This special episode marks a turning point for Leader Talks as host Anne-Marie Pham reflects on what the podcast has built over four seasons before she hands the mic to Sartaj Sarkaria, who will take over hosting duties. Joined by colleagues Amelie Gagnon and Pangus Kung, Anne-Marie looks back on the highs, the behind-the-scenes work, and the real-world impact CCDI has made alongside employer and community partners. They discuss the importance of shared wisdom and diverse voices, the value of DEI initiatives, and why organisations should embrace humility, openness to learning, and resilience to navigate challenges and foster growth. They also talk about the realities of DEI work, from making mistakes, constant learning, staying resilient through pushback, to meeting people where they are without abandoning the mission. Join the conversation for a clear sense of what Leader Talks has stood for, and a glimpse into the next chapter of CCDI’s work, and the conversations to come. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What this January episode represents as Anne-Marie Pham’s final installment.
• Background about Pangus, his role, and his six-year career journey at the CCDI.
• Amelie’s role in operations and how internal processes keep teams aligned with the mission.
• Anne-Marie’s highlights, the various partnerships formed, and her favourite guests.
• Learn about the behind-the-scenes moments that reshaped the organisation.
• Discover why humility, constant learning, and resilience are part of DEI work.
• Explore how criticism of DEI initiatives can be beneficial and strengthen processes.
• Hear each guest share their main message regarding the CCDI’s mission.
• Unpack why DEI is foundational to building a productive and inclusive Canada for all.
• Find out about the next chapter for both Anne-Marie Pham and the podcast.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sartaj Sarkaria on LinkedIn

Pangus Kung on LinkedIn

Amelie Gagnon on LinkedIn

Anne-Marie Pham on LinkedIn

Whiteboard Collective

UN Global Compact Network Canada

Indigenous Works

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

As we close out another impactful year at Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we take a moment to pause to and reflect on the conversations, challenges, and progress that have shaped 2025. It’s a time to look back on what we’ve learned, acknowledge how the landscape of leadership continues to evolve, and consider how these insights will inform our work ahead.

In this new podcast episode, we are joined by two of CCDI's senior leaders, Marni Panas, Chair of the board of directors, and our recently appointed President and CEO, Sartaj Sarkaria, for a candid conversation on what drives their work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). They offer a clear look at CCDI’s impact and ambitions and speak about navigating leadership amid increasingly polarized conversations around DEIA. They also explore CCDI’s top priorities for the next three years, and wrap up with a powerful one-word vision from each leader on the future role of our organization.

Tune in for an honest, energizing, forward-looking conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Marni Panas and Sartaj Sarkaria to the show.
• Sartaj tells us about her role in CCDI and what drives her in the world of DEIA.
• Marni’s personal journey as a trans woman and how it’s inspired her work.
• What CCDI has done in 2025 and what we look forward to doing in the future.
• How CCDI is handling negative rhetoric surrounding DEIA in the political spheres.
• A breakdown of the top priorities for CCDI over the next few years.
• How they describe their organization’s roles in one sentence/word and why.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Marni Panas
• Marni Panas on LinkedIn
• Sartaj Sarkaria on LinkedIn
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Dans le dernier épisode du balado du CCDI, Conversations entre leaders avec Anne-Marie Pham, Kerlande Mibel, fondatrice du Forum économique international des Noirs et de Zwart communication, partage sa vision forte de l'inclusion économique et de l'autonomisation des communautés.

S'appuyant sur son héritage haïtien et sa vaste expérience en matière de développement économique, Kerlande évoque la création de son organisation comme une plateforme visant à unir les communautés noires du monde entier, à renforcer leur souveraineté économique et à cultiver le talent, la créativité et la résilience qui existent déjà au sein de ces communautés. Elle réfléchit aussi aux difficultés rencontrées par les femmes entrepreneures noires, notamment celles liées à l’accès au financement, et elle explique comment les préjugés systémiques demeurent un obstacle dans leur cheminement.

Les réflexions de Kerlande nous rappellent que l'audace, la collaboration et un leadership intentionnel peuvent ouvrir la voie à une transformation significative. Écoutez cette discussion captivante sur la construction de communautés plus inclusives et plus résilientes. Écoutez dès maintenant sur votre plateforme de balado préférée ou rendez-vous sur : https://ccdi.ca/fr/balado