunos Accessible space - Envato Elements Old wheelchair symbol - Wiki Commons Sunflower lanyard - credit Hidden Disabilities Ramps in public places - Canva New wheelchair symbol - Wiki Commons #dontpushmearound - credit Clare Kumar   Learn more about and follow Marjorie: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Youtube Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity continually asking how can we invite the richest contribution from all. She coaches individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and inspires leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊   CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: To Be Reel Production Assistant: Luis Rodriguez Song Credit: Cali by WatR. from Pixabay

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about deg for inclusion and accessibility. These encore episodes highlight conversations that continue to resonate—on neurodiversity, workplace design, and the small shifts that can make a big difference. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting a favourite, I hope these episodes offer fresh insight into how thoughtful design can help everyone show up and perform at their best. President & CEO of Seramount, Subha Barry tells us about her connections with neurodiversity, her widely recognized Autism Intern program, and gives practical advice on how to advance your DEI efforts in today’s corporate world. A trailblazer in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Subha Barry shares a wealth of insights through her work as President and CEO at Seramount. Barry shares her personal and professional journey from India to the United States, and her pioneering initiatives at Merrill Lynch and Freddie Mac, including her widely recognized Autism intern program at Freddie Mac. Key topics include the importance of embedding DEI into business strategies without relying solely on HR, understanding neurodiversity, and practical ways to create inclusive workplaces. She also gives her take on how she thinks leaders should approach DEI and foster better relationships with employees. Subha Barry is a C-suite leader and an advisor who brings a unique perspective on the alignment of corporate culture to talent strategy and business results. As a transformational change agent, she has a proven record of identifying and accelerating new business creation, driving sales, and increasing profitability. Subha is president of Seramount where she drives the firm’s vision, strategy, and business development. Subha ed Working Mother Media (WMM) in 2015 and during her tenure she dramatically improved margins, expanded its portfolio through growth in high-value consulting and learning and development, exponentially grew their client roster, and recruited talented executive leaders to amplify subject matter and functional expertise. In 2021, Subha oversaw the brand’s transformation from WMM to Seramount, a leading strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to building high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Today, Seramount works with 450+ organizations globally, including half of the Fortune 500, to help our partners navigate today’s talent and DEI landscape. Previously, Subha was senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Freddie Mac, where she served on the firm’s management committee and led their foundation. Prior to her time at Freddie Mac, Subha spent 20+ years at Merrill Lynch as managing director and their first global head of diversity & inclusion where she built their D&I strategy, infrastructure and execution plans from the ground up. She also created a highly successful Multicultural Business Development Group to focus their wealth management business on diverse and multicultural communities bringing in over $8 billion in new assets and $50+ million in annual revenues in just three years. She began her career at the firm as a financial advisor where she was a top 100 advisor among 16,000 in the firm. Subha is a former adjunct professor at Columbia University’s SIPA, and currently serves on the Boards of SHRM Foundation, Rice 360, Rutgers Cancer Center and the Rutgers Institute of Women’s Leadership. She is also a Board Advisor at PE-owned Snowden Lane Partners. In the past, Subha has served on a variety of Boards as Board Chair, Head of Nominating & Governance, Finance, and HR and DEI Committees. A native of India, Subha holds a BA from Bombay University and an MBA and MS in ing from Rice University. She enjoys golfing, reading poetry and rallying for social change. She has two grown children and lives in Naples, Florida and New Hope, PA with her husband. CHAPTERS 04:00 Subha’s story and journey in DEI 08:00 Connecting DEI to the business 09:40 Seramount’s initiatives and the focus on neurodiversity 13:00 Multicultural initiatives at Merrill Lynch and relying on HR for talent issues 16:38 Diverse culture shift in Canada 19:00 Subha’s experience with neurodiversity and personal connection with autism 21:40 Freddie Mac’s Autism Internship Program 30:50 Positive examples of DEI initiatives in workplaces and the community 33:00 Kids and their parents being diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition 37:45 How we can think about #flexbility is inclusivity 41:30 Measuring results of DEI initiatives and how it connects to business 45:43 How the Happy Space Work Style Profile fits 47:00 ing the individual in discussions around neurodiversity 49:30 How can leaders engage more with DEI LINKS Seramount Freddie Mac Merrill Lynch Ep. 41 - Katie Mooney - How DEI Efforts Must Change to Have Maximum Impact Wegmans Freddie Mac Neurodiversity Awareness Freddie Mac Autism Intern Program Working Mother Media  Happy Space Inclusivitees Happy Space Work Style Profile IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Working Mother Media Logo - Youtube Working Mother Magazine - Wiki Freedie Mac Logo - Freddiemac.com Merrill Lynch Logo - ML.com Seramount Logo - Seramount.com Subha Barry Headshot - Subha Barry Other Images and Video - Canva Learn more about and follow Subha: Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

Message Master, Tamsen Webster shares powerful ways to communicate and say what they can’t unhear.  Messager Master, Tamsen Webster discusses the pivotal role of effective messaging in achieving transformational change. She explores the dichotomy of messaging from recent political conventions, and the importance of framing messages positively. Tamsen delves into the science behind persuasion, the necessity of aligning with shared values, and the broader implications of these principles in both personal and professional spheres. The conversation emphasizes the potential of strategic communication to foster meaningful and sustainable change, urging listeners to adopt a more thoughtful and empathetic approach to messaging. BIO Part message designer, part English-to-English translator, part magpie, Tamsen Webster helps leaders craft their case for large-scale change. A sought-after speaker and consultant, she’s spent more than 25 years developing the field and practice of persuasive message design, with a particular focus on the principles and processes that build buy-in that lasts. In addition to her work in and for major organizations such as Harvard Medical School, Fidelity Investments, and Klaviyo, she built and delivers the message design curriculum for Elemental Excelerator, a leading investor in impact startups. She’s a judge and mentor for the Harvard Innovation Labs and a professional advisor at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. She’s also spent over 10 years as the Idea Strategist for one of only nine legacy-level TEDx events and was named to the Thinkers50 Radar in 2022. She published her first book, Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible, in 2021. Her next book, Say What They Can't Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change is available in bookstores everywhere in October 2024. Tamsen was a reluctant marathoner… twice; is a champion ballroom dancer (in her mind); and learned everything she knows about messages, people, and change as a Weight Watchers leader. True story. She lives in Boston with her husband, two sons, and her two brindle Greyhounds, Hazel and Walnut. CHAPTERS 00:09:04 How to use Tamsen's book and possible resistance to it. 00:14:00 Have we lost optimism bias? 00:20:34 It's about change communications 00:27:00 Mindset and ego 00:33:45 Finding common ground 00:39:42 Primal beliefs and squandering human potential 00:47:39 Stories in messaging 00:53:02 People are not willing to go back into the machine 00:56:16 Benefits of adult learning LINKS Jer Clifton - Primal World Beliefs Tamsen Webster’s Website The Ladder of Inference - Chris Argyris and Donald Schoen Find Your Red Thread by Tamsen Webster Say What They Can’t Unhear - by Tamsen Webster Harvard Innovation Labs The Martin Trust Centre for MIT Entrepreneurship IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Book graphics - Amazon.ca Other Images and Graphics - Canva Harvard Innovation Labs logo - Harvard Innovation Labs MIT Centre logo  - MIT Centre Jer Clifton - Linkedin Tamsen Webster headshot - Tamsen Webster Learn more about and follow Tamsen: Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

