In this episode, we sit down with Necko Fanning, a DEI and Culture Leader, writer, and editor whose career has been dedicated to driving meaningful organizational change through inclusion, empathy, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience leading diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, Necko brings a thoughtful perspective on how companies can navigate change, build stronger cultures, and empower people to bring their full selves to work.

Our conversation explores how inclusive leadership fuels business growth, why authentic storytelling matters in shaping workplace culture, and what it takes to create lasting impact in times of transformation.

Connect with Necko on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/necko-fanning-735511144/?skipRedirect=true&restoreScroll=true&miniProfileUrn=null&enhance=null

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this inspiring conversation, John Kandray sits down with Peter Mostachetti, Senior Director of Employee Experience, Learning, and Inclusion at Ipsy.

They discuss Peter’s journey, his approach to building inclusive workplace cultures, and how employee experience and continuous learning are shaping the future of work. Tune in to hear insights on leadership, authenticity, and creating environments where people truly belong.

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this inspiring conversation, John Kandray sits down with Christine Alba Quaranto, Director of Learning and Talent Development, to explore the impact of effective leadership development and learning strategies in today’s workplace. Christine shares her insights on aligning corporate initiatives with talent programs, fostering a culture of continuous growth, and designing engaging training that motivates and empowers teams. 

Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caquaranto/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this episode, John Kandray sits down with Malaika Serrano, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) at Guild Education. Malaika shares her journey of building and scaling an award-winning enterprise learning and inclusion function at a high-growth startup, and how she leverages AI to design strategies that strengthen leadership pipelines, expand learner capabilities, and foster inclusive, high-performing cultures.

Connect with Malaika on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaikaserrano/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this powerful and insightful conversation, John Kandray sits down with Alex Zeitz, Head of International Operations, Resiliency, and Inclusion at Virgin Voyages. Alex shares how Virgin Voyages is redefining the culture of cruising by prioritizing inclusion, belonging, and accessibility—not just for guests (“sailors”) but also for its diverse crew of nearly 100 nationalities. From eliminating visual hierarchies on board to infusing diversity into everyday experiences, Alex details the intentional systems behind creating a space where everyone can thrive. This episode dives deep into leadership accountability, psychological safety, and the real ROI of inclusion.

Connect with Alex on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderzeitz/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy

The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this dynamic conversation, John Kandray welcomes Lillian Evans—Director at the Train to Flu Institute at SUNY Oswego and CEO of “Just a Little Bit”—to unpack what authentic inclusion and equity really mean in modern workplaces. Lillian dives into the tension between generational expectations, the real meaning of belonging, and why diversity work must go deeper than surface-level DEI checkboxes. With a refreshingly candid and thoughtful presence Lillian shares how leaders can start building workplaces where people don’t just belong—but thrive.

Connect with Lillian on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilliandarleneevans/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy

The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this powerful episode, John Kandray is joined by John Bryson, Senior Director of Learning and Development at Rangam Consultants, to discuss how organizations can create cultures of empathy, inclusion, and psychological safety. With decades of experience in disability employment and neurodiversity advocacy, Bryson shares practical strategies for transforming workplaces—especially in how leaders show up, manage conflict, and create space for all voices to be heard. This is a must-listen for HR leaders, DEI professionals, and anyone looking to lead with more intention and impact.

Connect with John on LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bryson-ms-ed-49a15b2a/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #DEI #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #DiversityAndInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalCulture #InclusionMatters #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #HybridWork #DEIStrategy #WorkplaceInclusion
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray, explores the future of work through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership, and workplace culture. Each episode features conversations with DEI experts and leaders sharing practical strategies for building inclusive, engaged, and resilient organizations. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or passionate about creating fair workplaces, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help you lead with empathy, authenticity, and purpose. Tune in for the latest on fostering inclusion and driving positive culture change.

In this episode, John speaks with Steve Sorenson, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at Johnsonville. The conversation offers a rare, inside look at how Johnsonville is operationalizing its mission to develop people’s “God-given talents” in a modern business context. Steve shares powerful stories about leading with vulnerability, coaching through discomfort, and holding high standards without compromising humanity. From birthday cards to humble candor, this episode brings out the heart behind the sausage brand’s culture.

Connect with Steve on LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sorenson-994a5915/

#interaction #newpodcast #newseries #foryou #podcast

In this episode, John Kandray sits down with Trudy Halliman, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Flick Hospitality Group. Trudy shares her 15-year journey with the company, including her current DEI leadership role and the organization’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity and hospitality excellence. Their conversation dives deep into workplace culture, employee well-being, and the strategic integration of DEI in daily operations. They also explore the impact of AI, emotional intelligence, and how to future-proof company culture through transparency, psychological safety, and continuous growth opportunities.

This is a masterclass in human-centered leadership. Trudy’s insights are not just thoughtful—they’re actionable. A must-listen for HR leaders, DEI professionals, and anyone building people-first workplaces.

#interaction #newpodcast #newseries #foryou #podcast

In this insightful and energizing episode, John sits down with Dr. Joanna Thompson, Director of DEI at One Workplace. They explore the evolving nature of inclusion, belonging, and well-being in today’s hybrid workplace. Joanna brings a refreshing, grounded perspective shaped by her experience in both higher ed and the corporate world. The conversation ranges from the tactical—like building community through team summits and ERGs—to the deeply personal, such as the emotional labor of DEI work and the challenge of vulnerability at work. A must-listen for anyone navigating culture change and trying to future-proof their organization.

#interaction #newpodcast #newseries #foryou #podcast

In this powerful conversation, John Kandray interviews Drury (Dru) Fulcher, a DEI leader working within a local management entity in North Carolina. They dive deep into the evolving challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's workplace climate, the quiet rollback of DEI initiatives, and what it truly means to create a culture of engagement, empathy, and trust. Dru emphasizes the necessity of leadership consistency, emotional intelligence, and redefining "soft skills" as core leadership competencies. Their exchange sheds light on how organizations can retain talent by building meaningful, values-aligned cultures—even amid systemic shifts and organizational grief.

#interaction #newpodcast #newseries #foryou #podcast

In this powerful conversation, John Kandray interviews Drury (Dru) Fulcher, a DEI leader working within a local management entity in North Carolina. They dive deep into the evolving challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's workplace climate, the quiet rollback of DEI initiatives, and what it truly means to create a culture of engagement, empathy, and trust. Dru emphasizes the necessity of leadership consistency, emotional intelligence, and redefining "soft skills" as core leadership competencies. Their exchange sheds light on how organizations can retain talent by building meaningful, values-aligned cultures—even amid systemic shifts and organizational grief.

#interaction #newpodcast #newseries #foryou #podcast

In this episode, John Kandray sits down with Tyrone Quarterman, Director of Inclusion and Diversity at Day & Zimmermann. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of workplace fairness, allyship, and the role of AI in the future of work. Tyrone offers thoughtful takes on equity vs. equality, how leaders can genuinely support marginalized voices, and why openness and transparency are key to attracting and retaining talent. The conversation is rich with actionable insights and human moments—perfect for DEI professionals and leaders looking to create more inclusive and resilient organizations.