Hearth 2 Heart on Belonging (Campfire Kinship)

Black History Month is not a box to check, and we can't put blinders on the workplace biases that harm many Black people every day. In this episode, Dupe Akinniyi shares how she navigated career challenges as a Black woman, and how that propelled both her bold journey into entrepreneurship, as well as her family's immigration from Belgium to Canada.  Dupe is putting her learnings into action through her business, Montessori Box, by providing educational inclusion for all young children.  We share tips on finding career fulfillment, and how we might be able to carry forward learnings from Black History Month into our daily lives.

Links mentioned in episode: https://themontessoribox.ca/campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I firmly believe every individual has gifts, every team has gifts, every organization has gifts. When we share our gifts the world prospers."

After 28 years as a highly-skilled employee, David was told that his job was over. In spite of the immediate trauma and fear, he seized the opportunity to transition into entrepreneurship. In this episode, we dive into the challenges of starting a new business, and how to navigate them by finding your purpose, people, and voice. David is passionate about helping high-achieving professionals build their business following a late-career job loss, so they can do what they love and get paid what they’re worth.  Links mentioned in Episode:
Campfire Kinship
Smashing the Plateau
Going Solo campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when I have deep conversations."

From her career as a wrestling olympian to being the youngest ever woman elected into Calgary City Council, in this episode Jasmine Mian shares her journey of going from athletics and into politics...the wins, losses, and lessons along the way. Her tip? Action is the antidote to anxiety.

Links mentioned in episode:
Campfire Kinship
www.instagram.com/campfire_kinshipcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

In a society that values "producing and performing," it is no wonder that topics like self-care are trivialized. Stats show the effect, with 3 out of 4 people experiencing burnout in the workforce. This mental health week, we are zooming into topic, and talking with Lennis Perez about how to beat burnout. 

Lennis is a chemical engineer turned wellness engineer. After 16 years of engineering experience, she started her business, Just Lennis, and the Engineering Wellness Academy to equip women in STEM with stress management tools. She is a Chopra certified meditation teacher and is certified in plant-based nutrition. She has experienced, firsthand, the high stress and high demand that STEM careers put on individuals. Tune into this episode to hear her journey in overcoming stress, and how she helps others increase their impact, fulfillment, and peace of mind.

Links & acronyms mentioned in the episode:
https://lennisperez.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lennisperez_
https://instagram.com/campfire_kinship
https://campfirekinship.com/
STEM - science, technology, engineering, mathcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when I am recognized for my unique skills and perspectives, and am valued for them."

If you've been thinking about making a career transition, this episode is for you. Courtney Dragani transitioned her career from working at a large energy company, to a start-up called the51, a move she made to follow her passion for women's economic empowerment. Tune into this episode to hear these insights:

- On making a career change based on alignment with personal values, and learning opportunities

– On taking a leap of faith by managing risks

– On taking inventory of transferable skills

– On typical barriers faced by women when applying for new roles

– On Courtney’s inspiration to pivot from the corporate to #startup world

– On having the #selfconfidence confidence to apply, even if you don’t tick every single box in a job description

– On taking a balanced view of #careerfulfillment and how to manage unmet needs

– On the convergence of #motherhood and careers

– On her mission at the51 activating women’s #economicempowerment - the51.comcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when I am with a group of people that are looking beyond the differences between us...and just embracing one another as a people of the same nation."

We're proud to host conversations with the authors of our latest anthology, Landed, Transformative Stories of Canadian Immigrant Women, set to officially launch in September 2022.  To kick-off, this episode features a conversation with Charlotte Anyango Ong'ang'a, whose  story in the book is titled "Still I Feel." 

Originally from Kenya, Charlotte Anyango Ong'ang'a is a linguist, career development specialist and storyteller. She holds a PhD in linguistics, a master’s in teaching English to speakers of other languages and a bachelor’s in English language and literature. Her expert linguistic knowledge is applied in the areas of resume, cover letter writing, networking, interview preparation, job search strategies, and workplace communication. Charlotte has taught linguistics, communication skills and provided career guidance at higher education institutions for over 12 years in different countries.

In this episode, Charlotte shares her inspiration for joining this anthology and provides a glimpse into the challenges of navigating life as a new immigrant and mom of a newborn. She also reads a favourite paragraph from her story and sums up the power of storytelling: "If you listen to people's stories, you will understand why people are the way they are."

