Project Good Podcast

In this episode of the Project Good Podcast, host Annmarie Hylton interviews Hali Lee, a prominent figure in social impact and philanthropy. Hali shares her journey from her Korean-American upbringing to her influential roles, including the founder of Radiant Strategies and co-founder of the Donors of Color Network. The discussion delves into the systematic exclusion of minorities from traditional philanthropy, emphasizing the need for democratizing and diversifying the field. Hali introduces her concepts of collective giving and the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots of generosity. The episode also touches on practical ways individuals can engage in civic duties and philanthropy to address pressing social issues effectively.

 

00:00 Introduction to Project Good Podcast

00:34 The Exclusion of Minorities in Philanthropy

01:51 Interview with Hali Lee: Democratizing Philanthropy

02:58 Hali Lee's Background and Career

04:32 The Concept of Giving Circles

07:50 Hali Lee's Book and Its Timeliness

08:39 Philanthropy as Civic Engagement

09:25 The Impact of Loneliness and Community Giving

12:18 Democratizing and Diversifying Philanthropy

19:03 Wealthy People of Color and Philanthropy

23:15 The Power Dynamics in Philanthropy

29:34 The Need for Reeducation in Philanthropy

32:01 The Power of Collectives vs. Individualism

32:58 The Role of Technology in Modern Problems

36:23 The Importance of Civic Engagement

37:02 Philanthropy and Civic Education

37:47 Community Engagement and Local Issues

41:42 The Big We: A Collective Approach

44:14 Practical Steps for Civic Engagement

44:45 The Inspiration Behind 'The Big We'

54:32 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy

01:00:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

 

Hali Lee

Hali Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea and grew up in Kansas City. She graduated from Princeton University, studied Buddhism at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, and received a Masters in Social Work from New York University. Hali has worked in many capacities and served on many boards, often combining a love of learning, the arts and equitable social change.
Ms. Lee has spent her career doing her best to democratize and diversify the field and practice of philanthropy. She is the founder of Radiant Strategies and a co-founder of the Donors of Color Network, the first ever national project that is researching, engaging and networking high net wealth donors of color across race, ethnicity and life experience. She was a member of the co-design team that birthed Philanthropy Together in 2020, built to scale and strengthen the burgeoning collective giving movement nationally, and is a member of its inaugural advisory board. Hali is the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle, which raises resources for Asian American women using the arts to bring about social change in their NYC communities. In fifteen years, the Circle has made grants of over one million dollars in support of eighty amazing projects.
Hali’s first book, The Big We,  hit the shelves earlier this year and it covers how giving circles can strengthen change.

In this episode of the Project Good Podcast, host Annmarie Hylton interviews Michael Bach, an internationally recognized expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They discuss the origins and evolution of DEI initiatives, the challenges and backlashes faced by organizations, and the importance of sustainable and authentic DEI efforts. Bach shares his journey and insights into the financial and ethical imperatives of fostering inclusive work environments. They also explore the complexities of hiring for DEI roles and the critical need for long-term systemic change. This episode offers practical advice for businesses aiming to strengthen their DEI strategies amidst a rapidly shifting landscape.

 

00:00 Welcome to Project Good Podcast

00:26 The Evolution of DEI Initiatives

01:18 Introducing Michael Bach: DEI Expert

04:19 Michael Bach's Journey into DEI

07:00 Current State of DEI in 2025

14:05 Economic Impact of DEI Rollbacks

20:59 Ethics and Business: A Complex Relationship

25:19 Defining DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

30:32 The Post-COVID DEI Landscape

33:35 Advice for Companies on DEI

36:51 Challenges and Misconceptions in DEI

43:32 Creating Inclusive Work Environments

48:52 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Guest Bio

DEI expert Michael Bach who is a nationally and internationally recognized thought leader and subject matter expert in the fields of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), CCDI Consulting  and Pride at Work Canada.

Michael has worked professionally in the areas of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility for nearly 20 years, most recently as the founding CEO of CCDI and CCDI Consulting.

Prior to taking on this role, he was the national leader for diversity, equity, and inclusion for KPMG Canada. Additionally, Michael spent 2½ years as Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International.