Organizational Disruptor, Dr. Lauran Star shares her journey from dyslexic student, to trauma medic, to DEI advocate. Dr. Lauran Star, an organizational disruptor and advocate for neurodiversity and accessibility, shares her journey from being a dyslexic student, to becoming a veteran, trauma medic, and a leading figure in diversity, equity, and inclusion. She discusses the importance of accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, the evolution from equality to equity in the workplace, and how organizations can better all employees. Lauran emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize and value the unique strengths each employee brings and the business benefits of doing so. The conversation also touches on personal stories, practical solutions, and the importance of authentic leadership in fostering an inclusive environment. BIO Dr. Lauran Star understands organizations culture and the impact and challenges of  Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity your organization may be facing and has evidence-based solutions with proven outcomes. ​​She is known for uncovering blind spots to achieve optimal performance and enhanced retention. Dr. Star dives in where others tread lightly yet is insightful, warm, and approachable.  Dr. Lauran Star has over two decades driving evidence-based inclusion, diversity, and equity in STEM and Healthcare. She has worked with executive/senior leadership, human resource management, and employees with several  Fortune 500 companies; helping them create an inclusive organizational culture that thrives in today’s business. CHAPTERS 3:45 - How did you come to be an organizational disruptor? 9:30 - Dyslexia diagnosis 18:20 - Why blue paper? 20:40 - Lauran’s history of dyslexia and the authorities’ right to diagnose 24:10 - There’s no such thing as a perfect child 30:22 - The reluctancy to honor accommodations 36:12 - How to make organizations listen? 43:33 - Catering to everyone, not just the majority 45:00 - Equity vs. Equality 49:34 - Why speaking up matters 57:00 - How DEI affects productivity 59:20 - Formula for DEI LINKS Evidence Based Inclusion It’s Time to Focus on the Right Needle - by Dr. Lauran Star Ultranauts Company Dr. Lauran Star’s Website IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Rajesh Anandan Headshot - Clare Kumar Clare Kumar Hidden Disabilities pose - Clare Kumar Hidden Disabilities cards - Clare Kumar Evidence-Based Inclusion: It’s Time to Focus on the Right Needle - Amazon.ca Other Images and Video - Canva Speechify logo - Speechify Lauran Star photo pose - drlauranstar.com Kamala Harris - Wiki Learn more about and follow Lauran: Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

CEO of Virtual Work Insider, Sacha Connor discusses the challenges of remote work and how distance bias affects professional teams.  Marketer turned remote work advocate, Sacha Connor, shares about her journey and insights into leading distributed, hybrid, and remote teams. Sacha shares her experiences from working at advertising agencies to leading teams at Clorox and starting Virtual Work Insider in 2018. They discuss the challenges of remote work, including distance bias, creating team agreements, the importance of flexibility, and the necessity of evolving leadership skills for the modern workplace. The conversation also highlights practical solutions for improving productivity and connection within remote teams. BIO Sacha Connor is the CEO of Virtual Work Insider, a consultancy that provides training programs and content on how to lead, communicate, collaborate, and build culture in hybrid, distributed, and remote teams.  Sacha has 18 years of business leadership experience in marketing, sales, and new product innovation roles, including over 13 years of experience leading hybrid & distributed teams while working fully remotely.   As one of the first remote marketing directors at The Clorox Company, she led brands worth over $250M and was the first fully remote member of the leadership team for a $1 billion business unit.  Since the launch of Virtual Work Insider in late 2018, VWI has delivered over 300 skills training workshops, executive team sessions, and speaking engagements about hybrid and remote work to audiences of 10 to 1,000+.  VWI has worked with clients that span a range of industries, including Toyota, Sephora, Vanguard, Under Armour, Allstate, Eventbrite, and Optum Health.  CHAPTERS 05:38  Sacha’s remote work story 08:18 Sacha’s views on remote vs. in-person work 13:10 How leaders reacted to Sacha’s remote work experiment 15:43 Becoming an omnimodal leader  17:50 Leading remote teams vs. in-person teams 19:32 The value of remote work management skills 22:24 Leadership skills and managing the abstract nature of people 26:47 The importance of communicating preferences 31:31 The mindset shift required to embed connection in work 34:00 Is it necessary to meet in person? 37:10 Building connections continuously 38:53 Focusing on goals and roles and creating team agreements 42:31 Flexibility in omnimodal environments LINKS Narnia Westmount Ep. 1 - The Secret Super Powers of HIghly Sensitive People - with Clare Kumar Virtual Work Insider The Clorox Company Orbit ERG Dave Ulrich Invested Leader Program Hot Topics Playlist Happy Space Work Style Profile™ Happy Space T-shirts IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Other images and video - Canva Narnia Image - Clare Kumar Virtual Work Insider logo - Virtual Work Insider Orbit logo - Virtual Work Insider - Sacha Connor The Clorox Company Logo - Wiki Dave Ulrich - Wiki T-shirt graphic - Clare Kumar Learn more about and follow Sacha: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Paul White shares his journey so far in forming a global symbol for those with hidden disabilities. CEO of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Paul White shares the origin and growth of the Sunflower initiative, which started in 2016 at Gatwick Airport to people with non-visible disabilities. Paul shares how the Sunflower lanyard has helped individuals, including a mother traveling with her son and a man with dementia who regained his independence. The conversation delves into why the program operates as a for-profit business, ing inclusion and accessibility worldwide, and the impact it makes on both customers and employees. He also touches on the importance of creating sunflower-friendly environments and the cultural nuances of implementing the program globally. BIO CEO, Paul White, is a ionate and dedicated advocate for disability rights, driving real change as the global CEO of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and championing equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Paul has a genuine desire to ensure that the wearers of the Sunflower receive the patience, care and understanding they may need throughout their day from whoever they meet, wherever they may travel. CHAPTERS 00:06:34 Origins of The Sunflower 00:12:40 Is The Sunflower a charity organisation, why or why not? 00:17:27 The Sunflower and Pride 00:19:15 How The Sunflower can help employees 00:23:15 How corporations can use The Sunflower in the workplace 00:25:24 Language and Hidden Disabilities 00:31:02 Sunflower-friendly environments around the world 00:35:00 How companies can become allies of hidden disabilities + the purple pound 00:41:33 Where to find out more about Hidden Disabilities Sunflower LINKS Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Website Bayley House, Australia European Pride Organization Association The Purple Pound HDSunflower training video Zayed Higher European Pride Organisers Association Ep. 27 - The Undeniable Value of Neurodiversity - with Theo Smith Ep. 44 - The Need for Clear Language around Neurodiversity - with Judy Singer Ep. 49 - The Language of Neurodiversity - with Pasha Marlowe IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Gatwick Airport - Wiki The Purple Pound logo - This is Me Agency Sunflower logo - HDSunflower.com Suflower lanyards - HDSunflower.com Sunflower Hamilton Airport image - Hamilton Airport/HDSunflower HDSunflower countries video - HDSunflower.com Sunflower Manufacturing images - HDSunflower HDSunflower training video - HDSunflower.com Air Canada images - Air Canada Metrolinx HD Sunflower image - HDSunflower Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight images - Google Maps Air Canada footage - Air Canada Other images and video - Canva Learn more about and follow Paul: Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast. Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests? Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter. And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi / wataboi Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

