Building Inclusive Excellence: A Conversation on DEI Leadership with Ömer Ongun

Leading with Identity: Adam Wolford's Journey from Big Firms to Bold Entrepreneurship

Leading with Identity: Adam Wolford's Journey from Big Firms to Bold Entrepreneurship In this episode of the LGBTQ+ Excellent Podcast, we welcome Adam Wolford, co-founder of Plan Perfect. Adam shares his intriguing journey from consulting at global firms like Accenture and Deloitte to founding a strategic planning platform for nonprofits. He speaks about the significance of leading with identity, the challenges he faced in embracing his LGBTQ+ identity in the corporate world, and the pivotal moments that led him to entrepreneurship. Discover valuable insights on authenticity, resilience, and finding one's true purpose. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about leveraging personal identity as a superpower in professional life. 00:00 Introduction to the LGBTQ+ Excellence Podcast 00:40 Guest Introduction: Adam Wolford's Journey 02:21 Defining LGBTQ+ Excellence 03:33 Adam's Career Evolution: From Engineering to Consulting 07:01 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 09:50 Personal Growth and Authentic Leadership 12:19 Facing Challenges and Setbacks 15:15 The Aha Moment: Taking the Leap 18:25 Advice for Aspiring LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs 23:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Queer Consulting Network envisions a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are empowered to create thriving communities, build essential skills, and gain confidence through networking events and connections with relevant companies and people. We strive towards a future where everyone in our community feels safe, secure, accepted, and valued for who they are. Learn more at: https://www.queerconsulting.org/  [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] This show is presented by The Queer Consulting Network https://www.queerconsulting.org/ [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] and Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Nathan Wheatley as Editor

Exploring DEI and Innovation in Changing Political Climates with Shana Feggins

Welcome to the LGBTQ+ Excellent Podcast! In this episode, host Ahmet Aydogan interviews Shana Feggins to explore the unique experiences and triumphs of LGBTQ+ professionals in the consulting world. They delve into the topic of driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as well as innovation in corporate and nonprofit spaces amid changing political climates. Shana shares her journey from human rights law to DEI consulting, her expertise in multiple fields, and her commitment to continuous learning and non-profit leadership. She also offers valuable insights into building inclusive systems and navigating the current political climate. Tune in to learn about Shana's passion for music and nonprofit work, her aha moments, and the importance of design thinking and intentionality in making impactful changes.

Purpose-Driven Podcasts: The Vision Behind Rainbow Creative w/ Matthew ‘MoJo’ Jones

On this episode of the LGBTQ+ Excellent Podcast, we sit down with Matthew ‘MoJo’ Jones, the visionary founder of Rainbow Creative. With over 15 years of experience leading content and strategy at powerhouse brands like Disney and WeWork, Matthew has carved a unique path as a sought-after podcast producer and a leading player in the podcast production industry. From launching deeply resonant shows like Navigating Narcissism to shaping global hits like The School of Greatness, MoJo opens up about the mission behind his work: elevating underrepresented voices through intentional storytelling. He shares how personal challenges, professional pivots, and a commitment to authenticity helped him build a thriving creative business with purpose at its core. Whether you're a storyteller, entrepreneur, or creative looking to make an impact, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the power of podcasts to drive change and connection. 00:00 Introduction to the LGBTQ+ Excellence Podcast 00:40 Meet Matthew: A Journey in Content Creation 02:08 Defining LGBTQ+ Excellence 03:01 Matthew's Career Path: From Film to Podcasting 04:42 Building Rainbow Creative 07:16 Lessons from High-Profile Projects 10:49 Overcoming Business Challenges 14:15 Developing a Mission-Driven Strategy 17:36 The Impact of Storytelling 23:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Queer Consulting Network envisions a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are empowered to create thriving communities, build essential skills, and gain confidence through networking events and connections with relevant companies and people. We strive towards a future where everyone in our community feels safe, secure, accepted, and valued for who they are. Learn more at: https://www.queerconsulting.org/  [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] This show is presented by The Queer Consulting Network https://www.queerconsulting.org/ [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] and Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Nathan Wheatley as Editor

