Erika Butters is revolutionising disability rights through technology that puts decision-making power back where it belongs—with the individual.

Her platform Volition serves as a digital preference bank where people with disabilities can document, store, and share their likes, dislikes, and support needs, addressing a profound human rights issue that everyone deserves to make their own decisions, regardless of cognitive ability.

Erika walks us through the concept of supported decision-making, explaining how current legal frameworks often strip decision-making rights from people with intellectual disabilities. Rather than accepting this situation, she demonstrates how technology can bridge communication gaps by capturing preferences expressed through vocalizations, body language, and other non-verbal cues.

By giving individuals control over how their information is shared, Volition enhances what Māori culture calls "mana"—a person's standing, value, and inherent dignity. In a world where disabled people are often disempowered, this technology returns agency to those who need it most.

Visit volition.org.nz to learn more about this innovative platform that's changing how we think about decision-making, disability, and dignity.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

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Ever wondered what happens when businesses do good work in their communities, but never measure or talk about it? In this conversation with Haemia Melling, founder of Impact Ink, we dive deep into the world of Environmental Social Goverance (ESG) consulting and discover a revolutionary approach to balancing corporate success with community impact.

Hamia shares her journey from childhood dreams of teaching to banking, performing arts, and finally establishing her own consultancy focused on helping businesses and not-for-profits work together more effectively.

She has identified a crucial gap in the market – while many New Zealand businesses engage in excellent community and sustainability work, they rarely measure its impact or share these stories effectively.

The heart of our conversation explores Haemia's "Good Mahi Model," a pricing structure that subsidises not-for-profit work through corporate client fees. This creates a ripple effect where businesses can amplify their community impact simply by choosing to work with Impact Inc.

Whether you're a corporate leader looking to enhance your ESG strategy, a not-for-profit seeking sustainable funding models, or someone interested in creating more purpose-driven work, this conversation offers valuable insights into building businesses that balance profit with purpose.

Connect with Haemia on LinkedIn or visit impactInk.co.nz to learn more about implementing the Good Mahi Model in your organisation.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedsp...

Ever wondered if the cognitive struggles of menopause might actually be preparing your brain for something better? In this conversation with Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, founder of Sexy Aging, we explore a perspective on menopause that transforms it from a dreaded decline into an empowering transition.

Tracy shares how her 35-year career in the fitness industry collided with her own perimenopause journey, leading her to create a brand that challenges stereotypes about aging.

The term "sexy" isn't about sexual attraction but about feeling confident and vibrant – something women deserve to experience at every age.

While hot flashes might be the poster child of menopause, this conversation focuses on the less discussed mental health impacts that often blindside women.

Brain fog, anxiety, and mood changes aren't just annoying symptoms – they're part of a neurological transformation that Tracy beautifully describes as "pruning the tree." When you understand what's happening and support your body through it, you emerge with greater clarity about what truly matters.

The revelation that strength training might be the true "magic pill" for menopause management will inspire you to view your gym sessions differently. At 55, Tracy is stronger than she was when bodybuilding at 25 – powerful evidence that physical decline isn't inevitable.

Her practical advice on breathing techniques, hormone therapy considerations, and lifestyle modifications offer actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

Whether you're approaching menopause, currently navigating its challenges, or supporting someone who is, this conversation provides the knowledge and perspective to transform this natural transition into one of the most empowering chapters of life.

Learn more about Tracy's work here and listen to her podcast here.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedsp...

What if everything we've been taught about leadership is fundamentally flawed?

Emma Rutherford's research into Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) leadership principles challenges the individualistic Western leadership model that dominates our organisations.

Drawing from her experience as an organisational development leader and research with high-performing teams, Emma reveals how indigenous wisdom can transform our approach to workplace culture.

While western organisations celebrate individual achievement and self-promotion, Māori leadership embodies humility and collective success – captured beautifully in the proverb "a kumara never speaks of its sweetness."

Emma's research isn't just theoretical – it's backed by compelling data showing teams led with these principles demonstrate engagement scores 10-15 points higher than organisational averages. These leaders share decision-making, truly listen to their people, and take a holistic interest in their wellbeing across physical, mental, spiritual and community dimensions.

Whether you're leading a team, building organisational culture, or simply interested in more human-centred workplaces, this conversation provides practical wisdom for creating environments where people can thrive.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedsp...

We are so excited to have Lyn R Lee on A Dog Called Diversity to talk about her career and her new book Tiny Rice Grains.

As the former Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Shell, Lyn shares with host Lisa Mulligan her:

• Remarkable 22-year+ career at Shell
• How her book "Tiny Rice Grains" came about.
• Her approach to DEI work that focuses on human connection, authentic storytelling, and the power of small, consistent actions that accumulate to create meaningful change.

