Inclusion

How well can we really dance if the majority of the population is not invited to dance or not taught how to dance? Dance is a language that includes how to lead, follow, and express. As a dancer, I know that when there are more people who know how to dance, I will have more partners and my dance capabilities in leading, following, and understanding of timing will all improve. I will also enhance my ability to understand different styles, dance language and succeed as a dancer. My overall dance abilities will improve my interpersonal communication, listening, engaging, building trust, and leadership skills.

Inclusion and Cultural proficiency are a mind-set, a worldview, a way a person or an organization makes assumptions for effectively describing, responding to, and planning for issues that arise in diverse environments. This requires a paradigm shift from viewing cultural differences as problematic

is being asked to dance.

- Verna Myers

to learning how to interact effectively. Inclusion needs to be woven into every aspect of business and workplace especially in corporations and government departments who lead by example. When equity and inclusion are viewed as problems to be solved, the result is tension laden, however, when DEI is embraced and welcomed, the result is leading edge innovation, profits, and success!!

"I note the obvious differences between each sort and type but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unlike." ~ Maya

Angelou

Small business makes up over 90% of businesses in Canada. If governments, corporations, and organizations work mostly with large businesses, we will remain at a disadvantage. Less bureaucracy and hierarchy enable SMEs to be on the leading edge of innovation. SMEs are also more cost effective. Diversity and inclusion impacts the way we think, communicate, operate, and succeed.

You know the saying: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. Culture offers a backdrop for some of our experiences and understanding. Honouring, and appreciating differences are key to cultural competency and welcoming diversity. Many factors help make cultural proficiency a reality in society. Moving beyond barriers to commonalities that bring us together truly build the bridge to enhancing innovation, creativity, efficiency, and harmony. Appreciating unity in our diversity is crucial for authentic inclusion!

Diversity and Inclusion need to be woven into our leadership and interpersonal communication skills to build trust. Supplier Diversity is not simply nice to have nor is it a charity. Supplier Diversity is about opportunities, expansion, stability, creativity, and innovation. The twenty first century businesses and workplaces require that we embrace new perspectives especially when rebuilding the economy after a global pandemic.

One of my favorite quotations by Gandhi is “Be the change you want to see”. This starts with me, you, and all of us. Be the champion of embracing DEI for progress, mental health, growth, wellbeing, innovation, success, and economy. Ask new people to dance NOW with you and succeed!!

DEI, Growth Mindset & Mindfulness expert

Have you ever had a bad day at work or life, and wanted to turn it around to a good day? Leadership, Trust, Communication are vital for success professionally and personally. Trust is crucial to engaging workplaces, resilience, building capacity, collaboration, and leadership. Mindset is truly everything.

Get ready for New Results!!

Floria Aghdamimehr, founder of Recognize Your Potential, creates and fosters Growth Mindset. Floria uses Growth Mindset, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology as backdrop for her consulting, training, coaching & speaking. She offers training on Growth Mindset, Putting Gratitude to Work for You, Mindfulness at Workplace, Difficult Conversations Simplified, Effective Communications, DE&I. Floria is Solutions Based Building Positive Leadership and Trust.

Floria has extensive experience with Nova Scotia Career Development Association, Dalhousie, RCMP, Trade Centre, Aboriginal People Training Employment Commission, Correctional Services Canada, Teachers Professional Development conferences, BBI. Floria is your Co-Creative Partner for Information to Transformation, New Mindset = New Results!

BC-Based Origen Air Secures $100,000 Investment from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

Earlier this year Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) announced Seed Funding of $2.5 million for 25 Canadian companies developing new technologies to fight the effects of climate change, contribute to the circular economy, and promote the well-being of people and the protection of nature.

This latest cohort showcases the scope of sustainable innovation in Canada across diverse sectorial industries – from agriculture to transport to healthcare – and the growth of women-led firms, which comprises nearly 50 percent of the funded companies.

One of the winning companies, Origen Air (British Columbia), a WBE Canada certified company, supported by UVic Coast Capital Innovation Centre, is an innovative natural air purification company producing plant-based, IoT-connected air purifiers at a time when demand for safe indoor air is at an all-time high.

SDTC Seed funding supports promising early-stage Canadian sustainable tech entrepreneurs by providing grants of $50,000 to $100,000 to innovative technology projects with the potential to generate economic and environmental benefits for Canada. Applicants for seed funding are nominated by SDTC’s partnership with Canadian accelerators, incubators, and entrepreneurial service organizations. To learn more, click here. - include a link to the SDTC website with their press release and announcement: https:// www.sdtc.ca/en/sdtc-seed-funding-recipientsshowcase-breadth-of-sustainable-innovation-acrosscanada/