The Future Skills Podcast

S6 Ep. 05 (Bonus): Supporting Indigenous Community Health Workers: Lessons from Ontario and Alaska

In this bonus episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we explore the critical role Indigenous community health workers play in supporting health and well-being in rural, remote, and northern communities. Guest host Bethany Haalboom is joined by Janet Gordon and Madison Pierce of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, along with Dr. Michelle Hensel of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, to discuss how community-based health workers help bridge gaps in care, provide culturally grounded support, and strengthen healthcare access where providers and services are often limited. Drawing on experiences from Northwestern Ontario and Alaska, the conversation highlights innovative approaches to training, recruitment, retention, and workforce development, while underscoring the importance of investing in Indigenous-led solutions to improve health outcomes and build community capacity. Guests Janet Gordon, Vice President of Community Health, Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority Madison Pierce, Manager of the Community Health Workers Diabetes Program, Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority Dr. Michelle Hensel, Medical Director, Community Health Aide Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Hosts Jeremy Strachan, Manager, Education & Skills, Signal49 Research Bethany Haalboom, Lead Research Associate, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Signal49 Research 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 Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority: https://www.slfnha.com/ Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority Community Health Workers Diabetes Program: https://chwconnect.ca/ Community Health Aide Program Alaska: https://www.akchap.org/community-health-aide/ Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium: https://anthc.org/ Indigenous Community Health Workers Across Canada (Project Website) English | French Training to Retain: Strengthening the Role of Indigenous Community Health Workers in Canada (Report) English | French Spotlight: Sioux Lookout First Nations Diabetes Program English | French

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S6 Ep. 04: Building Canada’s AI Advantage

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we explore what it will take for Canada to build and sustain a competitive edge in artificial intelligence. Host Jeremy Strachan speaks with three experts who each bring a different perspective on the opportunities and risks shaping Canada’s AI future. We begin with Aaron Rodericks, Head of Trust and Security at Bluesky, who offers a candid assessment of the global AI race—highlighting Canada’s position relative to major players, the realities of market concentration, and the emerging cybersecurity risks tied to rapidly advancing models. Next, Jaxson Khan, Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs joins the podcast to unpack the concept of AI sovereignty, outlining what it means in practice across the AI stack and what structural and cultural shifts are needed for Canada to build, adopt, and retain AI capacity. Finally, CIFAR AI Chair at the University of Alberta Blair Attard-Frost reflects on Canada’s newly released AI strategy, emphasizing the importance of public trust, social research, and a broader cultural shift in how we approach innovation, governance, and talent retention. Together, this conversation explores what it will take not only to compete in the global AI landscape—but to do so in a way that is secure, sovereign, and socially grounded. Guests Aaron Rodericks, Head of Trust and Security, Bluesky Jaxson Khan, Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs Blair Attard-Frost, CIFAR AI Chair and Assistant Professor, University of Alberta Host Jeremy Strachan, Manager, Education & Skills, Signal49 Research 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 Conference Board of Canada, The. Canada’s Workforce in Transition: How AI Is Shaping the Future of Work. Ottawa: The Conference Board of Canada, 2025. English | French Signal49 Research: AI and Entry Level Demand. Ottawa: Signal49 Research, 2026. English | French Government of Canada. Canada’s National AI Strategy: AI for All. Ottawa: Government of Canada. English | French Mullen, Sean, and Jaxson Khan. Sovereign By Design: Strategic Options for Canadian AI Sovereignty. Toronto: Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, 2026. English | French Loertscher, Oliver. Going All in on Automation: Economic Growth, Labour Markets, and the Path Toward a Robust Transition. Ottawa: Signal49 Research, 2026. English | French.

