Episode Summary:

In this episode of Reframe for Resilience, I’m joined by Lorenzo Fedele, Vice President of Human Resources at Campari US. Together, we explore the art of creating cultures of belonging in the workplace and examine the nuanced ways cultural differences shape employee engagement. Lorenzo shares his fascinating journey from Italy to Hong Kong and now the US, offering personal insights and professional strategies that have helped him foster inclusivity and resilience across diverse teams.

We dive into the dynamics of belonging, the evolving definitions of success, and the importance of equity and inclusion. Lorenzo’s perspective, shaped by his global experiences, will inspire leaders and teams alike to embrace diversity and create environments where everyone thrives. If you’ve ever wondered how to build stronger workplace connections or lead with empathy, this conversation is for you.

Timeline Summary:

[1:05] – Introduction to the podcast and today’s guest, Lorenzo Fedele, VP of HR at Campari US.

[2:00] – Lorenzo’s global journey: from Italy to Hong Kong to the US.

[4:11] – Choosing a career in HR: from organizational psychology to positive psychology in the workplace.

[6:14] – Comparing cultural differences: commitment, inclusion, and engagement across Italy, Hong Kong, and the US.

[10:00] – The importance of belonging: fostering an environment where people feel supported and celebrated.

[11:38] – Viewing diversity as a set of lenses: a metaphor for embracing perspectives.

[13:07] – Self-empowerment and redefining success in the workplace.

Link & Resources:

● Learn more about Campari Group and their brands: Campari

● Explore topics on resilience and leadership: Safe Haven Dialogues LLC

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for joining us on this thought-provoking episode of Reframe for Resilience. If you enjoyed this conversation with Lorenzo, please share it with your colleagues, rate and review the podcast, and follow us for more inspiring episodes. Together, let’s continue to flex our resilience muscles!

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Reframing for Resilience, I sit down with Allison Mairena, the VP of People at New Globe, who shares her fascinating journey from studying languages to becoming a leader in international HR and people management. Allison talks about her experiences working across diverse cultures—from China to Sub-Saharan Africa and India—and how these environments have shaped her approach to communication, leadership, and cultural adaptability. We explore the nuances of navigating high-context and low-context cultures, fostering inclusion, and learning from hierarchical and egalitarian team dynamics. Alison also offers her wisdom on managing stress, balancing work-life challenges, and the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in leadership.

Timeline Summary:

[2:11] - Allison’s unique path from studying languages to becoming a VP of People

[6:30] - Insights on transitioning from teaching in Beijing to HR roles in Shanghai

[12:45] - Navigating communication across high-context and low-context cultures

[17:20] - Using The Culture Map by Erin Meyer as a resource for understanding cultural differences

[24:10] - Balancing egalitarian and hierarchical team structures in international organizations

[30:52] - The power of self-awareness, vulnerability, and asking for help

[37:15] - Allison’s three key lessons for handling stress and fostering resilience

Links & Resources:

• The Culture Map by Erin Meyer

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for tuning in to this inspiring conversation with Allison Mairena! Her insights remind us of the power of resilience and cultural awareness in both personal and professional settings. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share it with others who might find it helpful. See you next time on Reframing for Resilience!

In this insightful episode of Reframing for Resilience, Dr. Frank L. Douglass sat down with Marcus Holmes, an HR strategist and General Manager of the City of Detroit, to explore the vital role of human resources in building resilient organizations. Marcus shares his unique approach to HR, coined "HR Passion Dial," which emphasizes the synergy between people, processes, passion, and purpose. We dive into the importance of employee engagement, empathy, and leadership in shaping a thriving workplace culture, and Marcus recounts several experiences that demonstrate how addressing employees' emotional and psychological needs can lead to greater collaboration and trust.

We also touch on critical moments from Marcus’ career, including navigating complex labor negotiations, handling grief in the workplace, and managing large-scale organizational change. Marcus explains how he's learned to embrace challenges by focusing on building relationships, understanding business operations, and fostering a culture of collaboration. This episode is packed with practical insights on resilience, leadership, and organizational development—perfect for anyone looking to enhance their HR strategies or leadership approach.

Key Highlights:

• [2:12] – Marcus explains the origin of his "HR Passion Dial" and why passion drives success in human resources.
• [8:35] – A "day in the life" of Marcus as an HR leader overseeing policy, planning, and operations for the City of Detroit.
• [13:47] – Marcus shares a powerful story of handling grief in the workplace and how it fostered trust and collaboration among employees.
• [25:04] – The importance of learning the business side of HR and how it shapes a successful career in human resources.
• [35:18] – Managing change within organizations and strategies to help employees navigate transitions while maintaining resilience.
• [45:10] – The role of empathy in leadership and empowering employees to overcome personal and professional challenges.
• [54:34] – Reflecting on Marcus' key career milestones and lessons learned from managing large-scale HR projects.

Links & Resources:

• Marcus Holmes’ book: The Gratefulness Journey Every Day
• Dr. Frank L. Douglas’ book: Until You Walk in My Shoes

Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share the podcast with others. Your support helps us continue bringing insightful conversations that inspire resilience in both personal and professional life!