by Staff | Oct 29, 2020 | Business, Community, Leadership, Management
As we have heard many times we are in unprecedented times. The world is watching as the United States elects its next President. It will impact what happens with organizations and how individuals show up. The current election is showing the polarization that exists within our societies and communities. This current election is calling for a deep reflection as individuals and as a nation as to what will you stand up for? What do you believe in? What are you willing to let happen in your world? These questions are ones we should be asking ourselves on a regular basis as organizations and as individuals.
Many organizations are taking the stand to remain non-partisan while they want to support their staff and their resiliency stocks this time. Staff are challenging the status quo by asking to display the pride flag, examining the organizations for their commitment to equality and equity of BIPOC and asking leadership to take a stand and in some cases, any stand.
When staff are challenging the status quo, in reality they want to know they are safe and if the organization is inclusive. Employees want to make sure that their values are aligned with the ones of their company. They want to know their voice matters and they matter. It’s important to make them feel accepted no matter who they are.
The beauty to organizations is that they are finding out what culture their staff want. They are also discovering what supports are needed to be more inclusive. This presents itself as an opportunity to organizations to reflect on their inclusivity practices. When employees are taking a stand for what they believe in this election, employers will get an insight on what culture they want to create to better support their staff. Most of all, they are finding out what will support their employees and their resiliency.
Resiliency is key when supporting your teams during change. Resiliency can be the saving grace from burn out.
4 Ways To Build Resilience in Your Team
- Checklists and Guides
During times of change, you don’t want to be adding more stress to your employees. Therefore, creating checklists and guidelines can help employees have something to turn to when feeling overwhelmed. Having a standard operating procedure can help newer staff learn the procedures that are set in place.
- Training
When on-boarding new employees, it’s important for them to feel comfortable and included in the organization. Having team meetings to get to know each other and develop an understanding for one another is a great way to promote cohesion amongst the team.
- Debriefing Sessions
During turbulent and stressful situations, it’s important to have debriefing sessions with your team. This way everyone can reflect and explain the highlights and the areas of improvement for when the next challenge may arise. Encouraging this team discussion will promote a more supportive and inclusive environment for all staff.
- Work Culture
The final piece of the puzzle for resilience. Work culture. Managers should display positive behaviours in order to create an inclusive environment for all. In an inclusive environment, employees should feel safe to speak up, share bad news, reach out for help and thank their colleagues for their expertise.
This is the time to think about inclusive culture. To think, plan and strategize on how to be more inclusive. No matter the outcome of the upcoming election, it is important and vital for your employees to feel supported and safe at their workplace. Creating a sense of belonging amongst all departments and positions will put your employees at ease during these turbulent times.
Setting up an inclusive strategy for your organization is the first step into creating a sense of belonging and safety to your employees of diverse backgrounds and abilities. However, knowing where to start can be a daunting task. This is where Veza helps. Veza and its team of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) experts will help guide your organization through its EDI journey through our Assessment. The Assessment will help you pinpoint areas of improvement with actionable recommendations to help kickstart your organization’s EDI journey.
To get a snapshot of how your organization is doing for inclusivity, Veza offers a free Self Assessment. If you’re left wanting more after the Free Assessment, your organization can take the plunge into Veza’s Full Assessment.
Click here to take Veza’s free Assessment!
by Manpreet Dhillon | Jul 4, 2018 | Business, Community, Culture, Diversity, Leadership
At veza, we honour the work of inspiring leaders every single day. Not just the known and notable but rather, everyday women who are drawing upon and celebrating their culture while making a lasting difference in their community using their gifts. From authors and teachers, CEOs to entrepreneurs, not-for-profit directors, artists, and more, these women are changing the face of leadership.
These are truly women to watch and veza community is so pleased to share their brilliance.
May their stories inspire YOU to rise.
Meet Julie Archambault.
Julie grew up in Montreal where her bicultural-linguistic identity was stuck between Anglophone and Francophone communities, which meant she needed to sort out her identity amidst some hostility. As a child, she was very adventurous and loved walking in the woods and following streams all the way to their source, which is interesting to think of today since she’s someone who follows problems all the way to the source of it.
She always want to get to the Truth. Spiritually, she has always been quite open but living in an environment that was mostly concerned with the material items proved to have its challenges for her. Later in life, she would have to relearn to trust her spiritual gifts and not hide them! At one point, she went underground with them. She was passionate about life: a tiger in sports, an introvert that used acting to own her power and voice.
Then, it was the activist years: Julie wanted to change the world so that it would be a more respectful place. She became a teacher for the same reasons. Then, she had to understand why she was having so much trouble getting into healthy relationships. And this proved to be the start of a very deep inquiry about sex. About toxic relationships. About our childhoods. She started interviewing all kinds of people. She also trained as an Akashic Record Consultant since this was the modality that was helping her heal so fast and efficiently.
Then, she birthed “Fifty Shades of Connection: from Violently Disconnected to Blissfully Connected Sex” a book that follows this spectrum and discovers the laws of energy governing sex and our sexual energy. (Almost ready to print) Now, she has launched a business called Co-Creative Sex and has led programs to help her participants heal their sexual energy.
She is just getting her momentum going. She has so much to share on sex; game-changing information is on the horizon!!!
Tell me in 100 words who you are? How would you describe yourself.
I’m a woman on a mission! : ) I believe in helping people reaching their full human and spiritual potential. I have discovered some really powerful insights on how to heal our sexual energy and how this in turn helps us to heal our lives. Nothing like empowering women to embody their full selves, and this includes their sexual energy. Our sexual energy holds the imprint of all our wounding. What an amazing teacher to tune into!
So tell us, Julie: What inspires you most? What motivates you to get up every morning?
I feel motivated to fully embody who I am. I want to fully live into my potential and accomplish my mission on earth! Which keeps on revealing itself to me. Once I got a little fortune on my yogi tea bag. It said, “Without realizing who you are, happiness cannot come to you.” And this is true. This is why I am so motivated to “realize” who I am. And, it is starting to all make sense now! Exciting times!
What is it that you feel that you teach others through how you act/show up each day?
I teach people to connect to their hearts, to their feminine power, to their feelings, to their power. I teach people to release all past traumas so that they can show up fully and shine in their potential. I teach people about vulnerability and deeper connection to their partners or future partners. How to be more visible and speak one’s truth. I help people own their “shit” and “shadow” so that they can move forward in life. I teach people how to go from “violently disconnected to blissfully connected sex” and bring clarity on a whole slew of “loaded” subjects around sexuality. I help people understand what energetic transaction they are participating in and why.
What is one change you’d like to see in the world?
Seeing women fully empowered and walking in their divine light and men supporting them. Expressions of Healthy Sexuality and Healthy Relationships. (I.E. Not accepting to be lured into toxic relationships and sexuality. Empowered to manifest a wholesome, supportive, connective and exciting sexual relationships for themselves.) Helping people embody their power and light.
Which of your contributions to date have given you the greatest sense of pride?
If you know a leader we should feature please invite her to share her story with us here.
by Manpreet Dhillon | Jul 4, 2018 | Business, Community, Culture, Diversity, Leadership
At veza, we honour the work of inspiring leaders every single day. Not just the known and notable but rather, everyday women who are drawing upon and celebrating their culture while making a lasting difference in their community using their gifts. From authors and teachers, CEOs to entrepreneurs, not-for-profit directors, artists, and more, these women are changing the face of leadership.
These are truly women to watch and veza community is so pleased to share their brilliance.
May their stories inspire YOU to rise.
Meet Aimee Sehwoerer.
After founding a worldwide Marketing Consulting firm, Aimee joined Investors Group in 2014. She is a well-known mentor and advocate for financial literacy, featured in magazines and television.
She is passionate in helping clients achieve their financial goals through various areas of financial planning. She builds and maintains strong relationships by delivering short and long term quality sound advice on investment, debt and estate planning issues that we face today, for Canadian families and growing businesses.
Currently enrolled in the Certified Financial Planning programs, while supporting and volunteering with small organizations and various boards and committees.
Aimee is an entrepreneur and civil rights advocate, who is passionate about financial education.
She is a die hard lover of chocolates, novels and adventures!
So tell us, Aimee: What inspires you most? What motivates you to get up every morning?
I find it rewarding to wake up knowing that I will make a difference in someone’s financial life, that will enable them to reach their financial goals and live the life they’ve always wanted. It doesn’t get better that!
What is it that you feel that you teach others through how you act/show up each day?
Discipline and Mindset!
What is one change you’d like to see in the world?
End to any form of abuse and bullying.
Which of your contributions to date have given you the greatest sense of pride?
Partnering up with organizations such as BYOBF, Mompreneurs Canada to discuss about financial challenges and solutions, with simple language, values and goals that resonate with me and many other women’s.
If you know a leader we should feature please invite her to share her story with us here.
by Manpreet Dhillon | Jun 19, 2018 | Previous Content
It was 5 years ago today I saw Taranveer, my brother for the last time. As I reflect back to those moments, my heart just wanted to give him so much love where my soul told me to let go. I remember touching his head as a proud loving older sister would have even though I had just finished yelling at him – yes that is the relationships of siblings.
The words I said harshly popped into my head over time the last few years at first I felt shameful and guilty but over time I realized that this was a wonderful lesson, I know my words can be harsh so I need to be careful with how I say them and in what context.
Communication is a key attribute of any relationship. I know that I can communicate my feelings well through written words rather than in person which is why I had apologized to him and he apologized to me on the phone first and then through text message.
We both knew that we needed to heal whatever was said as he was going on a journey – we did not know that his journey was going to be one of leaving his human body.
We are all on a journey so words will be said, actions will be done but it is important to remember what is the feeling that you truly feel for that person. If we are speaking from the heart then the words are softer. When we speak from the ego, the words are harsher.
