She+ Geeks Out Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Anouska Bhattacharya, VP of Programs at YW Boston, for a conversation that somehow ties together the imperialist history of the gin and tonic, the absolute barbarism of mammograms, and the future of equity work in a post-DEI world.Anouska shares her origin story as a "recovering academic" who traded the ivory tower for community organizing, and explains how her neurobiology background helps her understand why systems can, and must, be unlearned. We get into how DEI work is evolving (spoiler: call it civility, call it employee engagement, the work continues), what it means to find joy as fuel for sustainability, and why she's currently tap dancing in her Watertown basement while performing in a burlesque reimagining of the Nutcracker.Plus: ice shipped from Massachusetts to India, dense breasts, and a love story between Pluto and its moon. You know, the usual. 😂Chapters:[00:00] Intro & Workshop Promo: Reimagining the Future of Work Together[09:19] Meet Anouska: A Recovering Academic's Origin Story[14:07] Why History of Science? Drawing Lines Between Normal & Abnormal[17:30] The Three Pillars: Leadership, Community & Joy[21:13] How Felicia & Rachel First Met Anouska[22:01] The Imperialist History of the Gin & Tonic[28:06] Ice Ships from Massachusetts to India[33:36] The Mammogram Rant[38:37] Hard Pivot: The State of DEI Work[43:40] Renaming the Work: Civility, Employee Engagement & Beyond[49:52] Did Companies Ever Really Care? Risk Mitigation vs. Real Change[53:11] Finding Balance: Tap Dancing, Plants & Pluto's Love Story[56:22] The Slutcracker & the Radical Power of Art[60:35] Colonialism, Modesty & Reclaiming Our Bodies[61:14] Station Eleven: Survival Is Insufficient[64:05] Building Community in Hard Times[66:10] Where to Find Anouska & Slutcracker Performance Dates Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

The robots aren't in charge... yet!In this episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, we chat with Rashmi Jolly, founder of Assideo Consulting, global innovation leader, and deeply thoughtful future-of-work nerd, to talk about what happens when AI collides with humanity, power, and culture.Rashmi shares her wild journey from immigrant kid with “doctor or bust” expectations, to Wall Street, to entrepreneurship in women’s health and genetics, to roles at the Economist Intelligence Unit, Mastercard, and Bain’s innovation group, and now to life split between Dubai, Zurich, and her kids’ school in the U.S. Together, we explore:How AI is being treated like the new high-priced consultant, and what gets lost when leaders trust the tool more than their own peopleThe quiet ways generative AI is eroding creativity, learning, and confidence, especially for younger workers who never got to solve problems without itThe ethics red flags Rashmi is most worried about, from biased datasets in women’s health to opaque data collection and “empathetic” chatbots that are a little too good at keeping us hookedHow different countries (including China, Singapore, and the UAE) are regulating tech, education, and kids’ screen time, and what the U.S. might learn from that, even with all the complexities and human rights concernsWhy psychological safety is non-negotiable for real innovation, and how framing work as “serving another human” changes everythingRashmi also shares hopeful stories about her kids and their peers, the emotional language they’re developing, and why she still believes the next generation can pull us out of this feverish tech dream and back into a more grounded, human way of working.If you care about AI, inclusion, power, leadership, and what kind of world we’re handing to young people, this one will stick with you long after you hit pause.Episode Chapters:(0:00:07) - Intro (Felicia and Rachel) Neuroscience of Trust in Workplace(0:10:16) - Navigating a Dynamic Work Landscape(0:16:45) - Reimagining Work in AI-Era(0:28:00) - Balancing Empathy in AI Development(0:41:33) - Building Psychological Safety for Innovation(0:54:19) - Ethical Concerns in AI Development(1:00:52) - Cultural Perspectives on Future Work Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We’re joined by Christina Peoples, gerontologist, age enthusiast, and the brilliant mind behind GeroWhat?!® Christina is on a mission to make aging real, joyful, and something we all engage with, no matter how old we are. We love this for us!Together, we explore:Why aging isn’t just about older adults, it’s about all of usHow ageism intersects with race, gender, and power in the workplaceWhat workplaces miss when they equate “fresh energy” with youthThe value of intergenerational connection, curiosity, and empathyWhy reframing aging as a privilege can change everythingWe also share laughs over acid-wash jeans, hearing aids, and The Golden Girls, and unpack the “stereotypical baggage” we all carry when it comes to age. Whether you’re 25, 95, or somewhere in between, this conversation invites you to rethink how we grow older and how we can build workplaces (and lives!) that honor aging as a shared human journey.Tune in and get inspired. Because aging is for everyone!Chapters(0:00:07) - Intro: Felicia and Rachel Talk About the Future of WorkWe share a workshop envisioning a more inclusive and collaborative future workplace amid uncertainties like AI and climate change.