Inclusion isn’t a buzzword. It’s not a poster in the corridor or a footnote in your strategy. As Janelle Benjamin reminds us in this powerful episode of A Leader Like Me, inclusion is a lived experience. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued—fully and without exception.
Janelle is the founder of All Things Equitable Inc., a Toronto-based consultancy dedicated to dismantling workplace inequities. With nearly 20 years of experience across government and corporate sectors—and a legal background that sharpens her lens—Janelle is known for challenging systems, not just symptoms. But beyond the accolades (and there are many), she’s also a single mother, a book-reading bedtime storyteller, and a quiet force with deep-rooted purpose.
We began our conversation by asking a simple but disarming question: “If you couldn’t mention your title or job, how would you introduce yourself?” Janelle’s response speaks volumes about the kind of leadership we champion: practical, impact-focused, and grounded in lived reality.
She spoke about creating safer, more inclusive workplaces—not just through strategy, but through genuine culture change. That means reducing incidents of bullying and harassment, yes, but also ensuring voices aren’t just “in the room” but sought out, valued, and shared.
Her perspective is a timely reminder: inclusion doesn’t stop at the invite. It’s about participation, contribution, and connection. As Janelle says, “You can be physically inside a structure and still not be included.”
We also explored the emotional weight of this work. Janelle shared how she turned personal workplace mistreatment into purpose, founding her company from the ground up. It’s a story of strength and belief—a belief not only in the work but in her ability to shape something better.
What stood out most? Her insistence on continual learning. In a world where some organisations are scaling back DEI efforts, Janelle reminds us of the personal responsibility we each hold. She’s constantly in learning mode—from Harvard leadership programs to community conversations with Indigenous leaders and Muslim creatives. This isn’t performative allyship. It’s accountability in action.
And when we asked about her superpower? It’s her legal training. Janelle doesn’t just feel inclusion—she analyses it. She spots systemic risks others might miss and develops interventions that go beyond sentiment to create structural change.
So why did she join A Leader Like Me? Because like us, she knows that this work requires collective power. “We’re the Avengers,” as one of our team members joked. Each of us brings a different strength to the table. And together, we’re helping organisations lead with intention, empathy, and inclusion.
Janelle’s story is a masterclass in what it means to lead authentically and courageously in the inclusion space. And for every leader, communicator, or changemaker listening, her message is clear: stay humble, stay curious, and never stop learning.
Because inclusive cultures don’t build themselves. People do.
Take a listen to epidode 5 series 5 with Janelle Benjamin
