The Importance of Building Inclusion in the Workplace E40
This episode of the Culture Crush Business Podcast explores the imperative of fostering inclusive company cultures through a fruitful conversation with Elena Joy Thurston and Gabe Hagen. The discussion underscores the need for inclusive leadership, especially with changing workforce demographics, emphasizing small changes to enhance belonging and engagement.
Additionally, the conversation delves into communication challenges in food service businesses, with Gabe using digital checklists to facilitate staff feedback. Elena advocates for non-binary thinking, emphasizing impact over intent, and both guests stress the importance of vulnerability, learning, and adaptation in creating inclusive work cultures.
Overall, the episode emphasizes fostering inclusive cultures in corporate settings to attract diverse talent, focusing on communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Brick Road Coffee, a subsidiary of Brick Road Community Corporation, stands as a shining example of how a business can seamlessly blend quality service with a deep commitment to community values. Known for its exceptional coffee and inclusive atmosphere, Brick Road Coffee has become more than a coffee shop; it’s a community hub where diversity is celebrated and every individual is welcomed.
They pride themselves on creating spaces where customers can enjoy quality brews in an environment that fosters connection and belonging. Their commitment extends beyond the café doors, engaging in community initiatives and supporting causes that resonate with their values of diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Gabe Hagen, the driving force behind Brick Road Coffee, is celebrated for his dynamic and innovative approach to blending business with community activism. With degrees in Philosophy and Political Science from Arizona State University and a Master’s in the Studies of Law from the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law, Gabe’s academic background has equipped him with a unique perspective on societal impact and ethical business practices.
As the founder of Brick Road Coffee, Gabe has transformed the café into a hub of inclusivity and a model for socially responsible entrepreneurship. His dedication to community service extends beyond the coffee shop; he actively contributes to various local organizations. He serves on the Tempe Tourism Board of Directors and is the Vice Chair of the City of Tempe Neighborhood Advisory Commission. His commitment to equality and business development is further exemplified in his role as the Treasurer on the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
In addition to these roles, Gabe is an active member of the Tempe Leadership Council Board, where he continues to advocate for community initiatives and development. He is a proud graduate of class XXXVIII of Tempe Leadership and Class 3 of Valley Leadership’s Catalyze program, programs that have further honed his leadership skills and community focus.
Gabe’s leadership at Brick Road Coffee is characterized by his deep understanding of the transformative power of a great cup of coffee, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued and accepted. His approach is not just about serving exceptional coffee; it’s about fostering a culture of community building and forming genuine connections. Under his guidance, Brick Road Coffee has become more than just a café – it’s a symbol of community, diversity, and inclusive business.
Follow Brick Road Coffee on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Elena Joy Experience is a certified diverse-owned consulting company that offers training, coaching, events, and consultation. 
We increase authentic and sustainable Inclusive Leadership through: Inclusive Leadership training workshops, executive coaching for LGBTQ+ professionals and leaders, company inclusion support, Human Resource department trainings, inclusive communication strategies, ERG support strategy, company-wide audits and action plans, and keynote speaking engagements that allow for transformational experiences.
Our mission is to increase safety and profit in sustainable ways through transformational experiences and communication. We believe that organizations can increase profit and society can improve, by authentically increasing inclusion, safety, and belonging. We envision a world in which every underrepresented employee is safe at work and proud of the impact their employers are having on the world.
Featured in the award-winning documentary, CONVERSION, Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational Diversity & Allyship speaker, trainer, and author through a lens of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Elena Joy inspires her audiences to learn how Inclusive Leadership can improve company culture and productivity, changing members’ lives in a practical way.
A Mormon mom of four who lost her marriage, her church, and her community when she came out as a lesbian, her viral TEDx talk on surviving conversion therapy has been viewed more than 45,000 times and landed her media and speaking opportunities with ABC, CBS, Penn State, Peloton, INBOUND, and more.
Connect with Elena Joy on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Culture Crush
At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.
We’re culture consultants, with a focus on leadership, appreciation, communication, processes, accessibility, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and creating a dynamic workplace.
As a growing company:
Culture Crush Business is your hub for company culture resources. With deep cultural insights and years of expertise, we evaluate your company’s needs and connect you with the precise resources to cultivate a thriving culture.
We work with CEOs, founders, HR Directors, or Culture Leaders of companies or teams, who value company culture and understand its impact on their business success.With Culture Crush you’ll learn how to transform your workplace into a place of unity, efficiency, and growth. Don’t just fix your company culture – transform it with Culture Crush Business.
On this podcast: We focus on everything surrounding businesses with good company culture. We will talk with company leaders to learn about real-life experiences, tips, and best practices for creating a healthy work environment where employees are finding joy and satisfaction in their work while also striving and growing within the company. We share the resources to help improve company culture and showcase them on the podcast with their tips and tricks for growing culture.
About the Host
Kindra Maples is spartan racer, past animal trainer, previous magician’s assistant, and has a weakness for Oreo cookie shakes. Her journey working with people actually started working with animals as a teenager (don’t worry we won’t go that far back for her bio).
She worked for over 15 years in the zoo industry working with animals and the public. Her passion of working with animals shifted into working with people in education, operations and leadership roles. From there her passion of leadership and helping people develop has continued to grow.
Then came the opportunity for leading the Culture Crush Business Podcast and she jumped on it. Leadership, growth, and strong company cultures are all areas that Kindra is interested in diving into further.
Thank you for our Sponsor!
This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.
When you work with Gateway, you don’t have to call an 800 number for support, or submit your loan application and wait weeks or months for an answer. You get fast, personal service from a team who knows you and cares about you.
When Gateway was founded in 2007, the team had a vision of building a hometown bank that prioritizes people over profits. Over 15 years later, they’re proud to still be one of the highest-performing AND highest-rated community banks around.
Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.
All loans subject to approval. Member FDIC.
