Leading by Association – In Conversation with Barry Alexander

Join Generation1.ca’s Founder and CEO, Arundati Dandapani, as she dives into the eye-opening results of a recent Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) study in her latest podcast episode of Leading by Association with Barry Alexander, CMA’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Diversity Officer. This research reveals how polarizing topics are reshaping workplace behavior, driving self-censorship, and limiting social interactions—especially in companies lacking diverse leadership.

The measurement of what is happening in our industry is so important and then the opportunity to use that insight to take action and to make recommendations to implement programs that can impact the long term of our industry in Canada and make a long-term impact has been something that’s been with me very early in my journey here but a very rewarding one as part of this experience [at the CMA].

Barry Alexander, CMO and Chief Diversity Officer, CMA

Why does this matter? Polarization stifles collaboration, but inclusive leadership creates a space where every voice matters, unlocking the full potential of the workforce and propelling organizations toward sustainable growth. Generation1.ca is at the forefront of this transformation, empowering immigrants and advancing workplace inclusion through our renowned career fairs, case competitions, networking events, webinars, education and mentorship opportunities.

As a platform dedicated to championing immigrant equity and inclusion, and an active signatory participant in the government’s 50:30 initiative, Barry Alexander’s insights strongly align with our mission. Our Founder, Arundati Dandapani, has written and presented on these topics at industry forums. Her compelling conversation with Barry underscores the critical need for inclusive workplaces that foster open dialogue and embrace diverse perspectives. Together, they delve into how such environments fuel creativity, enhance employee satisfaction, attract top talent, and drive innovation, reinforcing the transformative power of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Tune in now to hear more strategies on fostering inclusive workplaces from Arundati, a registered mentor at the CMA, Upnotch, and Humber Polytechnic’s International Graduate School, where she also teaches, in addition to all the career-advancement related activities happening at Generation1.ca that build pathways to rich, multidisciplinary fields with high employment and employability opportunities across data, tech and insights.

If you are an immigrant seeking mentorship in marketing, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with marketing leaders through CMA’s new program to seek mentorship in a new country. Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our founder’s monthly newsletters that point you to such career-enhancing resources and opportunities. Empower your future and create real change—because representation is just the beginning.

Watch the discussion below.

Tune into this on Spotify.

Leave a Reply