Successful Leaders

Demonstrate System / Critical Thinking

  • •E.g., gender-based analysis+:

    •be cognisant of how gender is the most fundamental source of differentiation we make of people;

    •be critical – challenge assumptions and ideas of gender neutrality;

    •be systematic – by applying this lens consistently and thoroughly and be transparent

Encourage and Support Innovation

Orient Themselves Strategically to the Future

Champion and Orchestrate Change

EDI-Informed System Transformation

Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, University of Ottawa & Canadian Health Workforce Network

Successful leaders think systemically to help achieve System Transformation, the final S in the LEADS Framework. System transformation is not only focused on the health system, but also on systems that perpetuate inequity, lack of diversity, and exclusion within the health system, be that sexism, racism, ableism, classism, ageism or settler colonialism. This can be daunting for health leaders but it builds on the previous elements of the LEADS Framework. By leading from where they are presently situated, successful leaders can champion and orchestrate systemic change. The first capability, systems thinking, can be augmented through tools such as Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), where the plus refers to other EDI dimensions of visible minority and Indigenous status, and disability, among others. A GBA+ perspective encourages leaders to be cognisant of the forms of differentiation, to challenge commonly held assumptions (i.e., unconscious bias) and to systematically apply this lens consistently and transparently across all leadership activities. The federal Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), formerly Status of Women Canada, hosts a number of GBA+ tools as a starting point. EDI-informed systems transformation requires leaders to move beyond their own leadership journey and develop capabilities to strategically assess which key societal structures pose the strongest barriers to EDI and to strategically orient themselves to support innovation and champion change.

Indigenous social exclusion to inclusion: Case studies on Indigenous nursing leadership in four high income countries

This paper highlights the visibility of Indigenous nurses' efforts in advancing strategic approaches for improving health outcomes and resource allocation. Using a Kaupapa Māori case study approach, Indigenous nurse academics from four countries identifies strategies for change, such as Indigenous nationhood, nursing leadership, workforce development, culturally safe practice, and activism.

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African Nova Scotian nurses' perceptions and experiences of leadership: a qualitative study informed by Black feminist theory.

This study addresses anti-Black racism in health care practice and leadership positions of African Nova Scotian nurses.

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Canadian Association of Radiologists Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canadian Radiology.

This article examines the commitment of the Canadian Association of Radiologists to including EDI into the workplace.

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Gender imbalance amongst promotion and leadership in academic surgical programs in Canada: A cross-sectional Investigation.

This paper examines the representation of women surgeons in academic leadership positions across Canadian universities.

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Women's Participation in Leadership Roles in a Single Canadian Paramedic Service.

This article asseses women participation in leadership roles in paramedicine and concludes that women are underrepresented in leadership roles.

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Leadership for change: how medical associations are working toward equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The first paper in the four-paper series "Leadership for change"presents the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians frameworks, EDI strategies and institutional programs.

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Building More Bridges: Indigenous leadership in a study assessing the impact of distance to care on markers of quality HIV care in Saskatchewan

This paper discusses how Indigenous living with HIV in Saskatchewan can play a major role in HIV research and HIV care.

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Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility: From organizational responsibility to leadership competency

This paper discusses anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and barriers within the health sciences and proposes the LEADS framework to boost leadership of the racialized groups.

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Race, Health & Happiness

Navigating professional life as a "racialized" person can be exhausting. Join Dr. O, a Public Health Physician Specialist in Toronto, as she interviews guests who are overcoming the obstacles of overt and institutionalized racism to achieve their professional goals while creating healthy and fulfilling lives. If you'd like to learn about thriving in the face of adversity while staying well, this is the podcast for you.

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Canada, Other/Mixed, General, Document Report, Race Ivy Bourgeault Canada, Other/Mixed, General, Document Report, Race Ivy Bourgeault

Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The National Inquiry’s Final Report reveals that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people. The two volume report calls for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across the country.

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Canada, MB, Other/Mixed, General, Webinar, Engage Others, Race Ivy Bourgeault Canada, MB, Other/Mixed, General, Webinar, Engage Others, Race Ivy Bourgeault

White Fragility: Why its so hard for white people to talk about race

Dr. Robin DiAngelo participates in a panel discussion at the University of Manitoba. The panellists explore the violence of ongoing settler colonialism and whiteness in relation to health and well being in Canada. Dr. Anderson speaks of the myth of “colour blindness” in Canada because of Universal Health Care in Canada we treat everyone the same despite evidence of great disparities in health between white settlers and Indigenous peoples and people of colour

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Call it out

A 30-minute interactive eCourse that offers a foundation for learning about race, racial discrimination and human rights protections under Ontario's Human Rights Code. The course offers a historical overview of racism and racial discrimination, explains what “race,” “racism” and “racial discrimination” mean, and provides approaches to preventing and addressing racial discrimination.

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Canada, Women Leaders, Leadership, Article, ON, Healthcare, Bias, EDI Ivy Bourgeault Canada, Women Leaders, Leadership, Article, ON, Healthcare, Bias, EDI Ivy Bourgeault

The missing voice of women in COVID-19 policy-making

The article highlights the underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles in Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Women, especially working mothers, bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities and are affected by job loss. Their voices are essential to advocate for investing in care infrastructure, which is crucial for economic recovery.

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Canada, Other/Mixed, Everyone, Article, ON, Healthcare, Bias, EDI Ivy Bourgeault Canada, Other/Mixed, Everyone, Article, ON, Healthcare, Bias, EDI Ivy Bourgeault

In health care, do the people in power reflect the people they serve?

Despite initiatives to promote diversity on Ontario healthcare boards, visible minorities account for just 22% of LHIN boards and 14% of hospital boards. Prioritizing professional backgrounds, time restraints, and fundraising duties are all obstacles. Camille Orridge emphasizes the need of taking a comprehensive strategy to ensuring that community perspectives are heard.

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