Welcome to The LEADing Edge, the podcast of LEAD NetworkIn this podcast, we explore strategies for advancing gender equity and inclusion in the workplace throug...
International Women's Day 2025 - Doing, Not Trying
Welcome to Season 2 of The LEADing Edge Podcast! In this new episode, hosts Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan celebrate International Women's Day with one clear message—on the 8th of March and beyond, it's about doing, not trying. This motto has been a driving force of the network since its creation and remains more relevant than ever.Allyson and Sarah advocate for actionable steps to promote gender equality, highlighting inspirational examples and the critical role of leadership in driving meaningful change. They emphasize that the path to equity requires consistent, intentional actions rather than performative gestures, urging listeners to commit to sustained progress every day.Featuring insights from former Executive Director of LEAD Network, Sharon Jeske Borie, and Noel Keeley, CEO of Musgrave.Podcast producer - Julien Manuguerra-Patten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Best-in-Class Award Winners - DEI That Inspires
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.
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Bridging The Gap Where We Need It Most
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.
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Navigating the Evolving DEI Landscape
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.
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Is AI an Ally?
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.
Welcome to The LEADing Edge, the podcast of LEAD NetworkIn this podcast, we explore strategies for advancing gender equity and inclusion in the workplace through innovative ideas and insightful conversations. In each episode, our hosts, Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan, are joined by leaders from the Consumer Goods and Retail industry who are making a tangible impact on creating a more inclusive world. LEAD Network is a non-profit organization with a mission to attract, retain and advance women in the Consumer Goods & Retail industry, creating sustainable business value. With over 22,000 Members and over 65 corporate Partners, we are committed to building a diverse and equitable workforce where everyone can contribute and grow, and organisations thrive. Discover how you can be part of this transformative movement by visiting theleadnetwork.net.Allyson Zimmermann is the CEO of LEAD Network. Sarah McGowan is a HR consultant and strategic advisor with over 25 years of industry experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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