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S6 Ep. 03: The Care Economy

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we turn to the care economy—one of Canada's most essential yet complex labour market sectors. Host Jeremy Strachan is joined by Anita Khanna, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy at United Way Centraide, who explains why care work—from long-term care to community services—operates differently from other sectors, facing persistent challenges with worker retention, job quality, and wage disparities. We then hear from Tyler Downey, President of SEIU Healthcare, who outlines how unions are helping to build pathways into the care economy—particularly through targeted training and supports that enable internationally educated nurses to enter and thrive in Canada's healthcare workforce. We close with Sean Chilton, CEO of Health Workforce Canada, who highlights the critical role of high-quality, integrated data in understanding workforce gaps, improving planning, and driving better health workforce outcomes across the country. Together, this conversation explores what it will take to stabilize, strengthen, and grow the care workforce at a time of rising demand and system-wide pressure. Guests Anita Khanna, Vice President, Government Relations and Public Policy, United Way Centraide Sean Chilton, President and CEO, Health Workforce Canada Tyler Downey, President, SEIU Healthcare Host Jeremy Strachan, Manager, Education & Skills, Signal49 Research 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 United Way Centraide Canada: https://www.unitedway.ca/ Announcement of United Way Centraide Canada's National Labour Force Strategy: English | French SIEU Healthcare Union: https://seiuhealthcare.ca/ Health Workforce Canada: https://healthworkforce.ca/ Health Workforce Canada's Pan-Canadian Health Workforce Data Strategy: English | French Pathways for International Educated Health Care Professionals (Insights Report): English | French

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S6 Ep. 02: A Workforce to Build Big

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we focus on Canada’s big build moment—when major infrastructure, industrial expansion, and nation‑building projects are converging with profound workforce pressures. Host Jeremy Strachan is joined by former Ontario Minister of Labour and Infrastructure Monte McNaughton to explore why apprenticeships, early pathways into the skilled trades, and labour mobility are essential as retirements accelerate and demand surges. We then hear from Mike Gordon, Director of Canadian Training of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, who unpacks why training quality, credential recognition, and national standards are critical to mobilizing a skilled workforce—without taking risky shortcuts. We close with Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, who makes the case for public colleges as the backbone of Canada’s skills ecosystem, and what it will take to deliver training at the speed, scale, and quality needed to prepare workers for an AI‑driven economy. Guests Monte McNaughton, Co-Chair, Future Skills Centre Resilient Workforce Working Table Mike Gordon, Director of Canadian Training, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Pari Johnston, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada 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 Future Skills Centre Resilient Workforce Working Table: https://fsc-ccf.ca/engage/resilient-workforce-working-table/ United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters: https://www.uacanada.ca/ Colleges and Institutes Canada: https://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/ Signal49 Research, Building Under Pressure: Skilled Trades Shortages and Rising Construction Costs. Ottawa, Signal49 Research, November 24, 2025. Statistics Canada. Changes in the population of tradespeople between 2016 and 2021. Education, Learning and Training Research Paper Series, September 26, 2024. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/81-595-m/81-595-m2024002-eng.htm

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S6 Ep. 01: A Future Built on Skills

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we tee up the new season by diving into Canada’s hinge moment for talent, productivity, and resilience by revisiting some of the key themes from A Future Built on Skills. This one-day hybrid event from October 2025 brought together thought leaders in skills, training and workforce development. We’re joined by the Future Skills Centre’s Noel Baldwin in conversation with the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, exploring an all‑hands‑on‑deck approach to workforce resilience—why soft skills, apprenticeships, and work‑integrated learning matter as major projects and trades demand surge. Then J.P. Giroux, President of the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, takes us onto the factory floor to unpack how automation and AI are reshaping roles, why SMEs must treat training as strategy, and how a culture of continuous learning drives real productivity gains. We close with Professor Wendy Cukier, Academic Director and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, who makes the case for a national skills agenda centered on SMEs, inclusion (EDI), and scenario planning for AI, and what a blueprint for preparing Canada’s workforce for 2026 and beyond looks like. Guests The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, Government of Canada Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre J.P. Giroux, President, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium Wendy Cukier, Academic Director and Founder, Diversity Institute

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Special - Name Change

This is Jeremy Strachan, your host of the Future Skills Podcast, brought to you by the Future Skills Centre. You may have noticed that The Conference Board of Canada's changed it's name. We’re now Signal49 Research. This new name reflects a guiding signal in times of uncertainty; a dependable beacon that leaders can rely on to navigate complexity. Inspired by Signal Hill in Newfoundland and Labrador, and with a nod to Canada and the 49th parallel, it embraces the spirit of innovation and anchors us in a distinctly Canadian point of view. Learn more about what our new name means at signal49.ca. Meanwhile, stay tuned for Season 6 of the Future Skills Podcast, with new episodes coming this spring and summer where we explore what matters most to Canadians when it comes to skills, training, and the ever-changing world of work.

S5 Ep. 05 - Learning from One Another: Skills, Training, and Workforce Development in Northern Communities

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores the complex and evolving landscape of skills development and workforce training in Northern and Indigenous communities. Amanda Thompson from Signal49 Research shares insights from the Learning from One Another project, a multi-year initiative examining labour market trends and training strategies across Yukon, Nunavut, and Northern Ontario. We also hear from Kris Mullaly of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, who discusses the Q-STEP program and Tuttarvik—community-driven initiatives that are empowering Inuit youth through culturally grounded training and employment supports. Finally, Xina Cowan of EntrepreNorth highlights how entrepreneurship is creating new pathways for economic resilience and self-determination across the North. Guests Amanda Thompson, Lead Research Associate, Signal49 Research Kris Mullaly, Program Manager, Qikiqtani Inuit Association Xina Cowan, Co-Director, EntrepreNorth See all our research: https://www.signal49.ca/future-skills-centre/research/

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S5 Ep. 04 - Pathways to Self-Employment for Neurodivergent Canadians

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores how self-employment and entrepreneurship can serve as powerful pathways for neurodivergent Canadians to thrive in the workforce. Jennifer Fane from Signal49 Research discusses her Future Skills Centre-funded research on barriers facing neurodivergent entrepreneurs and the need for tailored support programs; Wanda Deschamps, founder of Liberty Co. and openly autistic entrepreneur, shares her perspective on shifting the narrative from accommodations to strengths and the importance of neuroinclusion in business; and Brad Loiselle, CEO of Skills Council of Canada, reveals how “dyslexic thinking” has fueled his serial entrepreneurship success, from building North America’s largest wrapping paper business to creating innovative educational platforms. Guests Jennifer Fane, Lead Research Associate, Signal49 Research Wanda Deschamps, Founder and Principal, Liberty Co. Brad Loiselle, CEO and Founder, Skills Council of Canada Links: https://www.signal49.ca/product/neurodivergent-self-employment-resources_mar2026/

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S5 Ep. 03: AI in the Workplace and the Skills that Matter Most

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the Canadian workforce. With insights from experts Noel Baldwin, Stephanie Enders, and Mark Patterson, we hear how Future Skills Centre research is helping us better understand the way AI is reshaping job markets, skills development, and employment strategies. The conversation tackles critical challenges like AI literacy, ethical considerations, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Discover how workers and businesses can leverage AI to enhance human skills, improve productivity, and navigate the future of work. Guests Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre Stephanie Enders, Chief Delivery Officer, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) Mark Patterson, Executive Director, Magnet

S5 Ep. 02: Leveraging the Skills of Newcomers

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan dives into the critical topic of leveraging the skills of newcomers to Canada and its impact on economic and social success. Joined by Tricia Williams from the Future Skills Centre, Sharon McLennon from the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre, and Shamira Madhany from World Education Services, the discussion explores how Future Skills Centre-funded initiatives have shed light on newcomer retention and workforce integration. The episode highlights barriers such as credential recognition, workplace bias, and lack of professional networks while emphasizing solutions like targeted upskilling, wraparound supports, and cultural competency training. With insights into workforce development across Canada, this episode underscores how effectively integrating skilled immigrants is key to addressing labor shortages and boosting economic resilience. Guests Tricia Williams, PhD, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Knowledge Mobilization, Future Skills Centre Sharon McLennon, Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre Shamira Madhany, Managing Director and Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services

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S5 Ep. 01 - What Quality of Work Means in a Changing Labour Market

What defines quality of work in today’s economy? In this episode, host Jeremy Strachan speaks with Laura McDonough from the Future Skills Centre and Dr. Olga Morawczynski from Heal-3 to explore how wages, job security, mental health, and workplace culture impact our experience at work. They discuss how research from the Future Skills Centre has shed insights on the evolving expectations of workers, the role of leadership in job satisfaction, and how benefits and training can shape long-term career well-being. As workplaces continue to change, and as Canada’s workforce challenges continue to evolve, understanding what job quality means is becoming more important than ever.

