293: How ERGs Can Transform Your Workplace with Brian Reaves
Release Date: 05/11/2025
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_outlineBrian K. Reaves is the EVP and Chief Belonging, Equity, and Impact Officer of UKG, where he leads the company’s global belonging, equity, and impact program, expanding existing initiatives while working to strengthen a culture built on trust, fairness, and equality, so every U Krewer can thrive in every stage of their career.
In this episode of the Allyship in Action podcast, we dive deep into the power of employee resource groups (ERGs) and how they’re not just a "nice to have," but a "must-have" for any company serious about thriving. Brian's work at UKG shows us the power of inclusion work and ERGs on business impact.
Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:
- The Superpower of Unique Experiences: Brian emphasized that everyone's unique lived experience is a superpower. ERGs are spaces where these superpowers can be shared, celebrated, and leveraged for innovation and growth. It's like having a room full of superheroes with different powers, but they all work together to save the day!
- Intergenerational Collaboration is Key: The "RISE" ERG at UKG highlights the importance of intergenerational collaboration. It's about breaking down the silos and creating spaces where different generations can learn from each other. Like Brian said, it's about being the "cool mom" or "cool dad" by understanding and connecting with the younger generation.
- ERGs Drive Business Impact: Brian shared compelling data from Great Place to Work and UKG's own research that shows ERGs drive higher engagement, retention, and innovation. They're not just feel-good initiatives; they're smart business strategies.
- Allyship Through Understanding: Brian advocates for joining ERGs that are outside one's immediate experience to foster understanding and allyship. It's about stepping outside your comfort zone and learning from others' perspectives. As he put it, "The power will come when you join the one you have least affinity to."
- ERGs as Proxies for Customer Base: Employee resource groups can act as a direct line to your customer base. They can provide honest feedback and insights into accessibility and market demographics that might otherwise be missed.
Actionable Allyship Takeaway: If you're a leader, take the leap and become an executive sponsor for an ERG. And if you're an employee, consider joining an ERG that stretches you beyond your comfort zone. You'll be amazed at what you learn and how much you grow.
Insightful Quotes:
- "That uniqueness is our superpower."
- "The power will come when you join the one you have least affinity to."
- "It's about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – like finding your tribe in the middle of a corporate jungle."
- "We can't live everyone's life, but we certainly can have empathy and listen to someone else."
- "These people will tell you the truth. And if you include them in the story, they'll continue to be more engaged."
You can find the UKG ERG Playbook that Brian referenced online here, and you can find Julie Kratz at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/