Episodes

  • Everyday Habits for Change Makers: insights from Change Facilitator Adam Kahane

    Everyday Habits for Change Makers: insights from Change Facilitator Adam Kahane
    Dec 8 2025
    “Every single one of us has bells that we can ring; that are within our reach. They may be hidden. They may not be obvious. They may be unfamiliar. But there is something every one of us can do within our reach. What it requires is to forget your perfect offering. Forget the hope that it will be perfect, or we know what will happen, or our collaborators will be perfect, or we will be perfect.” - Adam KahaneAdam Kahane is a facilitator of processes through which organizations and leaders in society and business collaborate to address the biggest challenges. He is a co-founder of the consultancy agency Reos Partners and the author of six books on topics such as facilitation, power, collaboration, and transforming systems.“I’m grateful to see a person who has such a positive influence on how people can work better, how people can see things from a different light, but also how we humanise our approach in collaborating and facilitation. How can we not only look towards war, but also see the love that is connected with that. I see you having a lot of influence, and with influence and power comes great responsibility. The way that you carry that responsibility is admirable.” - Vivian AcquahA thoughtful, honest, and deeply curious person, Adam explores complex collaborations with unlike others, power dynamics, and lasting ways to work on systems change. Based in Montreal, he has explored the systems change in South Africa after apartheid, learned from peace negotiations in Colombia, and much more. He talks with change makers all around the world.“Try to take care of yourself and be properly you know, grounded in all physical and mental and spiritual respects, it doesn’t have to be something complicated or esoteric, but take care of yourself, because if you’re seriously out of balance in any dimension, you’re not going to be of much help to other people, and you’re not going to be able to do your job.” - Adam KahaneIn this episode:* Adam Kahane and his work* What made Adam say yes to the work he does* Key everyday habits for change makers* Acting responsibly* Ingredients that shape your impact in the world* Ubuntu and community thinking* Stood points and changing your mind* Persevering and resting* Adam’s inspirations* Working with cracks🎧 Listen to the full episode You’ll find it on your favourite podcast app or via the player at the top of this page.“We will be using the habits in the book Everyday Habits For Transforming Systems throughout this season to talk with other guests. We’ve been learning so much about how all of these habits are important. We mentioned a few of them in this conversation, and there are more. I warmly recommend this book.” - Marjolijn VlugAbout Adam KahaneAdam Kahane is a facilitator of processes through which business, government, and civil society leaders collaborate to address their most important and intractable challenges. He is a Co-Founder of Reos Partners and the author of six books.Connect with Adam viaWebsite adamkahane.comLinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kahaneResourcesBooks:* Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement - Adam Kahane https://reospartners.com/everyday-habits-for-transforming-systems* Collaborating with the Enemy (2nd edition) - Adam Kahane https://reospartners.com/resource-library/collaborating-with-the-enemy* Lived Fully, Felt Deeply: A Dialogue with Self - Reshmi Nashier https://notionpress.com/in/read/lived-fully-felt-deeply-paperbackVideos:* Leonard Cohen - Different Sides * Leonard Cohen - Anthem Note:* Linguist Wim Daniëls coined the term ‘stoodpoint’ (stondpunt) in a Dutch radio column in 2013. A stoodpoint is a standpoint you have since abandoned; a reversed position, a profound change of mind.Boost Effective Team Collaboration with Actionable Inclusion Training by Vivian & MarjolijnWhen your organization wants to elevate its inclusion practices for effective team collaboration, consider hiring Vivian Acquah and Marjolijn Vlug, the dynamic hosts of the Global Inclusion in Practice Podcast.Renowned for their expertise in Inclusion, Vivian and Marjolijn bring an engaging and practical approach that resonates with teams at all levels. Their training offers more than just theoretical knowledge—it’s full of actionable strategies that empower organizations to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.By tapping into their wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, your team will gain valuable insights and the tools to embed inclusion into the fabric of your workplace culture.With Vivian and Marjolijn, prepare for impactful sessions that inspire real change.Send a message via Substack via the button below or via LinkedIn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
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    57 mins
  • At the Kitchen Table: Reflections and Realities of Inclusive Change

    At the Kitchen Table: Reflections and Realities of Inclusive Change
    Nov 25 2025
    “Increase your capacity to stay grounded, creative, and open to navigate everything that’s happening.We’re seeing a lot of change. We’re seeing a lot of choppy waters. And if you want to keep cooking up great impact, just as if you’re a chef on a ship sailing choppy waters, you’re going to have to work with that and still make it great.” - Marjolijn VlugIn this new season of the Global Inclusion in Practice podcast, we invite you to our virtual kitchen table. Here, over the metaphoric aromas of comfort food and coffee, in the warmth of shared stories, we explore our collective work and lives. We bring together wisdom, hope, and realness.Pull up a chair and join the conversation.If you’re feeling like the ground is moving beneath your feet with this work, you’re definitely not alone.“What we have learned is that this is a moment of challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for all of us to get even more creative, more innovative and more strategic about how we approach inclusion” - Vivian AcquahThis is what’s happening, and this is what we create from.In this episode:* What’s ahead this season* The essence of what we do* What we have learned recently that is important for other inclusion change makers to hear right now* Our vision: the north star of this ship* Adjusting the way we show up, for the benefit of the impact we want to create* Our freshest resources and recommendations for learning and inspiration“If you are doing inclusion work right now, you need courage, you need creativity, you need community, but you also need to have grace, a lot of grace for yourself, but also for others. And you need to know that you are not alone in figuring out these challenging situations. That’s what we want to support in this season.” - Vivian Acquah🎧 Listen to the full episode You’ll find it on your favourite podcast app or via the player at the top of this page.About Vivian:Vivian Acquah, CDE®, is a Certified Inclusion Strategist dedicated to fostering high-performance environments where individuals feel valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive. With a strategic emphasis on breaking down systemic barriers to performance, she provides customised solutions to address the distinct challenges organisations encounter.With a name that literally translates to ‘water,’ Vivian has become an extinguisher of fires related to inclusion, providing clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, Deloitte, TIBCO, Cargill, Swift, Acrolinx, KLM and Zalando with tangible strategies for embracing inclusive changes.WebsiteBook a callLinkedinInstagramAbout Marjolijn:Marjolijn Vlug, a certified coach from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, specializes in partnering with DEI professionals, advocates and allies to create positive change and sustain their journey. With clarity, integrity and warmth, she helps navigate the challenges of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work, building on your inner drive and leveraging your strengths for lasting impact.WebsiteBook a chatLinkedInInstagramBoost Effective Team Collaboration with Actionable Inclusion Training by Vivian & MarjolijnWhen your organization wants to elevate its inclusion practices for effective team collaboration, consider hiring Vivian Acquah and Marjolijn Vlug, the dynamic hosts of the Global Inclusion in Practice Podcast.Renowned for their expertise in Inclusion, Vivian and Marjolijn bring an engaging and practical approach that resonates with teams at all levels. Their training offers more than just theoretical knowledge—it’s full of actionable strategies that empower organizations to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.By tapping into their wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, your team will gain valuable insights and the tools to embed inclusion into the fabric of your workplace culture.With Vivian and Marjolijn, prepare for impactful sessions that inspire real change.Send a message via Substack via the button below or via LinkedIn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
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    55 mins
  • Reflections and Resilience: Ending Season 2 with Hope

