Episodes
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Join Sumona and Diane Neal, Board Member of General Mills and LL Bean and former CEO of Sur La Table and Bath and Body Works, as they discuss the leadership lessons we learn over the course of a career. Having worked in consumer focused retail brands, Diane and Sumona connect the dots between the customer and employee experience, exploring how culture is what ties the two together. Diane shares advice on staying empathetic, relevant and effective in our roles as leaders today.
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In this episode of Dear Leader, idealis’ Chief Learning Officer, Allison Williams, joins Sumona to answer a question from a leader who is feeling exhausted and overwhelmed from all the change they’ve faced over the past few years. They’ll address the question with some ideas about how we navigate change as individuals and as leaders, and they’ll remind us of how we have what it takes to withstand more than we might think. We just need to stay centered, keep perspective, and lean on what we know and who we know.
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Join Sumona and Tony Buffum from Upwork, as they talk about how the way we work has changed over time. As two former HR executives, they’ll reflect on what they are hearing from leaders and companies today – a timeless need to hire great people and unlock the potential of the best talent available in the market. They will discuss how accessibility to that talent requires new, innovative solutions and a new mindset as we think about work, workers and the workplace.
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Join Sumona De Graaf and Anne Newton as they answer a question from a leader who is trying to navigate their career growth as a remote worker in a company that is setting new standards on where and how people work. You’ll hear advice on how to have a human-centered conversation about this tricky topic that so many leaders and their teams are facing today.
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Imagine if we entered the world seeking out more data - not because we are open to changing our mind, but because we are entering the world with an open mind. That’s what Sumona talks about with John Dick, Founder and CEO of Civic Science. With a regular pulse on the needs, wants, fears and motives of over 130 million Americans, John shares his experiences with companies and leaders who seek out attitudinal data to make better decisions about their products and services. Sumona and John talk about protecting our ability to make good decisions in the age of misinformation, too much information, and echo chambers that limit the information we receive. Learn about the partnership between idealis and Civic Science that will provide the most influential leaders with greater insight on humans at work.
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Join Sumona as she talks through leading in a new environment with her husband, Justin De Graaf. Having moved across multiple global cities and leading people in many new contexts, they tackle a leadership question raised by a listener on whether to pursue a new opportunity. This episode is for anyone who has experienced or is considering a career change - whether it is changing companies, functional roles, teams, or locations.
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Listen in as we kick off season three of The Unlock: Humanity at Work with Sumona where we’ll share what we’ve learned about what makes it hard to lead ourselves and others with humanity at work, in the workplace and in the world. The context in which we are leading is evolving at rapid speed, and while some might say we need to change how we lead because of that - Sumona will share a different point of view that involves getting back to center on the very things we as human beings do best.
https://idealisadvisory.com/podcast
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In the season finale, Sumona reflects on the past season’s guests and the leadership lessons we learned about human-centered leadership.
She talks about the research that her team at idealis is doing about the hardships and heartaches of leadership today. As we kick off a new year, Sumona reminds us of the blurred lines between work and life, and how leaders and companies can shape how we lead our lives in and outside of work.
She reflects on the consequential role we play as leaders as we shape the human experiences of those we lead at work, in the workplace and the world – and how we can spread humanity at work with simple, intentional, meaningful human interactions.
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Join Sumona as she explores the topic of learning agility with consultant and author, Dr. Veronica Harvey, who has spent the past thirty years studying and advising on the topic of learning in organizations. She will share how leaders can gain personally and build exceptional cultures when they focus on learning, unlocking the fullest potential of what we are capable of.
We hope that this conversation inspires you to make time to learn as a core part of your job, whether you are learning about yourself, those around you, or the world at large.
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Join Dr. Kecia Thomas and Dr. Sumona De Graaf as they explore over 30 years of Dr. Thomas’ research and work in diversity, equity and inclusion. Listen in as they contemplate some of the most pressing issues of the modern workplace, talk about the experiences of being seen and belonging, and offer guidance on how leaders can create more inclusive and productive work environments for human beings to thrive.
Hear how Dr. Thomas has committed her career to teaching, guiding and mentoring students to understand power and privilege, while also inspiring systemic change with her research and insights. You will leave with a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ behind DEI and reconsider how you as a leader can acknowledge and embrace the humanity in those you lead.
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Listen in on the second-half of a conversation between Sumona and Matthew McCarthy, former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever executive of 25+ years. Matthew will continue to talk about power, purpose and privilege and offer his perspective on what the world needs now from leaders.
He’ll share moments that tested his leadership, how he listened with curiosity and empathy as he learned about topics that were foreign to him but so deeply important to those he led, and reminds us to see our roles as leaders to be a privilege and a gift, rather than a burden on our time. The conversation may shape how you think about leading people moving forward.
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Listen in on a conversation about power, purpose, and privilege between Sumona and Matthew McCarthy, former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever executive of 25+ years. In the first of two episodes, Matthew will share about his experiences early in his career, and how he found the courage to ask why. He’ll also talk about power, and the importance of recognizing how those who are most powerful are often least informed.
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Wendy Clark has been a CEO of worldwide ad agencies and was a senior marketing executive at one of the world’s most iconic brands: Coca-Cola. In her career, she has driven growth and impact across the globe and shares what she believes to be the secret formula: people.
Listen to Wendy share her personal mantra, and learn from her expertise as she offers advice to companies and leaders who are finding the courage to be brave, live by their values and speak their truth. You’ll walk away inspired and energized to become a better version of yourself as a leader at home and at work.
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Join Dr. Sumona De Graaf in an inspiring interview with Ronni Abergel, founder of The Human Library. With pop-up libraries all over the world, communities and companies have recognized the value of encouraging honest conversations between people who have different lived experiences.
The Human Library brings people together to learn and understand one another, tapping into our innate capacity to be curious and learn. We hope the conversation inspires you to be curious and ask others about their stories, and share your own story and experience with those around you, too.
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Join Dr. Leah Brown and Sumona as they talk about the courage and resilience we have within. As an active member of the US Navy, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon for professional athletes and everyday humans, and a Board Member for several institutions and entities, Dr. Brown shares her views on the resilience of humankind, and what it takes to stay centered and strong no matter what you face in life.
You’ll leave the conversation inspired to surround yourself with incredible humans who keep you going – because that is key to unlocking our courage inside.
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We are kicking off the second season of The Unlock with a conversation about the world of work, and what we all seem to need more of (hint: human-centered leadership). In light of the many shifts happening to how we work and where we work, we’ll talk about our human capacity to do hard things and persevere - so long as we stay strong in our core, and lean on each other along the way.
You’ll get a preview of the types of stories and experiences that we’ll feature this season - from conversations with CEOs, to surgeons, to scholars to entrepreneurs who are leading with humanity at work and in their lives.
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In the season finale, Sumona reflects on the experience of starting a podcast - from overcoming fear to a serendipitous moment. She also shares research Idealis has done about the four characteristics where human center leaders shine. These are the qualities that help the most influential leaders at companies create environments where people can thrive. Join Sumona as she takes listeners through season 1 and what to expect next.
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Join Carolyn and Sumona on a transformative journey as they delve deep into the art of rewriting our life stories to embrace a truly epic existence. As a renowned diplomat, trusted advisor, esteemed professor, visionary founder, and passionate entrepreneur, Carolyn has dedicated her life to guiding individuals to rethink their identities from humans doing, to humans being.
In this thought-provoking podcast, she illuminates the power within each of us to unleash our unique gifts and reshape our impact on the world. By emphasizing the influence of our upbringing and experiences, Carolyn inspires men and women alike to embark on a remarkable quest: to love more and create an extraordinary legacy. Get ready to embrace the epic life you were destined to live.
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On the third anniversary of George Floyd’s death, listen to Robert Samuels and Sumona talk about the life and death of a man who changed the national rhetoric on race and justice in America. In their Pulitzer Prize winning book, “His Name is George Floyd,” Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa chronicle the deep roots, societal upbringing, systemic context, and human story of George Floyd.
Robert shares how he, as a journalist, seeks truth and understanding through curiosity, empathy and compassion for others. Their human-centered approach to storytelling enables all of us to learn about the life and livelihood of a man whose name must not be forgotten. Say his name. His Name is George Floyd.
THE BOOK:
His Name Is George Floyd (Pulitzer Prize Winner): One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice
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Join Sumona and Dr. David Larson in this episode as they talk about unlocking the power of our human bodies. Dr. Larson, a kinesiology expert, professor at Arizona State University, and a personal trainer, shares the importance of physical health in strengthening our core and keeping us centered across challenging situations. Hear how we can build up our tolerance to stress, and understand the benefits of self-care to become more resilient and strong. Dr. Larson offers scientific evidence and practical advice that will inspire you to tap into the true potential of your human body. Tune in to learn how strengthening our bodies helps us to think clearly, live longer, and lead others more effectively.
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