Open Up The Workforce
Open Up The Workforce
Ahva Sadeghi
In these short audio-only episodes, we talk with the top about what it takes to develop and implement inclusive processes. Listen in to interviews with executives advancing inclusion, diversity, and equity for the future of work. Are you increasing access to jobs and wealth creation? We'd love to hear how you are expanding talent development opportunities and career pipelines for all.
Claudio Vespucci, Vice President of Human Resources at Rockwell Automation
In this episode of Open Up The Workforce, we're joined by Claudio Vespucci, Vice President of Human Resources at Rockwell Automation. Claudio is a seasoned HR leader with an impressive track record. Having navigated the complexities of human capital management at industry leaders like HP, SAP, and Samsung, Claudio brings a deep well of knowledge and a sharp eye for the ever-changing needs of the workforce. Throughout his career, Claudio has consistently championed excellence and innovation in HR. Now, we have the chance to unlock his insights – the strategies and philosophies that have shaped his approach to building inclusive workplaces that drive organizational success. The manufacturing industry is undergoing a vital transformation towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This is exemplified by the National Association of Manufacturers' Pledge for Action, targeting 300,000 new opportunities for underrepresented communities by 2030. This shift sets the perfect backdrop for our discussion on exciting initiatives within manufacturing and how DEI can act as a powerful growth engine. During our discussion, Claudio, offers a unique perspective, particularly regarding DEI. He shares invaluable insights into its importance and its role in opening up the workforce to greater diversity. He delves into why fostering inclusivity isn't just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage for businesses, driving innovation and enhancing organizational performance. Join us as we delve deeper with Claudio in the podcast where he'll provide a fresh perspective on elevating the employee experience and transforming HR into a catalyst for organizational success.
Apr 18, 2024
32 min
37: Interview With Dave Kim, Chief Diversity Officer at NetApp
Presented by Symba, #OpenUpTheWorkforce interviews feature executives advancing inclusion, diversity, and equity for the future of work. In these short audio-only episodes, Ahva Sadeghi, Co-founder & Host, speaks with top leaders about what it takes to create accessibility to jobs and wealth creation for future generations. In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, join us as we dive into a captivating conversation with Dave Kim, Chief Diversity Officer at NetApp! For over 20 years, Dave has been a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join us as he shares his remarkable journey, from navigating the early complexities of corporate culture to building inclusive workplaces today. Dave's insights will empower you to build a more diverse and equitable workforce. Get ready for an inspiring discussion on leadership, resilience, and the power of inclusion!
Apr 4, 2024
35 min
36: #OpenUpTheWorkforce With Celeste Warren, Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Merck
Presented by Symba, #OpenUpTheWorkforce interviews feature executives advancing inclusion, diversity, and equity for the future of work. In these short audio-only episodes, Ahva Sadeghi, Co-founder & Host, speaks with top leaders about what it takes to create accessibility to jobs and wealth creation for future generations. In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, join us as we sit down with Celeste Warren, Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Merck! Celeste takes us on a journey through her illustrious 25-year career at Merck, sharing invaluable insights on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. From her humble beginnings as an HR business partner to her current role shaping the future of talent acquisition, Celeste's story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive workforce. 
Mar 28, 2024
33 min
35: Open Up The Workforce With Michelle Sims, Chief Executive Officer at YUPRO Placement
Presented by Symba, #OpenUpTheWorkforce interviews feature executives advancing inclusion, diversity, and equity for the future of work. In these short audio-only episodes, Ahva Sadeghi, Co-founder & Host, speaks with top leaders about what it takes to create accessibility to jobs and wealth creation for future generations.  In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, get ready to be inspired as we sit down with Michelle Sims, the Chief Executive Officer of YUPRO Placement, a champion for skills-based hiring. Michelle's dedication to fostering equity in the workforce began long before her current role, starting with her experience as a babysitter and YMCA counselor. Leading through a pandemic wasn't easy, but Michelle took the helm of YUPRO Placement just days before it hit. Her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals has never faltered. A recognized leader in diversity and inclusion, Michelle is a three-time honoree on the SIA Global Power Women 150 List. Join us as she dismantles traditional hiring practices and shares invaluable strategies to reshape your talent acquisition for a more inclusive future.
Mar 25, 2024
33 min
34: Nichole Barnes Marshall, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Pinterest & Dr. Rachel-Yvonne Talton, CEO at Synergy International
Join Ahva Sadeghi, Co-founder & Host, as she sits down with Nichole Barnes Marshall, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Pinterest, celebrated for her 23 years of trailblazing work across diverse industries, and Ahva Sadeghi, Limited, Inc., a beacon of transformative leadership and empowerment. Together, they share invaluable insights into their remarkable journeys and discuss strategies for fostering inclusivity in the workforce. Tune in and be inspired by their wisdom and vision!
Mar 4, 2024
46 min
33: Heather Laychak, VP & Chief People Officer at Aerospace
In this episode, Ahva interviews Rachael Gibson, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Crowe. Rachael gives a sneak peek of her career journey, from a management consultancy role to leading DEI efforts at Crowe. She discusses why self-reporting can enhance accountability toward DEI commitments, and shares best practices for empowering women in the workplace. Rachael also talks about how Crowe leverages employee resource groups in policy making, how DEI leaders can pitch the business case for continued investment, and more.
Feb 20, 2024
27 min
32: Rachael Gibson, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Crowe
In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva interviews Rachael Gibson, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Crowe. Rachael gives a sneak peek of her career journey, from a management consultancy role to leading DEI efforts at Crowe. She discusses why self-reporting can enhance accountability toward DEI commitments, and shares best practices for empowering women in the workplace. Rachael also talks about how Crowe leverages employee resource groups in policy making, how DEI leaders can pitch the business case for continued investment, and more.
Jan 29, 2024
35 min
31: Payal Sahni, Chief People Experience Officer and EVP at Pfizer
In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks with Payal Sahni, Chief People Experience Officer and Executive Vice President at Pfizer. Payal lays out why companies need to invest in early careers, sharing how she started out as an intern at Pfizer and zig-zagged her way up to her current executive role. She highlights the groundbreaking Pfizer Refugee Leadership Initiative and the importance of opening doors for talent from all walks of life. Payal also speaks to why she thinks a return to the office is now overdue, and more.
Jan 15, 2024
31 min
30: Robert Matthews, Vice President and Chief DEI Officer at Exelon
In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Robert Matthews, VP and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Exelon. Robert opens up about his career journey, from interning at BLACK+DECKER and CareFirst to eventually joining Baltimore Gas and Electric, which was then acquired by Exelon. Robert speaks with nostalgia about the impact the INROADS program had on his career, and shares handy tips for setting up early career programs for success, including key metrics companies need to track. Also, find out what Exelon is doing to promote STEM careers and what leaders need to do to truly open up the workforce.
Jan 1, 2024
35 min
29: With Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500
Presented by Symba, #OpenUpTheWorkforce interviews feature executives advancing inclusion, diversity, and equity for the future of work. In these short audio-only episodes, host Ahva Sadeghi speaks with top leaders about what it takes to develop and implement inclusive processes. In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Caroline Casey, founder of The Valuable 500, the world’s largest CEO collective and business movement for disability inclusion. Caroline shares her reasons for launching the company and how she has signed up 500 companies on her quest to give people living with disabilities a seat at the table. Find out how partner companies intend to achieve disability inclusion through synchronized global action.
Dec 4, 2023
30 min
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