Over the course of his career, Michael has received repeated recognition for his work, including being named:

• Women of Influence’s Canadian Diversity Champions

• Catalyst Canada Honours Human Resources/Diversity Leader

• Inspire Award as LGBTQ Person of the Year

• Out on Bay Street Leaders to be Proud of LGBT Advocate Workplace Award

• Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council’s IS Award

• Canadian HR Reporter Individual Achievement Award

In 2023, he was named as one of the 10 Most Influential DE&I Leaders Revamping The Future by CIO Views Magazine.

 

DEI expert Michael Bach covers many of these topics and issues in his 2020 book Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right which is a Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and Amazon bestseller, and he recipient of the silver 2020 Nautilus Book Award in the category of Rising to the Moment, and a finalist in the Legacy Nonfiction category for the American Bookfest's Best Book Awards. His new book Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work released in March of 2022 and is a Toronto Star bestseller and finalist in the General Nonfiction category for the American Bookfest's Best Book Awards.

In this episode of Project Good, host Annmarie Hylton interviews Neil Curtis, leader of Farm Up Jamaica, a local initiative aimed at revitalizing Jamaica's agricultural sector through climate-smart organic farming. The discussion covers the evolution of farming in Jamaica, the socioeconomic challenges faced by local farmers, and the comprehensive support model employed by Farm Up Jamaica. Curtis shares his personal journey into farming, the collaborative efforts of the Jamaican diaspora, and the importance of reeducating farmers with modern techniques. The episode also highlights the critical role of community-driven initiatives in fostering economic development and food security.

 

00:00 Introduction to Project Good Podcast

00:31 The Evolution of Farming in Jamaica

01:02 Introducing Farm Up Jamaica

02:28 Interview with Neil Curtis Begins

02:40 Challenges in Jamaican Agriculture

07:31 The Birth of Farm Up Jamaica

21:14 Community-Driven Farming Initiatives

26:57 The Importance of Local Farming

37:09 Empowering Jamaican Youth Through Agriculture

50:41 Call to Action for the Jamaican Diaspora

56:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

 

Farm Up Jamaica is a local initiative aimed at addressing some of the key challenges facing the agricultural sector in Jamaica. The program focuses on empowering Jamaican farmers, increasing food production, and promoting sustainable farming practices. It was launched in 2016 by the Jamaican Government, with the support of private sector entities, and other stakeholders. The program is designed to promote agricultural development, food security, and job creation within the rural economy.

Neil Curtis who leads FarmUp Jamaica and has decided to pursue a long-time heart-felt objective to tackle the current economic crisis in Jamaica through the revitalization of agriculture with climate smart organic farming.

With a strong family history in Jamaican farming, Neil understands the value and tradition of farming to live. In 2013, during the Jamaica Diaspora Conference, Neil met Jamaicans from the US, UK and Canada who shared a common, heart-felt concern regarding the underutilized agricultural sector. In contrast to Tourism, which represents 60% of the Jamaican Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Agriculture only represents 6% of the economy. Together, the Diaspora organized to form Farm Up Jamaica Ltd. which would work to help safeguard jobs & food security in addition to reducing crime through large-scale cultivation of organic produce.

In this episode of the Project Good Podcast for April, host Annmarie Hylton interviews Ledama Masidza, a young Kenyan leader in marine conservation. The discussion highlights the critical importance of ocean conservation for global health and biodiversity. Ledama shares personal anecdotes about his favorite fish and his passion for marine life, shaped by his upbringing in Kenya. The episode delves into significant threats facing our oceans, such as coral reef loss, pollution, and overfishing, and presents successful community-led initiatives for marine protection in Kenya and Indonesia. Ledama also touches on his organization, Kind World's Projects, which focuses on developing context-specific solutions in coastal communities globally. The conversation aims to inform and inspire listeners to take action in protecting our oceans.

 

00:00 Welcome to the Project Good Podcast

00:25 Introduction to Ocean Conservation

01:12 Meet Ledama Masidza: Marine Conservation Leader

03:01 Ledama's Favorite Fish

05:55 The Importance of Ocean Conservation

14:01 Threats to Our Oceans

19:04 Community-Led Conservation Projects

26:53 Global Impact and Future Aspirations

32:59 Kind World's Projects: A Vision of Kindness

40:26 Inspiration and Hope for the Future

48:28 Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved

 

Ledama Masidza is an emerging young Kenyan leader in marine conservation and community empowerment, fueled by an unwavering love for the ocean. Advocating for sustainability, Ledama drives transformative initiatives that champion community-led conservation and sustainable policies. His compelling stories and initiatives resonate globally, capturing hearts while bolstering coastal communities and revitalizing marine ecosystems.