Links mentioned in episode:
https://campfirekinship.com/book
https://linkedin.com/in/charlotteongangacampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"No matter what others say who you're supposed to be, who you're not, or who you should be - just remember who you are and stick to the truth. Always have that hope that all together, we can make things better."

Anna is an internally displaced person from Crimea, Ukraine who fled from Russia’s military invasion in 2014. She is a Fulbright alumna with a master’s in international studies from Old Dominion University and a master’s in community social work, from the University of Calgary. Anna has worked as an administrative assistant with the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine, faculty of social work at the University of Calgary, at a homeless shelter and is presently family school liaison coordinator – Ukrainian. Anna has authored a very moving story called “Two suitcases,” in our book Landed. Listen to this episode to hear her experience in the project and her favourite quotes from her story.

www.campfirekinship.com
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B7PSHKMR
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/landed-book-launch-celebration-tickets-381683093407campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

“A sense of belonging comes when you can be your true authentic self.”In this episode, we talk about the role of curiosity in creating community with Landed’s co-author, Inez Ashworth. Inez, founder of Inclusive Concepts, is a cultural innovator and a trusted advocate with her own unique style. Her life and career have been dedicated to working for equality and justice, bringing people together and creating inclusive environments where everyone can be their authentic selves. Much of Inez’s energy and inspiration comes from community work, volunteering, and mentoring minority students. Inez is one of the sponsors of the Landed Book Launch celebration on Sep 17; as well as the co-founder of Human Movement from Sep18-20 which is one-of-a-kind event to inspire  a community of changemakers to gather, reflect, and learn together.

https://thehumanmovement.ca
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/landed-book-launch-celebration-tickets-381683093407campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when I feel respected....Respect is something that no matter where you are, who you are, where you are from - it is how you can have a sense of belonging, connect, build a trusting environment for one another, and build a safe environment for everybody.”In this inspiring episode, Anam Kazim - author of the story "The Dusky Dawn" in Landed - provides a glimpse into the transformations of her life, moving from Pakistan to Canada, then east-west within Canada; and going from #engineering to becoming an MLA and then an #entrepreneur.  She shares her wisdom in leveraging the power of a support network, seeing the beauty in a garden of differences, and owning your truth - as factors to help you transform.

Links mentioned in episode -

Anam Kazim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamkazim
Landed: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B7PSHKMR
Book launch: https://campfirekinship.com/launch-eventcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"When I can share my honest mindset and vulnerabilities....I feel a sense of belonging."
- Shivi Agarwal, Landed co-author

Shivi holds a master's in management and has years of experience in human resources and learning & development. She currently works as customer success manager with Kudos®. In her previous work tenure in Calgary, she helped 100+ clients transition from the oil and gas division to find employment in the tech sector. Shivi also runs a talk show in Calgary, @thestartupimpact, as a side hustle. The saying she lives by is: "The only thing that matters is who you want to become and the price you are willing to pay to get there."

Links mentioned in the episode:
Shivi's IG: @shivi.a
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B7PSHKMRcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when people believe in my strengths and skills and opportunity, and the other way when I give back to the community...when I help a new immigrant."

After having to move countries during a pandemic with a toddler in tow, Benazir Rahman joins us on this episode to share her tips for a successful transition, including the message from her story in Landed - "Be You, You Can". Born and raised in Bangladesh, and a researcher by profession, she now works at the University of Calgary as a Global Development Specialist. Her areas of interest include international trade, social work, and post-secondary education.  

Having experienced generosity and kindness as a new immigrant in Calgary, Benazir believes in the power of giving back and is currently helping Afghan refugees find meaningful employment. 

In addition, Benazir and Gayathri discuss the Landed book publication journey, and Gayathri peels back the curtains on her learnings in this episode.campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"Until true systemic change takes place, and racist, discriminatory and unjust structures are dismantled in our society, I know I will not be able to rest."Born in Montreal to a French-Canadian mother and a South Asian father,  Anusha Kassan shares her experience of her writing her story in Landed. 

