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Privilege, Parity, and Pie: Part 1 of a Conversation with Better Allies Author Karen Catlin

Release Date: 05/11/2022

Mental Health and Getting Well in the Workplace, with Vivia Chen

Parity Podcast

Kicking off the fourth season, Cathy and Deborah welcome Vivia Chen to discuss the challenges of getting the care you need for your mental health. Vivia, an award winning columnist and prolific opinion writer, was denied short term disability because she was not deemed "sad enough." Vivia discusses mental health stereotypes and solutions for change. You can find and on LinkedIn.

The Backlash: Unpacking the State of DEI

Parity Podcast

In this episode, Cathy and Deborah discuss the revolt against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts - and women - in the workplace. How did the seemingly noncontentious goal of inclusivity become controversial? More importantly, what can we learn from this back lash to transform our own approach? As always, we offer solutions.

Believing in Yourself, A Conversation with Angela B. Freeman

Parity Podcast

In this episode, we talk to Angela B. Freeman, mom, wife, law firm partner, and podcaster about where she's been and what she hopes for in teaming up with others. We discuss the moments White women have failed to be allies and partners to Women of Color, and what we all need to do to step up, including recognizing the advantages some people have based on skin color. Along with firmly believing in herself but knowing she had to be twice as good, Angela carried - and continues to carry - a deep curiousity for others.

Pipeline Problems and Strategies for Women, 2023 Year in Review

Parity Podcast

The year 2023 brought incremental gains at the top for women overall but not for women of color. Women in middle management also lost ground, leaving open the question of whether gains at the top were a passing fancy. Join us to discuss 2023 challenges as well as solutions.

We're Not Going Back

Parity Podcast

Join us for a discussion with Blessing Adesiyan who entered corporate American with a baby in her arms, literally. She shares her nuggets about creating a care infrastructure for workers at all levels and how businesses can best adapt in this new post-COVID landscape. As Blessing says, we're not going back to how it was before. In this new reality, caring about workers is as imperative for their well-being as it is for the bottom line.

What's In It For Me?

Parity Podcast

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts surged in 2020, but are now experiencing headwinds. Carrie Fletcher, leadership and strategy consultant, joins us to discuss how and why DEI initiatives falter, the critical role of men, and the need to address the elephant in the room which asks "what's in it for me"?

Bringing Men to the Table with the Good Guys

Parity Podcast

Good Guys authors David Smith and Brad Johnson say that men are the key to gender parity. We agree but we need many more men as allies. In this episode, Cathy and Deborah ask the tough questions. What is standing in the way of full engagement by men? And for those men who are engaged, what can they do right now? You can learn more about the important work that Dave and Brad are doing on . You can also read their books and Where You Can Find Us Website: Follow us on Co-Hosts: and

GERI, Where Women and Men Talk Gender

Parity Podcast

We are joined by Gender Equity and Reconciliation International (GERI) to discuss bringing women and men together to listen to each other and bridge the gender divide. Its view? Parity isn't possible unless we engage with each other more deeply. GERI colleagues Cynthia Brix and Jon Levitt share a glimpse into what this process entails.

Privilege: Breaking Down Defensiveness and Opening Up Dialogue

Parity Podcast

People hear a lot of different things when they hear the word "privilege," both good and bad. In this episode, Cathy and Deborah discuss their own privileges and how to have a more constructive, nuanced discussion, including by ditching the word. They also discuss "aha" moments and best practices for using whatever privileges -- or advantages -- you have to create a more inclusive workplace.

They said what?!: Calling Out and Calling In Bias

Parity Podcast

We focus a lot in this day and age on unconscious bias, but women continue to experience head-scratching moments of in-your-face, outright explicit bias. From public shaming to cornering and bullying, listen in on these modern-day examples of good old-fashioned blatant sexism - and know you are not alone. Then, learn what you can do as the target of bias, and even more importantly as an ally, including by "calling out" and "calling in." For more information, we recommend these resources:

More Episodes

After 25 years as a senior leader in tech, Karen Catlin saw a decline in the numbers of women in tech. Frustrated but galvanized, Karen became an author and coach focusing on helping women navigate the male-dominated tech industry and coaching men to be better allies. In this episode, Karen gives us 10 tips to be better allies.

Subscribe! Time-stamped show notes are below.

If you would like to learn more about today’s topic:

Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create More Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces

Karen Catlin's list of 50 privileges

Waking Up White by Debby Irving

20 Books to Help Break the Bias for a More Gender Equal World

1:28 Introduction of Karen Catlin

5:12 What to do if a woman’s idea is hijacked in a meeting

8:09 How to understand your own privilege

14:11 How to talk to people who are resistant to change

17:09 Advocate by finding common ground and describing your own learning journey

19:27 Allies will make mistakes