In this episode of Project Good Podcast, host Annemarie Hylton interviews Dr. Autumn Backhaus, a clinical psychologist specializing in women's health with a focus on menopause. The conversation delves into the underrepresentation of menopause in mainstream media and the historical neglect of women's health in medical research. Dr. Backhaus emphasizes the significance of educating and supporting women through perimenopause and menopause, addressing their mental, emotional, and physical health needs. The discussion covers topics such as the stigmatization of menopause, the role of partners in supporting women, lifestyle adjustments for better health outcomes, and the importance of community and social connections. The episode aims to normalize and empower women through this natural life transition, highlighting the need for holistic and personalized approaches to hormone health.

 

00:00 Welcome to the Project Good Podcast

00:21 Introduction to Women's Health and Menopause

01:24 Interview with Dr. Autumn Backhaus

04:09 Holistic Approach to Menopause

08:40 Understanding Menopause Symptoms

27:30 The Role of Partners in Menopause

34:14 Understanding the Emotional Impact of Perimenopause

34:44 Using Humor and Third-Person Perspective

35:15 The Importance of Support and Communication

37:40 Navigating Perimenopause with Young Children

43:40 Workplace Accommodations for Women

48:40 Cultural Perspectives on Women's Health

57:42 Empowering Women Through Support and Mindfulness

01:06:48 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guest Bio

 

Dr. Autumn Backhaus who is a clinical psychologist who focuses on supporting women in moving from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to feeling centered and aligned with what truly matters to them. Her expertise: is Women’s health across the lifespan. She helps women navigate challenges in fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, caregiving, career, transitions, and sex. Dr. Backhaus has specialized training in peri/menopause and is particularly passionate about helping midlife women move from "surviving to thriving" through the important life transition.

 

Recently she launched her company Mid (ish) where she works to redefine what it means to thrive in midlife (and beyond). Together with her cofounder Dr. Shadi Gholizadeh they have leveraged their expertise in hormones, women, and health behavioral change to create transformative, evidence-based programs that empower women to navigate hormonal changes and build the lives they deserve. Their innovative approach isn’t just about addressing symptoms; it’s about unlocking potential, fostering resilience, and setting the foundation for vibrant longevity.

Empowering Women Through Strength Training: Interview with Sheena Shelton

 

In this episode of the Project Good Podcast, host Annmarie Hylton interviews Sheena Shelton, the founder of Bodied by Sheena, a certified personal trainer specializing in strength training and corrective exercise. The episode is in celebration of Women's Month and delves into the significance of strength training for women, particularly those aged 40-60 who undergo significant physical and hormonal changes. Sheena shares her journey into personal training and the transformative impact it has had on her life, emphasizing the importance of building inner strength and confidence through weightlifting. The conversation also explores health considerations for middle-aged women, the benefits of strength training for menopause symptoms, and the holistic approach Sheena takes with her diverse clientele. Sheena reveals plans for expanding her services to include virtual training to reach a broader audience in 2025.

 

00:00 Introduction to Project Good Podcast

00:25 Celebrating Women's Month with Sheena Shelton

01:28 Health Considerations for Middle-Aged Women

03:34 Sheena Shelton's Journey to Becoming a Personal Trainer

05:48 Strength Training and Women's Health

10:05 Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions About Strength Training

13:28 Training Approaches for Women Over 40

21:49 The Importance of Diet and Nutrition

24:27 Balancing Diet and Hydration

25:08 Office Diet Culture Memories

27:30 Mindful Eating Habits

28:18 Holistic Approach to Fitness

32:40 Transformative Client Stories

37:10 Embracing Body Diversity

44:20 Future Plans for Bodied by Sheena

45:36 Defining Fitness

46:20 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

 

Guest Bio:

Sheena Shelton Founder of Bodied by Sheena. Ms. Shelton is a  certified personal trainer specializing in strength training and corrective exercise. Her mission is to empower women to find their inner strength and confidence through the transformative power of weightlifting and proper form. She is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive space where every woman feels supported and valued along with being committed to walking alongside clients on their fitness journeys, providing personalized care and encouragement every step of the way. Together, with her clients she is building a community that lifts each other up, both physically and emotionally, fostering well-being and self-love.

