Connect with Degmo Daar today: https://www.linkedin.com/in/degmodaar/
Learn more about Degmo Daar's Work: https://noord-consulting.com/about/

In episode of the Accessible Disruption podcast, the team from Strategy Table welcomed guest Degmo Daar for a deep dive into the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Daar, a DEI Strategist and social entrepreneur, brings extensive experience in using systems thinking to embed inclusive strategies across various industries. Based just north of Stockholm, Sweden, and of Somali heritage, Daar described her work as centring on rethinking structures and challenging assumptions to embed equity into leadership and strategy. Her passion for DEI is deeply personal, stemming from her own experiences as a Black Muslim woman navigating systems not designed for her.

The discussion explored the significant backlash DEI initiatives are currently facing, which Daar interprets as a sign that DEI is succeeding in its ultimate goal: challenging power. While many global companies are rebranding their DEI efforts or cutting roles out of fear, particularly influenced by trends in the United States, Daar emphasizes that the fight for justice has always existed and simply takes new forms. The conversation also highlighted global differences, noting that while the U.S. has an open dialogue about race, other countries like Sweden do not collect race data, which creates systemic issues around ethnicity despite advancements in gender equality. The podcast participants discussed the importance of addressing both apparent and non-apparent differences, such as neurodiversity, advocating for universal design where workplaces are built for everyone to thrive from the outset, rather than as an afterthought.

Ultimately, the episode framed DEI not as a charitable act, but as a fundamental redesign of unjust systems. Daar advised that changing minds requires education and conversation, not confrontation, by seeking to understand the logic behind resistance. A central theme was the idea of "redistributing power," clarifying that sharing power does not mean losing it. The hosts and guests concluded with a call to action for listeners in positions of influence to use their voices, as silence protects the status quo. They stressed that businesses must be willing to tear down and rebuild broken systems with purpose at their core, because in the end, survival is not mandatory for businesses that refuse to evolve.

This episode of Accessible Disruption features Henry Coutinho-Mason, who describes himself as a "reluctant futurist and a provocative optimist." The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its impact on society and business, emphasizing that the future remains unknowable. Henry shares his personal journey from a "terrible accountant" to a futurist, highlighting how unforeseen opportunities and a willingness to explore led him to his current path, underscoring the rapid pace of change in the world.

The discussion explores the prevalent pessimism surrounding AI and the future, contrasting it with the naive optimism that once greeted social media. Henry argues that while some pessimism is justified due to past experiences with technology's unintended consequences, a sole focus on the downsides can hinder progress and prevent businesses from recognizing new possibilities. He champions a more optimistic outlook, particularly by highlighting how other parts of the world, especially developing nations, view AI as a tool for tangible progress and development, unlike the fear of ill-defined AI ethics seen in Western societies.

A core theme of the episode is the transformative power of AI in empowering small, focused teams to achieve disproportionately large impacts. Henry draws parallels between historical technological shifts, like the advent of spreadsheets revolutionizing the finance industry, and the current AI boom. He suggests that AI will enable smaller groups to accomplish tasks that previously required hundreds of people, allowing them to maintain their core purpose and vision without dilution. This perspective offers an exciting vision for the future of business and purpose-driven initiatives, where technology can amplify the capabilities of dedicated teams.

This episode of Accessible Disruption features Aga (Agnieszka) Szóstek, an author of "The Umami Strategy" and "Leadership by Design," who shares her journey into experience design and strategic thinking. She describes how her background in user system interaction and industrial research led her to focus on the "experience of things" beyond technical problems. Szóstek highlights the frustration she encountered when businesses viewed experiences as mere add-ons rather than strategic differentiators, prompting her to develop and document "The Umami Strategy" to help companies integrate experience design at a strategic level.

A significant part of the conversation revolves around the challenges of change within organizations, particularly the human brain's natural resistance to it due to perceived energy costs and psychological safety concerns. Szóstek emphasizes that in complex systems, especially those involving people, experimentation is the only way to understand what will work in the future, as past successes do not guarantee future outcomes. She advocates for "nano-experiments" in leadership and organizational change, suggesting that small, consistent changes are less daunting and allow for continuous learning and adaptation without triggering strong negative reactions to large-scale transformations.

Furthermore, Szóstek discusses the application of experience design to leadership, noting that many leaders lack clarity on the type of leader they aspire to be. Her book, "Leadership by Design," aims to guide leaders through a process of self-reflection and questioning rather than prescribing an ideal leadership style. She stresses the importance of commitment, accountability, and consistent "nano-experiments" for leaders to evolve intentionally. For organizations serious about experience design, she advises a foundational approach that includes a clear strategy, robust processes, and developed competencies to ensure successful and lasting change.

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Visit the ELX Website: ELX

In this episode of "Accessible Disruption," hosts Anthony Vade and Tahira Endean engage in an insightful conversation with Nicola Kastner, CEO of ELX, a global community for senior corporate event leaders. The discussion revolves around the theme of change and disruption, with Nicola sharing her journey from her early career in the hotel industry to her current role leading a community that fosters collaboration among event professionals.

Nicola reflects on the corporate value she memorized early in her career: "Accept change as a positive force," highlighting its lasting impact on her perspective. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the inevitability of change and the importance of adaptability, especially in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical shifts. The conversation delves into how ELX is a safe space for leaders to share best practices, benchmark, and support one another through shared experiences.