    Reflections and Resilience: Ending Season 2 with Hope
    Apr 16 2025
    “I see hope, and I also see an opportunity for us to be strategic, going stealth mode, and be resourceful in the way that we do our work.” - Vivian AcquahAs we conclude the second season of the Global Inclusion in Practice podcast, we’re grateful for the enriching episodes in this series and inspiring guests from various corners of the world, and across the spectrum of DEI, sharing their stories, their perspectives, and their context.What we appreciate about our conversations is that we talk about practical, pragmatic things and we also go deep. We are Vivian Acquah and Marjolijn Vlug, two women from different backgrounds coming with a supportive approach.Embracing joy and laughing together is part of how we maintain the energy and optimism we need. The vibe that we create together informs a safe space, positive approach and strong stance in our collective growth.The show notes for this episode are loaded, to provide you with inspiration!We do all this to let you know you are supported, so that you feel this podcast gives you some oxygen for the work that you're doing, that you feel the love and that you can learn from so many other change makers who are doing similar work. This is about connecting across distances, across areas and fields, across experiences. The connection is the thing. What is essential is that we are all human beings with a heart for inclusion and change-making. “Let your heart bring joy, let your heart bring curiosity, let your heart bring connection, and sometimes an “oh, no no no” with truth from the heart.” - Marjolijn VlugSee you next season!LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE WITH THE PLAYER AT TOP OF PAGE.Or in your favorite podcast app.About Vivian:Vivian Acquah, CDE®, is a Certified Inclusion Strategist dedicated to fostering high-performance environments where individuals feel valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive. With a strategic emphasis on breaking down systemic barriers to performance, she provides customised solutions to address the distinct challenges organisations encounter.With a name that literally translates to 'water,' Vivian has become an extinguisher of fires related to inclusion, providing clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, Deloitte, TIBCO, Cargill, Swift, Acrolinx, KLM and Zalando with tangible strategies for embracing inclusive changes. * Website* Book a call* Linkedin* InstagramAbout Marjolijn:Marjolijn Vlug, a certified coach from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, specializes in partnering with DEI professionals, advocates and allies to create positive change and sustain their journey.With clarity, integrity and warmth, she helps navigate the challenges of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work, fostering inner drive and leveraging strengths for lasting impact.* Website* Book a chat* LinkedIn * Instagram Empower Your Team with Actionable Inclusion Training by Vivian & MarjolijnWhen your organization wants to elevate its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, consider hiring Vivian Acquah and Marjolijn Vlug, the dynamic hosts of the Global Inclusion in Practice Podcast.Renowned for their expertise in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Vivian and Marjolijn bring an engaging and practical approach that resonates with teams at all levels. Their training offers more than just theoretical knowledge—it’s full of actionable strategies that empower organizations to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.By tapping into their wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, your team will gain valuable insights and the tools to embed inclusion into the fabric of your workplace culture.With Vivian and Marjolijn, prepare for impactful sessions that inspire real change.Send a message via Substack via the button below or via LinkedIn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Using Power and Privilege For Good: Annelie Wambeek on Taking Responsibility

    Using Power and Privilege For Good: Annelie Wambeek on Taking Responsibility
    Feb 26 2025

    “It's really important to remember global context. I'm sitting here in Northwest Europe, where a lot of companies are putting money and time and effort towards diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, justice. But there are a lot of parts of the world where we are still fighting for, ‘the basics’, equality; we haven't reached the point of equity yet.” - Annelie Wambeek

    Annelie Wambeek is a freelance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion trainer who works at the intersection between DEI and intercultural competencies. After a corporate career in finance and foreign policy, she has gone freelance and in addition to training she does keynote speaking and facilitating.

    Culture is the spoke of the diversity umbrella that Annelie focuses on in particular, which is related to her personal background. She was born in Sweden, is half Sri Lankan and half English with Dutch ancestry, grew up in Spain, has lived in Kashmir and Wales and is now based in the Netherlands.

    LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE WITH THE PLAYER AT TOP OF PAGE or in your favorite podcast app

    About Annelie Wambeek

    Annelie has the privilege of working independently with global clients, at the intersection of the DEIB and intercultural fields, with a focus on belonging, decolonisation, power and enhancing inclusion. Interculturalism is both her work and life!

    Connect with Annelie via

    * Website

    * LinkedIn

    Empower Your Team with Actionable Inclusion Training by Vivian & Marjolijn

    When your organization wants to elevate its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, consider hiring Vivian Acquah and Marjolijn Vlug, the dynamic hosts of the Global Inclusion in Practice Podcast.

    Renowned for their expertise in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Vivian and Marjolijn bring an engaging and practical approach that resonates with teams at all levels. Their training offers more than just theoretical knowledge—it’s full of actionable strategies that empower organizations to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

    By tapping into their wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, your team will gain valuable insights and the tools to embed inclusion into the fabric of your workplace culture.

