Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria powered by CCDI

Each month, Sartaj Sarkaria, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion interviews a leader who is a making a difference in Canada in the field of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Over the course of a year, you will hear from an eclectic group of people who inspire change.

Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria powered by CCDI is a business podcast hosted by Sartaj Sarkaria, with 9 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Sartaj Sarkaria hosts Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria powered by CCDI, a business show with 9 episodes published.

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  Episode #9

  Season 5, Episode 9 | Advancing Equity in AI with Roxanna Kassam Kara

  Sep 16, 202635 minS5

  AI is transforming the way we work, but who benefits from these change? In this episode of Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria, we welcome Roxanna Kassam Kara, founder of Cup of Lightning, to explore what the rise of AI means for equity and inclusion in the workplace. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and strategy, Roxanna brings a practical perspective to help teams make sense of generative AI. We discuss the gap between the promise of these tools and the experience of those using them, including the importance of thoughtful leadership as workplaces navigate change. Roxanna also reflects on the opportunities this technology has created in her own career, highlighting the human skills that will remain essential as AI in the workplace evolves. Tune in for an honest conversation about approaching AI with curiosity, confidence, and care for the people it affects. Key Points From This Episode: Meet Roxanna and hear about her unexpected path into AI and gender equity. Discover what recent research shows about AI and workplace inequality. Explore how shared hiring algorithms can repeat the same biases. Learn which questions HR and DEI teams should ask before adopting AI. Understand why challenging AI’s answers is part of using it well. Consider how AI can open new doors for women and budding entrepreneurs. Hear how Roxanna built an AI chief of staff to challenge her thinking. Examine why professional expertise matters when judging AI output. Find out how leaders can build their teams’ AI literacy and increase employee fulfilment. Uncover what listening to employees can reveal before an AI rollout. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Roxanna Kassam Kara on LinkedIn Cup of Lightning 'New ILO data confirm women face higher workplace risks from generative AI than men' 'Algorithmic Monocultures in Hiring' Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Sartaj Sarkaria Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria

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  Episode #8

  Season 5, Episode 8 | Empowering Indigenous Women and Youth Through Meaningful Allyship with Magnolia Perron

  Aug 26, 202635 minS5

  Entrepreneurship can build confidence, independence, and community prosperity. Combined with Indigenous perspectives, it strengthens innovation, leadership, and creates more resilient communities. In the latest episode of Leader Talks , we sit down with Magnolia Perron, leader of the Indigenous Women and Youth Programs at NACCA, to discuss the power of supporting Indigenous women, believing in their potential, and creating a stronger sense of belonging for Indigenous youth. Magnolia shares insights on meaningful allyship, unconscious bias, championing Indigenous entrepreneurship, and what employers should know to better assist Indigenous employees and Indigenous women-owned businesses. Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming Magnolia Perron and an overview of her background. Meaningful allyship for people who want to advance opportunities for Indigenous women. The importance of being aware of the unconscious biases we all hold. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program’s impact and memorable stories. How we can make Indigenous youth feel like they belong in community. What employers need to understand to support Indigenous employees and businesses. How Indigenous and Black women can be supported to lead, grow and advance in business. As always, Magnolia leaves a powerful question for the next guest on the show. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Magnolia Perron on LinkedIn Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Sartaj Sarkaria Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria

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  Episode #7

  Season 5, Episode 7 | Opening Doors to Equitable Careers with Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi

  Aug 19, 202641 minS5

  What changes when we stop asking women to fit into the workplace and start asking the workplace to change? In this episode of Leader Talks, Sartaj Sarkaria speaks with Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi , Founder & President of Accelerate Her Future, about the quiet barriers that continue to shape the career experiences of Indigenous, Black and racialized women. Drawing on her own journey from Iran to Canada, Golnaz shares how personal experiences, research, and community conversations led her to build an organization focused not on “fixing” women, but on creating the conditions for them to thrive. Listen in to learn how to create workplaces where more people can grow, lead, and flourish. Key Points From This Episode: The experiences and quiet barriers that inspired her to create Accelerate Her Future. Discover how listening to community helped a promising idea grow into lasting work. Uncover what new research reveals about the hidden forces shaping women’s careers. Explore who should carry responsibility for career growth and workplace change. Hear how greater transparency opens access to development, sponsorship, and leadership. Learn how collaboration is a shared effort in trust, reciprocity, and stewardship. Examples of the difference that mentorship and belonging can make in women’s careers. Consider why disability remains at the fringes of many workplace inclusion efforts. Final takeaways Dr. Golnaraghi has for listeners. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi on LinkedIn Accelerate Her Future 'Career Development and Experiences of Indigenous, Black, and Racialized Women in the Canadian Workplace' Women + Future of Work South Asian Women’s Collective (SAWC) Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Sartaj Sarkaria Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria

