In this curated selection from the Happy Space Podcast, I’m bringing back voices that challenge, inspire, and expand our thinking about designing for inclusion and accessibility. These encore episodes highlight conversations that continue to resonate—on neurodiversity, workplace design, and the small shifts that can make a big difference. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting a favourite, I hope these episodes offer fresh insight into how thoughtful design can help everyone show up and perform at their best.

Exploring a seemingly old-fashioned and often overlooked key ingredient necessary for workforce inclusion, organizational psychologist Gena Cox reminds us that the way we make people feel matters. As a highly sensitive person able to quickly assess whether respect is present in interactions… or not, Gena encourages leaders to make compassionate action the norm. She shares the 3 C’s every leader needs to adopt and encourages everyone to get an “Inclusion MBA”.

Dr. Gena Cox is an Organizational Psychologist, Leadership Impact Strategist, Executive Coach, Speaker, and award-winning author. She is known for her nuanced, multi-disciplinary insights and honest-but-supportive style.

Gena spent decades working in and consulting to global companies, including the Fortune 500. Now, in her private practice, she works with leaders personally to optimize their impact and influence, and to build respect-first, inclusive organizations.

Tune in to Gena’s insights for a more inclusive tomorrow.

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 Intro

00:03:38 Change you can feel

00:09:50 The key to inclusive leadership

00:11:58 Deciphering respect

00:16:57 Understanding culture

00:19:23 Gena's generosities

00:20:29 Response to DEI initiatives

00:25:13 The Global South has had enough

00:28:30 The Inclusion MBA

LINKS

Blog post - Four Step P.L.A.N. to Get Organized™

"Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman

Michael J Fox on CBS News

IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)

George Floyd - credit Wiki Commons

Maya Angelou - credit Depositphotos

“Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman - credit Clare Kumar

Thai people smiling - credit Envato Elements

Japanese commuters not engaging with each other - credit Envato Elements

Michael J Fox - credit Wiki Commons

Lisa Whited - credit LinkedIn

“Work Better: Save The Planet” by Lisa Whited - credit Clare Kumar

Jamie Dimon - CEO JP Morgan Chase - credit LinkedIn

REDI “Respect to Lead” Model and eBook - credit Gena Cox

Learn more about and follow Gena:

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Website

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Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity continually asking how can we invite the richest contribution from all. She coaches individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and inspires leaders