Breaking Stigmas and Building Belonging: Mental Health Through a Queer Lens

In this episode, we delve into mental health within the LGBTQ+ community through the Queerness Diaries with our guest, Conor Edwards. Originally from a small town near Manchester and now based in Spain, Conor is a seasoned content strategist and the creator of the Queerness Diaries Podcast and YouTube channel. In our conversation he shares his journey of living authentically, the impact of living in different cultures, and the challenges and stigmas faced by neurodivergent LGBTQ+ individuals. Conor discusses the importance of ongoing mental health conversations, inclusive work environments, and the power of personal narratives in breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. Don't miss this insightful discussion that goes beyond the boardroom to celebrate authenticity and resilience. 00:00 Introduction to the LGBTQ+ Excellence Podcast 00:42 Meet Our Guest: Conor's Background and Career 02:08 Conor's Journey to Authenticity 03:20 The Birth of Queerness Diaries 05:08 Living Abroad: Shaping Perspectives on LGBTQ+ Advocacy 09:03 Mental Health and the LGBTQ+ Community 13:44 Navigating ADHD and Anxiety in the Workplace 20:36 Creating Inclusive Work Environments 29:37 Year-Round LGBTQ+ Advocacy 32:05 Conor's Aha Moment and Final Thoughts Connect with Conor! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQueernessDiaries [https://www.youtube.com/@TheQueernessDiaries] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conoredwardsmadrid/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/conoredwardsmadrid/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3VU53YGTchC1fzKg0sk85E [https://open.spotify.com/show/3VU53YGTchC1fzKg0sk85E] Queer Consulting Network envisions a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are empowered to create thriving communities, build essential skills, and gain confidence through networking events and connections with relevant companies and people. We strive towards a future where everyone in our community feels safe, secure, accepted, and valued for who they are. Learn more at: https://www.queerconsulting.org/  [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] This show is presented by The Queer Consulting Network https://www.queerconsulting.org/ [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] and Produced by Rainbow Creative [https://www.rainbowcreative.co/] with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Nathan Wheatley as Editor

Building Inclusive Excellence: A Conversation on DEI Leadership with Ömer Ongun

In this episode, host Ahmet Aydogan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmet-aydogan-new-york/overlay/about-this-profile/] dives into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Ömer Ongun, a global leader in organizational strategy at Korn Ferry. With over 20 years of experience, Ömer discusses the essentials of building sustainable and actionable DEI initiatives. From recounting his journey from a small town in Turkey to becoming a DEI leader, to sharing practical frameworks for fostering inclusive workplaces, Ömer provides invaluable insights on creating diverse and effective teams. Discover the importance of structural and behavioral inclusion, how to navigate challenges in DEI work, and key trends shaping the future of DEI practices. Queer Consulting Network envisions a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are empowered to create thriving communities, build essential skills, and gain confidence through networking events and connections with relevant companies and people. We strive towards a future where everyone in our community feels safe, secure, accepted, and valued for who they are. Learn more at: https://www.queerconsulting.org/  [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] This show is presented by The Queer Consulting Network https://www.queerconsulting.org/ [https://www.queerconsulting.org/] and Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Nathan Wheatley as Editor 00:00 Introduction to the LGBTQ+ Excellence Podcast 00:43 Meet Ömer: A Leader in DEI and Organizational Strategy 01:49 Defining LGBTQ+ Excellence 02:27 Ömer's Journey to DEI Leadership 04:08 Ensuring Actionable and Sustainable DEI Initiatives 06:09 Structural vs. Behavioral Inclusion 09:05 Coaching Leaders to Build Diverse Teams 12:48 Navigating DEI Challenges 19:02 Future Trends in DEI Practices 23:20 Final Thoughts and Aha Moments