The hosts and Nicola discuss the significance of understanding stakeholder needs and designing events that align with desired outcomes. Nicola advocates for a strategic approach to event planning that prioritizes measurement and intentionality, ensuring that every event is purpose-driven. As the episode concludes, Nicola reiterates her core belief in embracing change, encouraging listeners to view it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of change within their organizations and emphasizes the power of community and collaboration in overcoming challenges.

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David's Website: David Becker

In this episode of "Accessible Disruption," hosts Tahira Endean and Anthony Vade engage in a thought-provoking conversation with David Becker, an award-winning tech founder and media strategist. David shares his extensive experience working with startups and early-stage teams, focusing on the vital dynamics that drive successful business development. He discusses the challenges of navigating change within startup environments, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the need for a clear vision in the face of constant evolution.

David reflects on his journey as co-founder and former CEO of zkipster, a leading software for guest list management, and highlights how the pandemic forced rapid pivots in strategy and operations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market validation and product-market fit, while also recognizing the delicate balance between agility and stability in a fast-paced startup world.

Throughout the episode, the conversation touches on key themes, such as the necessity of effective communication among leaders and teams, the significance of aligning company culture with the North Star vision, and the challenges of fostering trust in a dynamic environment. David shares insights into how leaders can best support their teams by modeling desired behaviors and creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and innovation.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the art of change management in startups, the role of leadership in shaping culture, and the importance of truly understanding and addressing the needs of users and team members alike. This episode serves as a rich resource for entrepreneurs and organizational leaders looking to navigate the complexities of growth and transformation.

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David's Book: Harnessing Serendipity
The Washington Dossier Video Project: YOUTUBE

In this episode of the "Accessible Disruption" podcast, hosts Tahira Endean and Anthony Vade sit down with David Adler, founder of BizBash, to discuss the evolving landscape of the event industry and the critical role of effective communication and creativity in navigating change. David shares his insights on how events have shifted from mere party planning to becoming powerful tools for transformative change within organizations and communities.

The conversation delves into the industry's current challenges, including rising costs and the impact of disengagement among attendees. David emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence in event design, arguing that "good enough is not good enough," and highlights the need for event professionals to foster genuine connections through innovative formats and thoughtful planning.

Throughout the episode, David discusses his experiences and shares valuable anecdotes, illustrating how collaboration and creativity can lead to memorable and impactful events. He encourages listeners to embrace the potential of technology, including AI, to enhance their event strategies while maintaining a human-centered approach. This thought-provoking dialogue offers actionable insights for event professionals seeking to elevate their practices and create meaningful experiences that resonate with participants.

Tune in to discover how to make disruption accessible and leverage the power of events for positive change.

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Connect with David:
https://www.davidallisoninc.com
https://valuegraphics.com

In this enlightening episode of the “Accessible Disruption” podcast, hosts Tahira Endean and Anthony Vade welcome David Allison, a renowned expert in understanding human values and the founder of Valuegraphics. The discussion centers around the fundamental role that values play in shaping individual behaviors and corporate cultures, particularly in the context of navigating change. David emphasizes that every person is a values-driven being, and by recognizing and aligning these values, organizations can create more meaningful and impactful experiences.

The hosts and David explore the limitations of traditional corporate values, which often consist of generic phrases that fail to resonate with employees on a personal level. Instead, David introduces the concept of Valuegraphics as a way to genuinely understand what motivates people, drawing from extensive data gathered through over a million surveys across various demographics. This approach reveals 56 distinct human values that drive behavior, demonstrating the importance of going beyond surface-level understandings to create environments where individuals feel valued and engaged.

Throughout the episode, David shares insights from his work with organizations, illustrating how aligning corporate strategies with employees' intrinsic values can lead to enhanced collaboration, creativity, and overall satisfaction in the workplace. The conversation underscores the necessity of acknowledging and integrating personal values into corporate missions, fostering a culture that drives business success and contributes to a more compassionate world.

Listeners are encouraged to rethink their understanding of values and consider how this new perspective can lead to transformative change within their organizations. This episode is a powerful reminder that a shared human experience driven by values is at the heart of every interaction.

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Connect with Tracey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyhirsch

In this compelling episode of the "Accessible Disruption" podcast, hosts Tahira Endean and Ryan Hill welcome communication expert Tracey Hirsch, founder of Amplifying Effect. Together, they delve into the critical role of effective communication in driving organizational change. Tracey shares her extensive experience in internal communications, emphasizing that poor communication can lead to significant losses for companies, with a staggering $1.6 trillion lost annually in the U.S. alone due to miscommunication.

The conversation highlights the discomfort many individuals feel regarding change and the necessity for organizations to adopt a proactive approach to communication. Tracey outlines her six essential guideposts for effectively communicating change: establishing trust during stable times, treating employees like adults, and fostering open dialogue. The hosts also explore the unique challenges of communicating in a rapidly evolving environment where employees may resist change due to fears of losing autonomy or relevance.

Throughout the episode, Tracey stresses the importance of clear, concise messaging and the need for leaders to empower frontline managers as key communicators during transitions. By equipping these managers with the right tools and information, organizations can better navigate the complexities of change, ensuring all employees feel informed and engaged. This episode is a valuable resource for leaders seeking to enhance their communication strategies and foster a culture of transparency and collaboration within their teams.

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thttps://strategytable.co/accessible-disruption-podcast/