81. How to Become a Competent DEI Practitioner: {Maria Morukian}
08/04/23 • 26 min
In today’s episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue interviews Maria Morukian, an inspiring leader with nearly two decades of experience in the realm of organisational development, with a keen focus on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and intercultural competence. With a relentless drive to build bridges across the landscape of our differences, Maria shares insights into the systemic challenges and barriers often obstructing the path to DEI in organisations.
“But really my drive, my focus, my purpose is to build connections with individuals and groups, especially across the landscape of our differences so that we are better equipped to be able to address the systemic challenges and barriers that so often get in the way and are perpetuated when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Episode Highlights:
● The importance of diversifying influences and content
● The importance of self-work in training and talent development
● The importance of listening to multiple perspectives
About Maria Morukian:
Maria Morukian is a recognized organisational development practitioner specialising in training, coaching, and facilitation with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Maria is the President of MSM Global Consulting, and an adjunct faculty member at American University’s School of International Service. She previously served in leadership and organisational development positions at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute and the U.S. Department of State. She has also served in leadership positions at Management Concepts and the National MultiCultural Institute.
Maria has trained and coached thousands of individuals around the world to build practices for better communication, foster competent and respectful workplaces, and navigate conflict for meaningful culture change. She has worked with such diverse clients as PBS Distribution, the National Park Service, National Institutes of Health, the World Bank, and the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.
Maria is a sought after speaker and has presented at numerous events, including TEDx, the Forum on Workplace Inclusion, the Association for Talent Development, Blacks in Government, and Ellevate Women’s Network. Her work has been published in Forbes, the Association for Talent Development’s Public Manager, and she is author of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace (ATD, 2022).
Maria is host of the podcast Culture Stew, which focuses on the multidimensionality of identity and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Maria earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Organisational Studies and Spanish, and a Master’s Degree from American University in International Communication. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters. She is an avid runner, dancer, reader, traveller, and lover of theatre.
Socials:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-morukian
https://www.linkedin.com/company/msm-global-consulting
Instagram:
mariamorukian
msm_global
Facebook:
Maria Morukian
MSM Global Consulting
Twitter:
@MariaMorukian
@GlobalMsm
Podcast: Culture Stew is on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Libsyn, and Audible
If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: [email protected]
If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: [email protected]
If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:
Stay Connected with Ashanti:
LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue
In today’s episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue interviews Maria Morukian, an inspiring leader with nearly two decades of experience in the realm of organisational development, with a keen focus on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and intercultural competence. With a relentless drive to build bridges across the landscape of our differences, Maria shares insights into the systemic challenges and barriers often obstructing the path to DEI in organisations.
“But really my drive, my focus, my purpose is to build connections with individuals and groups, especially across the landscape of our differences so that we are better equipped to be able to address the systemic challenges and barriers that so often get in the way and are perpetuated when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Episode Highlights:
● The importance of diversifying influences and content
● The importance of self-work in training and talent development
● The importance of listening to multiple perspectives
About Maria Morukian:
Maria Morukian is a recognized organisational development practitioner specialising in training, coaching, and facilitation with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Maria is the President of MSM Global Consulting, and an adjunct faculty member at American University’s School of International Service. She previously served in leadership and organisational development positions at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute and the U.S. Department of State. She has also served in leadership positions at Management Concepts and the National MultiCultural Institute.
Maria has trained and coached thousands of individuals around the world to build practices for better communication, foster competent and respectful workplaces, and navigate conflict for meaningful culture change. She has worked with such diverse clients as PBS Distribution, the National Park Service, National Institutes of Health, the World Bank, and the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.
Maria is a sought after speaker and has presented at numerous events, including TEDx, the Forum on Workplace Inclusion, the Association for Talent Development, Blacks in Government, and Ellevate Women’s Network. Her work has been published in Forbes, the Association for Talent Development’s Public Manager, and she is author of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace (ATD, 2022).
Maria is host of the podcast Culture Stew, which focuses on the multidimensionality of identity and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Maria earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Organisational Studies and Spanish, and a Master’s Degree from American University in International Communication. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters. She is an avid runner, dancer, reader, traveller, and lover of theatre.
Socials:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-morukian
https://www.linkedin.com/company/msm-global-consulting
Instagram:
mariamorukian
msm_global
Facebook:
Maria Morukian
MSM Global Consulting
Twitter:
@MariaMorukian
@GlobalMsm
Podcast: Culture Stew is on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Libsyn, and Audible
If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: [email protected]
If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: [email protected]
If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:
Stay Connected with Ashanti:
LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue
Previous Episode
80. The Power of Clarity: Transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue delves into the myriad of facets in the world of leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. After a brief hiatus, Ashanti returns with a candid discussion, revealing the recent whirlwind of personal and professional challenges and changes that have kept her away from the mic. This episode invites you into an intimate journey of personal growth, mindset shifts, and professional evolution that has fundamentally transformed how she shows up as a human being, a leader, and a DEI practitioner. Discover how her instinctive methods of operation as revealed by the Colby Index have influenced her evidence-based approach in the DEI sphere. Listen on to uncover the vital importance of the clarity stage, her self-created framework to foster meaningful change, and learn why she staunchly disagrees with relying solely on lived experiences to form organisational strategies. Ashanti’s refreshing honesty in sharing her experiences is a testament to her commitment to thought leadership, promising a podcast episode that is as personal as it is profound.
“We need to get people to be thinking deeper than just we need to do this as an organisation, or that's what's expected of us, or that seems to be the right answer. We need to go deeper than that. So that the interventions, the supposed solutions that we are recommending are actually going to be fit for purpose, are actually going to shift culture and are actually going to create transformation in some way or another in that organisation. It's so important.”
If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: [email protected]
If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: [email protected]
If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:
Stay Connected with Ashanti:
LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue
Next Episode
82. Unlocking Success: The Traits of Effective HR Directors and CEOs in Driving Change
In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue delves into the traits that set successful HR directors and CEOs apart. Pulling from a trove of hands-on experience and case studies, illuminating what makes some leaders stand out in facilitating effective organisational changes. The importance of working closely with HR and other key stakeholders within the company's structure is explored, emphasising the power of unity and synergistic effort. This episode gives valuable insights into the significance of trust, respect, and shared expertise. Ashanti discusses how these elements pave the way for smooth, result-oriented interventions, even when faced with challenges and resistance within the organisation. Listen in as Ashanti highlights the necessity of fostering a mutual understanding, allowing both the external consultants and the in-house team to offer their unique perspectives and solve problems together. This episode is a goldmine for anyone seeking to enhance their skills in building rapport, navigating company dynamics, and becoming a trusted strategic advisor within an organisation. Prepare to reevaluate your approach to organisational change and DEI implementation.
If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: [email protected]
If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: [email protected]
If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:
Stay Connected with Ashanti:
LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue
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