Changes

<big>[[Diversity and Inclusion Office|Homepage]] | [[Ask Me Anything: Courageous Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion|Ask Me Anything]] | [[Célébrer le service militaire passé et présent - Aperçu de la série « Demandez-moi n'importe quoi »|FR]]</big>

<big>[[Diversity and Inclusion Office|Homepage]] | [[Book Club]] | [[Célébrer le service militaire passé et présent - Aperçu de la série « Demandez-moi n'importe quoi »|FR]]</big>

[[File:ENG November 2024 AMA Banner.png|alt=|center|frameless|1073x1073px]]

[[File:Jody.png|alt=|center|frameless|512x512px]]

== '''<big>Celebrating Military Service Past and Present – Insights from the Ask Me Anything Series</big>'''  ==

== '''<big>Feeling Seen in a Disconnected World: A Conversation with Dr. Jody Carrington</big>'''  ==

<big>On December 5, 2024, the Diversity and Inclusion Office (DIO), Materiel Group, National Defence hosted a conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington and moderated by Samantha Moonsammy and Sarah Francescutti. In this event, open to all Defence Team and members across the Federal Public Service, participants asked questions to Dr. Jody on a range of topics including inclusion, accessibility, psychological safety, belonging and leadership. The event created a space for attendees to have courageous conversations and share their experiences openly and honestly.</big>

<big>As a part of Remembrance Day commemorations, the Diversity and Inclusion Office at Materiel Group, National Defence held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to highlight the diverse voices of our service members.</big><big>Entitled “Military and Veterans: Celebrating Service Past and Present,” panelists Major Ryan Carter, Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Emond, and Major Jangmi Mboumba-Hervé shared a lively discussion that was thoughtfully moderated by Lieutenant-Colonel Jean-François Moreau and Sailor 3rd Class Victor Wilson.</big><big>This event was an opportunity for civilians and military members alike to pose questions to a diverse panel of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Panelists and hosts spoke about service, inclusive leadership, and diversity in the CAF, illuminating aspects of life in the military service that are often under-discussed.</big>

<big>Throughout the AMA, the speakers emphasized the importance of service as a way of contributing to one’s community. LCol Adam Emond explained that “we can each serve our community in our own way. My co-panelists and I chose to join the military, but it’s just another form of service to our community.” S3 Victor Wilson expanded on LCol Emond’s comments, sharing that he joined the military as a “profound commitment to serving humanity and to serving my country.”</big>

<big>Feeling Seen and the Loneliness Epidemic</big>

<big>This commitment to service is a key facet of inclusive leadership. LCol Jean-François Moreau shared that, early in his career, he sometimes made mistakes and was punished for them—until, one day, one of his leaders practiced inclusive principles by taking the time to explain why his actions were a problem and suggesting an alternative. This small act, LCol Jean-François Moreau explained, put him on a new trajectory and his career flourished from there.</big>

<big>Dr. Jody began the conversation by sharing what it means to “feel seen” in a disconnected world.  She explained that “feeling seen” is a connection that goes deeper than simply having a shared like or dislike—it means having a shared understanding of one another’s experience.</big>

<big>Panelists and hosts highlighted the need for empathy, acknowledging mistakes, and embracing people in their full diversity to foster inclusion. They stressed the importance of community, self-care, and a support system. Maj Ryan Carter, a chaplain, explained, “Every chaplain needs a chaplain. Everybody needs somebody. We can’t make it alone.” Maj Jangmi Mboumba-Hervé added that overcoming imposter syndrome involves recognizing everyone’s importance and including all team members, especially those unsure of their place.</big>

<big>It’s also more than interpersonal communication and team building; it’s a neurobiological necessity. Human brains are wired for connection with others, and everybody has the need to feel seen. Without it, people are lonely or unable to regulate themselves emotionally.</big>

<big>As the event concluded, building community and fostering belonging emerged as key themes. S3 Victor Wilson encouraged joining networks like the [[Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program 2024|Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program]] to enhance your personal and professional growth.</big>

<big>Emotional regulation is the ability to keep one’s emotions in check in stressful situations or when others are upset or dysregulated. Dr. Jody explained that being able to emotionally regulate is the single greatest predictor of successful, inclusive leadership. That’s because emotionally regulated leaders can keep their cool under pressure, connect with their team, and help others regulate themselves as well. Being emotionally regulated allows us to have access to the best of other people and of ourselves</big>

<big>Creating diverse, inclusive communities is essential to the future of the CAF because it drives innovation, strengthens teamwork, and ensures every individual feels valued and empowered. As LCol Adam Emond so insightfully stated, “leadership really is not just about taking space. It’s about giving space to others.” By fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, we’re not just building a better workplace—we’re shaping a better, more united world.</big>

<big>That also means that everyone can be an inclusive leader at all levels, because we all set the tone in our workplaces. And often, helping a dysregulated person can be as simple as asking them to tell you more about what’s bothering them or getting them a glass of water.</big>

 

 

<big>Unfortunately, most people in the present world are not emotionally regulated, including members in our workplaces. And if we are not okay, how can we do our best work for the Canadian public we’re meant to serve?</big>

 

<big>On this point, Dr. Jody was clear: while we cannot fix every issue that arises, we can help ourselves. Making sure that we are okay first, then making sure our teams are okay, will ensure that we can do the best work for all Canadians. By using the tools and advice Dr. Jody shared–and building our networks through initiatives like the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program–we can foster a healthier, more inclusive Federal Public Service and Defence Team for all.</big>

==<big>'''Recording'''</big>==

==<big>'''Recording'''</big>==

{{Special:IframePage/YouTube|path=waxGqOVaIn4}}

{{Special:IframePage/YouTube|path=ITFzj1qjTlQ}}