Shows
InteractionSE01 E15 - HOW WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS HAVE TRANSFORMED OVER TIME | Timothy TolinoIn this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Timothy Tolino, the Global Director of Benefits, Mobility, and Wellness at Hunter Douglas, where he leads large-scale employee programs that support an evolving global workforce.With extensive experience designing benefits and wellness strategies across borders, Timothy offers a unique viewpoint on how workplaces have transformed not just structurally, but culturally, technologically, and in terms of human expectations.From shifts in employee priorities to the rise of flexible work models, Timothy shares how organizations can remain adaptable and supportive in a rapidly changing environment.In...
2025-11-2629 min
InteractionSE01 E14 - BRINGING BALANCE TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE | Elyssa CampoIn this powerful and insightful conversation, John Kandray sits down with Elyssa Campo, Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Ceres, to discuss how to develop, implement and measure strategic DEI initiatives across talent management, event planning, programming and talent development. Connect with Elyssa on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyssacampo/I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!- John Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/...
2025-11-1225 minInteractionSE01 E13 - CREATING A WORKSPACE THAT DRIVES INNOVATION | Necko FanningIn this episode, we sit down with Necko Fanning, a DEI and Culture Leader, writer, and editor whose career has been dedicated to driving meaningful organizational change through inclusion, empathy, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience leading diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, Necko brings a thoughtful perspective on how companies can navigate change, build stronger cultures, and empower people to bring their full selves to work.Our conversation explores how inclusive leadership fuels business growth, why authentic storytelling matters in shaping workplace culture, and what it takes to create lasting impact in times...
2025-10-2931 minInteractionSE01 E12 - UNDERSTANDING YOUR VALUES AND THEIR PLACE IN THE WORKPLACE | Peter MostachettiIn this inspiring conversation, John Kandray sits down with Peter Mostachetti, Senior Director of Employee Experience, Learning, and Inclusion at Ipsy.They discuss Peter’s journey, his approach to building inclusive workplace cultures, and how employee experience and continuous learning are shaping the future of work. Tune in to hear insights on leadership, authenticity, and creating environments where people truly belong.I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!- John Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/Visit the Joh...
2025-10-1531 minInteractionSE01 E11 - FACILITATING THE NEEDS OF MIDDLE MANAGEMENT | Christine Alba QuarantoIn this inspiring conversation, John Kandray sits down with Christine Alba Quaranto, Director of Learning and Talent Development, to explore the impact of effective leadership development and learning strategies in today’s workplace. Christine shares her insights on aligning corporate initiatives with talent programs, fostering a culture of continuous growth, and designing engaging training that motivates and empowers teams. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caquaranto/I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!- John Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www...
2025-10-0128 minInteractionSE01 E10 - The Importance of Investing in Your Work Culture | Malaika SerranoIn this episode, John Kandray sits down with Malaika Serrano, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) at Guild Education. Malaika shares her journey of building and scaling an award-winning enterprise learning and inclusion function at a high-growth startup, and how she leverages AI to design strategies that strengthen leadership pipelines, expand learner capabilities, and foster inclusive, high-performing cultures.Connect with Malaika on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaikaserrano/I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!- John Connect with John on LinkedIn: h...
2025-09-1932 minInteractionSE01 E09 - INCLUSION BY INFUSION, NOT OBLIGATION | Alex ZeitzIn this powerful and insightful conversation, John Kandray sits down with Alex Zeitz, Head of International Operations, Resiliency, and Inclusion at Virgin Voyages. Alex shares how Virgin Voyages is redefining the culture of cruising by prioritizing inclusion, belonging, and accessibility—not just for guests (“sailors”) but also for its diverse crew of nearly 100 nationalities. From eliminating visual hierarchies on board to infusing diversity into everyday experiences, Alex details the intentional systems behind creating a space where everyone can thrive. This episode dives deep into leadership accountability, psychological safety, and the real ROI of inclusion.Connect with Alex on Lin...
2025-09-0328 minInteractionSE01 E08 - WHY FINDING "YOUR TRIBE" IS MORE SUSTAINABLE THAN FORCED BELONGING | Lillian EvansIn this dynamic conversation, John Kandray welcomes Lillian Evans—Director at the Train to Flu Institute at SUNY Oswego and CEO of “Just a Little Bit”—to unpack what authentic inclusion and equity really mean in modern workplaces. Lillian dives into the tension between generational expectations, the real meaning of belonging, and why diversity work must go deeper than surface-level DEI checkboxes. With a refreshingly candid and thoughtful presence Lillian shares how leaders can start building workplaces where people don’t just belong—but thrive.Connect with Lillian on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilliandarleneevans/I hope you...
