Generations Ahead

A Generation in Motion: Youth Perspectives on Leadership and Change

Description In this episode of Generations Ahead, host Sara Wolfe sits down with Wilson College students Monae McKenzie and Sean Beckermann to reflect on the ideas explored in the podcast’s first five episodes, and what they mean for the next generation of leaders. The conversation explores how young people are thinking about leadership in a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, social justice movements, and global uncertainty. Monae and Sean share personal reflections on activism, identity, and the role of lived experience in shaping leadership, while also discussing the growing importance of empathy, communication, and human connection in the future of work. Drawing on their own experiences and the insights from previous guests, this episode offers a candid look at how students are navigating complex issues, and how they see themselves contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. About Sean Beckermann Sean Beckermann is a student at Wilson College at McMaster University with a strong focus on leadership and civic engagement. He serves as the student representative on the Wilson Advisory Board and is part of the Wilson ambassador team. Passionate about leadership since high school, Sean has been involved in coaching, student initiatives, and leadership conferences at both national and global levels. At Wilson, he contributes to student-led initiatives including a podcast focused on student voice and civic engagement About Monae McKenzie Monae McKenzie is a student at Wilson College at McMaster University with a focus on leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. She currently serves as vice president of external affairs for the Wilson College Student Society and is a Black Student Success Centre ambassador, where she supports outreach and promotes inclusive student experiences. Originally from Jamaica, Monae brings a lived perspective to her work and is passionate about amplifying marginalized voices and creating spaces for dialogue and change. She hopes to pursue a career in law, with a focus on advocacy and equity. Resources Mentioned / Links List  * wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcasts [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] * https://indigenomics.com/ [https://indigenomics.com/] Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Generations Ahead is a podcast about exploring creative solutions shaping the future of Canada...and the world.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to work towards a better future! Find out more about the innovative work shaping our communities at Wilson College at wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] Thank you for tuning in! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Bridging the Gap: Uniting Social Justice and Climate Action with Kumi Naidoo

Host Sara Wolfe speaks with renowned activist Kumi Naidoo about the deep connections between climate justice and social justice and the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels. They discuss the entrenched power of the fossil fuel industry, its parallels with the slave trade, and the importance of honest, people-centered activism. Kumi shares personal stories from his activism journey and highlights the global movement for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, urging listeners to take action and center marginalized voices in the fight for a sustainable, equitable future. About Kumi Naidoo Kumi Naidoo is a renowned South African human rights and environmental justice activist whose work has shaped global movements for more than four decades. Born and raised in the townships of KwaZulu-Natal, his commitment to justice began early when, as a teenager, he organised student strikes against apartheid. Over his career, he has held leadership roles in some of the world’s most influential civil society organisations, including serving as International Executive Director of Greenpeace International, the first person from the Global South to lead the organisation, and later as Secretary-General of Amnesty International. He has also played a key role in mobilising global citizen engagement through his work with CIVICUS and initiatives focused on poverty and climate action. Currently, Naidoo is President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, advocating for a fair and rapid phase-out of fossil fuels to address the climate crisis. He also serves as a global ambassador for Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity and supports creative activism through the Riky Rick Foundation and the Global Energising Artivism Initiative. An award-winning author of Letters to My Mother: The Makings of a Troublemaker and host of the podcast Power, People & Planet, he continues to champion people-powered change and the belief that collective action can reshape the future. Resources Mentioned / Links List  * wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcasts [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] * https://www.kuminaidoo.net/ [https://www.kuminaidoo.net/] * https://www.kuminaidoo.net/copy-of-letters-to-my-mother [https://www.kuminaidoo.net/copy-of-letters-to-my-mother] * https://www.africansrising.org/ [https://www.africansrising.org/] * https://www.unwomen.org/en/partnerships/civil-society [https://www.unwomen.org/en/partnerships/civil-society] Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Generations Ahead is a podcast about exploring creative solutions shaping the future of Canada...and the world.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to work towards a better future! Find out more about the innovative work shaping our communities at Wilson College at wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] Thank you for tuning in! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Compassion in Action: The Role of Social Medicine in Tackling Homelessness and Health with Andrew Boozary

Host Sara Wolfe and guest Dr. Andrew Boozary discuss the homelessness crisis in Canada, emphasizing its deep connections to healthcare, social housing, and public policy. Dr. Boozary shares insights from his work at the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine and highlights innovative initiatives like Dunn House, a supportive housing project in Toronto. The conversation explores the systemic roots of homelessness, the importance of community-driven solutions, and the need for compassionate, evidence-based policies to improve health and dignity for Canada’s most vulnerable populations. About Dr. Andrew Boozary Andrew is a primary care physician, policy practitioner, researcher, housing developer, and the founding executive director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at the University Health Network. He works at the intersection of health policy, social justice and equitable health care delivery, aiming to improve health outcomes for some of the most underserved populations. He often repeats one phrase like a mantra: “Housing is healthcare.”  Among the other amazing work he does, Andrew helped lead the creation of Canada’s first hospital-led supportive housing program. Dunn House in Toronto opened its doors in fall 2024 to 48 University Health Network patients, and just over a year later, the results have been remarkable. Resources  * Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at the UHN [https://www.uhn.ca/SocialMedicine] * Generations Ahead [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcasts] * Andrew Boozary’s LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/andrew-boozary-md-3700ab91] Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Generations Ahead is a podcast about exploring creative solutions shaping the future of Canada...and the world.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to work towards a better future! Find out more about the innovative work shaping our communities at Wilson College at wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] Thank you for tuning in! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Indigenomics: Examining Indigenous Economic Power in Canada with Carol Anne Hilton

In this episode of Generations Ahead, host Sara Wolfe speaks with Carol Anne Hilton, founder of the Indigenomics Institute, about the economic impact of the Indian Act on Indigenous communities in Canada. Hilton explains her concept of "Indigenomics," which reframes Indigenous peoples as key contributors to Canada’s economy. The discussion highlights the differences between Indigenous and Western economic systems, the importance of economic reconciliation, and the use of technology and new metrics—beyond GDP—to measure Indigenous economic power and sustainability. The episode emphasizes how Indigenous leadership and innovation is actively shaping Canada’s economic future. Note: Carol Anne mentions that Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Act focuses on 92 calls to action. In fact there are 94 calls to action [https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801]. About Carol Anne Hilton Carol Anne is the founder and CEO of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Centre of Indigenomics. A pioneer in the sector, she coined the term “Indigenomics” in 2012. What started as a simple hashtag has since become a global movement, reframing Indigenous Peoples as central contributors to modern economies. Carol Anne’s acclaimed book, Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table, serves as a blueprint for economic reconciliation. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Donner Prize, and the Financial Post called it "revelatory.” Her second book,The Rise of Indigenous Economic Power- Deconstructing Indian Act Economics, was released in the spring of 2025. In it, Carol Anne powerfully breaks down the colonial and racist policies of the Indian Act that have hindered Indigenous participation in Canada’s economy for decades – and maps an ethical way forward for all of us, rooted in radical inclusion and Indigenomics in action. Resources Mentioned / Links List  * wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcasts [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] * https://indigenomics.com/ [https://indigenomics.com/] Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Generations Ahead is a podcast about exploring creative solutions shaping the future of Canada...and the world.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to work towards a better future! Find out more about the innovative work shaping our communities at Wilson College at wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] Thank you for tuning in! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Navigating the Future of Work: Why Soft Skills Will Rule in an AI World with Shane Feldman

In this episode of Generations Ahead, host Sara Wolfe and guest Shane Feldman explore the future of work and leadership amid rapid technological change. They discuss the importance of trust, curiosity, and authentic relationships in building resilient teams. Shane shares his “ABCs of trust” framework and insights from global leadership experiences, emphasizing that soft skills and human connection will be vital as AI and automation reshape workplaces. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to foster inclusive, innovative cultures and to approach challenges with curiosity and empathy to prepare for an evolving world. About Shane Feldman Shane Feldman has spent his career decoding the workplace. A world-renowned expert in workplace culture and corporate relationships, and a sought-after keynote speaker, Shane has spent the last decade researching community leadership, human behaviour, relationships, and workplace culture on the ground—crisscrossing over a hundred towns, cities, and villages on six continents. An entrepreneur and consultant, Shane's “Leadership Passport” framework helps companies cultivate work environments rooted in community, enabling individuals and teams to perform at their highest levels. As a leading international speaker, Shane has given keynotes for well-known brands across every sector, including Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, PwC, YPO, TD Bank, Shopify, ADP, and Kaiser Permanente. He’s been recognized by presidents, prime ministers, the White House, and the United Nations, and named one of North America’s Top 40 Under 40 LGBTQ+ Leaders. Everywhere he goes, Shane strives to build frameworks that help leaders create relationships and workplaces. Resources Mentioned / Links List  * wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcasts [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] * https://www.shanefeldman.com/ [https://www.shanefeldman.com/] Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Generations Ahead is a podcast about exploring creative solutions shaping the future of Canada...and the world.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to work towards a better future! Find out more about the innovative work shaping our communities at Wilson College at wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast [http://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/podcast] Thank you for tuning in! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.