Exploring the Future: Sustainable Development Goals and Foresight Thinking with Cat Tully

 

In this episode of the Project Good Podcast, host Annmarie Hylton interviews Cat Tully, founder of the School of International Futures (SOIF). The discussion focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, their current progress, and the challenges ahead. Tully shares insights on futures and foresight thinking, the importance of intergenerational collaboration, and the need for systemic changes to address complex global issues. They explore the relevance of the SDGs in today's turbulent world and discuss how future thinking can inspire positive change at local, national, and global levels. Listeners are encouraged to get involved and become active participants in shaping a better future.

 

00:00 Introduction to Project Good Podcast

00:27 Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

01:27 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Cat Tully

02:56 The Importance of Futures Thinking

21:28 Exploring Intergenerational Connections

26:00 The Role of Local Communities in Achieving SDGs

36:32 Global Political Shifts and Their Impact

44:56 Inspiring Projects and Final Thoughts

50:54 Conclusion and Call to Action

 

Guest Bio:

Cat Zuzarte Tully leads the School of International Futures (SOIF), a not-for-profit international collective of practitioners based in the UK who use futures thinking to inspire change at the local, national and global levels. SOIF has worked with organisations like the UN, Omidyar, NATO, the Royal Society and national governments to make the world fairer for current and future generations.  SOIF also supports a growing network of Next Generation Foresight Practitioners.

Previously, Cat served as Strategy Project Director at the UK Foreign Office and as Policy Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. She is a non-resident fellow at the US Government Accountability Office’s Center for Strategic Foresight and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Chilean Council of Foresight and Strategy.

Cat’s mission is to inspire individuals, communities, organisations and governments to reinvigorate democracy by designing, scaling and embedding a range of innovations incorporating thinking about the future.

 

Connect with us:

- Subscribe to the Project Good Work Blog to read the article version of the interview.

- If you have a passion for an unserved community, a social justice problem or want to change minds contact Project Good Work at www.ProjectGood.Work to start your project of change today.

Ensuring Racial Equity in America: Insights from Portia Allen Kyle

 

In this episode of the Project Good Podcast, host Annmarie Hylton discusses ensuring racial equity in America with Portia Allen Kyle, the interim executive director of Color of Change. They explore the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, systemic racism in different sectors like criminal justice, healthcare, and education, and the rollback of DEI initiatives under the new administration. Portia, who has a rich history in civil rights and racial equity, shares her experiences and insights on the importance of narrative, organizing, and building power to drive change. She emphasizes the role of joy in activism, the need for tangible solutions, and how Color of Change is tackling significant issues like corporate accountability, tech regulations, and tax reforms. The episode concludes with Portia's call to action, urging individuals to find their community, take collective action, and maintain hope in the fight for racial justice.

 

00:00 Introduction to Project Good Podcast

00:26 Current State of Racial Equity in America

01:31 Interview with Portia Allen Kyle

03:19 Challenges and Solutions for Racial Justice

06:24 Portia's Personal Journey and Motivation

16:35 The Role of DEI and Corporate Accountability

25:52 Strategies for Building Power and Organizing

38:58 Color of Change's Focus and Initiatives

50:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Speaker Bio:

 

Portia Allen-Kyle is the Interim Executive Director of Color Of Change, a digital-first organization powered by millions of members nationwide leveraging campaigns, organizing, and narrative pressure against government and corporations to act on real solutions for racial justice. In this capacity, she leads the organization’s strategic advocacy and day-to-day operations.

 

She previously served as a Biden-Harris Administration appointee as Senior Advisor for Equity, Policy, and Stakeholder Engagement in the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg. For over 15 years, Portia has spent her career advancing civil rights and civil liberties through a lens of racial equity by crafting innovative policy reports and solutions, building and supporting coalitions, and implementing legislative and stakeholder engagement strategies. She is also the author of Advice to Thrive By: How to Use Your Resume and Cover Letter to Build Your Brand and Launch A Dynamic Public Interest Career, a book aiming to demystify public interest career trajectories for law students and young attorneys. She earned her J.D. from Rutgers Law School, her M.A. in African American Studies from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Africana Studies and Economics from Wellesley College. Portia has been featured as a speaker or quoted in print by outlets including the Washington Post, Bloomberg Law, NBC News, Associated Press, Semafor, and more.

