Join John Kandray on the Interaction Podcast as he sits down with Zane Syed, a seasoned IT sales leader with over 20 years of experience in banking and software solutions. In this engaging conversation, Zane shares his journey from individual contributor to leadership, revealing the key skills, mindset, and emotional intelligence required to lead high-performing teams effectively. Discover insights on: Servant leadership and creating psychological safety for your team Emotional regulation and un...
May 27, 2026•39 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of Interaction Podcast, host John Kandray sits down with Christine Wolf, Director of Learning and Development, to explore how neuroscience, empathy, and emotional intelligence shape modern leadership and organizational culture. Christine shares his expertise in leadership development, employee engagement, and culture-building, offering a unique perspective on how understanding the human brain can empower leaders and teams to thrive in rapidly changing workplaces. Through their di...
May 13, 2026•39 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Joseph Machicote, a seasoned HR executive, cultural engineer, and author, with over 30 years of experience across hospitality, talent development, diversity leadership, and executive HR roles. Joseph shares how culture can be intentionally designed and treated as a core business function rather than a vague set of values on a wall. He dives into practical strategies for building trust, communication, and accountability across organiza...
Apr 29, 2026•31 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of the Interaction Podcast, host John Kandray sits down with Esayas Wureta, leader of inclusion, belonging, and community impact at CSAA Insurance Group, for a deep and thoughtful conversation on culture, leadership, and what it truly takes to build people-driven organisations. Esayas shares how inclusion and belonging are not just internal initiatives, but essential drivers of business performance, employee engagement, and community resilience. Drawing on real-world experience, ...
Apr 15, 2026•32 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with James Hutson, Chief AI Researcher for Human-Centered AI at Lindenwood University, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, education, and what it means to remain human in a rapidly automated world. James brings deep insight into the concept of human-centered AI, challenging the dominant efficiency-first mindset shaping most AI adoption today. Drawing from research across education and the workforce, he explains why many or...
Apr 01, 2026•37 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Christopher Lee Johnson, the Chief Diversity Officer at Frost Brown Todd, where he leads strategic initiatives that strengthen inclusion, equity, and organizational culture. Christopher brings a rich perspective on how curiosity—the willingness to ask, explore, and challenge assumptions—drives both personal and professional growth. Through his experiences in diversity leadership and organizational development, he reveals how curiosity...
Mar 18, 2026•30 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Wendy Bradford, a mission-driven Human Resources Executive known for shaping inclusive, high-performing workplaces and leading people-centered transformation. With a career defined by resilience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to human potential, Wendy shares her personal and professional journey — one marked by growth, challenge, and purposeful reinvention. Her story shines a light on how trials, transitions, and pivotal ex...
Mar 04, 2026•30 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Heather Stewart, the Director of Employee Learning and Development at College of the Canyons, where she leads initiatives designed to strengthen employee growth, engagement, and organizational culture. Heather brings a powerful perspective on how a people-focused approach can elevate performance, build trust, and create meaningful impact at every level of an institution. Drawing from her extensive experience in learning and developmen...
Feb 18, 2026•33 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray sits down with Keith Powers, an experienced Executive Coach and Leadership Advisor, to explore how transparency in leadership fuels trust, team alignment, and sustainable growth. Keith shares valuable insights on creating open communication cultures, handling tough conversations with honesty, and building teams that thrive on accountability and mutual respect. From leadership authenticity to strategic decision-making, this discussion highlights t...
Feb 04, 2026•33 min•Ep. 19
In this insightful episode of Interaction, host John Kandray welcomes Dr. Frank Gonzalez, a respected Leadership Coach and Organizational Psychologist, to discuss how leaders can navigate chaos with honesty, positivity, and authentic connection. Dr. Gonzalez shares practical strategies on maintaining clarity and integrity in times of uncertainty, fostering trust within teams, and turning disruption into opportunity. From building emotional resilience to leading with empathy and optimism, this co...
Jan 21, 2026•30 min•Ep. 18
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Robert Resnick, a leading Leadership Development Expert and Executive Coach, to explore how leadership simulations are transforming the way people learn, grow, and lead. Robert shares his expertise on using experiential learning tools and simulation-based training to build real-world leadership skills. From creating safe spaces for leaders to practice decision-making to designing immersive experiences that mirror complex organizationa...
Jan 07, 2026•28 min•Ep. 17
In this powerful episode of Interaction, host John Kandray is joined by Dr. Kristal Walker, a distinguished Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, and Learning & Development Expert, to unpack what it truly means to champion organizational culture and lead proactively in an era of constant change. Dr. Walker shares her insights on how great leaders cultivate learning mindsets, empower teams through intentional development, and create cultures where innovation thrives. From reimagining leadership as...
Dec 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Timothy Tolino, the Global Director of Benefits, Mobility, and Wellness at Hunter Douglas, where he leads large-scale employee programs that support an evolving global workforce. With extensive experience designing benefits and wellness strategies across borders, Timothy offers a unique viewpoint on how workplaces have transformed not just structurally, but culturally, technologically, and in terms of human expectations. From shifts i...
Nov 26, 2025•30 min•Ep. 15
In this powerful and insightful conversation, John Kandray sits down with Elyssa Campo, Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Ceres, to discuss how to develop, implement and measure strategic DEI initiatives across talent management, event planning, programming and talent development. Connect with Elyssa on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyssacampo/ I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads! - John Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.lin...
Nov 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 10
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 explor...
Oct 29, 2025•31 min•Ep. 13
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 up...
Oct 15, 2025•31 min•Ep. 12
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/caquara...
Oct 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 11
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.link...
Sep 19, 2025•32 min•Ep. 12
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 intentio...
Sep 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 9
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 wo...
Aug 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 8
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 ...
Aug 06, 2025•28 min•Ep. 7
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 behi...
Jul 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 6
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 inte...
Jul 09, 2025•26 min•Ep. 5
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...
Jun 25, 2025•26 min•Ep. 4
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 ...
Jun 11, 2025•28 min•Ep. 3
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 ...
Jun 04, 2025•32 min•Ep. 2
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—p...
May 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1
