Our latest podcast continues the new series, Inclusion Table Talks, which is included in our regular programming. In this episode, Anne-Marie Pham speaks with Jake Stika, Executive Director at Next Gen Men, about men's essential role in the DEIA ecosystem. Jake reminds us of the damaging impact of perpetuating our patriarchal system and how his organization is actively working to include men and boys not only for allyship but also benefactors whose life experiences are valued and important.

Jake emphasizes the need to recognize how the active exclusion of men has negatively affected their roles and contributions within DEIA efforts and shares insights into reframing this narrative for true inclusion.

Listener discretion advised: This episode contains a brief discussion of Jake’s personal story, which touches on sensitive topics including substance use, depression, self-harm, bullying, and suicide. These references occur between 6:10 and 7:55. If you find these topics distressing, we encourage you to pause, skip this section, or seek professional support as needed.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jake Stika describes who he is and what inspired him to cofound Next Gen Men (NGM).
• Why men only think critically about masculinity much later in life than they probably should.
• The ins and outs of NGM as it continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
• How the company’s gender equity training protocol differs depending on the client.
• Why some men are omitted from gender equity conversations and how we can include them.
• How men are viewed as a societal problem to solve instead of as people who need help.
• The importance of men and women supporting each other in diverse gender debates.
• Why empathy (for everyone) matters and why we shouldn’t forget accountability.
• How capitalism is driving many conversations about gender equality and how we can fix this.
• Toxic masculinity: What it means, how it manifests, and why its wording needs a reshuffle.
• Jake critiques popular gender-based terms with advice on how to avoid them.
• How the everyday person can support gender equity initiatives in rethinking masculinity.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Jake Stika on LinkedIn
• Jake Stika on Medium
• Next Gen Men
• Voice Male Magazine
• Jermal Alleyne Jones on LinkedIn
• Adolescence
• NGM Library
• ‘Incels: A Guide to Symbols and Terminology’
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

CCDI is pleased to introduce 'Inclusion Table Talks', a new sub-series of our podcast: Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. This series brings together CCDI's Employer Partners and thought leaders for in-depth discussions on the growing anti-DEI rhetoric and its impact on our collective vision of building a more inclusive Canada. We'll explore what DEIA truly is and isn't, address common misconceptions, and discuss the profound impact DEIA has had and continues to have on workplaces across Canada.

In this episode, Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay joins us to unpack the rising prevalence of anti-DEI rhetoric. She is the Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). We begin by hearing from Dr. Finlay on the landscape of DEI across Canada, and what has set certain companies up for long-term success in this arena. Discussing diversity as an outcome of equitable policies, we explore the government’s role and the impact of the media on public opinion.

We unpack the changing acronym, from DEI to DEIAT, and discuss some of the challenges increasingly associated with this work. Lastly, Dr. Finlay offers some advice on the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive future. Thanks for joining us.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The rise of anti-DEI rhetoric today.
• Introduction and welcome to Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Director of DEI at ICBC.
• Dr. Finlay’s analysis of DEI in the Canadian workplace today.
• How long-term strategies have supported the companies that are still prioritizing DEI today.
• Reframing diversity is an outcome of equity.
• The lack of government intervention in this space.
• How the media is shaping public opinion in the US and Canada.
• Navigating anti-DEI rhetoric at ICBC.
• Why the acronym is changing from DEI to DEIAT.
• Common myths and misconceptions around what DEI is truly about.
• Tips on navigating the challenges that are increasingly associated with this work.
• Some of the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive Canada.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sara-Jane Finlay on LinkedIn
• Equity and Inclusion Office of the University of British Columbia
• Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• The Tyranny of Merit
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

As we enter 2025, CCDI is excited to launch Season 4 of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. In the first episode of the year, we reflect on the challenges we face in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Positive psychologist Kimberley Wakefield joins us to share insights and tips for how to navigate 2025 with good intentions and the skills needed to take care of our mental well-being. We start our conversation by defining positive psychology and how it differs from traditional psychology. Next, we discuss how Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory lays a foundation for understanding the role of positive emotions, considering what changes when we begin to notice and lean into positive moments.

Touching on the power of gratitude, Kimberley shares a strategy for those who do not thrive on a gratitude practice. We also discuss what can change when you identify your strengths and how you can do so.

Join us for an enriching conversation about building your positivity muscle, embracing gratitude, and playing to your strengths while understanding those of your colleagues!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Ideas to equip listeners to care for their mental health in 2025.
• Background on positive psychologist, Kimberley Wakefield.
• Positive psychology, how it differs from traditional psychology, and the negativity bias.
• Insight into the impact that negativity has on our brains.
• Barbara Fredrickson’s theory on the evolutionary basis for positive emotions.
• What changes when we train ourselves to look for and savour positive moments.
• Validating concerns while implementing positive psychology.
• Benefits of stopping, acknowledging, and breathing.
• What to do if a gratitude practice does not work for you.
• Using the VIA Character Strengths Survey to identify your strengths in the workplace.
• Keys to building psychological safety in the workplace.
• The part every person has to play in the positive environment of your workplace.
• Why your approach must change and develop with your needs.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Kimberley Wakefield
• Kimberley Wakefield on LinkedIn
• VIA Character Strengths Survey
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham