Keep On Keeping On
Parity Podcast
Marking four years of the Parity Podcast, Cathy and Deborah discuss their ongoing efforts to nudge the workplace culture to be a more equitable place for women and to take advantage of the skills sets women have to offer. They recount their SCRIPT for change, review some of their favorite episodes, and share what they have learned. In answer to the question of whether something different is needed in this moment of the fight for a better workplace for all, Cathy and Deborah offer the understated response that is the title of this Episode: Keep On Keeping On.
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Unlearning Silence: A Conversation with Elaine Lin Hering
Parity Podcast
Elaine Lin Hering joins the Parity Podcast to discuss the role that silence plays in each of our lives. Her 2024 book, Unlearning Silence, explores the ways in which we are silenced in the workplace, and the roles we play in silencing others. Driven by her own experience in being encouraged to speak up, yet not having her words welcomed, Elaine began pondering the larger dynamics in play and the consequences of remaining silent. According to Elaine, finding one's voice is more than what you say or don't say, it is about how you move through the world and show up. She encourages each of us to...
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What Is It about Taylor Swift?
Parity Podcast
The Parity Podcast has been curious about Taylor Swift's stunning success as a pop star and her potential as a role model to the next generation of women. In this episode, Deborah is joined by four Taylor Swift fans from across the country, ranging from the teens to late 20s, to discuss what she means to them. They describe her music as poetic, playful, self-deprecating, and deeply relatable and accessible, lending insight to the source of her magic. Offering a sound track for the experience of growing up, and loving and living, Swift makes a profound impact, reaching across cultural and...
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The Barbieland Mess
Parity Podcast
Dr. Nithila Peter returns to the Parity Podcast and joins Deborah to discuss the magic and mess of the Barbie movie. Drawing on her background in media studies, Nithila offers insight into the cinematic experience and the bookends of the movie, from the birth of Barbie to the gynecologist's office. Simulatenously inspired and horrified by the perfectly sculpted Barbie as a role model, Nithila and Deborah discuss the film's depiction of the hyper-femininine and hyper-masculine worlds, and what they reveal about parity. They discuss the complexity of the Barbie doll as a toy, along with the...
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No Need to Apologize: A Conversation with Kara Wojnowski
Parity Podcast
In this episode, Cathy and Deborah speak to Kara Wojnowski, a Marketing Manager at Biorigin Specialty Products, who has studied the communication differences between women and men. One large difference is many women's tendency to apologize, even when there is no reason to do so. How does over-apologizing undermine a person's credibility? And when should someone apologize and when not? Kara discusses these issues and more with the Parity Podcast, and helps us think critically about communication styles--without violating Parity Podcast's golden rule against trying to change women.
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The DEI Vocabulary List
Parity Podcast
Over the last several years, we've developed a brand-new vocabulary to talk about very old problems. In this episode, Cathy and Deborah explore the importance of that vocabulary, as well as its imperfections and limitations. They also discuss how seemingly uncontroversial terms have become oh-so controversial, while identifying solutions to overcome the divide.
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There is a Better Way: INVERSITY's Approach to DEI with Karith Foster
Parity Podcast
We welcome Karith Foster whose new approach to achieving workplace inclusion rejects the use of blame and shame in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She offers a new path forward, recognizing that all of us are different and unique, and true change requires everyone to participate. You can learn more about how
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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.
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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.
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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.
info_outlineWorkplace communications are powerful - they can make and break careers, incent us to give our all, or cause us to run for the hills and join the Great Resignation. In this episode, we discuss inclusive communication tips for everyone including leaders and allies, as well as strategies when you find yourself in cultures where it is difficult to be seen and heard.
You can Subscribe! so you don’t miss any episodes! Time-stamped show notes are below. You can find a transcript of today’s episode at our webpage.
If you would like to learn more about today’s topic:
Influential Internal Communications by Jenni Field
2:10 Importance of workplace communications
3:16 What is a successful communication
3:49 As a reminder, SCRIPT stands for:
S: Stop Trying to Change Women
C: Create Diverse Teams
R: Recognize Unconscious Bias
I: Intentionally Include
P: Partner With Men to Be Allies
T: Talk About The Issues
We believe that a combination of each of these factors will help women advance and compete with men on a more level playing field.
5:02, 6:10 Communication skills are learned
7:39 Example of a miscommunication resulting in mayhem
9:50 Emails vs. face to face communications
10:12, 11:10 Delivering constructive criticism
13:29 Communications can foster positive workplace cultures (or not)
13:57 Gender differences impact communications
14:25 In today’s episode, we will discuss:
-What is a communication
-General rules for communicating
-Special considerations for emails
-Meta-communications (aspects of a communication that are never expressed but we all get the message anyway)
16:00 What is a communication
17:25 Importance of praising peers and direct reports for a job well done
20:00 Respect is key
20:40 Influential Internal Communication by Jenni Field stresses:
-Focus on the audience
-Set a clear goal & tone
-Keep it simple
-Make your point
-Consider the medium
21:55 Avoid I and Me and instead use the words Us and We
22:45 Unthoughtful or rushed communications
23:07 Microaggressions and biased communications
23:35 Email tips
24:00 Don’t deal with sensitive information via email
24:30 Don’t complain or criticize a person via email
26:11, 27:05, 27:45 Be fair
29:18 Avoid shaming
30:25 Meetings and call etiquette
30:50 Avoid the dog and pony show
31:05 Enforce equal air time
31:30 Form alliances so that you are heard
33:35 What is a meta communication
35:14 Disrespectfulness of wordsmithing or a total re-write
37:35 Respect communications differences - this is one goal of DEI
38:30 Strategies to deal with the guy who thinks he’s the most important person in the room
39:55, 41:13, 41:35 Communications should intentionally include
42:33 Parity in Play
44:25 Tips for allies in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade
Where You Can Find Us
Website: www.par-ity.com
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn
Co-Hosts: Deborah Pollack-Milgate and Cathy Nestrick
Email [email protected] with questions or comments