Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham powered by CCDI

Season 4, Episode 10 | Guests: Marni Panas, Sartaj Sarkaria

As we close out another impactful year at Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we take a moment to pause to and reflect on the conversations, challenges, and progress that have shaped 2025. It’s a time to look back on what we’ve learned, acknowledge how the landscape of leadership continues to evolve, and consider how these insights will inform our work ahead.  In this new podcast episode, we are joined by two of CCDI's senior leaders, Marni Panas, Chair of the board of directors, and our recently appointed President and CEO, Sartaj Sarkaria, for a candid conversation on what drives their work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). They offer a clear look at CCDI’s impact and ambitions and speak about navigating leadership amid increasingly polarized conversations around DEIA. They also explore CCDI’s top priorities for the next three years, and wrap up with a powerful one-word vision from each leader on the future role of our organization.  Tune in for an honest, energizing, forward-looking conversation! Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming Marni Panas and Sartaj Sarkaria to the show. Sartaj tells us about her role in CCDI and what drives her in the world of DEIA. Marni’s personal journey as a trans woman and how it’s inspired her work. What CCDI has done in 2025 and what we look forward to doing in the future. How CCDI is handling negative rhetoric surrounding DEIA in the political spheres. A breakdown of the top priorities for CCDI over the next few years. How they describe their organization’s roles in one sentence/word and why. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Marni PanasMarni Panas on LinkedInSartaj Sarkaria on LinkedInCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Saison 4, épisode 9 | Invitée : Kerlande Mibel

Dans le dernier épisode du balado du CCDI, Conversations entre leaders avec Anne-Marie Pham, Kerlande Mibel, fondatrice et présidente, directeur général du Forum économique international des Noirs et aussi la fondatrice de ZWART Communications partage sa vision forte de l'inclusion économique et de l'autonomisation des communautés. S'appuyant sur son héritage haïtien et sa vaste expérience en matière de développement économique, Kerlande évoque la création de son organisation comme une plateforme visant à unir les communautés noires du monde entier, à renforcer leur souveraineté économique et à cultiver le talent, la créativité et la résilience qui existent déjà au sein de ces communautés. Elle réfléchit aussi aux difficultés rencontrées par les femmes entrepreneures noires, notamment celles liées à l’accès au financement, et elle explique comment les préjugés systémiques demeurent un obstacle dans leur cheminement. Les réflexions de Kerlande nous rappellent que l'audace, la collaboration et un leadership intentionnel peuvent ouvrir la voie à une transformation significative. Écoutez cette discussion captivante sur la construction de communautés plus inclusives et plus résilientes. Écoutez dès maintenant sur votre plateforme de balado préférée ou rendez-vous sur : https://ccdi.ca/fr/balado 

Saison 4, Épisode 8 | invitée : Kim Auclair

L'inclusion est un moyen puissant de transformer notre compréhension du talent, du leadership et de l'innovation dans les milieux de travail d'aujourd'hui. Dans le nouvel épisode de Conversations entre leaders avec Anne-Marie Pham du CCDI, nous rencontrons Kim Auclair, fondatrice de Capable Média, une organisation québécoise qui défend l'entrepreneuriat inclusif et amplifie la voix des personnes en situation de handicap. La conversation explore comment l'accessibilité, la communication et l'acceptation de soi peuvent stimuler l'innovation et la collaboration sur le lieu de travail. Kim met également en avant des moyens pratiques permettant aux organisations de favoriser des environnements où des talents diversifiés peuvent s'épanouir en écoutant, en s'adaptant et en dirigeant avec empathie. Découvrez comment l'inclusion peut être un puissant moteur de créativité et de rapprochement. Écoutez dès maintenant sur votre plateforme de balado préférée ou rendez-vous sur : https://ccdi.ca/fr/balado 

Season 4, Episode 7 | Guests: Noel Baldwin, Zahra Ebrahim - Skills Building and Inclusion through collaboration

What can shift when organizations look outside the box to fill gaps together? This discussion is part of our Inclusion Table Talks, a series of CCDI's Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham podcast which dives deeper into pressing issues in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Joining us to explore these ideas are two guests: Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre, an organization committed to preparing Canadians for the next chapter of work, and Zahra Ebrahim, the CEO and co-founder of Monumental, which is a social purpose business working to advance equitable city-building and urban development. Our conversation highlights new insights and opportunities for Canada to consider how to optimize our existing talent. We also discuss how larger institutions, such as government agencies, can effectively collaborate with community-rooted initiatives and vice versa.Tune in for an enlightening conversation about how these key players are working to build a better Canada.Key Points From This Episode:How Future Skills is working to shape the future of work. Zahra’s vision to resolve skills gaps across Canada.How the Future Skills Centre positions itself in preparing Canadians for the future of work.Challenges and opportunities for immigration in Canada. Preparing for digital transformation in the world of work. The driving force behind launching Monumental.What is behind the community partnership between Monumental and Future Skills Centre.Zahra’s project in the real estate industry. The success of the project and the gaps it has revealed.How Monumental is democratizing its existing curricula. The true impact of iterative support and collaboration. How larger institutions like government agencies can better collaborate with community-rooted initiatives.Ideas on how community organizations can partner with government agencies.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Zahra Ebrahim on LinkedInZahra Ebrahim on XMonumentalNoel Baldwin on LinkedInNoel Baldwin on XFuture Skills CentreCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Season 4, Episode 6 | Guest: Ken Lima-Coelho – International Youth Day

In this special International Youth Day episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, Anne-Marie sits down with Ken Lima-Coelho, who is a dynamic storyteller, community builder, and President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. With over 25 years of experience spanning broadcasting, the arts, and youth-focused initiatives, Ken has dedicated his career to amplifying voices, building connections, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. During their conversation, Ken shares his journey from his family's immigrant roots to becoming a leader in youth mentorship. He emphasizes that standing firm on values like equity is more important now than ever. The discussion provides a powerful look at how mentorship transforms lives, not just for young people, but also for the mentors themselves. It highlights the resilience and skills needed for the future of work, community, and society.Join us to hear Mr. Lima-Coelho’s vision for unlocking the potential of youth in Canada, why volunteerism matters for everyone’s growth, and how each of us can be a catalyst for change. Tune in now on your preferred podcast platform, or visit: ccdi.ca/podcast. Key Points From This Episode:Ken’s diverse experience and his personal story. Building trust in community initiatives. What community and social good are truly built on. The life-changing role of mentorship.Why mentorship is mutually beneficial. How Ken saw his child develop after mentoring a younger child.Why the ultimate job of a mentor is not mentorship but creating resilience.What is behind Ken’s belief that we are all born leaders.The plummeting rate of volunteerism in Calgary.Why it is so beneficial to help others. A source of hope for the future: Generation Alpha. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ken Lima-Coelho on XKen Lima-Coelho on LinkedInKen Lima-Coelho on InstagramBBBS CalgaryCanadian Centre for Diversity and InclusionSee Different CanadaLeader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham