What does it mean to belong when your lived experiences are not always reflected in the very systems meant to support your growth? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi, founder of Accelerate Her Future, for an intimate and powerful conversation about the career development experiences of Indigenous, Black, and racialized women in the workplace.

Drawing from key findings of a national research project funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre, they unpack career development needs and gaps, as well as promising practices and opportunities shared by women across sectors—pointing to what’s already working and what must shift. This episode invites us to reimagine career development for greater belonging.

Resources mentioned in episode:
Accelerate Her Future Research Report and 2025 Summit
Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi's website and TEDx talk
Dr. Bharini Bhattacharya's research on Invisibility of Work
Campfire Kinship

In this solo episode, Gayathri sharers her raw, unfiltered thoughts on a major career milestone: pursuing a PhD.

Re-entering academia after two decades in industry and entrepreneurship, Gayathri pulls back the curtains on the hard questions, doubts, and insights that shaped her choice to enter University of Calgary's inaugural Transdisciplinary Research program. 

From a literal hammock moment of inspiration to mentors' future-oriented perspectives, she explores what it means to belong in academia.

If you’ve ever wondered whether if a PhD is right for you - or if you’re simply curious about the behind-the-scenes journey - this episode is for you.

Resources mentioned in episode:

Kindle Your Spark Career Story Crafting
On the transition to entrepreneurship - Podcast Episode
On LotusSTEMM project with. Dr. Chaudhary - Podcast Episode
On Vipassana - Podcast Episode
Newsletter
LinkedIn
Instagram

What if the harshest critic you ever faced…was inside your own mind?

In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla is joined by TEDx speaker and award-winning author Kalyani Pardeshi, who shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming burnout and self-bullying. Drawing on her bestselling book Beyond the Inner Critic, Kalyani unpacks the conscious and unconscious voices that shape our motivation, self-worth, and ability to belong. 

This conversation is an invitation to gently examine the stories we tell ourselves, and to remember that growth begins not in perfection, but in permission to feel, to pause, and to belong to ourselves.

Resources mentioned in episode:
Kalyani's website and Instagram
Campfire Kinship

What happens when we redefine success by balancing the masculine and feminine energies in our lives?

In this episode, Gayathri sits down with Kinia Romanowska, founder of Pros&Babes, to explore how these energies - logic and intuition, structure and creativity - manifest not as gendered traits but as complementary forces that drive personal and professional growth.

Kinia shares insights from her journey as an entrepreneur and working parenthood strategist, offering actionable tips on energetic hygiene, healing, and embracing seasonality.

Together, they discuss how mothers in STEM and other demanding fields can align their ambitions with well-being, rediscover their feminine power, and create spaces for authentic belonging.

Resources mentioned in episode:
www.engineerlikeamom.com
www.campfirekinship.com

"Belonging is what makes vulnerability survivable."

In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Andrea Silverstone and Carrie McManus from Sagesse to explore the deep connection between belonging and innovation, drawing lessons from their latest book, Innovation at the Back of the Bus.

Through personal stories, they reveal how feelings of worthiness—or the lack of it—impact our ability to create, collaborate, and push for systemic change. Drawing from their new book Innovation at the Back of the Bus, they discuss why vulnerability is key to meaningful innovation, how healing attachment wounds supports stronger communities, and why fun and failure must coexist on the path to real social change.

Content Warning: This episode includes mention of domestic and sexual abuse in the context of Sagesse’s work. Please listen with care. 

Resources:

• Sagesse.org
• CampfireKinship.com

What does decolonization have to do with belonging? More than you might think.

In this powerful conversation, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Elaine Alec, author, speaker, and Indigenous leader, to explore her new book, Coming of Age, and lessons such as: 

- The real meaning of decolonization—beyond the fear and misconceptions
- How colonial systems were built on control, exclusion, and shame
- Why belonging starts with acknowledging and embracing our humanness

If you’ve ever wondered how to approach the process of decolonization in your work and life, this episode is bound to inspire you! 

Resources mentioned:
Elaine's LinkedIn
Website and New Book, Coming of Age
campfirekinship.com

What does it mean to belong when you’re constantly navigating the weight of cultural expectations, professional ambition, and personal identity? 

In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla is joined by Dr. Roopali Chaudhary, founder of Lotus STEMM, for a deeply personal conversation about the intersectional struggles South Asian women face in STEMM.  From unspoken family pressures to the invisible load of being the "only" in a boardroom, they explore how identity shapes our choices and outcomes. They also further unpack the concept of "meta-reflexivity" - a promising early finding from their WAGE-funded project, Breaking Barriers, to advance systemic solutions for equity in STEMM. 

By weaving together story and insight, this episode invites us to reimagine belonging at the intersections of culture, gender, and science. Learn more at:

lotusstemm.org
campfirekinship.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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:

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