    With Vivian and Marjolijn, prepare for impactful sessions that inspire real change.

    Send a message via Substack via the button below or via LinkedIn.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Setting Wheels in Motion: Karim El Oteify in DEI

    Setting Wheels in Motion: Karim El Oteify in DEI
    Jan 28 2025

    “There are many gladiators in our corner, and we can truly change the world.” - Karim El Oteify

    Karim El Oteify is an intersectional spirit engaging in this concept that we call humanity, and in more earthly terms, a systemic change facilitator and diversity and inclusion consultant.

    As the Founder of The Wheels of Impact he focuses on DEI, communications, and change management, combining personal experiences with rich data. With storytelling, workshops, and consultancy, he drives impactful transformation to make people's workplaces the most inclusive they can be.

    Connect with Karim via

    Website

    LinkedIn



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Curiosity and Courage at the Core: Aaron Kroon’s Inclusive Leadership

    Curiosity and Courage at the Core: Aaron Kroon’s Inclusive Leadership
    Dec 17 2024

    “I take it really seriously that I'm a role model. Regardless of where we are in an organization, if we are leaders, we have a responsibility, and we are role models. That's the truth, and we can choose to do what we want with that. To me, that is leadership.” - Aaron Kroon

    Aaron Kroon has been passionate about inclusive leadership from the early days of his career. Leadership as a role in the organization, engaging with people, and inclusion as a non-negotiable element in that leadership.

    Aaron started out as a leader as an ambitious 21 year old. In the decades since, has had a lot of high leadership roles in Nordic companies, the latest decade mainly in People & Culture (HR). About a year ago, he decided that he wanted to try his own wings and started his own company called Black Batman, fully devoted to diversity and inclusion. He now traverses Europe to give keynotes about inclusive leadership and consults companies on building strategies around connecting diversity & inclusion to business success.

    Aaron recently got married to his husband, Lenny, and they live in Stockholm, Sweden, with their two dogs.

    About Aaron Kroon

    Aaron Kroon is a multi-awarded leader and public speaker. He has 25+ years of experience in leadership and has cemented his place as one of Sweden's most influential leaders. Aaron challenges the norm, inspires courage, and shows how empathy and inclusion aren't just right—they're the keys to real success.

    Through his company, Black Batman, Aaron helps leaders and companies across the Nordics to create successful organizations based on inclusive strategies. With lectures, insightful advice and groundbreaking workshops, he helps companies transform diversity into a powerful engine for innovation and profitability.

    Connect with Aaron via

    * Website

    * LinkedIn

    Amplify DEI New Year Offer

    End the year on a high note by advancing your DEI goals with Amplify DEI's interactive workshops, which are suitable for every level of your team.

    We're offering 20% off workshops when you book before February 28th, 2025.

    Click here to get in touch.

    Book a session/workshop before the 28th of February 2025, to receive the discount



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
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    48 mins
  • Me, Myself, and Us: Transforming Bicultural Identity into Leadership with Kemo Camara

