In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we focus on inclusion in the workplace, examining the persistent barriers faced by underrepresented groups and the innovative approaches helping to build more equitable career pathways. Host Jeremy Strachan is joined by Golnaz Golnaraghi, founder of Accelerate Her Future, who shares insights from a recent Future Skills Centre study on the systemic challenges racialized and Indigenous women encounter in advancing to leadership roles, and what organizations can do to dismantle these barriers. We then hear from Agapi Gessesse, CEO of the Canadian Institute for Leadership Advancement and Research (CILAR), who explores how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can be leveraged to create more inclusive labour market opportunities for Black youth. Finally, Peter Wilkins, Professor at Douglas College, discusses Reboot Plus, a Future Skills Centre-funded initiative that supports at-risk youth through a hope-based model designed to help them navigate education and successfully transition into meaningful careers. Together, this conversation highlights practical strategies and bold ideas for creating more inclusive workplaces and unlocking the full potential of Canada’s diverse talent.

Guests
Golnaz Golnaraghi, Founder, Accelerate Her Future

Agapi Gessesse, CEO, Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect (CILAR)

Peter Wilkins, Professor, Douglas College

Links

Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/

Future Skills Centre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fsc-ccf

Future Skills Centre Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fsc-ccf.bsky.social

Signal49 Research Homepage: https://www.signal49.ca/

Signal49 Research Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Signal49Research

Signal49 Research X: https://x.com/S49Research

Accelerate Her Future Homepage: https://accelerateherfuture.com/ 

Career Development and Experiences of Black, Indigenous and Racialized Women in the Canadian Workplace—Project Insights Report: English | French

CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals Homepage: https://ceetoronto.org/ 

Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect (CILAR) Homepage: https://www.cilar.ca/ 

Imagine Canada (Report)—The State of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Canadian Non-Profits: English | French

AI-Powered Futures (CILAR Platform): https://www.cilar.ca/ai-powered-futures 

Reboot Plus Homepage: https://rebootplus.ca/

Reboot Plus Expansion—Project Insights Report: English | French