In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian interviews Paolo Gaudiano, a dynamic voice in the DEI space whose journey to this work is anything but traditional. With advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and neuroscience, Paolo brings a deeply analytical lens to a field often led by personal stories and emotion. As the founder and Chief Scientist of Aleria and author of Measuring Inclusion: Higher Profits, Happier People Without Guesswork or Bias, Paolo is on a mission to make inclusion measurable, actionable, and undeniable.

Throughout the conversation, Paolo shares his personal backstory from growing up in Italy and confronting cultural misunderstandings, to discovering how his lived experiences and scientific training could converge to reshape how organizations approach equity. He talks about the importance of understanding exclusion not just inclusion and how centering those experiences can reveal the hidden gaps in our workplaces and systems.

This episode explores how data and narrative can work hand-in-hand to foster more inclusive environments, and why those in positions of privilege have a unique opportunity and responsibility to drive real change.

Listeners will take away:

• A deeper understanding of why inclusion needs to be visible to be measured

• How Paolo’s interdisciplinary background shapes his data-first DEI approach

• Practical strategies that connect inclusion to business outcomes

• Why it’s time to move from good intentions to evidence-based action

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In this episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with psychologist and behavioral scientist JonRobert “Tat” Tartaglione to explore the complexities of human behavior, persuasion, and the psychology behind social change.

Tat shares how his winding path from philosophy major to behavioral scientist was driven by a deep curiosity about human nature. He introduces a compelling metaphor of the mind as private property, explaining why people instinctively resist even the most well-intentioned efforts to “plant new ideas.”

Through stories, research, and his signature clarity, Tat breaks down why social context matters, how polarization can be misunderstood, and what DEI leaders can learn from behavioral science to drive lasting progress.

Whether you're a changemaker, leader, or just curious about what actually moves people this episode will leave you thinking differently about influence, connection, and how we navigate differences.

Welcome back to Culture Stew! In this special Women's History Month episode, your host, Maria Morukian, reflects on the strength of women in leadership, the power of collaboration, and why we need to rethink the way we define workplace success.

Inspired by a conversation with her daughter, Maria shares an insightful analogy comparing the cooperative and resilient nature of lionesses in a pride to the way women support each other in communities and workplaces. She challenges the outdated, aggressive leadership models often associated with masculinity and highlights research-backed reasons why organizations thrive when they embrace more collaborative and inclusive cultures.

In this solo episode, Maria dives into the pressing challenges facing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the wake of the new administration's executive orders. With DEI programs under increasing scrutiny and pressure, Maria discusses the broader implications for organizations in both the public and private sectors, and what they can do to uphold their commitments to equity and inclusion.

Explore the incredible journey of Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the turbulent 1960s to his role as a global diversity consultant, Elmer's story offers a unique perspective on the fight for racial justice.

In this episode, Elmer Dixon shares his experiences as a Black Panther Party co-founder, detailing the challenges they faced, such as government opposition and surveillance. His journey from activism to a diversity consultant underscores the ongoing importance of addressing racial injustice and adapting strategies.

Key Takeaways:

Relevance Across Eras: Elmer's experiences with the Black Panther Party in the 1960s echo today's struggles for racial justice, highlighting the enduring fight against systemic racism and police brutality.

Community Empowerment: The Party's grassroots initiatives, including food assistance and healthcare, exemplify the power of community-based programs in addressing racial disparities.

Legacy and Adaptation: Elmer's transition to a diversity consultant emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies and collective action in the ongoing battle for equality.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Elmer Dixon, shedding light on his remarkable journey and his unyielding commitment to advancing racial justice. Don't miss this episode on the podcast.

In this compelling episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Dr. Carolyn Sufrin, medical anthropologist, obstetrician/gynecologist, and a leading advocate for the reproductive health and rights of incarcerated women. Dr. Sufrin shares her journey from delivering babies shackled to a bed as a young resident to leading groundbreaking research and advocacy for some of the most marginalized individuals in the healthcare system.

Dr. Sufrin reflects on how her early experiences shaped her commitment to systemic change and justice, emphasizing the need for compassionate healthcare, accurate data, and dismantling oppressive structures. Her team’s pivotal PIPS Project revealed staggering gaps in care and outcomes for pregnant individuals in carceral settings, highlighting the need for community-based alternatives and policy reform. Together, Maria and Dr. Sufrin explore how the intersection of race, gender, and reproductive justice underscores the urgency of reimagining healthcare for incarcerated individuals.

Key Topics:

• The story that inspired Dr. Sufrin’s advocacy journey

• Racial disparities in incarceration and reproductive healthcare

• Systemic challenges and reforms in carceral healthcare

• The power of reproductive justice as a framework for change

• Collaborative and abolitionist approaches to reimagine justice

Mentioned Resource:
Belly of the Beast (documentary): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11454670/

Connect with Us: Visit MSM Global Consulting for more insights and resources. Share your thoughts on this episode by tagging us and using #CultureStewPodcast.

We are reheating one of our favorite Culture Stew episodes! If you missed this fascinating interview with Dr. Shaista Khalji from Season June 2020, take a listen. More than ever, we need leaders who are committed to treating all humans with dignity, compassion, and respect.


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Dr. Shaista Khiliji is a professor of Human and Organizational Learning and International Affairs at George Washington University. Her research focuses on issues related to Macro Talent Development, Diversity & Inclusion, humanizing organizations/ leadership, and individual experiences with inequality.


Happy Holidays from MSM Global Consulting!

In this deeply reflective episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian reconnects with Wendy Moomaw, founder of the Conscious Collaboratory, executive coach, facilitator, and systems thinker. Wendy brings her expertise in embodiment practices and her passion for uncovering leaders' potential to explore and co-create new futures with their teams and communities.

Maria and Wendy dive into a heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of moving from "holding up a lens" to "holding up a mirror." They explore the vulnerability and courage required for social change agents to confront their own biases and truths reflected in others. Wendy shares her insights on the shift from doing DEI work to being justice and equity—living these principles at a cellular level and infusing them into every aspect of life.

The conversation also touches on systemic oppression, the challenges of reimagining entrenched structures, and how practices like storytelling, embodiment, and emergent strategy can guide us toward hope and possibility. Wendy's thought-provoking questions, rooted in her extensive experience and wisdom, will leave you pondering your own journey in leadership, equity, and social change.

Key Topics:

• Shifting from "doing" to "being" in DEI work

• Embodiment practices as a catalyst for systemic change

• The power of storytelling and warm data labs in fostering connection

• Reflecting on personal biases and embracing vulnerability as leaders

• Reimagining racial equity and patriarchy from a place of discovery