Culture and community profoundly shape a person’s ability to thrive, yet many systems unintentionally undermine that very foundation. They shape identity, belonging, resilience, and overall well-being. Well-being isn’t simply the absence of illness; it’s reflected in how people feel valued, supported, and connected in their daily lives and work. A strong sense of cultural identity and community acts as a vital support system, influencing mental, physical, and emotional health alike. Struggles like stress, exhaustion, burnout, and disengagement aren’t signs of weakness; they’re signals that environments and systems need to adapt. While most organizations acknowledge this, few have the inclusive structures and strategies required to foster sustainable well-being for diverse minds and needs.

 

In this presentation, Nora Plambeck challenges audiences through poignant personal storytelling, critical research, and practical insight. She demonstrates how today’s wellness and inclusion strategies operate from a lack of public and individual literacy, leading to stigma, fear, shame, and preventing individuals from getting the help they need. It also results in policies that don’t account for individual differences or strategies that simply don’t work. True culture inclusion and wellness practices must go beyond mental health awareness and DEI training. They need to be informed, adaptable and empower individuals to advocate for themselves.

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This keynote offers a fresh perspective on shaping an operating model rooted in inclusivity, diversity, and personal agency for a lasting approach.​

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