    Me, Myself, and Us: Transforming Bicultural Identity into Leadership with Kemo Camara
    Nov 27 2024
    “As human beings, we are created to be together. ‘Me myself and I’ does not work. It's ‘me, myself, and us’ that works. For me, community is the solution for everything. And that's on the personal level, on the collective level and the society level.” - Kemo CamaraKemo Camara was not sure why we decided that he would be a good guest on this podcast, but you’ll find out why soon enough… Kemo is a community guy, through and through. As the founder of Omek, a community platform for biculturals of African descent, his goal is to transform this generation of bicultural and even more importantly, the next generation of bicultural leaders into transformational leaders.Being bicultural can become a competitive advantage and, if leveraged properly, a superpower. Pairing that with growing leadership skills, society will become a better place, in Kemo’s powerful vision.You can read about this conversation below, but if you can, have a listen to the podcast audio (with the player above or in your podcast app) to hear the laughs, really get Kemo’s grounded passion, pick up his engaging vibe, and more. It’s hard to make that come across in the text.We write this article to make the podcast accessible for people who don’t process information through audio - as a way to be inclusive - but if you can, listening gives you the richest and most complete experience.Kemo feels that he is one of the most privileged human beings on earth. Born in Guinee in a large family with nine siblings, he grew up in a huge compound with 30 up to 50 people at any moment. He recognizes this as the natural ‘human technology’ that he lived in, where he had his mom and dad, aunties and uncles, big brothers and sisters, cousins, and everybody knew their place in a system based on respect. Growing up in that space, he was immersed in the idea of community: one for all, all for one. The whole family was there to support each other and contribute to the system. LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE WITH THE PLAYER AT TOP OF PAGE Or in your favorite podcast appAbout Kemo CamaraKemo Camara is the visionary behind Omek, a community-centric platform whose mission is to amplify the talent, voices, and energy of biculturals of African descent. A social entrepreneur, community influencer, economist, and captivating speaker, Kemo’s journey has spanned continents, with impactful engagements across Africa, the United States, and Europe. He is a firm believer in representation and equal access to opportunities. His passion lies in activating our collective human potential. That’s why he enjoys bringing people from diverse backgrounds to work together toward a common goal. Kemo believes that the potential of the bicultural talent, especially those of African descent, is massively untapped and, when unlocked, will create empowered professionals who are meaningful contributors to the economy and culture. Connect with Kemo via * LinkedIn* Omek website* InstagramResources & references from this episode* Podcast: What Now? With Trevor Noah Amplify DEI End of Year OfferEnd the year on a high note by advancing your DEI goals with Amplify DEI's interactive workshops, which are suitable for every level of your team.We're offering 20% off workshops when you book before December 20th, 2024.We offer workshops on 10+ topics, including:* Deactivate Microaggressions @ Work* Amplifying Inclusive Self-Leadership** Amplifying Inclusive Leaders (for leaders and managers)** Boost Authentic Allyship** Intersectionality @ Work** Empowering Neuroinclusive Leadership** Embrace Neuroinclusion @ Work** Boosting Psychological Safety @ Work* Check Your Unconscious Bias** Navigating Courageous Conversations with Productive Outcomes**The topics mentioned above can be combined with the impactful VR experience, allowing participants to experience walking in the other person's shoes. The VR experience can only be held offline.Workshops can be held in person or virtually*. Ready to learn more?Click here to get in touch.Book a session/workshop before December 20th, 2024, to receive the discount. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
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    53 mins
  • Bringing Your Full Self Into the Game: Tara Robertson in DEI

    Bringing Your Full Self Into the Game: Tara Robertson in DEI
    Nov 5 2024

    “I want to make equitable futures irresistible, I want it to be so juicy and delicious, like: how could you want anything else?” - Tara Robertson

    Tara Robertson is a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist. She works with companies to use data to diagnose what's going on and to help make things better in a lasting, sustainable way. She is also a leadership coach, primarily serving women of color to be more unapologetic and wildly successful in their careers. Women of color are the center of her universe, but in her coaching as well as her strategy work she serves lots of people that are drawn to her style.

    Tara surprises herself in how personal she gets with her answers in this conversation - and surprises us as well in asking questions right back at us. Coaches gonna coach.

    You can read about this conversation below, but if you can, have a listen to the podcast audio (with the player above or in your podcast app) to hear the laughs, really get Tara’s vibe, hear her flip questions back on us, and more. It’s hard to make that come across in the text.

    We write this article to make the podcast accessible for people who don’t process information through audio - as a way to be inclusive - but if you can, listening gives you the richest and most complete experience.

    Connect with Tara via

    * LinkedIn

    * Website

    * Sign up for Tara's monthly newsletter (warmly recommended by Marjolijn)

    Amplify DEI End of Year Offer

    End the year on a high note by advancing your DEI goals with Amplify DEI's interactive workshops, which are suitable for every level of your team.

    We're offering 20% off workshops when you book before December 20th, 2024.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globalinclusioninpractice.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins