Episodios

  • Building Brave Spaces to Innovate and Belong | Andrea Silverstone and Carrie McManus

    Building Brave Spaces to Innovate and Belong | Andrea Silverstone and Carrie McManus
    Jul 2 2025
    Content Note: This episode includes mention of sexual abuse. Please listen with care.

    "Belonging is what makes vulnerability survivable."

    In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Andrea Silverstone and Carrie McManus from Sagesse to explore the deep connection between belonging and innovation, drawing lessons from their latest book, Innovation at the Back of the Bus.

    Through personal stories, they explore how feelings of worthiness - or the the lack of it - impact our ability to create, collaborate, and innovate for systemic change. Drawing from their new book Innovation at the Back of the Bus, they discuss how vulnerability is key to both belonging and innovation, wherein fun and failure coexist on the path to change.

    Resources:
    • Innovation at the Back of the Bus book
    • www.sagesse.org
    • www.campfirekinship.com
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • Decolonization & Belonging: Lessons from Coming of Age | Elaine Alec

    Decolonization & Belonging: Lessons from Coming of Age | Elaine Alec
    Jun 2 2025
    What does decolonization have to do with belonging? More than you might think.

    In this powerful conversation, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Elaine Alec, author, speaker, and Indigenous leader, to explore her new book, Coming of Age, and lessons such as:

    - The real meaning of decolonization—beyond the fear and misconceptions
    - How colonial systems were built on control, exclusion, and shame
    - Why belonging starts with acknowledging and embracing our humanness

    If you’ve ever wondered how to approach the process of decolonization in your work and life, this episode is bound to inspire you!

    Resources mentioned:
    Elaine's LinkedIn
    Website and New Book, Coming of Age
    campfirekinship.com
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    43 m
  • Belonging at the Intersections: Hidden Struggles in STEMM

    Belonging at the Intersections: Hidden Struggles in STEMM
    May 2 2025
    What does it mean to belong when you’re constantly navigating the weight of cultural expectations, professional ambition, and personal identity?

    In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla is joined by Dr. Roopali Chaudhary, founder of Lotus STEMM, for a deeply personal conversation about the intersectional struggles South Asian women face in STEMM. From unspoken family pressures to the invisible load of being the "only" in a boardroom, they explore how identity shapes our choices and outcomes. They also further unpack the concept of "meta-reflexivity" - a promising early finding from their WAGE-funded project, Breaking Barriers, to advance systemic solutions for equity in STEMM.

    By weaving together story and insight, this episode invites us to reimagine belonging at the intersections of culture, gender, and science. Learn more at:

    lotusstemm.org
    campfirekinship.com
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    46 m
  • How to Stay Curious by Embracing Your Inner Scientist | Dr. Tarah Lynch

    How to Stay Curious by Embracing Your Inner Scientist | Dr. Tarah Lynch
    Apr 3 2025
    What if curiosity could be your greatest tool for fostering collaboration and belonging? In this episode, Gayathri sits down with Dr. Tarah Lynch, a scientist and diversity advocate, to explore how embracing your “inner scientist” can transform the way you approach diversity, teamwork, and emotional resilience.

    Dr. Lynch shares her journey of navigating dual cultural identities and burnout, highlighting the power of curiosity in breaking free from limiting assumptions and building meaningful connections. Through practical insights and personal stories, Tarah reveals how curiosity can help you move beyond judgment and create more inclusive spaces in STEM and beyond.

    Tune in to discover how staying curious can lead to deeper understanding, stronger teams, and a more fulfilling life.

    Resources Mentioned:
    • Synergy Scientific Coaching and Consulting (Previously known as Diversity Scientific)
    • Dr. Tarah Lynch on LinkedIn
    • Gayathri Shukla on LinkedIn
    • Campfire Kinship
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • Moving Beyond the DEI Backlash | Erin Davis

    Moving Beyond the DEI Backlash | Erin Davis
    Mar 3 2025
    Conversations about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's climate feel more polarized than ever. But what’s really behind the backlash? And how do we continue pushing forward when the work feels under attack?

    In this thought-provoking episode, Gayathri sits down with Erin Davis, an award-winning gender equity expert and inclusive leadership strategist, to explore how DEI efforts have evolved, why they face resistance, and how we can shift the conversation beyond acronyms to nuanced action. Gayathri and Erin share powerful insights based on their practice of navigating corporate culture shifts, unpacking the fear driving opposition, and identifying strategic “pressure points” to move meaningful change forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to creating workplaces where everyone belongs.

    Resources mentioned in the episode:
    www.erindavisco.ca
    www.campfirekinship.com
    Erin Davis LinkedIn
    Gayathri Shukla LinkedIn
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    45 m
  • Being Unapologetically You | Evelyne Nyairo

    Being Unapologetically You | Evelyne Nyairo
    Feb 3 2025
    How can authenticity and the power of community can shape your success? Originally recorded in 2021, Gayathri chats with Evelyne Nyairo, founder of Ellie Bianca Beauty, about her entrepreneurial journey, commitment to empowering women, and the importance of building community through storytelling.

    From embracing your unique gifts to breaking stereotypes, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating their own career path.

    Resources mentioned in episode:

    Original video on Instagram
    www.campfirekinship.com
    www.elliebianca.com
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    33 m
  • How to Build Courage by Leaning Into the Unfamiliar | Stephania Romaniuk

    How to Build Courage by Leaning Into the Unfamiliar | Stephania Romaniuk
    Jan 2 2025
    How do we find the courage to face what is unfamiliar? Change is a fact of life—but it’s also a powerful opportunity for growth. In this episode, Gayathri reconnects with Stephania Romaniuk, a Ukrainian-Canadian mezzo-soprano, educator, and her collaborator on the Lioness project, to explore how leaning into the unknown builds courage, creativity, and deeper connections.

    Stephania shares her journey of navigating the unfamiliar—building belonging through music, teaching artistry, and cross-cultural connection. Her insights offer practical and inspiring ways to embrace change and overcome self-doubt even in the most uncertain moments.
    Start your year with this powerful conversation about turning the unfamiliar into a catalyst for growth and belonging.

    Resources Mentioned:
    • Calgary Opera Website
    • About the Lionness Project
    • Campfire Kinship
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • How to Build Community & Belonging for Women in STEM | Kathy Nelson

    How to Build Community & Belonging for Women in STEM | Kathy Nelson
    Dec 2 2024
    Have you ever felt isolated or as the “only” in the room? Do you long for a sense of connection and acceptance in professional spaces where you are underrepresented? In this episode, Gayathri sits down with Kathy Nelson, an accomplished engineer and leader, to explore what it means to build community in STEM spaces. Kathy reflects on her personal journey, sharing the challenges she’s faced and the triumphs that have shaped her mission to foster connection through her podcast, Ordinarily Extraordinary. Together, they discuss the power of community and strategies to create environments where women can thrive as their authentic selves.

    Whether you find yourself as the only or you're working to build more inclusive spaces, this episode offers insights, hope, and inspiration.

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    • Kathy’s Consulting Services
    • Ordinarily Extraordinary Podcast
    • Email: ordinarilyextraordinarypod@gmail.com
    • Kathy on LinkedIn
    • Gayathri on LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    36 m