In this episode of “Stories from the Field,” hosts Oana and Jason sit down with Adam Locklin, founder of Sustainable Business Solutions (SBS). Throughout the episode they discuss Locklin’s personal journey starting as a US marine and how he chose the path of entrepreneurship. They also dive into the topics under Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), the different terms and common misconceptions that surround these terms. Locklin also imparts valuable insights on how individuals can become more effective allies to the military and veteran community, particularly in the present context. Learning Highlights from this Episode: Adam’s personal mission and his journey as a people first Technologist, volunteer, and US Marine Veteran.  Common misconceptions surrounding ESGs, stakeholder capitalism, and corporate social responsibility. What veteran allyship means and looks like. Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: ⁠https://fireflyinclusion.com/tips-from-a-veteran-on-navigating-high-stress-uncertainty-and-trust-podcast Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of "Stories from the Field," we sit down with Tafarii and Erica to unravel the intricacies of the equity in design process. Throughout the episode we get to explore topics, diving into the differences of terms like inclusive, accessible, and universal design. We also discuss equity and how it's portrayed as not just a specific need but an overarching requirement for everyone. Tafarii and Erica close the episode by discussing inclusive design culture and how we as organizations can overcome the obstacles that might arise, providing listeners with strategies for overcoming these issues. Learning Highlights from this Episode: Understanding the differences between terms like inclusive, accessible, and universal design. What it means to create more equitable access & solutions in the design/testing process. Obstacles & challenges for organizations building inclusive design culture. Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: https://fireflyinclusion.com/equity-in-product-design-a-conversation-with-tafarii-and-erica-leaders-in-the-field-podcast/ Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of "Stories from the Field," we dive deep into the realm of Artificial Intelligence, exploring perspectives not often discussed by the media. Our guest, Diya Wynn a Senior Practice Manager in Responsible AI, sheds light on the lesser-discussed aspects of AI's impact on our world. From uncovering hidden challenges in designing and using AI responsibly to examining its potential to address pressing societal issues like racism and corporate inequities, Oana, Jason & Felicia interview Diya to gain more insights on what this new world with AI looks like. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of AI with a focus on inclusivity and empowerment, and discover how individuals and industries can champion a responsible AI revolution. Learning Highlights from this Episode: Her experience as a technologist and responsible AI with AWS. How we as new users can champion and approach for responsible AI products. What it looks like to empower individuals with their use of responsible and ethical AI. Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript:  https://fireflyinclusion.com/championing-a-responsible-ai-revolution-a-conversation-with-diya-wynn-podcast/ Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of Stories from the Field, we sit down with business executive, author, and seasoned advior Sola Osinoiki. Oana and Jason embrace the conversation, diving into topics around data and how we can utilize this to drive meaningful changes in the workplace, what having a seat at the table looks like, and how we as professionals can navigate the evolving landscape of business successfully. Throughout the episode we get an insight on how we can stay ahead of trends and how we can embrace others by simply letting them 'be.' Make sure you tune in to learn more! LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: How organizations move from a place of data collection as a vanity metrics, to data collection as a lever for transformation Advice on tools and skills needed to operate as the best in class CIO team His insights for the future of work His one parting request for inclusion champions and practitioners today Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: https://fireflyinclusion.com/beyond-the-metrics-tips-on-thriving-beyond-the-current-paradigm-with-sola-osinoiki-podcast/ Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of Stories from the Field, dive into Jewish identity with Rabbi Rose and Joshuan Newman. Together they share their thoughts, debunk myths and give advice to the future generations on making an impact. We learn about what it means to be a true ally in times of uncertainty and what companies can do to foster a more inclusive work environment. Finally, they share their parting request for inclusion champions and practitioners in the world. Make sure to tune in as we dive deep into the common misconceptions and exploring the significance of allyship within the Jewish community. LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: Debunking the common misconceptions surrounding the Jewish community. Being a good ally, especially in times of uncertainty. What companies can do better for their Jewish employees. Advice for the younger generation about their impact on eachother and the world. Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: https://fireflyinclusion.com/exploring-jewish-identity-misconceptions-and-allyship-with-rabbi-rose-joshua-newman-podcast Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of Stories from the Field, we welcome Manjuri Sinha, the current Global Director of Talent Acquisition for OLX. Throughout the episode, Manjuri shares her insights on the key predictions for talent strategies in 2023, drawing from her own experience and published reports. We also explore the common misconceptions in tech hiring and debunk myths surrounding tech hiring. Additionally, we discuss critical factors for success, the ideal qualities of a best-in-class team, and strategies to prepare for future talent needs. We hope you can take a listen and hear about Manjuri's own journey and advice for folks looking to break into the tech industry. LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: Her experience as a Global Director of Talent Acquisition and what the future of talent acquisition looks like in 2023 and beyond. The significance of skills, experiences, challenges overcome, and mentorship for achieving success. Insights on how to prepare for future talent needs in the next 3-5 years. Her advice and best practices for early-stage founders/leaders looking to prioritize DEI from day one Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: https://fireflyinclusion.com/future-proofing-talent-acquisition-with-manjuri-sinha-podcast/ Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of Stories from the Field, we welcome Beth Wiesendanger who shares her unique perspective as a first-generation individual growing up with the ADA laws in the 90s. She discussed the misconceptions around what disability looks like and how it's important to advocate for the disabled community. She also speaks on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and how they bring a unique perspective and skillset to the workplace and ways to encourage employers to be open-minded and create a culture of inclusivity and accessibility. We hope you can tune in to learn more about Beth’s journey and advocacy for disability rights and accessibility which is grounded in her personal experiences and her belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities and access. LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: Growing up in the 90s and what that looked like for someone with a disability. How disability looks like from a physical, technological, and societal perspective. What it means to be an ally to the disabled community. Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: https://www.fireflyinclusion.com/news-notes/2021/debunking-the-myth-of-the-vital-few Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of Stories from the Field, we sit down with Isaiah Deporto-Plick, a seasoned angel investor and entrepreneur who shares his insights on investment capital, funding for underrepresented groups in tech, and his experience as a co-founder for Fuerza Ventures. We also hear his breakdown of the recent SVB failure and the implications it has for the startup ecosystem. Throughout the episode he dives into the importance of providing funding opportunities for people of color and other marginalized communities in the tech industry and highlights some of the challenges they face in securing funding. Isahiah also shares his own journey as an angel investor and provides advice for founders looking to learn and grow in this industry. Learning Highlights from this Episode: His breakdown on SVB and what it means for the future Advice for leaders looking to get funding for their businesses Different ways to navigate the investment space for BIPOC, women, and LGTBQ+ founders Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: https://www.fireflyinclusion.com/news-notes/2021/svb-and-the-impact-of-future-vc-funding-for-women-people-of-color-and-lgbtq-founders Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

Show Summary In this episode of Stories from the Field, Oana Amaria and Jason Rebello sit down with Coach Gessie Thompson, a Nutritionist who founded her own wellness company called The Detox Now. Throughout the episode they discuss self-care, the trauma of racism, and ways to heal and loving yourself. Thompson shares her story about her own 15-year journey with fibroids and struggles with infertility, that eventually led her to finding healing, creating TheDetoxNow.com, and becoming a mother to Nia. Learning Highlights from this Episode: Her journey with fibroids and infertility Living a life free of toxic thoughts, people, habits and foods Learning how to choose yourself and recognizing your self-worth Ways to advocate for ourselves both in the medical space and the world Episode website w/ resources, guest bio & full transcript: https://www.fireflyinclusion.com/news-notes/2021/learning-to-be-radical-about-self-care-with-coach-gessie-thompson Firefly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ Firefly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/

In this episode of Stories from the Field, Felicia Scott and Oana Amaria chat with Elizabeth (Lisa) Liang, an actor, writer, storyteller, and global citizen of Chinese-Spanish-Irish-French-German-English descent. As a budding actor in Hollywood, she noticed stories like hers weren’t being told on stage or in film. In this episode we chat about what it’s like to help immigrants, multiracial people, third culture kids, and women of color break this cycle both in Hollywood and in their own lives. LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: The journey from essayist to filmmaker The importance of creating a safe space for sharing, listening, and feedback Finding your own stories of bravery and failure to become an ally EPISODE WEBSITE W/ RESOURCES, GUEST BIO & FULL TRANSCRIPT: https://www.fireflyinclusion.com/news-notes/2021/your-story-matters-a-conversation-with-elizabeth-liang-podcast FIREFLY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyinclusion/ FIREFLY LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-inclusion-solutions/