Color Expert, Laura Guido-Clark discusses the transformative power of color in design and the emotional and physiological impacts of color in communities and workspaces. Designer and color expert, Laura Guido-Clark talks about the transformative power of color in design. She discusses how color acts as a conduit for human connection, its physiological impacts, and the influence it has on mood and productivity. Laura shares insights from her work with renowned organizations and her nonprofit, Project Color Corps, which uses color to bring hope and joy to underprivileged school communities. The conversation also covers practical advice for incorporating color into workspaces and the importance of creating environments that respect and nurture human needs. BIO Laura Guido-Clark is the world’s foremost color expert, Laura Guido-Clark – their color, materials, and finish. Throughout her twenty-plus year career, Laura has analyzed the conscious and unconscious influences that drive buying decisions. She has been dubbed an 'Experience Consultant' because of her ability to translate those influences into prescient forecasting and concrete applications of color and finish for new products. In 2017, Laura launched her groundbreaking color methodology called LOVE GOOD COLOR. LOVE GOOD COLOR integrates science and the senses, enabling designers to factor in emotive response when using color. It is a language-based system that facilitates selection confidence and efficacy while simplifying and reducing iterations. The digital tool is currently in development. LOVE GOOD COLOR has been used by designers from various firms including Gensler, IA, Adobe, Rockwell Group, Atlassian, and Studio O+A. Laura has helped companies such as Herman Miller, HP, Samsung, and Toyota use color and materials on their products that resonate with consumers and succeed in competitive markets. Her textile and pattern design includes work for HBF, Pallas, Carnegie, and FLOR. Laura’s expertise ranges from textiles to consumer products such as automotive, electronics, and major household appliances. Learn more about Laura’s design work at Laura Guido-Clark Design. In 2011, Laura founded Project Color Corps™, a nonprofit organization dedicated to painting urban neighborhoods with color and pattern that impart positive messages of optimism and hope. The organization is now flourishing in four cities across the country. Laura was honored as the IIDA Northern California Chapter recipient of the 2014 Leadership Award of Excellence. As a result of her expertise, Laura speaks both nationally and internationally on design and the creative process and was an expert design blogger for Fast Company. CHAPTERS 05:40 Why color is so important in design 08:50 The effect of color on physiology and mood 10:45 Colors in schools 13:51 Punitive colors and the humanity of color 16:04 Project Color Corps and transforming underprivileged schools 21:50 Students’ reactions and impact 23:49 Transforming “grown up” spaces with color 26:30 How leaders can interact with color 31:55 Color dosage and why do certain colors look better on us than others 38:18 The relationship between light and color 43:00 How to achieve a sense of belonging through color 44:50 Bringing personality back to retail environments and logos 48:35 Deg to contrasting preferences 51:39 The importance of programming and Adobe Founders Tower LINKS Project Color Corps Love Good Color Ep. 37 Exploring Respite, Place Attachment and Hotelling with Ryan Anderson Ep. 6 How Architecture Affects Human Animals - with Andrea De Paiva Herman Miller - Laura Guido-Clark Fast Company - Laura Guido-Clark Adobe Founders Tower IMAGE CREDITS Clare’s childhood and high school photos - Clare Kumar Adobe Founders Tower - Gensler Adobe logo - Wiki Herman Miller logo - Herman Miller HP logo - Wiki TD Wallpaper - Clare Kumar Scotiabank wallpaper - Clare Kumar Jet Ski photo - Clare Kumar Car photos - Wiki Commons Clare’s office - Clare Kumar Clare’s splurge dress photo - Clare Kumar Project Color Corps logo - Laura Guido-Clark Footage/ of Project Color Corps projects and schools - Laura Guido-Clark Laura’s headshot - Laura Guido-Clark Other images and videos - Canva Learn more about and follow Laura Guido-Clark: Instagram LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

President & CEO of Seramount, Subha Barry tells us about her connections with neurodiversity, her widely recognized Autism Intern program, and gives practical advice on how to advance your DEI efforts in today’s corporate world. A trailblazer in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Subha Barry shares a wealth of insights through her work as President and CEO at Seramount. Barry shares her personal and professional journey from India to the United States, and her pioneering initiatives at Merrill Lynch and Freddie Mac, including her widely recognized Autism intern program at Freddie Mac. Key topics include the importance of embedding DEI into business strategies without relying solely on HR, understanding neurodiversity, and practical ways to create inclusive workplaces. She also gives her take on how she thinks leaders should approach DEI and foster better relationships with employees. Subha Barry is a C-suite leader and an advisor who brings a unique perspective on the alignment of corporate culture to talent strategy and business results. As a transformational change agent, she has a proven record of identifying and accelerating new business creation, driving sales, and increasing profitability. Subha is president of Seramount where she drives the firm’s vision, strategy, and business development. Subha ed Working Mother Media (WMM) in 2015 and during her tenure she dramatically improved margins, expanded its portfolio through growth in high-value consulting and learning and development, exponentially grew their client roster, and recruited talented executive leaders to amplify subject matter and functional expertise. In 2021, Subha oversaw the brand’s transformation from WMM to Seramount, a leading strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to building high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Today, Seramount works with 450+ organizations globally, including half of the Fortune 500, to help our partners navigate today’s talent and DEI landscape. Previously, Subha was senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Freddie Mac, where she served on the firm’s management committee and led their foundation. Prior to her time at Freddie Mac, Subha spent 20+ years at Merrill Lynch as managing director and their first global head of diversity & inclusion where she built their D&I strategy, infrastructure and execution plans from the ground up. She also created a highly successful Multicultural Business Development Group to focus their wealth management business on diverse and multicultural communities bringing in over $8 billion in new assets and $50+ million in annual revenues in just three years. She began her career at the firm as a financial advisor where she was a top 100 advisor among 16,000 in the firm. Subha is a former adjunct professor at Columbia University’s SIPA, and currently serves on the Boards of SHRM Foundation, Rice 360, Rutgers Cancer Center and the Rutgers Institute of Women’s Leadership. She is also a Board Advisor at PE-owned Snowden Lane Partners. In the past, Subha has served on a variety of Boards as Board Chair, Head of Nominating & Governance, Finance, and HR and DEI Committees. A native of India, Subha holds a BA from Bombay University and an MBA and MS in ing from Rice University. She enjoys golfing, reading poetry and rallying for social change. She has two grown children and lives in Naples, Florida and New Hope, PA with her husband. CHAPTERS 04:00 Subha’s story and journey in DEI 08:00 Connecting DEI to the business 09:40 Seramount’s initiatives and the focus on neurodiversity 13:00 Multicultural initiatives at Merrill Lynch and relying on HR for talent issues 16:38 Diverse culture shift in Canada 19:00 Subha’s experience with neurodiversity and personal connection with autism 21:40 Freddie Mac’s Autism Internship Program 30:50 Positive examples of DEI initiatives in workplaces and the community 33:00 Kids and their parents being diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition 37:45 How we can think about #flexbility is inclusivity 41:30 Measuring results of DEI initiatives and how it connects to business 45:43 How the Happy Space Work Style Profile fits 47:00 ing the individual in discussions around neurodiversity 49:30 How can leaders engage more with DEI LINKS Seramount Freddie Mac Merrill Lynch Ep. 41 - Katie Mooney - How DEI Efforts Must Change to Have Maximum Impact Wegmans Freddie Mac Neurodiversity Awareness Freddie Mac Autism Intern Program Working Mother Media  Happy Space Inclusivitees Happy Space Work Style Profile IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Working Mother Media Logo - Youtube Working Mother Magazine - Wiki Freedie Mac Logo - Freddiemac.com Merrill Lynch Logo - ML.com Seramount Logo - Seramount.com Subha Barry Headshot - Subha Barry Other Images and Video - Canva Learn more about and follow Subha: Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

