THE LEADERSHIP SKILL WE KEEP UNDERVALUING

Season 2

May 12

Written by Erin Davis

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UNAPOLOGETIC · SEASON 2 / EPISODE 15

THE LEADERSHIP SKILL WE KEEP UNDERVALUING

WITH JAMIE THIESSEN

ABOUT THE EPISODE

What if one of the most important leadership skills right now isn’t certainty — but curiosity?

In this episode of Unapologetic, Erin sits down with Jamie Thiessen for a conversation about inclusion, empathy, mentorship, and the everyday work of creating spaces where people feel safe enough to fully be themselves.

Drawing from Jamie’s work across equity, education, and industry, this conversation explores what it means to lead through complexity rather than rush toward easy answers. Together, Erin and Jamie unpack the difference between fixing and listening, how neurodiversity shapes communication and connection, and why representation and storytelling matter more than we often realize.

The conversation also moves beyond traditional workplace language into something more human — touching on queer joy, hockey culture, fandom, identity, and the role curiosity plays in helping us better understand one another.

This episode is a reminder that belonging doesn’t happen through perfection. It happens through presence, humility, and a willingness to stay in the conversation.

MEET THE GUEST

Jamie Thiessen is an equity and inclusion strategist and advocate dedicated to helping organizations create more equitable, accessible, and welcoming workplaces. With a background spanning human resources, organizational development, and employment services, they bring a practical, interdisciplinary approach to advancing inclusion and meaningful organizational change.

Drawing on lived experience and professional expertise, Jamie works with employers to strengthen inclusive practices, facilitate challenging conversations, and support equitable decision-making. They hold certifications in intersectional employment services, accessible communication, and EDI leadership, and have contributed to initiatives promoting workplace inclusion and community belonging. Their approach emphasizes curiosity, compassion, and creating accessible spaces where individuals and organizations can learn and grow.

Connect with Jamie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-thiessen/