Allyship in Action

Allyship doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, action, and consistency. The goal of Allyship in Action is to provide practical, actionable tools from inclusion experts that people can be more actionable allies at work.

319: Courage Over Fear, Leadership Lessons from Tesla and the Marines with Kristen Kavanaugh 11/16/2025

319: Courage Over Fear, Leadership Lessons from Tesla and the Marines with Kristen Kavanaugh Kristen Kavanaugh is the author of Courage Over Fear and the founder of The Agency Initiative, working to connect people's work with meaning in alignment with their values. Previously, she was the vice chair of the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity & Inclusion and the senior director of inclusion, talent & learning at Tesla. Here are my key takeaways: Values Dissonance Drives Talent Away: The conflict between personal values and the actions or culture of a company—especially at the leadership level—causes significant personal distress and ultimately leads to attrition. Kavanaugh described experiencing anxiety and physical symptoms, including panic attacks, that her body was trying to communicate to her before she left her role at Tesla. She emphasized that listening to those internal signals is crucial and that her health immediately improved once she made the decision to leave the toxic environment. For organizations, this highlights that failing to align with and uphold core values will physically and mentally harm employees, particularly those with less privilege, leading to the loss of valuable talent. Courageous Leadership and Psychological Safety are Key to DEI Success: DEI work thrives when leadership models courage and takes a clear stand on inclusion. Kavanaugh, who led the DEI team, noted that when the CEO began making public statements that were antithetical to the work they were doing, it caused deep pain and was the "start of the unravelling" of DEI at the company. This demonstrated that leadership's visible choice of "courage over fear"—especially by those with power and privilege (the "decision calculus" factor)—is necessary to foster a culture where all employees, particularly underrepresented groups, feel safe and valued enough to stay. Retention and Growth is Built on Small, Consistent Acts of Agency (The 5% Approach): The concept of the "Agency Loop" highlights that a healthy professional life is a cycle of authenticity, intentional decision-making, and growth. The key to starting and sustaining this cycle is the "5% more courageous approach," which breaks down intimidating acts of courage into small, manageable steps. For workplace retention, this means that cultural change and a sense of agency aren't just about massive, high-risk confrontations; they are built through everyday choices, such as a manager creating space for honest dialogue or an employee simply dressing in a way that feels authentic to them. These small, consistent actions compound over time to build resilience and a stronger, more authentic leader and employee. Follow Kristen at https://www.courageoverfearbook.com/. /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/38743520

318: The Bold Move for Higher Ed: Why Onboarding is the Key to Unlocking Women's Leadership Potential with Shanna Hocking 11/09/2025

317: Why Now is the Time to Uncompete with Ruchika Malhotra 11/02/2025

317: Why Now is the Time to Uncompete with Ruchika Malhotra I have to admit, I was nervous to do this interview. I met Ruchika Malhotra by chance years ago, and have been in awe of her work ever since. She is the visionary author behind the new book, Uncompete. Building on her viral conversation about imposter syndrome, Ruchika delves into the core thesis of her latest work: the necessity of rejecting a destructive culture of competition to unlock true, sustainable success. She challenges the ingrained notion that scarcity and cutthroat individualism are the only paths to achievement, arguing instead that collaboration, abundance, radical generosity, inclusion, and solidarity are the keys to professional and personal fulfillment. Ruchika shares powerful insights on how modern, profit-driven systems push us toward fear-based competition—a behavior that fundamentally runs counter to our human need for community and connection. The conversation explores how this cultural "default" impacts everything from the workplace to personal health and even major life decisions like starting a family. Here are my favorite takeaways: Competition is a Short-Term Fix, Collaboration is the Long-Term Strategy: The current societal and corporate default toward competition often stems from a fear-based, scarcity mindset, but this approach only yields short-term gains. True, sustained success comes from moving away from a "winner-take-all" mentality and intentionally fostering environments built on collaboration, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Micro-validations matter: Genuine allyship is not a passive title but an active, conscious effort to uplift others, especially those who have been historically overlooked. Ruchika emphasizes that simple "micro-validations" of support, such as personally advocating for someone or giving credit where it's due, can significantly change the trajectory of a person's life and foster meaningful connections. Redefine Success: It's About Connection, Not Capital: When asked to look back on their lives, people's measures of success overwhelmingly center on the time they spent with people they love and the strength of their community, not their financial accumulation. The practice of Uncompete challenges listeners to redefine what success means to them, prioritizing community and well-being over the pressure to constantly compete for money or status. Celebrate Ruchika's new book Uncompete at uncompetebook.com. /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/38728960

316: Why Your Company Culture Needs to Be Measured Like Revenue with Kae Kronthaler-Williams 10/26/2025