Negotiation Expert, Fotini Iconomopoulos shares how adopting a few negotiation strategies can lead to better relationships in business and life. Negotiation Expert, Fotini Iconomopoulos dives deep into the art of negotiation. Throughout the conversation, Fotini shares insights from her extensive experience running negotiation workshops and reveals the top challenges people experience when learning how to negotiate and how applying these strategies can actually improve relationships. She offers actionable steps for overcoming these barriers like the importance of preparation, cooperative negotiation tactics, emotional regulation, and asking the right questions. Fotini also explores the bias between men and women in the workplace when it comes to negotiation and provides real life examples. She also shares her own story about needing to go to the emergency room and how negotiation literally saved her life. BIO For over a decade, Fotini Iconomopoulos has been the person that Fortune 50 companies call to help them through their high stakes negotiations or train them to upgrade their negotiation, communication and persuasion skills. Today she spends most of her time keynote speaking on negotiation, communication, leadership and conflict management, and offering her experience to meaningful non-profit initiatives. She is regularly featured on TV & podcast media and has been quoted in numerous global publications including HBR, Forbes, CNN, CNBC, and Business Insider. HarperCollins noticed her frequent media appearances and asked to write her first, now best-selling, book “Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want”which launched to critical acclaim and praise as some of “The Best Leadership Advice from Books By Women” (Globe & Mail 2021). When not with clients, she occasionally returns to the classroom as an instructor of MBA Negotiations at the Schulich School of Business, where she completed her MBA, as well as guest lectures at universities all over the globe. After a decade of entrepreneurship in retail, Fotini refined her negotiation skills in the corporate world working for giants like L’Oreal before management consulting. She created a successful negotiation advisory practice for another global firm before starting her own, guiding clients through high-stakes scenarios in all industries. Having overcome significant gender adversity early in her career, Fotini is ionate about helping people develop the confidence to take on challenges, with a particular interest in empowering women & disadvantaged groups through various non-profit initiatives.  In 2018, she expanded to educating adolescent girls through an empowerment camp experience, to start building their confidence and resilience early, a ion she continues to pursue. She’s been honored by NextUp (formerly Network of Executive Women), whom she serves as a regional advisor for their only Canadian chapter, with a National Inclusion award; The Greek America Foundation as one of their Top 40 under 40; and has been nominated for the Women of Influence RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards multiple times. CHAPTERS 05:12 Challenges surrounding asking for what you want 08:16 Privilege in negotiation, the on-ramp vs. the stairs 12:09 Emotional regulation in negotiation 16:58 Labelling in negotiation 19:40 Using questions to self-advocate in high pressure situations 22:14 Mirroring in corporate environments 25:20 How to know when to leave a negotiation situation 31:13 Rehearsing for negotiations 34:22 Likeability in negotiation and how to better connect with others  40:50 How Fotini turned a hospital visit into a negotiation and succeeded LINKS Say Yes Get More by Fotini Iconomopoulos Fotini Iconomopolous’ Website Phil M. Jones’ Website Ep. 50 - Conduit for Comion - the Sunflower, Brene Brown, & WorkHuman 2024 - wth Clare Kumar Ep. 30 - Creating a Speak-Up Culture - with Stephen Shedletsky IMAGE CREDITS David Bowie Fotini in the hospital photo - Fotini Iconomopoulos Fotini lecturing students - Fotini Iconomopoulos Fotini lecturing students 2 - Fotini Iconomopoulos Say Less, Get More book graphic - Amazon Learn more about and follow Fotini: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

Productivity expert and executive coach, Clare Kumar reveals her new job, outlines the Total Team Work Program, recaps her experience and shares insights from Brené Brown’s keynote at WorkHuman 2024. Clare Kumar is a productivity expert and executive coach who focuses on the intersection where productivity meets inclusivity in workplaces and organizations. In this episode, she talks about her new job as Regional Director of Hidden Disabilities Canada (hdsunflower.com). In addition, Clare gives an update and outlines her program, Happy Space Total Team Work, where leaders and their teams co-create their future of work and explains how the Happy Space Work Style Profile is an integral part of this program. The episode covers the Workhuman 2024 conference and Clare shares her experience and takeaways from speakers such as Baratunde Rafiq Thurston, Esther Perel, and Brené Brown.  CHAPTERS 04:25 Clare’s late autism diagnosis 07:58  the Sunflower and Clare’s new job 12:00 New book, Ask Already and the Happy Space Work Style Profile 15:25  Sharing MS diagnosis 18:18  Happy Space Total Teamwork Program 20:15  Workhuman 2024 highlights 22:23  Being comfortable with silence and “The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer 24:22  Barbie Brewer and Building your asynchronous muscle + Vanice Hayes and ERG’s 28:20  Baratunde Rafiq Thurston - Understanding power and its value 29:15 Hustle and grind, and the importance of weaving in personal priorities 33:10  Speakers: Gloria Goins, Peter Danzig and Kamille Washington 37:50  A thank you from Happy Space Podcast 38:40  Brené Brown highlights and how AI ties into HR 41:50  Brené Brown and the epidemic of loneliness 43:55  “I do like humanity, I’m not crazy about people in general” - Brené Brown 45:00  Brené Brown and shame triggers in the workplace 46:03  Brené Brown and grounded confidence LINKS Hidden Disabilities Hdsunflower.com WorkHuman 2024 The Message of You by Judy Carter Ep. 45 - Melanie Deziel - Unmasking - Late Autism Diagnosis in Women Ep. 46 - Ludmila Praslova - Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity at Work The Canary Code by Ludmila Praslova Robbie Samuels’ Website Ep. 30 - Stephen Shedletsky - Creating a Speak-Up Culture Speak-Up Culture by Stephen Shedletsky Happy Space Total Team Work Program Happy Space Work Style Profile Happy Space Hot Topics on Youtube The Culture Map by Erin Meyer Baratunde Rafiq Thurston’s Website Barbie Brewer’s Website SHRM Conference Gloria Goins’ Speaker Info Peter Danzig Website Kamille Washington LinkedIn Profile Ep. 41 - Katie Mooney - How DEI EFforts Must Change to Have Maximum Impact Napo Podcast - Stand Out Esther Perel’s Website This QR Code Kills Kittens by Scott Stratten UnMarketing by Scott Stratten UnSelling by Scott Stratten IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Hidden Disabilities logo - HdSunflower.com Hidden Disabilities card - HdSunflower.com AIr Canada photo - CNW Group/Air Canada Metrolinx photo - Anthony Ascenzi/Metrolinx WorkHuman 2024 logo - Workhuman Brene Brown at Workhuman 2024 - Workhuman Brene Brown at Workhuman 2024 close up - Workhuman Judy Carter headshot - LinkedIn The Message of You book graphic - themessageofyou.com The Canary Code Book graphic - Penguin Random House Canada Robbie Samuels headshot - RobbieSamuels.com Speak-Up Culture book graphic - Amazon Happy Space Total Teamwork Program Happy Space Work Style Profile Erin Meyer photo - Workhuman The Culture Map book graphic - Amazon Barbie Brewer photo - Workhuman Rafael Dona headshot - Rafael Dona Vanice Hayes photo - Workhuman Dell logo - Wiki Baratunde Rafiq Thurston photo - Workhuman Brene Brown headshot - LinkedIn SHRM 2023 logo - SHRM Gloria Goins headshot - LinkedIn Peter Danzig headshot - LinkedIn Kamille Washington headshot - LinkedIn Napo Podcast logo - NapoPodcast.com Esther Perel headshot - Wiki Scott Stratten headshot - LinkedIn UnMarketing book graphic - Amazon This QR Code Kills Kittens book graphic - Amazon Learn more about and follow guest(s): Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

