Happy Space Podcast with Clare Kumar

Ivan Berazhny, Senior lecturer at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and accessibility advocate, shares how INCLAVI, an EU-funded initiative, equips aviation professionals with certified training to better support diverse travellers across the full journey.In this episode of the Happy Space Podcast, host Clare Kumar speaks with Ivan Berazhny, Senior lecturer at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, about INCLAVI, an EU-funded initiative to improve accessibility in aviation and tourism. Ivan shares the development of a free, multi-module training curriculum designed to educate industry professionals on best practices for supporting travellers with disabilities. Built through a wide consortium of partners, the program covers the full travel journey, from planning to post-arrival, and includes accredited modules with formal certification. During the conversation, they explore the importance of language in accessibility, the value of humility in learning, and the potential to apply this framework across industries.Ivan Berazhny is a senior lecturer at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), where Ivan has been developing and leading research projects and courses on topics including leadership, entrepreneurship, aviation business environment, corporate social responsibility and others. Prior background includes studies of international economic relations, communication, and vocational pedagogy. Ivan also holds several professional certifications in aviation and hospitality industries.In Haaga-Helia, Ivan has been engaged actively in curriculum development, export of education, RDI cooperation with industry partners, internationalisation, and other activities. Particularly, Ivan is committed to advocate inclusive society for people with disabilities.CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction and Welcome02:15 – Origins of the INCLAVI Project05:45 – Building a Practical, Multi-Stakeholder Curriculum10:10 – Implementation and Early Impact14:05 – Language, Translation, and Accessibility17:30 – Clarifying Terms: Accessibility vs. Inclusion21:00 – Beyond Labels: Focusing on Needs24:40 – Expanding Awareness Through Storytelling27:50 – Encouraging Curiosity in Accessibility30:25 – Ivan’s Happy SpaceLINKSFor active links, visit www.clarekumar.com/podcastIMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)Mediterranean Sea Video - CanvaHorizon Video - CanvaLearn more about and follow Ivan:Haaga-Helia UniversityINCLAVI (Inclusive aviation curriculum) Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program😀😃😄😁😆Everyone deserves a Happy Space. It might sound frivolous, but what I’m talking about is creating environments for each person to be able to perform at their best. Too often, people are invited to burn out or opt out of spaces, cultures, or experiences that are at best uncomfortable and at worst, toxic. Inclusion is a design opportunity. I hope to shine a light on those craftive more inclusive spaces, cultures, and experiences, leading the way to a more hospitable world 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...

In this episode, Happy Space Podcast host, Clare Kumar, speaks with Kay Sargent, principal designer at HOK, about their latest release, Neuroinclusive Workplace Design. Clare and Kay discuss the need to move beyond universal design toward more inclusive, actionable strategies for creating workspaces that support diverse sensory and cognitive needs. The conversation explores the evolution of language around neurodiversity, the importance of continual learning, and the challenges of designing spaces that acknowledge human complexity. Kay emphasizes that thoughtful, inclusive design benefits everyone by removing barriers and enabling people to perform at their best.BIOWith 35 years of experience, Kay is a recognized expert on workplace design and strategy. She is an award-winning designer who has worked with Fortune 500 companies to optimize their global real estate portfolios and create innovative work environments. As director of HOK’s WorkPlace team, a practice that supports organizations undertaking multiple projects in various locations, and a member of HOK’s Board of Directors, Kay is responsible for helping clients redefine how, when, and where their people work, working in tandem to support a holistic design approach that integrates an organization’s people, processes and technology.Kay is considered an industry thought leader in the workplace. She has authored multiple white papers and articles on topics including well-being; the next-gen workforce; technologies’ impact on the workplace; space fusion and the rise of the human factor.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Sensory Processing and Cognitive Wellbeing00:22 Guest Introduction: Kay Sargentfrom HOK01:03 The Inspiration Behind Neuroinclusive Workplace Design01:44 Practical Applications of Neuroinclusive Design01:58 Exploring Sensory Sensitivity and Inclusive Design02:32 The Importance of Intersectionality in Design03:50 The Launch of NeuroinclusiveWorkplace Design04:45 The Journey of Writing the Book07:02 Challenges and Evolution in Workplace Design08:40 Understanding Neurodiversity and Sensory Sensitivity13:22 Inclusive Design vs. Universal Design15:48 Embracing Complexity and Individual Needs17:05 Real-World Impact of Inclusive Design21:38 Simple Adjustments for Better Productivity22:17 Personal Story: Managing ADHD23:55 The Spoon Theory and Energy Management24:40 The Impact of Sound and Environment25:19 Six Modalities of Work31:16 The Importance of Neurological Safety33:11 Designing Inclusive Workspaces40:02 Final Thoughts and Book PromotionIMAGE CREDITS (see images in Youtube video)Kay Sargent headshot - Kay Sargent"Neuroinclusive Workplace Design" Book Cover - WileyOther Images and Graphics - CanvaLearn more about and follow Kay:InstagramYoutubeXLinkedInWebsite😀😃😄😁😆Everyone deserves a Happy Space. It might sound frivolous, but what I’m talking about is creating environments for each person to be able to perform at their best. Too often, people are invited to burn out or opt out of spaces, cultures, or experiences that are at best uncomfortable and at worst, toxic. Inclusion is a design opportunity. I hope to shine a light on those craftive more inclusive spaces, cultures, and experiences, leading the way to a more hospitable world because everyone deserves a

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about designing 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.MillerKnoll’s Ryan Anderson shares his research and talks about the benefits of respite spaces, place attachment, recognizing your own belonging cues at work, and how being intentional about usable designs makes for the most beautiful workspaces. You're listening to Episode 37 of the Happy Space Podcast. Today, I speak with MillerKnoll’s Global Research lead, Ryan Anderson, about opportunities for organizations to create more inclusive workspaces that support sustainable performance.Ryan Anderson, VP of Global Research and Insights at MillerKnoll, shares his research, deep passion, and appreciation for inclusive design. Ryan suggests that we must dramatically rethink our workspaces in order to better reflect our biological, mental, and emotional needs at work. Ryan talks about the current need for “spaces for everyone”, including those who identify as neurodivergent. In addition, he discusses place attachment, the human tendency to form connections with physical spaces, and the challenges and limited opportunities offered by the practice of hoteling. The discussion underscores Clare’s often made point that if you design for wellbeing performance will flow.&nbsp;Ryan Anderson serves as Vice President of Global Research and Insights at MillerKnoll, renowned workspace and furniture design company. Ryan’s team leads MillerKnoll’s research, shares insights publicly across the world, and provides workplace strategy and design services to MillerKnoll customers.With nearly thirty years of industry experience, Ryan’s work has centered on how the places we inhabit can be better designed to support healthy, inclusive, and productive communities. Ryan hosts MillerKnoll’s “About Place” podcast on the future of the workplace and regularly speaks at public events about MillerKnoll’s historical and current research.He is a member of the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Executive Network, an Executive Fellow at Woxsen University in Hyderabad India, and has been featured in a wide variety of publications such as The Wall Street Journal, NPR, the BBC, Fortune, Bloomberg, and beyond.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction&nbsp;05:49 The role of belonging cues in inclusive design11:28 The business case for inclusive design19:24 The future of workspace design and commercial real estate22:55 Respite spaces in the workspace26:34 The impact of diversity and culture on workspace design28:49 Sustainable productivity30:40 The role of leadership in promoting wellbeing and preventing burnout35:08 Hotelling and depersonalization of office space40:27 The importance of team-based workplace design42:13 The need for empathy in the workplaceLINKSHerman Miller&nbsp;MillerKnollHarkin Institute for Public PolicyNigel OselandBill Stumpf<a href="https://www.penguinbookshop.com/book/9780578375885"...

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about designing 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.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.&nbsp;Ludmila N. Praslova Ph.D., SHRM-SCP 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.&nbsp;She is a Professor of Graduate Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Accreditation Liaison Officer at Vanguard University of Southern California.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Her current consulting is focused on creating organizational systems for inclusion and wellbeing and providing neuroinclusion training and support 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.”&nbsp;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.CHAPTERS7:00 Clare’s self-diagnosis of autism8:15 Women and the misunderstanding of autism&nbsp;10:48 Autistic and neurodiverse traits12:00 Masking and Ludmila’s journey with autism17:47 Why there are so many autistic actors19:50 How moral injury affects autistic burnout21:58 The consequences of moral injury for neurodivergent individuals24:11 Autistic burnout vs. regular burnout28:20 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 workplace39:10 Socializing and masking with autism43:02 How to honor your own dignity44:19 How dignity can help establish boundaries at work46:12 How do we navigate the growing neurodivergent population?48:53 Autistic people and how empathy is expressed57:12 The medical model of diagnosis in autism01:06:04 The Canary Code and where you can find itLINKS<a...