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S4 Ep. 07: Labour Market Data & Disruption—Insights from FSC @ Cannexus25

In this special live mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, recorded at Cannexus25 in Ottawa, host Jeremy Strachan explores how labour market information (LMI) is shaping career development, workforce planning, and skills training in a time of rapid change. Featuring insights from Jason Dennison (Fleming College), Tony Bonen (Signal49 Research), and Tricia Williams (Future Skills Centre), the discussion unpacks how data-driven decision-making can help job seekers, educators, and policymakers navigate economic shifts, automation, and AI’s growing influence on the labour market. From understanding regional job trends to leveraging tools like OpportuNext for career transitions, this episode highlights the critical role of LMI in building a resilient workforce. What skills will be in demand? How can Canadians future-proof their careers? And, how do we make labour market data more accessible and actionable? We’ll hear three expert perspectives on the evolving skills ecosystem and what it means for the future of work.

S4 Ep. 06: Neurodivergent student experiences in post-secondary education

In this mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, Jeremy Strachan speaks with Dr. Jennifer Fane, Lead Research Associate at Signal49 Research, about her recent study on neurodiversity in Canadian post-secondary education. The research, conducted in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, explores key findings from the report Creating Inclusive Campuses: Neuroinclusive Policies and Practices in Post-secondary Education. The discussion highlights the challenges neurodivergent students face, including their invisibility on campuses, complex accommodation processes, and persistent stigma. Dr. Fane calls for greater accessibility within equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and offers practical recommendations, such as establishing neurodiversity hubs and providing campus-wide neurodiversity training. The episode also previews upcoming Future Skills Centre research on inclusive employment pathways for neurodivergent individuals.

S4 Ep. 05: Insights from Magnet Network Live

In this bonus episode of the Future Skills Podcast, new host Jeremy Strachan dives into highlights from the Magnet Network Live event held in Toronto in October 2024, where leaders gathered to address Canada’s talent, training, and skills challenges. The episode features insights on AI, productivity, and Canada’s “12/21 problem,” where outdated learning models fall short in a 21st-century workforce. Key discussions focus on the need for risk-taking in business, the importance of social and emotional skills, and the critical role of trust in the workplace. Strachan also explores immigration’s role in Canada’s future, barriers faced by international students, and the impact of the Future Skills Centre’s efforts to foster an inclusive economy through innovative partnerships and initiatives across Canada. Background On October 23 and 24, 2024, Magnet Network hosted a two-day networking and knowledge-sharing event in Toronto’s distillery district. Featuring an array of speakers who are thought leaders, policymakers, and visionary idea accelerators in the skills ecosystem in Canada, Magnet Network Live (MNL) was a key forum for stakeholders to meet and hear insights on the pressing issues related to training, workforce development, and productivity in Canada. Conference Board of Canada was there in two capacities. Michael Burt, VP, was featured in a session alongside Candice Faktor, CEO of Disco, in a “fireside chat to explore why businesses are holding back on critical investments and how innovative learning models can shift this dynamic.” Jeremy Strachan, SRA, attended to record live audio as content for this episode. Content interviews and ambient and atmospheric textures of the event. Canada’s productivity puzzle remains unsolved, and a combination of skills waste, talent mismatch, and forecast labour shortages in key sectors like the skilled trades and the green economy are set to exacerbate our problems. MNL is one-of-a-kind event where attendees will hear from some of the best ideas on how to maximize our talent pool resources. Guests Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre Michael Burt, Vice President of Signal49 Research Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet Emily Madden, Senior Director of Magnet Ashok Kasilingam, CEO of M2M Tech Erin Rose, Senior Research Associate, Signal49 Research

S4 Ep. 04: Empowering Futures: Supporting Black Talent in the Canadian Labour Market