Pasha Marlowe, neuroinclusion expert speaks about the evolution of language surrounding neurodiversity and clarifies like neuroqueer, disorder, gender, and impaired. In this episode of the Happy Space Podcast, Clare Kumar interviews Pasha Marlowe, a neuroinclusion advocate. The discussion delves into the importance of language in fostering inclusivity in neurodiverse spaces. They explore such as 'neurodiverse,' 'neuroqueer' and 'neuro spicy,' and emphasize the significance of personal agency in identity. The conversation also touches on the intersectionality of these with disability, gender, and cultural contexts. Pasha highlights the importance of inclusive design and creating spaces where everyone can feel they belong. Pasha Marlowe, MFT (she/they) received her masters in marriage and family therapy in 1996, way back when "Macarena" was the hit song and now you can't get that song out of your head. Since then, she has focused on working as a coach with neurodivergent individuals and couples, specifically those who identify as ADHD, Autistic, AuDHD, or Dyslexic. They especially enjoy working with neurodivergent couples who are looking for help with communication, sex/intimacy, betrayal recovery, RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria), LGBTQIA+ issues, or PTSD. She lives in Portland, Maine with her youngest child, her ex-husband, and two doodles. CHAPTERS 4:40   What is Neurodiversity and Neurodivergency? 8:12   Why Clare is Neurospicy? 12:40 Language surrounding physical and invisible disabilities 18:18 Avoiding body trauma in medical system 21:21  Medical trauma for LGBTQ+ identifying people 25:08  Kassiane Asasumasu’s work and lack of sources for Neurodivergency 27:15 Neurodistinct and new words emerging, neurobelonging and neurological safety 34:27 Inclusive design vs. Universal design 38:44 Interpreters and accessibility 40:52  Gatekeeping in Neurodivergent language 46:34  Neuroqueering 47:57 Sources for further research into Neurodiversity 54:15 Organizations realizing they need to be aware of Neurodiversity LINKS Neurobelonging Media Kit Pasha Marlowe’s Website My Next Husband Will Be a Lesbian by Pasha Marlowe Neuroqueering Podcast Book a Call with Pasha Brené Brown Quote Source Ep. 34 - Lisa Whited - Redeg Work for People and the Planet Ep. 46 - Ludmila Praslova - Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity at Work The Canary Code by Ludmila Praslova Ep. 44 - Judy Singer - The Need for Clear Language Surrounding Neurodiversity  Kassiane Asasumasu’s Wiki Page Sonny Jane Wise We’re All Neurodiverse by Sonny Jane Wise Dr. Nick Walker Neuroqueer Heresies by Dr. Nick Walker Dr. Megan Neff Divergent Conversations Podcast @ngwagwa Maureen Dunne The Neurodiversity Edge by Maureen Dunne Jamie Shields IMAGE CREDITS Jamie Shields photo - LinkedIn Maureen Dunne photo - LinkedIn @ngwagwa photo - Instagram The Neurodiversity Edge book - Amazon Divergent Conversations Podcast - divergentpod.com Dr. Megan Neff photo - Dr. Megan Neff Dr. Nick Walker photo - Dr. Nick Walker Neuroqueer Heresies book - Amazon Sonny Jane Wise - LinkedIn We’re All Neurodiverse book - Amazon Tracy Chapman - Wikipedia Kassiane Asasumasu photo - LeakyCon Brené Brown - Wikipedia The Canary Code - Amazon Glassdoor Logo - Glassdoor.com Other images and video - Canva Learn more about and follow Pasha: Instagram Youtube LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast. Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests? Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter. And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi / wataboi Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

In this episode Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, founding physician and well-being expert takes us through the seven types of rest, how to know which one you need, and the gifts that come from a well-rested life. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, founding physician and well-being expert tells us why rest is about more than just sleep and how by through the seven types of rest, you can not only reset your battery, but enjoy a more fulfilling life. Dr. Dalton-Smith takes us through her journey of her own story of burnout and how she made adjustments after realizing that living a successful life full of stress and “producing” wasn’t as important as her own well-being. She gets into the relationship between sleep and rest, the science behind sleep, and other factors that impact everyday rest. She explains how scientific research and her unique view on spirituality has informed the seven types of rest in her book, Sacred Rest. Trigger Warning: We talk briefly about suicide in this show. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for mental health assistance. In Canada, dial 988. If there is immediate risk, dial 911. For resources where you are, here is a list of global mental health resources: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mental_health_resources Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, speaker, and award-winning author. She is an international well-being thought-leader featured in numerous media outlets including Prevention, MSNBC, Women’s Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today, INC, CNN Health, and TED.com. She is the author of numerous books including her bestseller Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, including insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize your productivity, increase your overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life. Over 250,000 people have discovered their personal rest deficits using her free assessment at RestQuiz.com. Learn more about Dr. Saundra at DrDaltonSmith.com. 4:04  Empathy and comion in the conversation about rest 5:33  Secrets of the well-rested 8:36  Pushing back on culture to claim what we need 11:38  Saundra’s personal burnout journey 16:34  The relationship between rest and sleep 20:41  How technology is affecting our rest routines 22:47  Regulating breaks for work sessions and workshops 26:50  Mental-exhaustion, and why it’s so common now 30:40  Increased stimulation in the world and how it’s affecting rest for sensitive people 34:16  How do we find quiet in a noisy world? 36:26  Increasing productivity and connection in conferences and workshops 37:53  Saundra's view of spirituality and how it ties into rest 41:22  How atheists view spirituality 42:30  Next steps for experiencing more rest, Sacred Rest and Restquiz.com LINKS Dr. Saundra-Dalton Smith’s Website Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s Personal Rest Retreats RestQuiz.com Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra-Dalton Smith National Speakers Association IMAGE CREDITS Gaylord Hotel - Wiki NSA logo - NSA Speaker.org Sacred Rest book - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Other images and video - Canva Learn more about and follow Saundra: Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn Website

