Join Anima Leadership co-founder Shakil Choudhury in a immersive discussion on breaking down polarization in the workplace. Conflict by its very nature emotionally divides, forcing us to “choose” sides…but then who looks after the Whole? Yet being “neutral” is not the answer as this only maintains the unjust status quo when we seek to fix systems that carry the stains of racism and sexism. In this free online Anima Cafe, we explore developing polarity management skills to move beyond either/or thinking. Anima co-founder, Shakil Choudhury, explores what it means to be a “de-polarized” leader, essential for the workplace which continues to be influenced by the political divisiveness from broader society.

Tools for Compassion & Justice Leadership Series While the psychological safety of employees is essential, a workplace is not a therapeutic space…and learning to hold the tension between personal-professional is a key leadership capacity.   This free podcast will explore the reasons why psychological safety is a critical factor for both well-being as well as performance, and strategies for leaders to nurture it on their teams. We also discuss its very real limits, as many leaders—especially in the not-for-profit context— inadvertently get their teams “stuck” in emotional quagmires because of an inability to draw healthy professional boundaries.  Shakil Choudhury, will explore this critical but deeply misunderstood topic.  This the first podcast in a fall Anima series entitled Tools for Compassion & Justice Leadership.

with Annahid Dashtgard Another way of thinking about the leader role is one who tells the best, most engaging, most believable, story.  If we don’t tell it, others will, and usually it’s the most negative version.  This cafe with Anima CEO Annahid Dashtgard, offers a framework for framing our messages so they get heard and get buy in, especially important in fostering trust in today’s diverse and increasingly polarized environments.

Join Anima Leadership co-founder Shakil Choudhury in a conversation on how to use a system-thinking approach to politic-proof your EDI efforts. In an era of increasing political volatility, anti-EDI forces have been using social media and legal levers to successfully push back on progressive policies designed to advance historically excluded groups in both the US and Canada.  This cafe explores ways that leaders can politic-proof an organization’s EDI efforts by adopting a systems-thinking approach and de-compartmentalizing EDI by borrowing strategies to improve performance from other parts of the business. In doing so, leaders can limit their organization’s exposure to critics while supporting social justice goals. 

Join Anima Leadership co-founder Shakil Choudhury in a conversation about navigating conflict and polarizing global events as a leader. This cafe explores factors for organizational leaders to consider when real world events explode into the workplace whether it's the climate crisis, the murder of George Floyd or Israel-Palestine. How and when do you decide to lean into an issue and when do you not? How do leaders balance competing factors including psychological safety of employees, organizational values and missions, finances, and the needs of stakeholders? While there are never any easy answers, this cafe helps identify key questions and issues their teams need to map out when responding to external crises and global events.

Join Anima Leadership co-founder Annahid Dashtgard in a conversation about finding purpose and joy in equity work. What does it mean to work towards justice, inclusion, belonging and equal rights in this time where these topics are more and more polarizing? Instead of being guided by clear analysis and data, equity efforts are increasingly being determined by whose opinion is loudest.  Many of us are overwhelmed and exhausted in addition to having our own skin in the game, and unsure how best to proceed.  This session is a reminder and a reset of why it’s especially important in times such as these to stay connected to purpose and reclaim our joy.

If there’s one way to describe our current political landscape, it’s polarized. As both sides seem to pull further and further apart, how can we drive action across differences? How can we create the connections and relationships we need to make change? And how can we empower bridge builders to lead us towards a more inclusive future? Join Anima Leadership co-founder Shakil Choudhury in conversation with educator, therapist, facilitator and author Dawn Menken. Dawn has been working in the field of psychology and facilitator development for over 35 years and has written multiple books focused on improving social discourse and inspiring more meaningful civic engagement. Her latest book Facilitating a More Perfect Union: A Guide for Politicians and Leaders offers practical tips to anyone stepping into a leadership position, and has been read by politicians, government administration and other leaders from around the world. This Café podcast is perfect for anyone looking to become a more inclusive leader, especially in situations where polarization is becoming more and more powerful. With more than 50 years of experience between them come and get ready to listen to a lively conversation about marginalization, connection, engagement and inclusion.

Join Annahid Dashtgard, and Emma Lind for a conversation about the Leader Labs and some important takeaways and secrets challenges when addressing race and equity issues. How do we avoid jumping to conclusions with each other? When is it important to listen versus hold our ground? What does it look like to step into uncomfortable conversations in order to advance equity in our organizations? BIPOC Leader Lab creator and host Annahid Dashtgard and EDI Lab for White Leaders host Emma Lind discuss the secret challenges and strategies of addressing race and equity issues from the unique perspective of both BIPOC and white leaders. Drawing on lessons learned from the 2023 Leader Labs—one-of-a-kind cohorts bringing together equity leaders from around the world—Annahid and Emma will share impactful and applicable tips and tactics for transforming your own leadership practice. This Café podcast is perfect for leaders of all identities looking to find a community of other leaders interested in creating a more inclusive and equitable future…with some expert support along the way. Listen now to hear how you can step into greater equity literacy—whatever your racial identity—to help bridge rather than break in these turbulent times. Listen to this podcast to learn more about this essential reframing of equity, diversity and inclusion work and how to apply it to your own leadership development. This session is part of a series of Fireside Chats, exploring the themes of Deep Diversity with leaders in the field. Pre-order your copy of Deep Diversity here!

Anima Leadership co-founders Annahid Dashtgard and Shakil Choudhury host an interactive conversation about this tricky moment in equity, diversity and inclusion work. Topics include where we are in challenging times, how we can navigate these changes together as a community, and how Anima Leadership can offer some extra support.

Join Annahid Dashtgard, Kwame Scott Fraser, and Farzana Doctor in conversation about what it means to belong as racialized individuals—in a profession, to a country, even within our own skin. Cultivating belonging could be voted the top human challenge for the twenty-first century. Meeting it is not going to come from facts alone, but will be driven by stories—all of our stories, but especially the ones yet untold. Drawing inspiration from Anima CEO Annahid Dashtgard’s recent book Bones of Belonging: Finding Wholeness in a White World, this intimate discussion pulls in an array of voices on different themes of what it means to belong as racialized individuals—in a profession, to a country, even within our own skin. Listen to Annahid Dashtgard, Bones of Belonging publisher and Dundurn Press President Kwame Scott Fraser, and psychotherapist and author Farzana Doctor for this authentic no-holds barred conversation, where the curtain of whiteness is pulled back to reveal the steep price of conformity. Listen to this podcast to learn more about this essential reframing of equity, diversity and inclusion work and how to apply it to your own leadership development. This session is part of a series of Fireside Chats, exploring the themes of Deep Diversity with leaders in the field. Pre-order your copy of Deep Diversity here!