The LEADing Edge

In this episode of 'The LEADing Edge' podcast hosted by Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan, the focus is on the winners of the 2024 LEAD Best in Class Awards. This award highlights outstanding achievements in fostering inclusive work environments within the retail and consumer packaged goods sectors. Featured winners include Lidl Bulgaria, recognized for their inclusive initiatives across educational programs and local outreach; and Kellanova, honored for their rapid advancements in gender diversity and comprehensive DEI strategies in Europe. This episode delves into the specifics of each company's efforts, the impactful results achieved, and insightful discussions on sustaining DEI initiatives. With the next conference set in Milan in October 2025, we encourage all companies to nominate their own initiatives for future recognition!Featuring Milena Dragijska-Dencheva, CEO Lidl Bulgaria and Rebecca Roberts, HR Director for Europe, Kellanova. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The LEADing Edge podcast, hosts Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan delve into the challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated fields like supply chain, manufacturing, and operations. They tackle systemic issues such as gender bias, pay inequity, and persistent stereotypes, while highlighting actionable strategies to drive change. The discussion emphasizes leadership accountability, mentorship programs, pay audits, and flexible work arrangements as tools to promote female representation and success. Featuring thought-provoking insights from industry leaders Kath Martin, recently manufacturing manager at Kimberly-Clark and Ursula Heng of IBM. References:McKinsey Report on Women in the WorkplacePay Gap Research - PayScaleWorkplace Gender Pay Gap ResearchLinkedIn Workforce Insights reportWorld Economic Forum Gender Gap ReportReport on women’s roles and representation in manufacturingThanks to Kath Martin, Ursula Heng, Regina Chitrella. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the LEADing Edge podcast, hosts Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan delve into the complex and evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They explore the politicization and legal challenges DEI initiatives face today, as the discussion centers around the resistance DEI programs encounter, including perceptions of reverse discrimination and legal pushbacks. This episode offers practical solutions for staying the course and also discusses the role of leadership in setting the tone, with insights from Tom Allmark, HR Director Southern Europe at CHEP. References:Harvard Business Review - Diversity and Inclusion: To Overcome Resistance to DEI, Understand What’s Driving ItSurvey from Littler: DEI - C-Suite survey report, Jan 2024Survey Pew Research Centre: DEI in the WorkplaceSupreme Court of the US Decision on Affirmative Action, 2023Some Lily Zheng LinkedIn posts on DEI todayPost 1 - DEI's backlash in truthPost 2 - DEI MisinformationThanks to Tom Allmark and Sam Tunney,Producer - Julien Manuguerra-Patten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the LEADing Edge podcast, hosts Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan explore whether AI can truly be a trusted ally in the CPG and Retail sectors. Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the industry, enhancing everything from customer experience to supply chain management. However, its rapid adoption also raises concerns about job displacement and inherent biases.The discussion emphasizes the importance of designing AI systems that are transparent, ethical, and inclusive to create better opportunities for everyone in the workplace, especially women and marginalized groups.If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us as many stars as you like. You can follow us on LinkedIn or become a LEAD Network Member for free! Visit theleadnetwork.net to access the Member Platform.Episode Guests: AI strategy expert and LEAD Network NextGen Chapter Board member Arta StatovciFounder and CEO of Appoint Group Teuta SahatqijaAI Management Consultant and AI governance officer @ Deeper Insights James WintersResources: Top AI Aggregators with over 15k+ AI tools:Toolify: https://www.toolify.aiFuturepedia: https://www.futurepedia.ioThere’s an AI for That: https://theresanaiforthat.comGartner: https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/generative-ai-appsTop online platforms for aggregating AI courses:Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/search?query=artificial%20intelligenceedX: https://www.edx.org/learn/artificial-intelligenceUdacity: https://www.udacity.com/school/artificial-intelligenceThanks to Teuta Sahatqija, Arta Statovci, James Winters, and Sam Tunney. Podcast producer: Julien Manuguerra-Patten.References: AI could replace equivalent of 300 million jobs - report - BBCThe Gendered Impacts Of AI On Women’s Careers - ForbesWhy there will be plenty of jobs in the future — even with artificial intelligence - World Economic Forum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The LEADing Edge podcast, hosts Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan explore the importance of purpose. How can finding our purpose lead to personal fulfillment and collective progress?Societal shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic have amplified the value of meaningful work, emphasizing that purpose-driven work connects emotionally and motivates. Using the journey of Sam Latif, P&G's first company accessibility leader, to illustrate the transformative power of purpose, this episode features insights from leadership coach Lisa Murdoch and motivational theorist Daniel Pink.The discussions also provide strategies for individuals and leaders to foster purpose within their teams, ultimately enhancing performance and employee retention.Tune in to learn how purpose can drive both personal and organizational success!If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us as many stars as you like. You can follow us on LinkedIn or become a LEAD Network Member for free! Visit theleadnetwork.net to access the Member Platform.Episode Guests: Sam Latif, Company Accessibility Leader, P&G. Lisa Murdoch, Women's Leadership Coach - CEO Unleash my FutureEpisode Breakdown:00:00 Introduction00:33 The Awakening01:35 Exploring Personal Purpose03:09 Finding our Why 04:34 Daniel Pink on Motivation07:04 Sam Latif's Inspiring Journey09:03 Find Your Purpose11:52 Leading with Purpose14:33 Sam Latif's Interview18:56 Sam Latif - Innovations Inspired by Disabilities19:36 Sam Latif - Creating Inclusive Products 20:33 Sam Latif - The Disability Challenge25:22 Conclusion: Running Our Own Race26:40 CreditsThanks to Lisa Murdoch, Sam Latif, Amy Williams, and Sam Tunney. We're grateful to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for letting us use an extract of their interview with Daniel Pink. Our podcast producer is Julien Manuguerra-Patten. References + Additional Information:  Reducing employee turnover through purpose. (n.d.) BenevityWhy purpose is key to attracting and retaining women employees. (2023).  The Globe and MailKurshan, B. (2022).  Why are women rising to the top in purpose-driven sectors? Forbes.Bishop, R. (2023).  Does purpose play a role in mental health? Mayo Clinic Health SystemCastrillon, C. (2024).  How to find a greater sense of purpose at work.  Forbes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the inaugural episode of The LEADing Edge podcast, hosts Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan delve into the critical need for attracting, retaining, and advancing next-gen talents in the CPG and retail sectors. With Gen Z and Millennials set to dominate the workforce by 2030, we need to make workplaces future-fit - now. This episode highlights key findings from a LEAD Network report surveying over 900 next-gen talents, revealing their desires for work-life balance, career growth, and visibility.Featuring insights from industry leaders like Asahi CEO Paolo Lanzarotti, Diageo Managing Director Europe Olena Neznal, and Unilever Account Manager and Co-Chair of the NextGen Chapter Radia Ahsan, the episode explores practical solutions and the transformative Leadership 2.0 model aimed at fostering inclusivity and innovation. Tune in to discover how we can bridge generational gaps and create a more inclusive and innovative workplace!If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us as many stars as you like. You can follow us on LinkedIn or become a LEAD Network Member for free! Visit theleadnetwork.net to access the Member Platform. Episode Guests: Radia Ahsan, Unilever Account Manager and Co-Chair of the NextGen ChapterPaolo Lanzarotti, CEO Asahi Europe and InternationalOlena Neznal, Diageo Managing Director EuropeEpisode Breakdown:00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Next Gen Talent00:36 The Workforce of the Future01:45 Challenges and Shocking Statistics03:46 Addressing the Talent Shortage04:15 Research and Insights:LEAD Network report on NextGens06:20 Myths and Realities about NextGens07:18 What NextGens Want11:02 Leadership 2.014:48 A CEO's realization20:22 Intersectionality: Next Gen and Gender Equity21:23 Next Gen Voices: An Interview with Radia Ahsan23:41 Radia Ahsan - Bridging Generational Gaps30:19 Conclusion: A Call for Inclusive LeadershipThanks to Radia Ahsan, Paolo Lanzarotti, Olena Neznal, Sam Tunney and the entire NextGen Chapter at The LEAD Network. Our podcast producer is Julien Manuguerra-Patten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.