(0:12:29) - Passion for Aging and GerontologyInterview with Christina! Discovering passion for aging, exploring life course, and early experiences with older adults in gerontology.(0:27:17) - Intersectionality and Cultural Values in AgingHow age discrimination intersects with race and gender, influenced by cultural and generational values in the workplace.(0:40:08) - Promoting Age-Inclusive Work EnvironmentsIndividuality in the workplace, ageism, intergenerational connections, reducing bias, and valuing curiosity and innovation.(0:49:45) - Navigating Aging and AuthenticityEmbracing identity and style as we age, challenging societal beauty standards, and valuing intergenerational relationships.(0:59:50) - Aging With Intention and EmpowermentAging brings shared experiences and challenges, including the use of orthotics and hearing aids, and the importance of intergenerational dialogue. Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

What does it mean to co-create a future that’s not rooted in fear, but in connection, expansion, and conscious choice? In part two of our conversation with intuitive guide Cindy Aaker, we move beyond surface-level spirituality and dive deep into the energetic shifts reshaping our world—from AI and algorithmic decision-making to collective awakening, planetary upheaval, and yes, off-planet visitors too. :DWe also unpack Felicia’s recent experience speaking at Startup Boston Week on the ethical dimensions of AI in hiring and performance, and explore how technology can either amplify fear or help us reconnect with each other, depending on how we choose to use it.This episode blends the practical and the metaphysical, the personal and the planetary. It’s for anyone who feels like the world is in chaos and wants a reminder that something new is being born and we each have a part to play.Expect big feels, wild truths, and a surprising amount of hope!Listen to Part 1 of our conversation with Cindy hereChapters:(0:00:07) - Felicia and Rachel chatFelicia shares her experience at Startup Boston Week and thoughts on AI at work.(0:15:08) - Welcome Cindy! Navigating Fear in Aquarius AgeCindy reflects on societal changes, confronting hidden issues and navigating fear with higher guidance.(0:27:10) - Exploring Collective Fear and Shifting TimelinesCollective fear, cosmic phenomena, and timeline jumping are discussed in relation to current events and maintaining a positive energy level.(0:34:10) - Navigating Future Visions and Cosmic ShiftsThe Mandela Effect, timeline shifts, global inequality, astrological insights, heart-centered pursuits, and open-mindedness towards change.(0:50:22) - Embracing Positive Possibilities and EnergiesNegativity bias, mental framing, and positive thinking can transform our lives and lead to a fulfilling future.(0:55:25) - Overcoming Fear, System Breakdown, Cosmic ShiftResilience and awakening in the face of challenges, societal structures, generational impact, and preparing for transformative years ahead.(1:08:57) - Reclaiming Power Through Stillness and NatureReclaiming personal and collective power in a world dominated by the 1% and fear, through meditation and connecting with nature.(1:15:15) - The Power of Joy and VibrationPrioritizing joy leads to personal fulfillment, positive influence, and effortless progress in a harmonious world. Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, we sit down with the visionary Doc Jana—author, mystic, former DEI consultant, and certified death doula—to explore what it really means to lead with heart in a world on fire.We talk about embracing awkwardness, navigating spiritual awakenings, stepping away from performative professionalism, and time traveling into a more just and joyful 2035. Doc shares their journey from growing up as an army brat to founding Manifest Equity® and helping people imagine a radically better future, starting from within.We also touch on:Burnout in DEI and the cost of being “the only one”The connection between birth, death, and leadershipThe fall of capitalism (yes, we go there)Why joy is a form of resistanceHow to anchor yourself when everything’s shiftingThis one goes deep. And yes, there will be a part two! In the meantime, tune in, take a breath, and maybe even schedule some joy time.Podcast Chapters(0:00:07) - Felicia and Rachel Intro(0:13:47) - Welcome Doc! Doc's Origin Story(0:26:07) - Navigating Time Travel and Spiritual Alignment(0:36:10) - Spiritual Responsibility and Cultivating Joy(0:46:53) - Awakening and Collective Transformation(0:50:52) - The Transformative Power Dynamics of DEI(0:54:39) - Navigating Spiritual Transition and PurposeLinksDoc JanaA Psychic Story Podcast InterviewManifest Equity®  Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.