Anusha is currently an associate professor with a high-impact position in the School and Applied Child Psychology Program at the University of British Columbia. Her scholarly interests are informed by her own bi-cultural identities and an overarching social justice framework.  Anusha’s program of research presently includes two major foci: immigration experiences across different groups (i.e., newcomer youth, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples), and cultural and social justice responsiveness in professional psychology.  Connect with Anusha at anushakassan.comcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when my heart feels at peace no matter where I am, and that is in beautiful Calgary with my family and friends, and I am at peace ."

Our latest episode on Hearth 2 Heart is with Kelly Kaur who grew up in Singapore and lives in Calgary. Kelly teaches at Mount Royal University and Athabasca University. She has been published in Qatar, Italy, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Berlin, Prague, Australia, India, and the United States. Some works have appeared in New Asian Short Stories 2015, The Best Asian Stories 2020, and The Best Asian Poetry 2021. Her poems have been published in the International Human Rights Art Festival in New York. She has been published on UNESCO’s Cities of Literature website. Her novel, Letters to Singapore, released on May 1, 2022, by Stonehouse Publishing.

kellykaur.comcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"When I became an independent, single, immigrant woman homeowner in Calgary...that was like a proud, proud moment...a fantastic feeling of belonging in Canada, and calling it a home."

In this episode, Landed co-author Dr. Swati Dhingra joins us to share her immigration journey from India to Canada. She offers tips about the hurdles she faced along the way, including overcoming criticism.  

Dr. Dhingra is a research coordinator at the University of Calgary. With her unique background in dentistry and oral medicine from India, she brings an exceptional blend of knowledge and expertise in academic, clinical and community research. She has contributed to several multi-disciplinary research projects at U of C and has been a part of community research projects with Alberta Health Services. Dr. Dhingra is passionate about social work and always looks for meaningful ways to give back to the community. She is also a trained classical Indian dancer and has an extraordinary love for music and travel. Find her at: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/swati-dhingracampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when communities show care and compassion."

Children of immigrants often find themselves living in two worlds. In this episode, Landed co-author and second-generation Filipina-Canadian Jesiebelle Salcedo shares how giving voice to her mom's immigration story has helped her heal her relationship with her mom while honouring her family's roots.

Jesie is a teacher, reader, and writer based in Calgary, Alberta. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Canadian studies and elementary English as an additional language from the University of Calgary. To date, she has worked with many first-generation and immigrant youth in local non-profit settings and within the school system, fueling her passion for anti-racism education. In her spare time, Jesie enjoys baking up a storm, exploring new foods, creating pottery pieces, and spending time with her friends and family. Find her on Instagram: @jbreadsandwrites; @jbs_fooddiariescampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when I am surrounded by people who care about me, and people who are sincere to me."

In this episode, we'll be exploring the story of Landed co-author Melike Tasdelen, an immigrant woman who defied cultural norms to pursue her education and economic opportunities. Coming from a part of the world where society values women based on their roles as wives and mothers, Melike's journey of self-discovery and determination to succeed is inspiring. She moved from Turkey to Canada by herself after graduating from accounting in 2013. She also has a degree from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and works as an accountant.

Join us as we delve into her story of struggle and triumph, and learn how she navigated societal expectations as well as the additional obstacles of starting from scratch as an international student. campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

In this very first episode of Hearth 2 Heart, host Gayathri Shukla shares a glimpse of her life journey, which has paved the way for her passion in storytelling, and her vision at her company, Campfire Kinship - a world that celebrates its diversity and shared humanity.

Campfire Kinship 
IG: @campfire_kinship

"Being open to new experiences, trying new things…at the end of the day something will click.”
  
Tune into to hear Raman Sawhey, Executive Director and Founder at Apar Initiative, share her story of overcoming barriers as a young, female engineer. Her mission at Apar is to empower youth in discovering their limitless potential by building STEM and leadership capabilities.
 
 Acronyms and links mentioned in episode:
 STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
 www.instagram.com/aparinitiative_
 https://aparinitiative.com/ campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"Taking a mindful approach to hear about this topic, is opening yourself up to starting the learning process.”

We know that positive social relationships form a big part of our wellbeing, however, this has been challenged in recent times of increased division and isolation. It is critical now more than ever to build both individual and organizational resilience for effective talent retention.