Heather Hansen, accent bias and linguistic inclusion expert discusses how English speakers can address their own accent bias and how non-native speakers can communicate more effectively in work environments. In this episode, Heather Hansen, Accent Bias and Linguistic Inclusion Expert shares her experiences with accent bias in three different continents and how cultural attitudes vary across the world. She discusses the universal language, English, and gives English speakers advice on how to handle their own accent bias as well as tips for non-native English speakers on how to communicate more effectively in workplaces. Accent bias brings up many questions like does having a certain accent make you sound less or more intelligent? Can you get rid of accent bias completely? And where does humor fit in? As our world becomes more and more diverse, it’s becoming important to think about communication across cultures, especially in a business context. Heather in this exciting conversation about language expression and cultural inclusion. BIO Heather Hansen is Managing Director of corporate training firm Global Speech Academy where she helps top professionals show up, speak up, and inspire action in a changing world. She fights microinequities related to language and accent in international teams, and helps global companies build UNMUTED communication cultures where every voice belongs. Heather is an External Expert in Communication for National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School's Executive Education programs and she is pursuing her PhD in Linguistics at Nanyang Technological University where she is studying the effects of accent bias in multinational organizations. Not only does Heather study accent bias, she has lived it in three languages across three continents, including over 20 years living abroad. She is also one of the only practitioners in the world actively running training interventions on accent bias in global organizations. This is partly why Heather has been named to the Thinkers50 Radar 2024 Class - an exclusive list of 30 up-and-coming thinkers whose ideas are expected to make an important impact on management thinking in the future. Heather is author of the multi-award-winning book, Unmuted, published by Bloomsbury Business. This book outlines her framework for successful global communication in multinational companies. She is also the author of Powerful People Skills and has contributed to three other books published by Marshall Cavendish International. Heather’s next book (coming in 2025) is a comprehensive guide on how to manage accent bias and promote linguistic inclusion at work. CHAPTERS 4:40 Heather’s connection to empathy 10:30 How language affects how intelligence is perceived 15:50 Canadian study with children and how they perceive teachers 17:30 Film examples of accent bias 21:20 Our human nature to mimic 24:13 When is language mockery? 29:51 Why are we offended by some language? 31:50 Cognitive dissonance of language and facial expression 32.34 Can accent bias be stopped? 34:00 Accent bias and call centres 36:00 Learning language as children 41:50 Where does humor come into accents and language? 44:00 The increase in diversity in cities and how immigrants can be successful in English 51:11 Cat trick time 51:45 Pacing in language and tips to speak English more effectively 54:30 Accent bias in a business environment 55:40 Life and death situations - accent bias and aviation English LINKS University of Toronto Missisauga Study - Children have biases toward different accents Communication accommodation theory Unmuted by Heather Hansen Heather Hansen’s website TedTalk - 2 Billion Voices - How to Speak bad English perfectly IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Ontario Science Centre - Ontario Science Centre Thinkers50 logo - Thinkers50.com TedX Talk - Heather Hansen - TedX Map of Switzerland - Brittanica Map of Tokyo - Brittanica Map of Singapore - Brittanica Other images and video - Canva Harry Potter book cover - Wiki Mufasa - The Lion King - Wiki Scar - The Lion King - Wiki Mufasa and Scar - The Lion King - Wiki Cars poster - Cars - Wiki Mater - Cars - Wiki Apu - The Simpsons - Wiki Russell Peters - Wiki Little Mosque on the Prairie - Wiki Jacques flying photo - Clare Kumar Learn more about and follow Heather: Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn Website

Author of the Canary Code, Ludmila Praslova discusses how moral injury can cause autistic burnout, and how dignity plays a part in setting boundaries in neurodiverse workplaces. Ludmila Praslova, the author of The Canary Code, discusses the common misconceptions about autism, the importance of recognizing female and high-functioning presentations of autism, and the challenges faced by those seeking diagnosis and acceptance. This episode touches on authenticity, moral injury, and the need for accommodations at work. She also shares about her work on the concept of dignity and how it’s imperative to setting boundaries and better understanding social situations involving neurodivergent individuals. Finally, she talks about the implications of the DSM-V's categorizations, and practical advice for organizations to move forward in their DEI evolution.  Ludmila N. Praslova Ph.D., SHRM-S is the author of “The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work” (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, April 2024) and the member of the Thinkers50 Radar 2024 cohort of global management thinkers most likely to impact workplaces.  She is a Professor of Graduate Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Accreditation Liaison Officer at Vanguard University of Southern California.  With over 25 years of experience in developing talent-rich organizations, she is a global inclusive talent strategy expert with deep knowledge of global diversity and neurodiversity.  Her current consulting is focused on creating organizational systems for inclusion and wellbeing and providing neuroinclusion training and to organizations such as Amazon, Bank of America, and MIT. Dr. Praslova is also the editor of “Evidence-Based Organizational Practices for Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity” (Cambridge Scholars, 2023) and the special issue of the Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, “Disability inclusion in the workplace: From “accommodation” to inclusive organizational design.”  She regularly writes for Fast Company, Harvard Business Review and Psychology Today, and is the first person to have published in Harvard Business Review from an autistic perspective. CHAPTERS 7:00 Clare’s self-diagnosis of autism 8:15 Women and the misunderstanding of autism  10:48 Autistic and neurodiverse traits 12:00 Masking and Ludmila’s journey with autism 17:47 Why there are so many autistic actors 19:50 How moral injury affects autistic burnout 21:58 The consequences of moral injury for neurodivergent individuals 24:11 Autistic burnout vs. regular burnout 28:20 What can leaders do to create a better work culture? 32:30 What is behind a leader’s need to control? 36:45 The need for more conscious social interactions in the workplace 39:10 Socializing and masking with autism 43:02 How to honor your own dignity 44:19 How dignity can help establish boundaries at work 46:12 How do we navigate the growing neurodivergent population? 48:53 Autistic people and how empathy is expressed 57:12 The medical model of diagnosis in autism 01:06:04 The Canary Code and where you can find it LINKS The Canary Code by Ludmila Praslova Ep. 45 - Melanie Deziel - Unmasking - Late Autism Diagnosis in Women Clinical Psychiatrist Jonathan Shay on Moral Injury DSM-V Text Revision Dora Raymaker IMAGE CREDITS The Canary Code by Ludmila Praslova - Penguin Books Ep. 45 - Unmasking - Late Autism Diagnosis in Women Dora Raymaker - LinkedIn Dr. Jonathan Shay - LinkedIn Other images and video - Canva Learn more about and follow Ludmila: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn

Melanie Deziel, keynote speaker, branded content creator, and autistic self-advocate shares her creative insights on how she navigated her late self-diagnosis journey as an autistic adult and what advice she has for others going through their own self-discovery.  In this episode of the Happy Space Podcast, Melanie Diezel, keynote speaker and highly creative autistic self-advocate explores her journey as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. She delves into the challenges and misunderstandings surrounding autism, particularly how it manifests differently in women compared to men. Melanie shares her personal experiences with self-discovery through social media, the role of self-acceptance, and how her diagnosis has transformed her understanding of herself and understanding of the world around her. The discussion covers the importance of recognizing and advocating for neurodiversity, as well as the nuances of diagnosis. The episode covers insights on the spectrum of autism, the societal perceptions that influence diagnosis, and the significance of language in discussing autism. As a keynote speaker, author, and award-winning branded content creator, Melanie has spent her career developing the skills to think differently and discover new ways to engage audiences through content. Having been the first-ever editor of branded content at The New York Times, a founding member of HuffPost’s brand storytelling team, and Director of Creative Strategy for Time Inc's 35 US magazines, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on how content can be used as a strategic tool, and how processes can help unlock its power. Melanie still loves to write and tell stories, but now she likes to help others do it too. Nowadays she’d probably say “I want to help people access their creativity and create better content,” even though that’s a bit too long for a screen name. She has a ion for teaching creativity and content creation. She’s ed 30 of the Fortune100 companies with their content (so far!), given keynotes and workshops around the world, and has developed courses for several universities. She co-founded The Creator Kitchen with fellow marketing speaker Jay Acunzo to help experienced creators continue to pursue creative growth and mastery of craft. From the first-ever editor of branded content at The New York Times, to a leading keynote speaker in content marketing, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on how content can be used as a strategic tool, and how processes can help unlock the creativity needed to tap its power. Melanie created industry-leading work for these companies, many of which have won multiple awards. After several years speaking at conferences about the work she was doing for these renowned media companies...Melanie realized she could have a bigger impact if she were out on her own, spending more time speaking to educate marketers on how to create better content and working directly with brand content teams to improve their efforts. Since 2015, she has worked with some incredible brands and spoken on stages around the world at leading conferences, building her reputation as one of the leading voices in content marketing. Melanie Deziel is frequently named on as a top influencer, expert, and person-to-follow in marketing. You can access her book “Content Fuel Framework” and “Prove It” in paperback, e-book or audiobook form. CHAPTERS 4:28   How Melanie’s autism journey began  7:35   The differences between diagnosing autistic men and women 11:21  How hyperfixations can be mistaken for autism 14:57  Melanie’s books - Content Fuel Framework and Prove It 16:45   The signs that you may ne autistic 20:33   Who are the female autistic role models? 21:36   The discussion around autism and language 24:50   Introversion and extroversion 25:46   Melanie’s inclination to speak on stage despite being autistic 28:52   Self-advocating and accommodating when you are autistic 32:52   Why most women are late-diagnosed autistic 37:15   Self-diagnosing vs. medical diagnosing autism 41:40   Autism and creativity 45:47   RAADS-R Autism Test for diagnosing autism  LINKS Melanie Deziel’s website EPIC Conference Late Diagnosed Diaries - Substack Words Matter: Language preferences in a sample of autistic adults (corr. 87%) Schueberfour Content Fuel Framework by Melanie Deziel Prove It by Melanie Deziel Phil M. Jones Temple Grandin Hannah Gadsby The Canary Code by Ludmila Praslova HSP Quiz Happy Space Inclusivitees (T-shirts) #nevermindthelabels T-shirt RAADS-R Test IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video) Phil M. Jones - LinkedIn Ludmila Praslova - LinkedIn Temple Grandin - Wiki Temple Grandin with animals - Wiki David Bowie - Wiki Annie Lennox - Wiki Epic Conference Photo - Clare Kumar Melanie Deziel Headshot - Melanie Deziel Other images - Canva Other graphics - Capcut Learn more about and follow Melanie: Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn Website

Judy Singer, sociologist and pioneer of the neurodiversity movement discusses the role of language around neurodiverse populations, her views on autism, whether HSP’s fit into the neurodivergent ecosystem, and her feelings about the use of the term “woman” when considering transgendered individuals. Judy Singer, sociologist and pioneer of the neurodiversity movement, discusses her views on the complexities of language, identity, and the nuances of social change. Singer discusses her contributions to societal dialogue on neurodiversity and her ongoing efforts in academic and public spheres, amidst navigating online controversy. Singer shares her pioneering thoughts on neurodiversity, the critical role of language, and naming in transgender identities. She gives her opinion on autism, and whether HSPs can be considered neurodivergent. The discussion also goes into Judy’s experience living in Sydney, and her future plans aimed at fostering inclusivity. Judy Singer is an Australian sociologist credited with coining the term “Neurodiversity” in 1997-8 while completing an Honours Thesis at the University of Technology, Sydney. Her thesis, subtitled “a personal exploration of a new social movement based on “neurological diversity”, was the first non- psychomedical academic work to map out what was proving to be the last great civil rights movement to emerge from the 20th century. The movement was based on the pioneering work of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Movement, which was being ed by other neurological minorities who clearly needed a catchy, authoritative banner term The idea grew out of her lived experience in middle of 3 generations of women whom she then described as “somewhere on the autistic spectrum”. Like many people “on the spectrum” and especially as a woman seeking work in the early 1970s, Judy experienced difficulty finding employment. Fortunately, like many autistics, she was able to find a career in the burgeoning new field of IT which opened up a new world of opportunities for women. When Judy became a parent with a child who appeared to have a “mysterious” disability, her career responsibilities compelled her to give up her career. Instead she went back to University to pursue her true interests: anthropology and sociology. Judy has a long career in community organizing: she was the founder, via the internet, of the world's first group for people raised by autistic parent, became the secretary of Sydney’s largest group for the parents of autistic children and a co-founder of Sydney’s only independent social club for teenagers on the spectrum. She was elected a director of Shelter NSW, Australia’s peak body for housing justice but since the rediscovery of her work in 2017, she has been fully occupied with advocacy within the Neurodiversity discourse. CHAPTERS 5:53 Judy's thesis and academic background 10:22 The importance of naming 12:10 Neurological diversity to neurodiversity 16:33 I do claim crediting the buzzword neurodiversity 24:03 Neurodiversity is a property of a place, not a person 26:33. Nature is not benign 27:48 What about those who don't care about being so particular about language? 29:47 Where does the trait of high sensitivity fit in? 31:50 Why do we need all these labels? The welfare system and the medical model of disability 38:41 The expansion of autism 43:32 Labels can lead to solidarity 44:12 Faking depression to get help 53:33 The importance of naming yourself LINKS Sage Journal: The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory Neurodiversity - The Birth of an Idea - Judy Singer’s Sociology Thesis Neurodiversity by Harvey Blume - Atlantic Article Word Slut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language Aspar - Group for People Raised by Autistic Parents Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg Episode 16 - Still in Search of Excellence - with Tom Peters Simon Baron Cohen Research 6 Cultures that Recognize More than Two Genders Quote Source: First They Ignore You, Then They Laugh at You, Then They Attack You, Then You Win Alexandra Samuels, Canadian journalist and author Harvey Blume - Reflections on Neurodiversity IMAGE CREDITS Simon Baron Cohen - Wikipedia Harvey Blume - Reflections on Neurodiversity Judy Singer headshot - Autism Awareness Australia JK Rowling - Harry Popper Wiki WordSlut - Goodreads Autism - Sage Journal The Birth of an Idea - Judy Singer The Divergent Mind - Goodreads Tom Peters Headshot - Tom Peters Other images - Canva Learn more about and follow Judy: Twitter LinkedIn Website