 

Connect with us:

- Subscribe to the Project Good Work Blog to read the article version of the interview.

- If you have a passion for an unserved community, a social justice problem or want to change minds contact Project Good Work at www.ProjectGood.Work to start your project of change today. 

Addressing Poverty in California: A Conversation with EPIC President Devon Gray

In this episode of the Project Good podcast the focus is on combating poverty in the United States, with

special emphasis on California. The podcast features Devon Gray, president of End Poverty in California

(EPIC), who discusses the stark statistics of poverty in California, the systemic issues contributing to

economic disparity, and EPIC's work in advocating for equitable policies. Gray shares insights from his

personal journey and highlights the importance of changing the narrative around poverty. The

conversation explores potential solutions like increasing affordable housing, strengthening safety nets,

and implementing programs like baby bonds to reduce the wealth gap.

00:00 Welcome to Project Good Podcast

00:26 Understanding Poverty in the United States

01:48 Interview with Devon Gray: Ending Poverty in California

09:27 Defining Poverty in the U.S. and California

13:07 Policy Choices and Economic Security

19:27 The Role of Government and Public Perception

28:53 Empowering Communities Through Advocacy

31:06 Broadening the Lens on Poverty

32:50 The San Francisco Effect

34:59 Economic Refugees and Housing Crisis

35:58 California's Influence on National Trends

38:41 The Domino Effect of Housing Shortages

41:29 Burnout and Economic Security

44:47 California's Unique Strengths and Challenges

49:57 The Importance of Progressive Politics

54:59 EPIC's Future Focus: Baby Bonds Program

01:00:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

Guest Bio:

Devon Gray the President of End Poverty in California or (Epic). EPIC aims to end poverty in California by

elevating the voices of people experiencing it, creating and implementing bold policies rooted in their

needs, and advancing a state agenda focused on equal opportunity for all.Prior to joining EPIC, Devon was a director with Evergreen Strategy Group, where he advised gun

violence prevention organizations on policy and strategy.

Devon previously served in the Newsom Administration as Special Advisor to the Governor’s Chief of

Staff and is an alumnus of national and statewide political campaigns. He is a graduate of Stanford Law

School and the Stanford Graduate School of Education, and lives in Orange County where he serves as a

delegate to the California Democratic Party.

Connect with us:

- Subscribe to the Project Good Work Blog to read the article version of the interview.

- If you have a passion for an unserved community, a social justice problem or want to change minds

contact Project Good Work at www.ProjectGood.Work to start your project of change today.

In a world full of continuous distractions being able to give your full attention to one thing at a time is powerful. According to stats from Workplace Trends and The Guardian on average, employees lose 2.1 hours per day to distractions. This can add up to 720 hours of lost productivity per year. 

98% of employees are interrupted at least three or four times a day. The average employee experiences 56 interruptions per day. Companies lose out on substantial profits due to distractions. Businesses in the United States lose upwards of $650 billion annually due to distracted employees. Distractions can lead to employees committing twice as many errors as usual. It takes 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully recover focus after a distraction. 

Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) can't focus for even 30 minutes without getting sidetracked. 92% of employers see lost focus as a major organizational problem. Not surprisingly the number one distraction in today’s world is your cell phone. Most people cannot go 30 minutes without touching it.

This has led to the increase in anxiety, feelings of overwhelm, depression, fear of missing out, social isolation and the list of negative emotions goes on.

Since it is unlikely that billions of people will be throwing away their cellphones anytime soon what if you could learn how to use it for your betterment as a human being and others?

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

- Mindful Moments [5:35]

- The Why [8:06]

- The Lift [11:00]

-  Breaking from the Matrix [14:00]

-  Our Identity [16:23]

-  Be Still [18:56]

-  Catch Yourself [21:00]

-  AI Life [28:30]

-  The Presence of Photos [32:40]

-  The Language of the Planet [35:11]

-  Faith [41:24]

- Mindfulness [46:00]

- Getting Started [52:00]

 

 

 

Connect with us:

- Subscribe to the Project Good Work Blog to read the article version of the interview.

- If you have a passion for an unserved community, a social justice problem or want to change minds contact Project Good Work at www.ProjectGood.Work to start your project of change today.