289: Navigating the Broken Rung and Building Your Own Path to Success with Lareina Yee
Release Date: 04/13/2025
310: Inclusive Policies with Julie Kratz
Allyship in Action
Join us for a powerful conversation about building a truly inclusive workplace. In this episode, we're moving beyond buzzwords to discuss the concrete policies and practices that make a difference. We'll dive into the vital role of inclusive caregiving leave policies and how they support all employees, not just parents. We'll also unpack what inclusive hiring practices really look like—from writing unbiased job descriptions to creating a fair and equitable interview process. Finally, we'll explore how to embed inclusion into your company's culture so it's not just a set of rules, but a...
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309: Allyship Storytelling with Julie Kratz
Allyship in Action
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect with others, and when it comes to allyship, it's essential. In this video, we're diving into the power of allyship storytelling and how sharing your own experiences can create a ripple effect of change. We'll explore why modeling the behavior you want to see is so important, and how showing vulnerability can build trust and open hearts. Discover how sharing your story, not as a hero but as a learner, can inspire others to begin their own journey of allyship. Throughout the video, we'll give you thought prompts to help you...
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308: Modeling Psychological Safety Perspective Taking
Allyship in Action
“Psychological safety is the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up. It's a shared belief that a team is safe for taking interpersonal risks.” - Amy C. Edmondson Psychological safety paired with perspective taking is a game changer for hopeful allies in power. In this mini-sode from the new book We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power, I talk about the importance of separating intentions versus impact, asking open-ended questions that start with "what" or "how," and extending grace to yourself and others.
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307: Knowing Your Ally Role
Allyship in Action
Allyship is about showing up, even when it is hard. It's about progress over perfection. The ally journey begins with understanding your role - as a mentor, sponsor, advocate, coach, or challenger. It is a choose your own adventure approach. It starts with knowing what your allyship vision is and noticing and validating the experiences of others different from yourself.
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306: What's In It for Me for an Ally
Allyship in Action
This episode reveals the crucial "What's In It For Me" (WIIFM) for allies, moving beyond performative actions to genuine, sustained allyship. Discover the compelling human and business cases for inclusion: from increased happiness and longevity to significant boosts in profitability (up to 39% higher) and innovation (up to 19% higher revenue). Learn how Gen Z's expectations make inclusion non-negotiable for future leaders. This chapter provides tools to identify your unique strengths and embrace allyship as a vital leadership quality.
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305: Reframing Power as a Chance to be an Ally
Allyship in Action
Inspired by Audre Lorde's powerful words, this episode explores how we can leverage our inherent power for good. Bernadette Smith's journey for LGBTQ+ marriage equality highlights how allies with power can fundamentally shift systems. We reveal why power often feels invisible to those who hold it, and how underestimating our own influence hinders allyship. Discover the critical distinction between "power over" and "power with," advocating for a collaborative approach where power is shared, not hoarded. This episode challenges you to recognize your unique sources of power, align them with your...
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304: Turning Fear Into Fuel as Allies
Allyship in Action
This episode dives into the real, often uncomfortable, fears that can hold people with power back from being allies. We confront common misperceptions, like the "zero-sum game" mentality, and the anxieties around status, relevance, and making mistakes in the workplace. Through compelling stories and expert insights, we'll expose why inclusion work can be imperfect, yet crucial. Learn to transform these fears into fuel, embracing vulnerability, curiosity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Discover how active allyship isn't about being perfect, but about taking intentional, consistent...
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303: Welcome to the We Want You Book Series
Allyship in Action
Ever feel like you're on autopilot, navigating work without seeing its underlying systems? Like fish unaware of water, we often miss the crucial "water" of our workplace environment. This podcast invites you to consciously see this water and understand how others experience it differently. We'll explore how diversity, inclusion, and equity are vital for a thriving workplace. Discover allyship as intentional actions leveraging your power for good, transforming your impact and organization. Learn from experts about true allyship and its business imperative in our increasingly diverse world. This...
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302: Beyond Milestones, A New Look at Profound Autism with Sarah Kernion
Allyship in Action
This podcast episode features Sarah Kernion, a writer, podcast host of "The Inchstones Podcast," and mother of two profoundly autistic, nonspeaking children. Kernion advocates for a new conversation around profound autism, focusing on neurobiological barriers and redefining advocacy to prioritize presence, effort, and dignity over milestone achievements. She emphasizes the urgent need for distinct, research-grounded discussions on profound autism, particularly regarding the disproportionate caregiving burden on mothers and its impact on their careers. Key Takeaways: Redefining Profound Autism...
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301: How to Weave DEI Into Your Culture with Melissa Ng Goldner
Allyship in Action
Are you tired of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that feel like lip service? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Melissa Ng Goldner, Head of Strategy at Coqual, to uncover how leading organizations are moving past performative DEI to create truly equitable and thriving workplaces. Melissa, a daughter of Chinese immigrants, brings a unique perspective on intersectionality, combining cultural insight, data fluency, and bold storytelling to drive real business outcomes. Discover how organizations are navigating the current landscape, operationalizing fairness, and...
info_outlineThe broken rung. It's that invisible hurdle, that subtle yet persistent barrier that keeps so many talented women from climbing the ladder. Think of it like trying to run a race with a shoelace tied to your ankle – you can still move, but you're definitely not at your full speed. Today, we're diving deep with Lareina Yee, a powerhouse from McKinsey Global Institute, and co-author of "The Broken Rung. Wrong. When the career ladder breaks for women and how they can succeed in spite of it." Lareina's is here to shed light on the strategies that can help us navigate this tricky terrain, reminding us that we're not alone in this journey. Let’s unravel the hidden ingredients, the superhero tactics, and the research-backed strategies that can help us all succeed, even when the ladder feels a little… wobbly.
Key Themes:
- The Persistent Broken Rung: The core issue starts at the entry-level promotion, where women are significantly less likely to advance than men, creating a ripple effect throughout their careers.
- Experience Capital: 50% of a woman's lifetime earnings come from on-the-job learning, highlighting the importance of strategic career moves and seeking out roles that build valuable experience.
- The Power Alley (P&L Roles): Securing profit and loss roles is crucial for career advancement, as they provide essential business acumen and are often a stepping stone to leadership positions.
- Strategic Risk-Taking (Big, Bold Moves): Embracing opportunities with significant skill distance can lead to substantial career growth and personal development.
- The Importance of Allies: Men and women both play critical roles in dismantling systemic barriers. Men in power can be particularly effective allies by providing mentorship, sponsorship, and active support.
Actionable Takeaway: Be your own advocate and seek out experience capital. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Actively pursue roles that challenge you and build your skills, especially in areas like P&L and technology. Take the initiative to learn new technologies like AI and refashion your role.
Learn more about Lareina Yee at McKinsey and Julie Kratz at nextpivotpoint.com