2025-08-2028 minInteractionSE01 E07 - MY BALANCED APPROACH TO ADVOCACY, WORKPLACE NEEDS & MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING | John BrysonIn this powerful episode, John Kandray is joined by John Bryson, Senior Director of Learning and Development at Rangam Consultants, to discuss how organizations can create cultures of empathy, inclusion, and psychological safety. With decades of experience in disability employment and neurodiversity advocacy, Bryson shares practical strategies for transforming workplaces—especially in how leaders show up, manage conflict, and create space for all voices to be heard. This is a must-listen for HR leaders, DEI professionals, and anyone looking to lead with more intention and impact.Connect with John on LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bryson-ms-ed-49a1...
2025-08-0627 minInteractionSE01 E06 - LEAD WITH VULNERABILITY AND COACH THROUGH DISCOMFORT | With Steve SorensonIn this episode, John speaks with Steve Sorenson, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at Johnsonville. The conversation offers a rare, inside look at how Johnsonville is operationalizing its mission to develop people’s “God-given talents” in a modern business context. Steve shares powerful stories about leading with vulnerability, coaching through discomfort, and holding high standards without compromising humanity. From birthday cards to humble candor, this episode brings out the heart behind the sausage brand’s culture.Connect with Steve on LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sorenson-994a5915/#interaction #newpodcast #newseries #foryou #podcast
2025-07-2327 minInteractionSE01 E05 - WHAT DOES GROWTH AND FAIRNESS LOOK LIKE? | With Trudy HallimanIn this episode, John Kandray sits down with Trudy Halliman, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Flick Hospitality Group. Trudy shares her 15-year journey with the company, including her current DEI leadership role and the organization’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity and hospitality excellence. Their conversation dives deep into workplace culture, employee well-being, and the strategic integration of DEI in daily operations. They also explore the impact of AI, emotional intelligence, and how to future-proof company culture through transparency, psychological safety, and continuous growth opportunities.This is a masterclass in human-centered leadership. Trudy’s insights are not...
2025-07-0926 minInteractionSE01 E04 - WHAT DO WE GAIN (AND LOSE) FROM WORKPLACE COMMUNITY? | With Dr. Joanna ThompsonIn this insightful and energizing episode, John sits down with Dr. Joanna Thompson, Director of DEI at One Workplace. They explore the evolving nature of inclusion, belonging, and well-being in today’s hybrid workplace. Joanna brings a refreshing, grounded perspective shaped by her experience in both higher ed and the corporate world. The conversation ranges from the tactical—like building community through team summits and ERGs—to the deeply personal, such as the emotional labor of DEI work and the challenge of vulnerability at work. A must-listen for anyone navigating culture change and trying to future-proof their organization.
2025-06-2525 minInteractionSE01 E03 - WHAT ARE THE MUST-HAVE SKILLS FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERS? | With Kanetra (Kiki) HightsIn this powerful conversation, John Kandray interviews Drury (Dru) Fulcher, a DEI leader working within a local management entity in North Carolina. They dive deep into the evolving challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's workplace climate, the quiet rollback of DEI initiatives, and what it truly means to create a culture of engagement, empathy, and trust. Dru emphasizes the necessity of leadership consistency, emotional intelligence, and redefining "soft skills" as core leadership competencies. Their exchange sheds light on how organizations can retain talent by building meaningful, values-aligned cultures—even amid systemic shifts and organizational grief....
2025-06-1127 minInteractionSE01 E02 - WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE START TO DISENGAGE? | With Dru FulcherIn this powerful conversation, John Kandray interviews Drury (Dru) Fulcher, a DEI leader working within a local management entity in North Carolina. They dive deep into the evolving challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's workplace climate, the quiet rollback of DEI initiatives, and what it truly means to create a culture of engagement, empathy, and trust. Dru emphasizes the necessity of leadership consistency, emotional intelligence, and redefining "soft skills" as core leadership competencies. Their exchange sheds light on how organizations can retain talent by building meaningful, values-aligned cultures—even amid systemic shifts and organizational grief....
2025-06-0432 minInteractionSE01 E01 - WHAT DOES FAIRNESS IN THE WORKPLACE REALLY LOOK LIKE? | With Tyrone QuartermanIn this episode, John Kandray sits down with Tyrone Quarterman, Director of Inclusion and Diversity at Day & Zimmermann. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of workplace fairness, allyship, and the role of AI in the future of work. Tyrone offers thoughtful takes on equity vs. equality, how leaders can genuinely support marginalized voices, and why openness and transparency are key to attracting and retaining talent. The conversation is rich with actionable insights and human moments—perfect for DEI professionals and leaders looking to create more inclusive and resilient organizations.
2025-05-2326 min