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about designing 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.Stephen Shedletsky is a Leadership Speaker, Author, and Coach. He has spent years helping leaders make it safe and worth it for people to speak up. Inspired by the work of Simon Sinek, Shed became the fourth person to join his team where for more than a decade, he contributed as Chief of Staff and Head of Brand Experience, Training &amp; Development, and headed a global team of speakers and facilitators. Shed graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategy. He also received his coaching certification from The Co-Active Training Institute.I’m not sure entirely why but I’ve been speaking up for most of my life, but not everyone speaks up and not in every situation. I have been wondering about why that is and was thrilled when I learned that Stephen Shedletsky, aka Shed, was also deeply curious about this topic, especially in the workplace. Join us in this conversation as we explore why he felt the need to write this book now, how our environment can pressure us into being unethical, and the value of transitioning to a speak-up culture.CHAPTERS00:05:27 &nbsp; Why this book and why now?00:08:37 &nbsp; The value of transitioning to a speak-up culture00:10:22 &nbsp; Personality versus environment00:14:07 &nbsp; Combatting apathy00:15:00 &nbsp; Low safety but high impact00:17:00 &nbsp; A bad pickle00:18:59 &nbsp; Leaders who listen&nbsp;00:21:59 &nbsp; Environment can pressure us into being unethical00:24:45 &nbsp; Human attributes rather than soft skills00:29:30 &nbsp; Nelson Mandela on sitting in a circle and speaking last00:32:30 &nbsp; Advice for speaking upLINKSFor active links, visit www.clarekumar.com/podcastSimon SinekIf Your Employees Aren't Speaking Up, Blame Company Culture,&nbsp; Hemant Kakkar and Subra TangiralaHemant KakkarAmy Edmonson Happy Space Podcast episode 16 - Still in Search of Excellence - with Tom PetersAlan MulallyIndra NooyiScott SonensheinNelson MandelaCraig FergusonIMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)Simon Sinek - credit Simon Sinek websiteAmy Edmonson - credit Amy Edmonson's websiteHappy...

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about designing 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 compassion 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. CHAPTERS00:03:06 What brought Denis to what he does now00:06:10 Acts of compassion for others00:15:08 UN Convention for Rights with People with Disabilities00:21:53 Why businesses should consider the disabled00:28:14 What is holding leaders back?00:31:51 Asking others what they need to work best00:37:33 Is it safe to speak up?00:39:26 Navigating around our disabilities00:42:35 Denis’ 15 KeysLINKSFor active links, visit www.clarekumar.com/podcastOntario ADAAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities ActThe Americans with Disabilities ActAccessible Canada ActHow Can a Watermark be a Human Rights Issue?Happy Space Work Style ProfileEpisode 30 – Creating a Speak-Up Culture – with Stephen ShedletskyUnlock your 15 keys to a diverse and empowered workplaceThe Inclusive Speaker: How to Truly Connect With All of Your Audience Without Leaving Anyone BehindIMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)A blind person using a computer - creditColorblind test - creditPolice car chase -...

In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about designing 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 &amp; 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 joined 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 &amp; inclusion where she built their D&amp;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 &amp; Governance, Finance, and HR and DEI Committees.A native of India, Subha holds a BA from Bombay University and an MBA and MS in Accounting from Rice University. She enjoys golfing, reading poetry and rallying for social change. She has two grown children and lives in...

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 support 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.BIODr. Lauran Star understands organizations culture and the impact and challenges of&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp; Fortune 500 companies; helping them create an inclusive organizational culture that thrives in today’s business.CHAPTERS3:45 - How did you come to be an organizational disruptor?9:30 - Dyslexia diagnosis18:20 - Why blue paper?20:40 - Lauran’s history of dyslexia and the authorities’ right to diagnose24:10 - There’s no such thing as a perfect child30:22 - The reluctancy to honor accommodations36:12 - How to make organizations listen?43:33 - Catering to everyone, not just the majority45:00 - Equity vs. Equality49:34 - Why speaking up matters57:00 - How DEI affects productivity59:20 - Formula for DEILINKSEvidence Based Inclusion It’s Time to Focus on the Right Needle - by Dr. Lauran StarUltranauts CompanyDr. Lauran Star’s WebsiteIMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)Rajesh Anandan Headshot - Clare KumarClare Kumar Hidden Disabilities pose - Clare KumarHidden Disabilities cards - Clare KumarEvidence-Based Inclusion: It’s Time to Focus on the Right Needle - Amazon.caOther Images and Video - CanvaSpeechify logo - SpeechifyLauran Star photo pose - drlauranstar.comKamala Harris - WikiLearn more about and follow Lauran:TwitterLinkedInWebsite😀😃😄😁😆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....