The Black population in Canada is expected to exceed 3 million by 2041. Despite growing awareness of the root causes of inequities faced by Black communities, we don’t yet have interventions at scale in the skills ecosystem. In this episode, our guests describe the importance of culturally relevant, targeted programing for supporting Black communities in Canada to thrive in education and employment. Our guests envision a future where gaps in educational attainment and wages between black and non-black individuals are closed, and where anti-Black racism in our classrooms and workplaces is eradicated. They share successful components of workforce development programs, including social capital development, mentorship, socioemotional development, and community involvement. Speakers: Kofi Hope, CEO and Co-Founder, Monumental André McDonald, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Research Initiatives and Performance, University of Alberta Mohamed Elmi, Executive Director, Diversity Institute Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)

S4 Ep. 03: Canada’s Productivity Puzzle: The Skills Connection

We’ve heard the term “productivity” come up a lot lately. But what does the term really mean? And why does strong productivity matter for leaders, decision makers, and to Canadians at-large? Three experts join us in this episode to help us unpack this concept. They give us an overview of the economic concepts behind productivity, suggest solutions to help boost Canadian productivity, and explain why skills development and innovation are an important part of this conversation. Speaker list Jonathan Barr, Senior Director, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Signal49 Research Anne-Lore Fraikin, Senior Manager, Economic Research, Signal49 Research Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, Signal49 Research (host) Links: Skills and Productivity: Which Skills Shortages Are Impacting Canadian Productivity?—August 2024 - Signal49 Research Compétences et productivité : Quelles pénuries de compétences influent sur la productivité canadienne?—Août 2024 - Signal49 Research

S4 Ep. 02: Educating for Sustainability—Green Skills in Canada

The urgency of the climate crisis is undeniable. The transition to a clean economy demands significant changes in skills, occupations, and attitudes. In this episode, we delve into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies associated with developing higher education graduates who are equipped to lead and grow a sustainable economy. Our distinguished guests provide key employer, post-secondary, and international perspectives. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of higher education, employment, and a sustainable future. Speaker list Kevin Nilsen, President & CEO, ECO Canada Charles Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability, York University Tanzeela Faisal, Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host) Links Teaching Green Skills: What Actions Are Post-secondary Institutions Taking? - Signal49 Research

S4 Ep. 01: Educational AI—Unlocking Potential in Post-Secondary Institutions

In this episode, we delve into the implications of the AI revolution for teaching and learning within Canada’s post-secondary institutions. Join us as we speak with a researcher, an AI sector leader, and a university Chief AI Officer to uncover how this technology is reshaping education. From real-world applications to ethical considerations, we explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) into the classroom, offering insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike. Speaker list Melissa Judd, Vice-President, Research Operations and Academic Partnerships, Vector Institute Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer, Western University Adam Vanzella Yang, Senior Research Associate, Signal49 Research Heather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host) Links Future Skills Centre Homepage: https://fsc-ccf.ca/ Future Skills Centre Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsc_ccf_en Signal49 Research Homepage: Research - Signal49 Research Signal49 Research X: https://x.com/S49Research

S3 Ep. 05: Indigenous Youth Entering the Labour Market

350,000 Indigenous youth are set to come of age by 2026, offering unique contributions as they enter the workforce. Discover the multifaceted impacts of Indigenous youth on the labour market as two distinguished experts delve into this topic. In this episode, they explore the challenges, opportunities, and incredible value that Indigenous youth bring to the modern job market and how companies can advance inclusive environments that honor and integrate Indigenous traditions, thereby empowering young Indigenous employees to bring their authentic selves to work. We also learn about some of the collaborative approaches between employers, educational institutions, and Indigenous communities to bridge the gap and foster increased opportunities for Indigenous youth. Guests: Michael DeGagné, President & CEO, Indspire Kory Wilson, Executive Director Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, BCIT Host: Julie Cafley, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada

S3 Ep. 04: Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a range of different ways of thinking, interacting, and processing information, and is especially important to the future of work. In this episode, experts in neurodiversity in the workplace join us to discuss the immense potential of neurodiverse individuals in professional settings. Our guests share practical strategies and valuable insights for employers looking to create supportive environments for neurodiverse employees - from implementing accommodations for all to fostering inclusive company cultures. Guests: Neil Barnett, Director - Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft Radha MacCulloch, VP and Head of Canada, Specialisterne North America Host: Julie Cafley, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada