#97: Inclusive Leadership and the Power of Connection with Greg Morley

In today’s episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Greg Morley, a seasoned global HR executive, DEI strategist, author, and speaker, who brings over two decades of experience from companies like Disney, LVMH Moët Hennesy, and Hasbro. Greg’s journey is one of bold decisions, adventurous career pivots, and a deep commitment to inclusive leadership. From starting in a call center at GE to leading HR and DEI in Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, Greg shares the wisdom and lessons he’s gathered along the way. Trust me—this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and ready to lead with authenticity.

We talked about the real-world impact of inclusive leadership, the essential role of credibility and learning in HR, and the importance of micro-inclusion moments. Greg also opened up about what led him to write his book Bond: Belonging and the Keys to Inclusion and Connection, and shared actionable advice for early-career HR professionals navigating today’s uncertain job market. If you’re looking for real talk and practical insights on building connection and credibility as an HR leader, this episode is for you.

🔑 Episode Highlights

• [3:32] Greg shares his career journey from GE to Disney, and how an unexpected opportunity in Paris changed his life
• [4:30] Why call centers are a crash course in emotional management and communication for future HR leaders
• [6:02] Greg talks about the importance of learning the fundamentals of HR and the understanding the business to build credibility
• [7:35] How Greg’s time at Disney brought him to Paris and the lessons he learned about branding for career success and taking risks.
• [11:28] Why credibility in HR starts with authenticity, humility, and a willingness to say “I don’t know”
• [15:35] How the speed of change (especially with AI) is reshaping how we learn, teach, and lead in HR
• [19:09] Making the business case for DEI with data, storytelling, and real-world impact
• [25:38] Greg shares a story that illustrates the role of micro-inclusion moments in creating sustainable, inclusive cultures
• [30:28] How you can be an inclusive leader regardless of your role.
• [37:02] An inside look at Greg’s book Bond—and how finding common ground fuels belonging
• [45:38] Greg’s advice for early-career HR professionals on confidence, continuous learning, and being easy to work with

🔗 Links & Resources

• Connect with Greg Morley on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile 
• Visit Greg’s website: https://www.gregmorley.com/ 
• Read Greg’s book Bond: Belonging and the Keys to Inclusion and Connection through Indigo.ca or your favourite book seller. 
• Learn more about the Gay Games and their global inclusion mission: Gay Games Official Site
• Greg’s is reading: The Broken Rung by Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee, and Maria Del Mar Martinez.

🔗 Additional Links:

• Join the HR Career Cafe on LinkedIn
• Join the HR Career Accelerator and land your first HR role! (use discount code: HRMENTORPOD)
• Sign up for the News