Allyship in Action

In my interview with Tiffany Yu, disability advocate and author of the newly released  Anti-Ableist Manifesto , she defines disability as, "The interaction between individuals with a health condition with personal and environmental factors including negative attitudes, inaccessibility and limited social support." Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/10/16/how-to...

Najauna White is a vibrant force in the travel and tourism sector, with a flair for sparking change and building bridges. Her journey in hospitality and tourism has seen her champion diversity and inclusion at every turn, leading to her current role as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Miles Partnership. Here, she's a trailblazer, rolling out impactful DEI initiatives, from edu...

Joanna Lane is an expert in creating engaged, inclusive, and equitable workplaces, leveraging her proven success to drive sustainable results for organizations and individuals. With nearly two decades of experience, she supports her partners to integrate an authentic shared language for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She shares: Ideas to leverage your privilege for good How to...

Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder is a social psychologist, research professional and the CEO of the American Psychological Foundation, an organization that leverages the power of philanthropy to invest in research and advance psychological knowledge. Dr. Quist Ryder has an extensive background in human-centric organizational design, effective DEI practices and leveraging psychology to solve critical socie...

Leeatt Rothschild is the Founder and CEO of Packed with Purpose, a corporate and personal gifting company that gives back. She is a thought leader on using business as a force for good, and the power of gifting in strengthening relationships. She shares: The importance of a handwritten thank you notes in today's age The why behind the gift you have chosen How to create the impression I want with t...

With over 15 years of experience in communications at public companies, Rachel Ceccarelli currently serves as the Vice President of Engagement at DHI Group, Inc. (NYSE: DHX) based in Denver, Colorado. In this role, Rachel focuses on advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives, driving employee engagement through training and cultural initiatives, and overseeing programs which create an equitable...

Shari Foos is the founder of The Narrative Method, an award-winning 501C3 that addresses the crisis of loneliness through profound and fun group experiences. Salons, workshops and retreats invite diverse individuals to deeply connect to themselves and each other through sharing their stories, creativity and humanity. She shares: The importance of having the experience of being seen and heard witho...

By shifting the focus from short-term tactical initiatives to longer-term strategic commitments, organizations can develop a more thoughtful DEI strategy. Full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/07/28/dei-is-a-long-game-how-to-budget-strategically/ Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/  

Diversity-and-inclusion problems cost organizations in higher turnover and less innovation, and they lose the competitive advantage. Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/09/01/5-clues-to-determine-if-your-team-has-an-inclusion-problem/ Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/  

Hiring quotas, "bad guy" training, diversity tokenism and public-education overstep are four legitimate concerns organizations can use to avoid DEI backlash.  Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/08/25/dei-backlash-4-legitimate-concerns-to-avoid/ Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/  

With anti-DEI messages dominating the headlines, it's critical that leaders show the importance of DEI work through its impact. Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/06/19/dei-may-be-challenged-but-its-impact-is-undeniable/ Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/  

Language matters. If DEI is the right acronym for your organization, don't let the naysayers force you to pivot. If people understand what it means, why it matters and how the organization is using DEI to create a competitive sustainable advantage, it is likely a long-term fit. If you're getting resistance where people are not willing to be allies, perhaps pivoting to a word like "inclusion" or "b...

The business case for diversity is not new. It has been around for decades. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) leaders have been sharing the same business case for years. It has been demonstrated time and again that diverse-led organizations are: Thirty-nine percent more likely to outperform those lacking diversity Twelve times more likely to engage and retain employees Nearly eight and a half...

Successful organizations embed DEI into their cultures to avoid political polarization and keep a steady drum beat of DEI communications. Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/07/14/how-to-talk-about-dei-work-in-a-polarizing-political-climate/ Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/  

Psychological safety, simply put, means creating a place where people can share hard things. In the workplace, that means employees feel safe to speak up about mistakes, weaknesses and failures, and they feel they can challenge the status quo openly without fear of retribution.  Julie unpacks what it is and why it matters in this week's podcast. Read full article at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/j...

Aisha Suleiman is Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for IPG Mediabrands EMEA region, overseeing 21 diverse markets. As a founding member of Amazon UK's Black Employee Resource Group (BEN), she championed change while serving as Chair. In 2022, Aisha launched True White Allies, a groundbreaking film project spotlighting historical White anti-racists from the 1700s onward, inspiring gre...

Aubree White is a passionate gamer and coach who led the Bob Jones High School Rocket League team to a victory at the 2019 through 2024 PlayVS Alabama state championships. She is an outspoken advocate in driving diversity in esports, encouraging more women to get involved, and has seen first-hand how gaming can help drive more inclusive, community-based HS experiences. Together, we discuss: The le...

Yasmina Passeri, a distinguished Senior Project Manager in the Tech industry with over 12 years of stellar experience, stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and a relentless commitment to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the dynamic realm of technology. Her journey, marked by cultural richness and a dedication to breaking barriers, has made her a beacon for change an...

Jennifer Schwab Wangers, the founder and CEO of ENTITY Academy, has one goal in mind: to support and empower diverse talent through education and mentorship. Together, we discuss: The challenges facing underserved communities with higher education Systemic issues and fixes that will upskill our labor force How to be a better ally to upskill those around you Learn more at https://www.entityacademy....

Aimee Harman is co-founder of Let's Harmonize, a DEIA consulting firm based in the UK. She joins us to share: Reverse mentoring and why it is so beneficial to both parties What she wishes people understood about neurodivergence The benefits of accessibility and how to be a more accessible workplace Follow Aimee at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-harman/ and find Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoi...

Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv, is an Autism & Grief Project advisory board member and the Senior Vice President of Grief Programs at Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) and recipient of the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Together, we discuss: The Autism & Grief Project and how it helps adults with autism cope with grief and loss Why is it impo...

Betty Thompson is Booz Allen's chief people officer, and as the senior leader for their people services organization, Betty is instrumental in creating world-class employment experiences and ensures best-in-class talent to solve client's evolving needs. Betty brings a particular focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and provides executive oversight and support to drive the firm's DEI str...

David Moerlein has created psychologically safe spaces at work for more than a decade, regularly integrating DEI into the psychological safety conversation. During his 15 years at Google, he managed hundreds of people across ten global offices and was awarded numerous awards for coaching and management. His book, The Safety Effect shares tools David has implemented over the years to help others cr...

Dr Varina Michaels is all about people. Leading people, learning about people and advocating for people. She is an experienced Strategy, Leadership and Human Resource Management professional with deep expertise in Global Diversity and Inclusion, Intercultural Management, Neurodiversity and Leadership Development. She and I discuss: The barriers facing women of color in the workplace How to design...

Pasha Marlowe (she/they) has 30 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and neurodivergent coach. She specializes in intergenerational leadership through the lens of mental health, neurodiversity, inclusion, and neuroqueering (challenging neuronormativity, cis/heteronormativity, and other societal norms). Together, we discuss: What masking is and why neurodivergent people cover aspe...