Company culture expert, Chris Dyer discusses his experimental approach to creating environments for better work culture, the pitfalls of AI, and suggests dumping the “one on one.” In this episode of the Happy Space Podcast, company culture expert and author, Chris Dyer talks about different ways leaders can think about company culture and shares his experimental approach in creating better work environments. Chris gives his take on optimizing the hiring process where leaders aim to be fair vs. equitable, and even suggests dumping the weekly “one on one”. He gives insight into whether some leaders have realistic goals or not, and the tendency for some companies to continually “push” too hard after the pandemic. Other highlights include the irreplaceable value of human creativity and authenticity amidst limitations of AI in replicating human nuances such as humor, inclusivity, and emotional connection.  Chris Dyer is a recognized company culture and remote work expert. As a former CEO managing thousands of people, his companies were consistently named the best places to work. They have also been named a fastest growing company by Inc Magazine 5 times. Chris routinely consults and speaks, and Inc Magazine ranked him as the #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture.  He has three bestselling books: The Power of Company Culture and Remote Work, and has been named #5 on the Leadershum Power List, a Top 50 Voice in Leadership, a Top 40 Change Management Guru, a Top 50 Global Thought Leader, and a Top 50 leadership podcast, Top 50 HR Leaders Shaping the Future of Work, and a Top 101 Global Employee Engagement & Experience Influencers by Inspiring Workplaces and Work Buzz, just this year.  As a keynote speaker his goal is to inspire audiences with a straightforward delivery, insightful candor, and engaging humor. His talks leave audiences permanently transformed, offering innovative perspectives on leadership to improve company culture, and empower organizations to discover new successes. Countless companies have unlocked productivity, performance, and profits by implementing his 7 Pillar Strategy. CHAPTERS 00:04:11 How should we be working post-pandemic? 00:05:56 The pitfalls of AI 00:08:21 How will AI affect the quality of work? 00:10:06 Are organizations still pushing too hard post-pandemic? 00:13:38 Chris’ strategy for better work during the pandemic 00:18:16 Fairness vs. equity at work 00:20:20 Chris’ example - military spouses 00:25:00 Bad leaders vs. good leaders 00:28:00 What to do if you’re stuck in a difficult work situation 00:32:10 Why listening is so important in company culture 00:41:35 Shifting from individual therapy to group therapy 00:47:12 Chris’ view on patience in the workplace 00:51:20 Chris’ experimental approach to innovation LINKS Together by Vivek Murthy The Power of Company Culture: How Any Business Can Build a Culture that Improves Productivity,  Performance and Profits by Chris Dyer Remote Work: Redesign Processes, Practices and Strategies to Engage a Remote Workforce by Chris Dyer Ep. 4 - Sunil Godse - Follow Your Intuition as an HSP  Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen IMAGE CREDITS Vivek Murthy - Wikipedia Together book - Amazon Remote Working book - Chris Dyer The Power of Company Culture book - Chris Dyer Ep. 4 - Sunil Godse - Follow Your intuition as an HSP - Clare Kumar Sunshine Nails book - Simon and Schuster Other images - Canva Learn more about and follow Chris: Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn Website 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity exploring how we can invite the richest contribution from all through improvements in design and culture. She works bottom-up - coaching individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and top-down – working with leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. And look for the Shorts playlist for clips. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests?  Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter.  And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi   Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

Author and empathy advocate, Maria Ross busts myths about empathy and clearly defines what it is so that it can be effectively harnessed. In this episode of the Happy Space podcast, Maria Ross, an author and empathy advocate, shares her life-changing experience of surviving a medical trauma, highlighting the role of empathy in her recovery and its influence on her work. Maria discusses her books 'The Empathy Edge' and the soon to be released in fall 2024, 'The Empathy Dilemma,' emphasizing the operationalization of empathy in organizations and its importance in leadership. The conversation touches on common myths about empathy, its innate nature, and methods to cultivate it in business environments and personal lives. Maria and Clare explore the misconceptions surrounding empathy and sensitivity, advocating for a cultural shift towards more human-centered practices in business and personal spheres. Maria Ross is a speaker, facilitator, author, and empathy advocate who believes cash flow, creativity, and comion are not mutually exclusive. She’s spent decades helping forward-thinking leaders and teams connect and engage through empathy to accelerate growth and impact. Maria has authored multiple books, including her most recent title, “The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Comion as an Engine for Success” and also hosts The Empathy Edge podcast. Maria understands the power of empathy on both brand and personal levels: in 2008, shortly after launching her business, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed her and inspired her memoir, “Rebooting My Brain”. In it, she explores the critical importance of empathy in healing and overcoming adversity. Her next book “The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries”, arrives on shelves in Fall 2024. CHAPTERS 03:06 The medical emergency that started Maria’s journey 07:38 Operationalizing empathy in organizations 12:17 Busting empathy myths part 1 17:31 The connection between empathy and highly sensitivity people 21:00 Toning your empathy muscle 24:04 Busting empathy myths part 2 26:51 “Empathy circles” and having powerful conversations 30:26 Empathy and gender in leadership 36:28 Having better experiences surrounding layoffs 39:55 Empathy in personal relationships LINKS For active links, visit www.clarekumar.com/podcast The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Comion as an Engine for Success by Maria Ross The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries by Maria Ross Rebooting My Brain: How a Freak Aneurysm Reframed My Life by Maria Ross “The Empathy Edge” Podcast TedX Talk: How to Trojan Horse Leaders into Being More Empathetic | Maria Ross Talks at Google: Rebooting my Brain | Maria Ross Clare’s HSP Quiz Empathy Circles Website Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care Awakening Comion at Work Phil M. Jones Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact by Phil M. Jones IMAGE CREDITS The Empathy Edge book - Maria Ross The Empathy Dilemma book - Maria Ross The Empathy Edge Podcast logo - Maria Ross Mark Cuban - Wikipedia Empathy Circles logo - Edwin Rutsch Empathy Circles tents - Edwin Rutsch Phil M. Jone - philmjones.com Exactly What to Say book - goodreads.com Satya Nadella - Wikipedia Other images - Canva Learn more about and follow Maria: Instagram Youtube Twitter LinkedIn 😀😃😄😁😆 Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity continually asking how can we invite the richest contribution from all. She coaches individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and inspires leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to deg sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space. Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer: Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform. If you prefer to watch video, check out the episode on YouTube. If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below. Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Clare here. 😀😃😄😁😆 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast. Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution. Want to learn more about Clare and/or her guests? Follow Clare on Instagram and Twitter. And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊 CREDITS Audio and Video Editing by: Jaclyn Enchin Production Assistant: Rafael Dona Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi / wataboi Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Music promoted by FDL Music • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]