🎧 Listen in to learn more about:

• Lyn's career path from organizational psychologist to global DEI leader
• Her initial reluctance to take the DEI role
• The importance of women supporting other women
• Creating a legacy of inclusion
• Recognizing when it's time to step back and create space for new leadership
• The symbolism of rice in Asian culture and DEI work
• Writing "Tiny Rice Grains" as part of her ongoing legacy
  
  

Find Lyn's book "Tiny Rice Grains" on Amazon.com, with global availability rolling out between October and December.

Attend Lyn's book events in South East Asia and London:

• Singapore - 29 August
• London - 9 Oct
• Manila - 7 Nov
• India and Hong Kong Q1 2026

Contact Lyn on LinkedIn if you would like to:

• Hold an event in your organisation,
• Keynote speaking opportunities,
• Leader engagements in your organisation,
• Bulk book orders, and
• book signings.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedsp...

Have you ever felt suddenly invisible in your workplace despite your wealth of knowledge and experience? This episode explores the often-overlooked challenges of an aging workforce and the urgent need to build bridges between generations.

Lot Hawkins, founder of The Stella Collective, shares her journey from art therapy to qualitative research, and how approaching her 50s sparked a mission to create visibility for women over 45.

During the conversation Lot and Lisa discuss how workplaces will soon have up to six generations working side by side, and the immense challenges this presents.

Drawing on her expertise in understanding human behavior, Lot offers invaluable insights into building trust across generational divides through context and understanding rather than confrontation.

Lot and Lisa also discuss Lot's groundbreaking "50 Over 50" initiative celebrating accomplished New Zealand women.

Whether you're leading a diverse team, feeling overlooked in your career, or simply interested in workplace dynamics, this conversation offers a perspective on valuing experience in our youth-obsessed world.

Connect with the Stella Collective to learn more about building bridges in your organization and creating workplaces where every generation can thrive.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedsp...

Katie Rickson shares her journey living with bipolar disorder, from diagnosis after giving birth to her daughter to finding meaning through advocacy and running her own business with built-in flexibility.

She shares the neurological differences of bipolar, the impact of hormonal cycles on symptoms, and her journey from shame to self-acceptance through reframing her condition as neurodivergence rather than illness.

Listen in to learn about:

• What bipolar disorder actually is, including the differences between mania and depression
• How hormonal cycles affect bipolar symptoms
• The importance of self-compassion and accepting emotional fluctuations
• Sensory modulation as a practical management technique
• Reframing bipolar from "mental illness" to neurodivergence
• Advocating for workplace accommodations and flexible structures

Grab Katie's pocketbook 👉 30 Things I'd Like You to Know About Bipolar.

Find Katie here and at Business in the Bath or connect with her on LinkedIn. Katie offers educational talks about bipolar disorder for organisations, with special availability during Mental Health Awareness Week starting October 6th.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedsp...

Ever wondered why some colleagues approach work so differently from you? It's not just personality—it might be neurodiversity at play.

Jenny Turner, founder of Human Fabric, takes us on a fascinating journey into how different brain types function in the workplace. With approximately 20% of the population being neurodivergent (including conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia), understanding these differences isn't just an inclusion issue, it's a business advantage.

Jenny shares compelling reasons why organisations should embrace neurodiversity: the exceptional talents neurodivergent individuals often bring, the superior performance of cognitively diverse teams, and the enhanced leadership skills developed when managing diverse thinking styles. She reveals how the pandemic created an unexpected testing ground, with many neurodivergent people discovering they could thrive when freed from sensory-overloaded office environments.

Drawing from her personal experience with ADHD, Jenny provides us with insights into both the struggles (like rejection sensitivity and difficulty starting certain tasks) and strengths (hyper-focus and innovative thinking) that come with neurodivergence.

Her practical advice for organisations ranges from awareness training to simple accommodation processes that are typically low-cost but high-impact.

The conversation culminates in a profound realisation: we all process information differently, and when we adapt our work practices to accommodate these differences—like separating information-sharing from decision-making—everyone benefits. As AI increasingly handles systematic tasks, uniquely human capabilities like empathy and innovative thinking become more valuable than ever.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, manage diverse teams, or simply want to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode offers valuable information on how to harness the full spectrum of human potential.

Support the show

The Culture Ministry we specialise in building sustainable businesses through productive and effective work cultures.

We do this through:

🟡 Culture Audits, Surveys, Benchmarking and Data Work

🟡 Crafting Culture Strategy that connects with Organisational Purpose

🟡 Long term leadership programs to advance leadership teams in building sustainable and inclusive cultures. What that leaders say, do, and measure, has a massive impact on your culture and the sustainability of your business.

🟡 Providing structure and tools for Employee Resource Groups to be successful, and drive better business outcomes.

We love working with organisations who know change is needed.

Go to https://www.thecultureministry.com/ to learn more

Sign up to our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this episode and maybe learnt something please share with your friends on social media, give a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts and leave a comment. This makes it easier for others to find A Dog Called Diversity.

A Dog Called Diversity is proud to be featured in Feedsp...