Season 2 | The Unlock: Humanity at Work

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We are kicking off the second season of The Unlock with a conversation about the world of work, and what we all seem to need more of (hint: human-centered leadership). In light of the many shifts happening to how we work and where we work, we’ll talk about our human capacity to do hard things and persevere - so long as we stay strong in our core, and lean on each other along the way. You’ll get a preview of the types of stories and experiences that we’ll feature this season - from conversations with CEOs, to surgeons, to scholars to entrepreneurs who are leading with humanity at work and in their lives.

Join Dr. Leah Brown and Sumona as they talk about the courage and resilience we have within. As an active member of the US Navy, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon for professional athletes and everyday humans, and a Board Member for several institutions and entities, Dr. Brown shares her views on the resilience of humankind, and what it takes to stay centered and strong no matter what you face in life. 

Join Dr. Sumona De Graaf in an inspiring interview with Ronni Abergel, founder of The Human Library. With pop-up libraries all over the world, communities and companies have recognized the value of encouraging honest conversations between people who have different lived experiences. The Human Library brings people together to learn and understand one another, tapping into our innate capacity to be curious and learn. 

Wendy Clark has been a CEO of worldwide ad agencies and was a senior marketing executive at one of the world’s most iconic brands: Coca-Cola. In her career, she has driven growth and impact across the globe and shares what she believes to be the secret formula: people.  Listen to Wendy share her personal mantra, and learn from her expertise as she offers advice to companies and leaders who are finding the courage to be brave, live by their values and speak their truth. You’ll walk away inspired and energized to become a better version of yourself as a leader at home and at work. 

Listen in on a conversation about power, purpose, and privilege between Sumona and Matthew McCarthy, former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever executive of 25+ years. In the first of two episodes, Matthew will share about his experiences early in his career, and how he found the courage to ask why. He’ll also talk about power, and the importance of recognizing how those who are most powerful are often least informed. 

Listen in on the second-half of a conversation between Sumona and Matthew McCarthy, former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever executive of 25+ years. Matthew will continue to talk about power, purpose and privilege and offer his perspective on what the world needs now from leaders. He’ll share moments that tested his leadership, how he listened with curiosity and empathy as he learned about topics that were foreign to him but so deeply important to those he led, and reminds us to see our roles as leaders to be a privilege and a gift, rather than a burden on our time. The conversation may shape how you think about leading people moving forward.

Join Dr. Kecia Thomas and Dr. Sumona De Graaf as they explore over 30 years of Dr. Thomas’ research and work in diversity, equity and inclusion. Listen in as they contemplate some of the most pressing issues of the modern workplace, talk about the experiences of being seen and belonging, and offer guidance on how leaders can create more inclusive and productive work environments for human beings to thrive. 

Join Sumona as she explores the topic of learning agility with consultant and author, Dr. Veronica Harvey, who has spent the past thirty years studying and advising on the topic of learning in organizations. She will share how leaders can gain personally and build exceptional cultures when they focus on learning, unlocking the fullest potential of what we are capable of. 

In the season finale, Sumona reflects on the past season’s guests and the leadership lessons we learned about human-centered leadership.

Sumona talks about the research that her team at idealis is doing about the hardships and heartaches of leadership today. As we kick off a new year, Sumona reminds us of the blurred lines between work and life, and how leaders and companies can shape how we lead our lives in and outside of work.

She reflects on the consequential role we play as leaders as we shape the human experiences of those we lead at work, in the workplace and the world – and how we can spread humanity at work with simple, intentional, meaningful human interactions.