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  Episode #6

  Season 5, Episode 6 | Championing Disability Equity Together with Jeff Tiessen

  Jul 15, 202633 minS5

  Disability is too often left out of DEIA conversations, but true inclusion isn't possible without disability equity. In the latest episode of the Leader Talks Podcast with Sartaj Sarkaria, we sit down with Jeff Tiessen, Executive Producer of Mindset DEI and President & Publisher of Disability Today. Jeff shares his journey as a double amputee, athlete, father, and leader. He explains how his lived experience has shaped his career, leadership, and commitment to disability equity. We discuss the progress and ongoing challenges in disability advocacy, from accessibility to universal design. We also explore how Mindset DEI is advancing awareness and inclusion. Jeff also shares practical ways everyone can help build more inclusive environments. Tune in for an insightful conversation on resilience, leadership, and building a more inclusive future. Available now on your preferred podcast platforms or visit ccdi.ca/podcast. Key Points From This Episode: A brief overview of today’s guest, Jeff Tiessen. How his lived experience has affected his path and career. Jeff’s key motivations as an athlete and how they’ve evolved. Accessibility today versus before and its ebb and flow in progress. What Mindset DEI is and how Jeff moved from publishing to education. Jeff’s leadership style and how it differs from that of a non-disabled person. What Jeff is doing to make his environment more inclusive daily. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jeff Tiessen on LinkedIn Mindset DEI Disability Today Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Sartaj Sarkaria Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria

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  Episode #5

  Season 5, Episode 5 | Inclusion, Belonging, and the Future of Sport with Keph Senett and Kurt Weaver

  Jun 1, 202651 minS5

  Sport can foster connection and community, but for many 2SLGBTQIA+ people, it has also been a source of exclusion. In this episode of Leader Talks, we are excited to welcome guest host Pangus Kung, Director, Initiatives and Engagement at CCDI. Pangus is joined by Keph Senett, writer and trustee for Pride House International, and Kurt Weaver, Executive Director of You Can Play, for a timely conversation about inclusion, participation, and the future of sport. Together, they explore the role of sport in culture and community, the origins and impact of Pride House initiatives, and how organizations are working to create more welcoming environments at every level of participation. The conversation delves into the growing politicization of trans participation in sport, the realities behind exclusionary policies, and why grassroots participation and everyday inclusion are just as important as representation at the professional level. Keph and Kurt also reflect on their personal experiences in sport, the importance of community, and the ways coaches, leagues, and participants can help build safer, more inclusive spaces. Tune in for an honest conversation about sport, leadership, and the future of inclusion! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s guests, Keph Senett and Kurt Weaver. The origins of You Can Play and its mission to build inclusive sport spaces. How Pride House International supports 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion at major sporting events. Why 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport remains a pressing issue today. How anti-trans rhetoric is being used as a broader political wedge issue. Why trans inclusion in sport is not a one-size-fits-all conversation. The importance of separating grassroots participation from elite sport debates. How exclusion and bullying push many queer athletes out of sport. The value of queer recreational leagues and intentionally inclusive spaces. Why sport organizations need more creative and inclusive participation models. How small actions from coaches, leaders, and communities can create change. Answering the previous guests’ questions on personal sustainability and everyday DEIA work. What questions today’s guests want to leave for the next guests of Leader Talks. Keph and Kurt answer the question: What is one leadership habit you are carrying with you right now? Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Keph Senett Keph Senett on Instagram Pride House International Kurt Weaver on LinkedIn You Can Play Pangus Kung Pangus Kung on LinkedIn Pride House Toronto 2026 Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Sartaj Sarkaria Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria

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