The conversations of truth and understanding each other are very important. It is important to express what is going on so that others can lessen their judgements of you but maybe they won’t. That is why it is important to choose what you are sharing and with whom.
Even if your words are meant to be of love and understanding, others have their own filters so it is important to remember how you intend to say something is not how it may land. Therefore listen to what they have to say.
I wish I had listened more that day to understand what his reasons were and what he was trying to tell me but my ego was speaking.
Now when I know my words are from my ego, I take a breath so I can listen with my heart. The heart wants to hear others through the love you have for them.
Are you leaving conversations with words from your heart? If not, maybe it is time to listen from your heart. This applies in all relationships whether be it at work or personal as human relationships are relationships.
by Manpreet Dhillon | Mar 16, 2018 | Business, Community, Culture, Diversity, Leadership
At veza, we honour the work of inspiring leaders every single day. Not just the known and notable but rather, every day women who are drawing upon and celebrating their culture while making a lasting difference in their community using their gifts. From authors and teachers, CEOs to entrepreneurs, not-for-profit directors, artists, and more, these women are changing the face of leadership.
These are truly women to watch and veza community is so pleased to share their brilliance.
May their stories inspire YOU to rise.
Meet Mani Gill.
Mani Gill was born in Ludhiana, India but grew up in England and now lives in Surrey, BC. She has a BBA in Human Resources but found being self-employed a lot more interesting. Mani has over 11 years of experience working in the family business as a Mortgage Broker but has since pursued a career as a Real Estate Agent. The satisfaction of putting a client in the home of their dreams is an extraordinary feeling, and Mani loves to make the process easy and stress-free for her clients.
Working in the family business was great, but over time she felt like she wasn’t being challenged enough for her own growth. Working as a Real Estate Agent gave her the freedom to work hard and be challenged without the security of her family. It was a big step, but one that she’s glad she took. She currently works around Surrey, Langley & White rock areas.
Mani has always been passionate about real estate and is dedicated to helping others through the process of buying or selling a home. She takes time to continually upgrade her knowledge, training, and professional expertise and is up to date on current market trends. More importantly, she takes the time to listen carefully to her clients and to fully understand their wants and requirements.
In addition, she can call on the resources of her entire company and other professionals to assist in any situation that may be presented to her. Mani is dedicated to her clients, loves to work, and is willing to put in the time and effort to get her listings sold. She is committed to her clients’ success!
She has been a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society for 10 years, and will be starting “Laughter Yoga” in April: she feels that with the daily stress that everyone goes through, this would be a great place to release tension and have a good time.
So tell us, Mani: What inspires you most? What motivates you to get up every morning?
For a few years, I got lost with life because at that time nothing was going the way I wanted it to. But now I realize that there was a reason behind that, which I just couldn’t see at that time. Knowing I have a few close friends and family members who believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself. I am blessed to have some really incredible people in my life who have taught me to live my life on my own terms. My dreams are my biggest motivator because I honestly believe that everyone has the capability to make their dreams come true.
How do you feel that your actions teach or inspire others?
I try to inspire others by showing them inner strength: by doing things that are out of their comfort zone. I didn’t do this myself for the longest time, but I eventually realized there is no growth in your comfort zone. The only way to grow is when you are uncomfortable.
What is one change you’d like to see in the world?
There are so many changes that I would like to see, but one that stands out the most to me is facing your fear instead of running away from it. Fear does not have to be a bad thing—it can be a driving force with which you can move forward.
Have faith in the path you have chosen, and believe in God. There is a bigger purpose for us all here, and it’s up to us to make it happen.
Which of your contributions to date have given you the greatest sense of pride?
My most proud moment up until now is not just one moment: it’s that every moment that I have made a decision for myself to empower myself. Those decisions have made me feel good about myself—inside and out.
Anything else you would like to add?
Please join me when I start up my Laughter Yoga sessions. I am so looking forward to it.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Mani! Learn more about her work and stay connected via Facebook under Mani Gill – Realtor
These everyday heroes embody the fact that we ALL do amazing things that other people may not know about, simply because these stories aren’t shared publicly.
At veza, our biggest mission is the change that…starting with our weekly #leadersofveza showcase!
If you know a leader we should feature please invite her to share her story with us here.
Ishu Kler is a photographer and Social Media Manager at Veza Global. She currently owns and operates a freelance photography company called Ishu Kler Creative where she specializes in branding, portrait and event photography. Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., her love and passion for photography led Ishu to travel and live in New Delhi, India, where she obtained her Diploma in Photography. She also travelled to Costa Rica in 2015, where she obtained her Certificate in Documentary Photography from Photographers Without Borders.
Kelsey is a passionate Multimedia Designer & Communications Specialist with a diploma in Multimedia Production and over nine years of diverse design experience in different areas of the world including roles within multinational in-house marketing teams Microsoft and Technetix, marketing agencies and freelance. These experiences have led her to develop strong use of design principles, skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, knowledge in motion graphics and video editing, and knowledge in creating effective communication for a wide range of audiences and cultures.