Andrea Torraville has lived experiences as a Black woman born and raised in Calgary. She has worked as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, a Career Consultant, Learning Consultant, and a Recruiter. In all of these roles, she has incorporated an inclusion and diversity lens based in mindfulness. She believes that relationships are the foundation of talent experiences as people move through the lifecycle of their career.  Her sense of belonging comes from connecting and engaging with others, because that is a place where one grow and learn the most.

Links mentioned in the episode:
Andrea's new book - Moving Forward: A Woman's Guide to Healing and Moving on
https://www.linkedin.com/company/campfire-kinshipcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"Creativity is how I share my soul with the world."  Jyotsna Vaidee is a product manager at Youtube, and the founder of dance school Samudra Dance Creations where she choreographs and performs in the art form of Bharatanatyam, a traditional dance originating from India. In this episode, Jyotsna shares her journey in Bharatanatyam, and how she is able to blend her creativity with her skills in engineering and technology, and tell those stories that move people on social causes.As an award-winning dancer, Jyotsna has presented at several prestigious festivals. Her latest project is called Storm, premiering on Friday September 24 at the Erasing Borders Dance Festival, Storm.

"Storm is an exploration of human identity, the push and pull of the sense of belonging with others, versus difference with others, the micro-oppressions that start a chain reaction. The inner storm rages; some of us let our inner monsters out. The force of love or the force of monster - which one is going to win?"

Tune into this episode to hear about Jyotsna’s journey and learn how she brings awareness to social issues through her art of Bhartatnatyam.

Links mentioned in episode:

Storm - Erasing Borders Festival - Registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/erasing-borders-dance-festival-2021-tickets-166552425789?aff=ebdssbeac
https://www.jyotsnavaidee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jyotsnavaidee_samudradance/campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"When I show up authentically, and my light truly shows from every inch of myself, when I am allowed to be myself without any barriers to my potential...I feel a sense of belonging." 

Colby Sharma is a law school graduate and the author of The Curveball. In this episode, he shares his journey overcoming a learning disability, as well as lessons he gleaned from his dad, Robin Sharma, to lead a life of impact. With October being learning disabilities and autism awareness month, this episode shines a light on how to turn our fears into fuel when dealing with life's curveballs,  while also embracing our diversity.

https://colbysharma.com/
https://www.instagram.com/colbysharmaofficial/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbysharma/
https://www.facebook.com/thecurveball426campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"There are so many things we need to evolve in the world, in terms of the climate and ethical environments. If you have a desire to make a shift, the world needs you. We need more people in their passions doing what they love."

Jana Boyko is the founder of All of Her Business, where she supports women in building sustainable companies. As she was researching entrepreneurship in Canada, Jana found that while 85% of women said they wanted to work for themselves, only 7% of women in Canada actually ran their business. Seeking to shift that statistic, Jana recently launched Bedside Business Plan, a guided journal to help women feel empowered while starting their businesses. 

In this episode, Jana shares her own journey with All of Her Business, how she overcame limiting beliefs, and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality.

Links mentioned in episode:
https://www.bedsidebusinessplan.com/
https://allofherbusiness.com/about/campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"When I can share my experiences, knowledge, and give back; and I can honor all that I have been privileged enough to experience in my life - I feel a sense of belonging."

In this episode, Colby Delorme speaks to the the value of mentorship for both mentee and mentor. Colby is the President of The Imagination Group of Companies, and the Founding Creator and Board Member of Influence Mentoring Society, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Indigenous Youth in their post-journeys through mentorship.

Influence Mentoring's mission is guided by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada's Calls to Action, which speak to the need to eliminate educational and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Learn more about how mentorship can be a medium to bridge diverse cultures, and also create knowledge transfer, an integral part of Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Links mentioned in episode:
www.influencementoring.comcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I think a big issue that we have is just confidence. I also want [children] to know that as they grow older, there will be naysayers that perhaps don't think that they could do what they want to do, but I want them to have the confidence to know that they can ignore those naysayers and continue on with doing whatever they want to do."

The ability to communicate with confidence is a key career enabler. In this episode, Neil shares how STEM professionals can improve their presentation skills, especially in front of non-technical audiences. He also talks about finding his way through the profession as a Black engineer, and how confidence-building starts young.

