DeepSummary
In this episode, Jennifer Brown shares insights from previous guests who are Black thought leaders and innovators. She reflects on conversations with author and DEI expert Jessica Bantom, who discusses incorporating diverse identities into the design process. Lorraine Orr of Boys and Girls Clubs of America shares a powerful story about a white woman reckoning with her own biases. Author Martinus Evans talks about the challenges and discrimination he faces as a Black man and plus-size runner.
Jennifer also revisits her interview with award-winning transgender advocate Dr. Elijah Nicholas, who responds with grace to Elon Musk's claim that the word 'cisgender' is a slur. Tony DeGruy of Cisco discusses the importance of individual conversations in promoting allyship within the organization's 'Men for Inclusion' group. Carin Taylor, CDO of Workday, shares how her kids are pushing her to evolve her thinking on identity beyond race and gender.
Throughout the episode, Jennifer emphasizes the need for empathy, continued learning, and amplifying diverse voices that are often unheard. She highlights the courage and patience of these leaders in driving positive change and creating more inclusive spaces.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Amplify underrepresented voices and lived experiences that are missing from current dialogues.
- Continually evolve perspectives and unlearn biases by engaging with diverse communities.
- Extend grace and create safe spaces to have difficult but necessary conversations around identity.
- Individual conversations can be powerful catalysts for allyship and promoting inclusive cultures.
- Leaders should model the journey of learning, seeking understanding, and driving positive change.
- Challenge assumptions and design processes, products and environments to be truly inclusive.
- Prepare for how emerging technologies like AI will further shape diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
- Parents and younger generations can push DE&I practitioners to evolve language and frameworks around identity.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “But seriously, this one is the most intersting after all“ by John Smith
- “And the will to change is hosted by Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is an award winning entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, bestselling author, and leadership expert on how organizations must evolve their cultures towards a new, more inclusive workplace reality.“ by Doug Foresta
- “She called me up one night crying, and she said, lorraine, I don't know what to do because I feel like my whole life was a lie. What people taught me, what I lived through, none of it was true.“ by Lorraine Orr
Entities
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Episode Information
The Will To Change: Uncovering True Stories of Diversity & Inclusion
Jennifer Brown
2/9/24
In this special episode of the Will to Change, Jennifer reflects on conversations with influential black leaders and changemakers. Hear clips and insights from author and DEI expert Jessica Bantom; Lorraine Orr, COO of Boys and Girls Clubs of America; author Martinus Evans; award-winning trans advocate Dr. Elijah Nicholas, Tony DeGruy of Cisco, and Carin Taylor, CDO of Workday. As we honor Black History Month, Jennifer synthesizes the themes of positive change, empathy, allyship, and pushing for progress that thread through the words of wisdom of these impactful guests shaping the future. This is a can't-miss episode for gaining motivation, perspective, and calls to action during Black History Month and beyond.