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 support 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, supporting 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.BIOCEO, Paul White, is a passionate 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. CHAPTERS00:06:34 Origins of The Sunflower00:12:40 Is The Sunflower a charity organisation, why or why not?00:17:27 The Sunflower and Pride00:19:15 How The Sunflower can help employees00:23:15 How corporations can use The Sunflower in the workplace00:25:24 Language and Hidden Disabilities00:31:02 Sunflower-friendly environments around the world00:35:00 How companies can become allies of hidden disabilities + the purple pound00:41:33 Where to find out more about Hidden Disabilities SunflowerLINKSHidden Disabilities Sunflower WebsiteBayley House, AustraliaEuropean Pride Organization AssociationThe Purple PoundHDSunflower training videoZayed HigherEuropean Pride Organisers AssociationEp. 27 - The Undeniable Value of Neurodiversity - with Theo SmithEp. 44 - The Need for Clear Language around Neurodiversity - with Judy SingerEp. 49 - The Language of Neurodiversity - with Pasha MarloweIMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)Gatwick Airport - WikiThe Purple Pound logo - This is Me AgencySunflower logo - HDSunflower.comSuflower lanyards - HDSunflower.comSunflower...

President &amp; 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 joined 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 &amp; inclusion where she built their D&amp;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 &amp; Governance, Finance, and HR and DEI Committees.A native of India, Subha holds a BA from Bombay University and an MBA and MS in Accounting 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.CHAPTERS04:00 Subha’s story and journey in DEI08:00 Connecting DEI to the business09:40 Seramount’s initiatives and the focus on neurodiversity13:00 Multicultural initiatives at Merrill Lynch and relying on HR for talent issues16:38 Diverse culture shift in Canada19:00 Subha’s experience with neurodiversity and personal connection with autism21:40 Freddie Mac’s Autism Internship Program30:50 Positive examples of DEI...

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.&nbsp;CHAPTERS04:25 Clare’s late autism diagnosis07:58&nbsp; the Sunflower and Clare’s new job12:00&nbsp;New book, Ask Already and the Happy Space Work Style Profile15:25&nbsp; Sharing MS diagnosis18:18&nbsp; Happy Space Total Teamwork Program20:15&nbsp; Workhuman 2024 highlights22:23&nbsp; Being comfortable with silence and “The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer24:22&nbsp; Barbie Brewer and Building your asynchronous muscle + Vanice Hayes and ERG’s28:20&nbsp; Baratunde Rafiq Thurston - Understanding power and its value29:15 Hustle and grind, and the importance of weaving in personal priorities33:10&nbsp; Speakers: Gloria Goins, Peter Danzig and Kamille Washington37:50&nbsp; A thank you from Happy Space Podcast38:40&nbsp; Brené Brown highlights and how AI ties into HR41:50&nbsp; Brené Brown and the epidemic of loneliness43:55&nbsp; “I do like humanity, I’m not crazy about people in general” - Brené Brown45:00&nbsp; Brené Brown and shame triggers in the workplace46:03&nbsp; Brené Brown and grounded confidenceLINKSHidden DisabilitiesHdsunflower.comWorkHuman 2024The Message of You by Judy CarterEp. 45 - Melanie Deziel - Unmasking - Late Autism Diagnosis in WomenEp. 46 - Ludmila Praslova - Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity at WorkThe Canary Code by Ludmila PraslovaRobbie Samuels’ WebsiteEp. 30 - Stephen Shedletsky - Creating a Speak-Up CultureSpeak-Up Culture by Stephen Shedletsky<a...

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_resourcesDr. 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&nbsp; Empathy and compassion in the conversation about rest5:33&nbsp; Secrets of the well-rested8:36&nbsp; Pushing back on culture to claim what we need11:38&nbsp; Saundra’s personal burnout journey16:34&nbsp; The relationship between rest and sleep20:41&nbsp; How technology is affecting our rest routines22:47&nbsp; Regulating breaks for work sessions and workshops26:50&nbsp; Mental-exhaustion, and why it’s so common now30:40&nbsp; Increased stimulation in the world and how it’s affecting rest for sensitive people34:16&nbsp; How do we find quiet in a noisy world?36:26&nbsp; Increasing productivity and connection in conferences and workshops37:53&nbsp; Saundra's view of spirituality and how it ties into rest41:22&nbsp; How atheists view spirituality42:30&nbsp; Next steps for experiencing more rest, Sacred Rest and Restquiz.comLINKSDr. Saundra-Dalton Smith’s WebsiteDr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s Personal Rest RetreatsRestQuiz.comSacred Rest by Dr. Saundra-Dalton SmithNational Speakers...