Links mentioned in episode:
https://teachthegeek.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GDIDOCuCi4
STEM - science, technology, engineering, mathcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

Want to kick off the new year on the right foot? There are two simple and powerful questions you can ask yourself to get grounded. In this New Years Eve special, Gayathri shares what they are, as well as a memorable conversation from 2021 on storytelling and belonging with Shannon Hutchison.

www.campfirekinship.com/kindle-your-sparkcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

“I feel a sense of belonging when I’m surrounded by those I can honestly share and receive from.”

In this episode, Gayathri chats with her coach, Drew Soleyn, who had supported her transition into entrepreneurship. Drew is the Founder of Connected Dads and Director at Dads Central Ontario. As a dad himself, he believes his children are the greatest gift he's ever received - and helping them find and live out their purpose is the most important work he will ever do in life.

Tune in to hear Drew share his journey and insights on transformation. Change is never easy but possible when you commit to a (not-so-secret) ingredient!

Links mentioned in episode -
https://www.campfirekinship.com
https://connecteddads.ca/
https://dadcentral.ca/
IG: @campfire_kinship

"I feel a sense of belonging when I can drop the mask of masculinity and be myself...the consequences of not being our authentic selves is like cutting limbs off."

In a society where three out of four suicides, 80% of drug overdoses, and primary perpetrators of violence are men, toxic definitions of masculinity profoundly impact men, boys and the lives of those around them.  Jake Stika shares his journey of learning, unlearning, and re-shaping a healthier future for masculinity through his work as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Next Gen Men.

Links mentioned in the episode: nextgenmen.cacampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship

In this final episode of Season 1, host Gayathri and Elena share their learnings from working together on the Landed project. Tune in to hear their fun recap of favourite moments plus a sneak preview of future aspirations!

Elena Esina is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary where she manages an initiative called Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence. Elena holds a master’s in social work and a bachelor’s in financial management. For the last 10 years, Elena has been managing multiple large-scale research projects. She leads Immigrant Women Work-Integrated Learning Hub that provides work experience placements for internationally trained women from all over the world in the academic setting. Elena also is a co-founder of Shift to Learn, an online learning platform that aims to stop violence before it starts. She is a recipient of the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal in recognition of her leadership in supporting immigrant communities.

Links mentioned in episode:
Shift to Learn
Instagram: @campfire_kinship
Elena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-esina-21745315/
www.campfirekinship.com

Vulnerability in sharing our stories allows us to show up as our true selves and helps to deepen belonging with others. Yet, embracing vulnerability raises important questions about the balance between authenticity and psychological safety. How can vulnerability act as a bridge to more meaningful bonds without leaving us feeling exposed? Let's dive deep with Dr. Roselle Gonsalves as she draws from her impactful work in inclusion and reconciliation, and insights from her latest book, The Ordinary Turned Precious!

Links mentioned in the episode:
www.rmgonsalves.com
Campfire Kinship
www.cjsw.com/program/hearth2heart
The Ordinary Turned Precious

In this new launch, host Gayathri Shukla unveils her plans for Season 2's theme, Belonging! She recaps her journey thus far, expressing gratitude for listeners' feedback and providing a glimpse of what you can expect in upcoming episodes.

IG: campfire_kinship
Campfire Kinship

Land Acknowledgements are a crucial part of reconciliation, recognizing historical and ongoing relationships with Indigenous peoples. However, these acknowledgements can easily become scripted and lose their impact. 

In this episode, Gayathri and her guest, aloT of Poetry, a Nigerian-South African Poet now based in Mohkinstis, explore how poetry can cultivate genuine understanding and respect. Crafting a poem might seem daunting, but it can help us navigate the complex emotions and histories that come with reflecting on the place we may now call home. 

Tune into this episode to discover aloT of Poetry's insights on infusing personal and emotional depth into your Land Acknowledgments, transforming them from scripted formalities into powerful, heartfelt recognitions. Plus, don't miss her reading her own poem and Land Acknowledgement for Treaty 7.

Links mentioned in episode:
www.alotofpoetry.com
www.campfirekinship.com
www.instagram.com/alot.of.poetry/

Step 2:

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions on trauma and gender-based violence which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

"We don't just bring our intergenerational cycles of trauma but also intergenerational cycles of wisdom." – Dr. Meghna Bhat  

In this episode, Dr. Meghna Bhat, a renowned gender and social justice consultant and storyteller, explores the delicate balance of trauma-informed storytelling within the gender-based violence prevention field. Gayathri and Meghna delve into the practical aspects of creating safe, inclusive spaces for storytelling. Listeners will gain insights into the power of storytelling to foster connection, community, and healing, all while navigating the ethical considerations essential to maintaining the dignity and agency of survivors.  

