The mic turns inward for a final time as we trace how a remote‑recorded show became a global home for honest stories about inclusion.

Host Lisa Mulligan shares the spark that started A Dog Called Diversity, the WhatsApp brainstorm that shaped the name and cover art, and the scrappy, reliable tech stack that kept conversations flowing across time zones.

This is a frank debrief on what worked, what was hard, and why ending now is the right call.

We walk through the big themes that defined the feed including:

• Disability in its many forms,
• Gender and sexuality,
• Indigenous identity
• Being an immigrant
• Data‑driven inclusion,
• Employee resource groups,
• Flexible work,
• Inclusive leadership, and much more.

Along the way, Lisa highlights three unforgettable conversations and opens the ledger on time and cost: pre‑chats, editing, hosting, social posts, and why video raises the stakes for independant creators.

There’s candour about surprises and sharing of stats that add colour to this creative medium.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start a podcast, how to keep one going, or how to end gracefully, this send‑off offers insights and practical tips.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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.

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What actually moves women into leadership? And what just makes work bearable?

Lisa Mulligan sits down with Dr Amanda Sterling to connect years of PhD research on mothers in leadership with a new survey of 212 women leaders across New Zealand.

The research asks the question on what makes the biggest different to women successfully navigating their career into leadership roles.

So what are the results? Listen in to learn why partner support and manager sponsorship top the list, followed by flexible work and targeted women’s leadership programs.

And what surprises were at the bottom of the list?

We talk about:

• How embodied experiences like pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early caregiving, can forge stronger leaders through vulnerability and connection with others.
• How outdated leadership models that demand assimilation and overwork need to be reviewed, and
• The cost of traditional male/female norms such as intensive mothering, and male breadwinner scripts that quietly shape who asks for help, how care is shared, and who opts out of senior roles altogether.

Practical takeaways run throughout so listen in now!

Go to https://dramandasterling.com/ to download Amanda's research.

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 your workplace could be someone's only safe space to exist authentically? Martin King, founder of Pride Pledge, reveals how organisations can become sanctuaries for rainbow communities in ways that transform lives and businesses alike.

After nearly three decades in corporate HR roles, Martin experienced burnout that led to an epiphany. His passion for creating inclusive environments could become his purpose. Seven years ago, he founded Pride Pledge, now New Zealand's largest rainbow workplace inclusion consultancy, helping organisations of all sizes to create safer spaces for LGBTIQ+ people and customers.

Martin challenges our assumptions about where people feel safest to be themselves. "Our workplaces actually have the power to be the safest place for our queer communities," he explains, noting that many rainbow people must hide their identities outside work. This perspective shifts how we understand workplace inclusion—not as a nice-to-have initiative, but potentially as someone's lifeline.

The conversation explores how authentic leadership creates psychological safety. When leaders share aspects of themselves—whether it's their family responsibilities, cultural backgrounds, or sexual orientations—they signal that bringing one's whole self to work is valued. "Vulnerability is strength, not weakness," Martin emphasizes, explaining how this openness leads to innovation, better decisions, and richer conversations.

Against the backdrop of concerning global rollbacks in LGBTIQ+ rights, Martin offers hope and practical strategies: comprehensive training programs, inclusive policies, gender affirmation leave, measurement frameworks, and certification models. His mantra that "the rainbow creates a halo" reminds us that organizations visibly committed to LGBTIQ+ inclusion naturally become more attractive to all diverse talent.

Ready to make your workplace a beacon of inclusion? Connect with Pride Pledge to discover how small changes can create profound impact for your people, and 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...

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.

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 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...