Ideas for the Workplace

About Ideas for the Workplace

Ideas for the Workplace is a podcast on HR and inclusion. Each month I will talk to leaders who are making their workplaces more inclusive and engaging and contributing to the bottom line and customer and client satisfaction.

Publisher

Hedieh Azad

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Mar 2024

Latest episode

19 May 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 May 2025

   Inclusive Leadership with Shaen Ferguson

   In this episode, Hedieh Azad, host of Ideas for the Workplace, chats with Shane Ferguson about inclusive leadership. Shaen shares her journey from social services to a 28-year career in HR, her passion for diversity and inclusion, and her approach to building a supportive and equitable team. They discuss the importance of empathy, listening, and continuous learning in leadership, as well as practical strategies for advocating for team members and addressing microaggressions.00:00 Introduction to Ideas for the Workplace00:26 Meet Shane Ferguson: Career Journey and Background01:38 Understanding Inclusive Leadership04:43 Building Trust and Empathy in Teams08:40 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Organization-Wide12:56 Strategies for Equitable Growth and Development19:44 Addressing Microaggressions and Discrimination26:21 The Role of Empathy in Leadership28:35 Advice for New Leaders on Inclusivity32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

2. 

   19 May 2025

   Introvert Leadership: Navigating Leadership as the Quiet Leader with Alain Hippolyte

   In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad converses with Alain Hippolyte, a seasoned leader known as the quiet leader, to explore his leadership journey and the importance of mentorship and emotional intelligence. Alain shares insights into how introverted leaders can effectively navigate their roles, overcome misconceptions, build inclusive teams, and foster trust. Listen in to learn how introverts can make impactful contributions and lead with kindness, transparency, and strategic relationship building.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:37 Alain's Leadership Journey01:34 The Role of Mentorship and Emotional Intelligence04:34 Quiet Leadership Explained07:08 Navigating Career as an Introvert09:45 Myths About Introvert Leaders11:04 Creating Inclusive Teams as an Introvert14:21 Handling Unconscious Biases16:36 Building Trust Within Teams20:50 Advice for New Leaders23:23 Conclusion

3. 

   19 May 2025

   Navigating Stress and Burnout with Kristina Lamb

   In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad sits down with Kristina Lamb, a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and wellness specialist, to discuss stress and burnout in the corporate environment. Kristina explains the continuum of stress, distinguishing between positive and toxic stress, and explores the critical factors influencing our stress response, including social context and support systems. The conversation delves into the physical effects of chronic stress, the concept of burnout, its causes, and symptoms. Kristina offers practical advice for both leaders and employees on how to manage stress and create a supportive workplace culture. Tune in to learn valuable insights on maintaining mental health and wellness at work.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:16 Understanding Stress: Good vs. Bad09:21 The Impact of Stress on Our Bodies16:00 Exploring Burnout: Causes and Symptoms20:28 Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Leaders and Employees37:01 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

4. 

   19 May 2025

   Entrepreneurial Mindset with Jeff St. Denis

   In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh is joined by Jeff St. Denis, the CEO and founder of Culture Catalyst. Jeff shares his journey into entrepreneurship, detailing his career from the hospitality industry to starting his own business amidst the pandemic. He discusses the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, the importance of a supportive community, and how to mitigate risks. Jeff also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into his work on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Tune in for an inspirational and informative conversation about building a successful business and fostering positive change.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 Jeff's Career Journey01:02 Starting Culture Catalyst02:53 First Steps into Entrepreneurship05:48 Culture Catalyst's Services10:04 The Entrepreneurial Mindset12:33 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur17:43 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship18:19 Building a Supportive Community21:01 Leveraging Entrepreneurial Resources22:25 Overcoming the Fear of Failure23:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs27:09 Starting Out as an Entrepreneur29:42 Consistency Over Perfection30:22 Setting Up a System for Success32:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement35:19 Connecting with Jeff St. Dennis#entrepreneur #culture #workplaceculture #canada

5. 

   6 Mar 2025

   Episode 8: Building Workplace Success with Atomic Habits

   In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, hosted by Hedieh Azad, we explore the transformative power of small habits inspired by James Clear's 'Atomic Habits'. Learn how tiny, incremental changes can lead to massive improvements in productivity, leadership, and teamwork. Discover practical workplace examples and Clear’s four laws for building better habits. Find out how making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying can significantly enhance your workplace environment and culture. Tune in to implement these actionable insights and start improving one habit at a time. 00:00 Introduction to Atomic Habits 01:15 The Power of 1 Percent Improvement 02:19 Identity-Based Habits 03:34 The Four Laws of Behavior Change 03:50 Make It Obvious 04:39 Make It Attractive 05:20 Make It Easy 05:53 Make It Satisfying 06:27 Habit Stacking 07:12 Designing the Workplace environment 07:51 Eliminating Bad Habits 08:33 Conclusion and Takeaways

6. 

   28 Jan 2025

   Episode 7: Natalie Johnston on Psychological Safety

   Creating a Trustworthy & Inclusive Workplace: Insights on Psychological Safety with Natalie Johnston Welcome to this episode of Ideas for the Workplace! Join host Hedieh Azad as she dives into a conversation with HR expert Natalie Johnston on the crucial topic of psychological safety and inclusion in the workplace. Natalie shares her extensive career journey, provides actionable tips for building trust and fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and discusses the expectations of new generations in the workforce. This insightful episode sheds light on why psychological safety is not just beneficial but essential for a thriving work culture. Tune in for valuable advice on creating a supportive and productive workplace. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:26 Natalie Johnston's Career Journey 04:26 Building Trust in the Workplace 08:25 Fostering Inclusion and Belonging 12:44 Importance of Psychological Safety 16:06 Implementing Policies for Safety 19:11 Advice for Unsafe Work Situations 22:00 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

7. 

   25 Nov 2024

   Episode 6 with Kristina Lamb: Navigating Stress and Burnout

   Hedieh Azad sits down with Kristina Lamb, a registered social worker and wellness specialist, to explore the nuances of stress and burnout in the workplace and provide practical strategies for leaders and employees to foster a healthy work environment.

8. 

   31 Oct 2024

   Episode 5: Wanda Deschamps - Creating inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees

   Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Neurodivergent Employees with Wanda Deschamps In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad talks with Wanda Deschamps, founder and principal of Liberty Co., about creating inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees. Wanda shares her personal journey, discusses the importance of inclusive leadership, and provides practical tips for organizations to attract, retain, and foster innovation through neurodiversity. Learn how to make your workplace more inclusive, from job postings to onboarding and beyond. For more resources, visit Liberty Co.'s website or connect with Wanda on LinkedIn. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:15 Wanda's Background and Career Journey 01:25 Starting Liberty Co and Focus on Neurodiverse Employment 03:02 Challenges and Statistics in Neurodivergent Leadership 04:55 Inclusive Leadership and Neurodiversity 07:43 Attracting and Retaining Neurodivergent Employees 09:11 Inclusive Practices in Job Postings and Recruitment 10:06 Onboarding and Retention Strategies 18:08 Driving Innovation through Neurodiversity 21:49 Final Thoughts and Resources

9. 

   4 Oct 2024

   Episode 5: Navigating Stress and Burnout in the Workplace with Kristina Lamb

   In this episode of 'Ideas for the Workplace', Hedieh Azad is joined by Kristina Lamb, a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and wellness specialist for the City of Ottawa, to discuss stress and burnout. Kristina explains the continuum of stress, highlighting that while stress can sometimes be positive, when it becomes chronic, it negatively impacts both mental and physical health. They explore the symptoms and causes of burnout, emphasizing the importance of leadership in creating supportive workplace environments. Kristina shares preventive measures employees and leaders can take, as well as resources available for maintaining mental health and well-being in the workplace. The conversation underscores the significance of building relationships, setting boundaries, and advocating for oneself to combat stress and enhance overall workplace health. 00:00 Introduction to Workplace Wellness 01:04 Understanding the Continuum of Stress 07:56 Effects of Chronic Stress on the Body 15:01 Preventing Burnout: Tips for Leaders 25:23 Preventing Burnout: Tips for Employees 29:12 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout 31:47 Final Thoughts and Resources On the agenda workshop series - Workplace Strategies for Mental Health have THAT talk - Ottawa Public Health (https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-services/have-that-talk.aspx) https://psychsafety.co.uk/psychological-safety-behaviours/ (https://psychsafety.co.uk/psychological-safety-behaviours/)

10. 