Resources mentioned in episode:
www.gulabistories.com
www.meghnabhat.com
linkedin.com/in/meghnabhat
instagram.com/gulabi_stories
www.campfirekinship.com

In this solo episode, Gayathri shares her reflections from Indigenous History Month. She explores what it means to be in good relations having experienced the privilege of sharing meals and stories with Indigenous Elders in a dinner and dialogue series called Aisinna'kiiks. 
She unpacks the experience of "bringing your whole self to work", and how setting aside personal agendas in favour of trust can infuse belonging in our daily interactions. In a surprising twist, Gayathri also announces her preparation for a personal journey of self-discovery - Vipassana - connecting ancient wisdom with modern practices of meditation. Tune in to follow along on her transformative journey!


Aisinna'kiiks is a Blackfoot word that means those who write, draw or make their mark. We are grateful for the invitation from Calgary Arts Development and to be hosted by Calgary Board of Education's high-schools. 

Links mentioned in episode -
Instagram: @campfire_kinship
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/campfire-kinship
www.campfirekinship.com

"Last month, I attended my first 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreat. Many asked how it went, and I am opening my heart to share candidly in this episode.

"As an entrepreneur and EDIB (equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging) practitioner, I embarked on this journey hoping to deepen my practice of concepts like embracing discomfort, unlearning, and journey over destination. From the struggle of sitting in silence to the embracing of self-awareness and equanimity, this experience is reshaping how I view life and work."

In this solo episode, join Gayathri Shukla as she reflects on her deeply transformative journey and lessons learned.

Links mentioned in episode:
www.dhamma.org
www.campfirekinship.com/resources/blogs/vipassana
www.instagram.com/campfire_kinship
www.linkedin.com/company/campfire-kinship

Feeling you belong can be tricky when you are the "only" in a team. In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Monica Hernandez, an engineer with over 20 years of experience and founder of Infinity Growth, shares her journey of navigating gender bias. Host Gayathri and Monica discuss the importance of self-care, effective communication, and setting boundaries, offering valuable insights for all leaders on creating inclusive workplaces.

Tune in to be inspired by Monica's story of self-belief and perseverance, as she shares, "I feel a sense of belonging when I am connected, when time passes without notice, and I truly connect with the person I am with."

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Materials Business podcast
infinitygrowth.ca
linkedin.com/in/monica-hernandez
campfirekinship.com

Is it possible to lead with empathy while still holding your team accountable for achieving shared goals? In this episode of Heart to Heart, host Gayathri dives deep with Erin, leader, coach, and author, to tackle the common fear that empathy weakens accountability. 

Erin shares her journey from engineering to becoming a champion for empathetic leadership, revealing how understanding emotions—both personal and within teams—can foster a sense of belonging, especially with those from underrepresented backgrounds. Through real-life stories and practical insights, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can build trust, leverage diverse perspectives, and turn emotional intelligence into a powerful force for team success. 

Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership in today’s world.

www.erinthorp.ca
Podcast – Tactical Empathy
Book – Inside Out Empathy
Erin’s LinkedIn
www.campfirekinship.com
Gayathri’s LinkedIn
www.instagram.com/campfire_kinship

One of the biggest fears about allyship is the worry of saying or doing the wrong thing. Many people want to show up and support others but hesitate, unsure how to act without causing harm or misunderstanding. 

In this episode, Gayathri speaks with Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley, a mechanical engineer, Vanier Scholar and EDI specialist, who breaks down three practical, research-backed strategies to overcome these fears and foster real inclusion. Drawing on insights from her PhD project, "Activating Allies," Jocelyn shares how to confidently step into the role of an ally and create  psychologically safe workplaces for everyone.

Resources mentioned in episode:

www.jocelynpeltierhuntley.ca/
www.prairiecatalyst.ca/active-allies-course
Jocelyn's LinkedIn
Gayathri's LinkedIn
www.campfirekinship.com

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

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

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

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

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