What if you could do everything right — and still not get the outcome you expected?
And what matters more — what happens to you, or what you decide to do next?
In this episode of Successfully Ambiguous, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia sits down with Richard Pinnock, President of Diversity of Thought Strategies and former Chief Diversity Officer at Export Development Canada.
From being the first in his family to graduate university to becoming a senior leader in a Fortune 500 organization, Richard shares the early career experience that could have stopped everything — and the decision that shaped the direction of his work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This conversation explores what it really takes to navigate setbacks, move forward with clarity, and make intentional career decisions in a rapidly changing world of work.
• What to do when setbacks aren’t within your control
• Why your response matters more than the moment itself
• How stepping outside your comfort zone creates new opportunities
• The role of culture, context, and awareness in career growth
• Why “diversity of thought” is essential in today’s workplace
• How to turn a defining moment into long-term direction
• A simple way to separate what you can control vs. what you can’t
• One action you can take to move outside your comfort zone
• How to approach setbacks with more clarity and perspective
If you’re thinking about your next step, explore programs at the York University School of Continuing Studies designed to help you build in-demand skills and navigate change with confidence:
👉 Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action
Successfully Ambiguous explores career twists, real stories, and the strategies professionals need to thrive in a changing world.
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