    15 Jul 2024

    Episode 4: With Louise H. Reid

    Humanizing Leadership: An In-Depth Conversation with Louise H. Reid In Episode 4 of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad talks with Louise H. Reid, Founder, and Chief Empowerment Officer at LHR Leadership Development and Coaching. Louise shares insights about her mission to humanize leadership, focusing on enhancing communication, relationships, and inclusivity within teams. With a Bachelor of Science, multiple HR and coaching certifications, and over 20 years of experience, Louise discusses her book 'Humanizing Leadership' and the personal and professional motivations behind it. She explains the significance of 'well-intentioned but ill-equipped' leaders and offers solutions through strengths-based methodologies like Clifton Strengths. Louise also emphasizes the importance of trust, mindfulness, and the 'power of the pause' in effective leadership. The conversation also touches on building environments of psychological safety, the changing expectations of employees, and practical advice for new leaders. The episode concludes with ways to connect with Louise and obtain her book. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 4 00:04 Meet Louise H. Reid 01:45 Louise's Journey to Writing 'Humanizing Leadership' 04:23 The Ill-Equipped Leader 08:49 Understanding and Leveraging Strengths 13:34 Building Trust and Psychological Safety 16:58 The Four Characteristics of a Good Leader 19:17 Navigating Post-COVID Workplace Dynamics 27:24 The Power of the Pause 33:36 Unleashing the Power of Your People 40:33 Advice for New Leaders 41:14 Conclusion and How to Connect with Louise Connect with Louise on LinkedIn or visit her website: http://www.humanizingleadership.com/.

11. 

    17 Jun 2024

    Episode 3: Erin Patchell and the Trained to Help Project

    In this episode, Hedieh Azad, host of Ideas for the Workplace, chats with Erin Patchell about the Trained to Help Project. Erin discusses her inspiration behind the project, which aims to support businesses in making their premises more accessible for people with disabilities. They delve into the project's dual-faceted approach: a business training platform aligned with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and a consumer-centric website listing accessible businesses. Erin also highlights the challenges and future plans for the project, including expanding geographically and enhancing the training modules. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:46 Inspiration Behind the Trained to Help Project 01:10 Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities 02:42 Business Accessibility and Training Platform 07:19 Pilot Program and Future Plans 13:25 Impact on Disability Inclusion 17:21 How to Get Involved 18:30 Conclusion and Farewell

12. 

    15 May 2024

    Episode 2 with Alain Hyppolite

    In this episode of Ideas for the Workplace, host Hedieh Azad engages in a conversation with Alain Hippolyte, an experienced leader in local government known for his 'quiet leadership.' They explore Alain's journey to leadership, emphasizing the role of grit, strategic relationships, mentorship, and the indispensable value of emotional intelligence and kindness in leadership. Alain, championing the cause of introvert leaders, sheds light on misconceptions about introversion in leadership, offering practical advice on navigating the workplace as an introvert. He advocates for building deep, meaningful relationships, using strategic positioning like sitting next to extroverts in meetings, and highlights the benefits of introverted leadership, such as creating inclusive environments and encouraging deep thought and observation. The conversation concludes with Alain providing sage advice for new leaders on the importance of humanity, flexibility, and building relationships in fostering a supportive and effective leadership culture. 00:00 Welcome to Ideas for the Workplace: Introvert Leadership Explored 00:39 Alain Hippolyte: The Journey of a Quiet Leader 01:30 The Power of Mentorship and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 02:55 Embracing Kindness and Emotional Intelligence for Effective Leadership 04:38 Understanding Quiet Leadership: An Introvert's Perspective 07:10 Navigating Career Advancement as an Introvert 09:47 Debunking Myths Around Introvert Leadership 11:06 Leveraging Introversion for Inclusive Team Building 14:23 Addressing Unconscious Bias and Building Trust 20:52 Advice for New Leaders: Human Connection and Flexibility You can connect with Alain on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-hyppolite/). Alain frequently writes for Medium.com (https://medium.com/@alain.hyppolite) and publishes a weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to his newsletter on his website: https://alainhyppolite.me/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alain-hyppolite/)

13. 

    15 Apr 2024

    Episode 1: Interview with Shaen Ferguson

    In this episode, I interviewed Shaen Ferguson on what Inclusive Leadership means to her and how her diverse team members feel they are valued and that they belong.

14. 

    11 Mar 2024

    Ideas for the Workplace: Introduction

    In this episode, I introduce my podcast: Ideas for the Workplace and myself. I will be talking with leaders who are making their workplaces inclusive and contributing to the bottom line and client and customer satisfaction.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

19

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Ideas for the Workplace

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.