315: How to Go On with Filmmaker Landon Ashworth 10/19/2025

315: How to Go On with Filmmaker Landon Ashworth This episode features Landon Ashworth, an actor, director, and filmmaker with a background as a pilot and a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He discusses his personal journey as an autistic individual and the inspiration behind his award-winning new film, Go On. Here are three key takeaways from the discussion: A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention. Landon Ashworth shared that as a child, he was a bullied autistic kid who was advised to try acting classes to mask his autism and learn to fit in. This led to a lifelong background in the arts, even as he pursued his primary dream of becoming an astronaut, which involved flight school, becoming a test pilot, and earning advanced degrees in astrophysics and filmmaking. After repeatedly facing setbacks in his astronaut career due to changing NASA requirements and budget cuts, he turned back to filmmaking. Creating One's Own Opportunities. A casting director advised Ashworth that every A-list celebrity has their own production company, encouraging him to create his own work instead of waiting for opportunities. Initially, his black-and-white interpretation of this advice led him to write, direct, and edit nearly a thousand comedy sketches completely by himself, as he struggled with the social dynamics and unreliability of collaboration. However, his career plateaued until he began to seek advice from showrunners, ultimately leading him on a path of scriptwriting and short filmmaking, culminating in the creation of his feature film. The Power and Purpose of Go On. Ashworth's feature film, Go On, was written in a single 36-hour period as he processed the loss of his young autistic cousin to suicide. The film is his attempt to pay tribute to his cousin and is a story about a person in purgatory wrestling with past trauma and unable to process it, ultimately exploring themes of grief, healing, and the resilience of the human mind. He shared that his ultimate hope is that the film gives people hope, and he has already received messages from three individuals stating that watching the film helped prevent them from taking their own lives. Ashworth is committed to answering every message he receives, seeing his platform as a space for the "underdog". /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/38396180

314: Pushing back Against the Zeitgeist with Dr. Chantelle Jessica Lewis and Jason Arday 10/12/2025

313: Why DEI Pushback is a False Narrative with Nancy Levine Stearns 10/05/2025

313: Why DEI Pushback is a False Narrative with Nancy Levine Stearns Nancy Levine Stearns, founder of ImpactDevise, a nonprofit journalism project, discusses the corporate response to the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) backlash. Stearns' project covers DEI initiatives in the private sector, and her reporting on corporate social responsibility has been cited by publications like The New York Times, NBC News, and Forbes. Stearns, a former executive recruiter, began focusing on the DEI space after the "heated" backlash following a recent election. She was initially intrigued by a story about Costco taking a public stance on DEI. This led her to discover that other companies were also standing firm on their commitments. Key Findings from Impactivize Corporate Commitment: Stearns and Impactivise track approximately 400 companies, including publicly traded, private, and large nonprofit organizations, that have made public commitments to DEI. A recent audit found that only two of these companies have completely removed their DEI statements. Stearns believes that a stated commitment is a bold and courageous decision, as it can make a company a target for anti-DEI groups. Shareholder Support: Stearns reports that in 2025, 30 anti-DEI proposals were put forth for shareholder voting at various corporations. Shareholders overwhelmingly rejected these proposals, typically by a margin of 98% to 99% of voting shares. Stearns notes that while shareholder rejection of outside proposals is common, the overwhelming margin of these votes is unusual. The Business Imperative: Stearns states that the primary reason companies are maintaining their DEI initiatives is because they recognize it as a "strategic imperative" and a "business imperative". She cites a statement from Rob Davis, the CEO of Merck, who called diversity and inclusion a strategic imperative. Stearns emphasizes that the data and metrics show that these initiatives positively impact a company's performance and bottom line. Shifting Language: Stearns acknowledges that some companies are changing the language they use to describe their initiatives, perhaps using terms like "belonging and inclusion" or "culture and engagement". However, she notes that adversarial groups, such as the Heritage Foundation, are aware of this change in terminology and still view these efforts as DEI. Consumer Influence: Stearns believes that consumers, particularly younger generations, are a powerful force in this movement. She suggests that consumers are "voting with their wallet" and supporting companies that have strong DEI commitments. This consumer support provides a "strength in numbers" for corporations, reinforcing their commitment. Stearns argues that while the media often focuses on the narrative that DEI is "dead," the data show that it is very much alive and supported by both corporations and consumers. She maintains that the business case for diversity and inclusion is a powerful and objective force, stating, "It's not political, it's not ideological, it's not personal, it's just, it's just business". Follow Nancy's research and reporting at: https://www.impactivize.org/ /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/38226480

312: Pipeline Proactivity with Julie Kratz 09/28/2025

311: Building Allyship Programs with Julie Kratz 09/21/2025

310: Inclusive Policies with Julie Kratz 09/14/2025

309: Allyship Storytelling with Julie Kratz 09/07/2025

308: Modeling Psychological Safety Perspective Taking 08/31/2025

307: Knowing Your Ally Role 08/24/2025

306: What's In It for Me for an Ally 08/17/2025

305: Reframing Power as a Chance to be an Ally 08/10/2025

304: Turning Fear Into Fuel as Allies 08/03/2025

303: Welcome to the We Want You Book Series 07/27/2025

302: Beyond Milestones, A New Look at Profound Autism with Sarah Kernion 07/13/2025

302: Beyond Milestones, A New Look at Profound Autism with Sarah Kernion 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 Advocacy: Sarah Kernion champions a shift in the conversation surrounding profound autism. She highlights the need to focus on neurobiological barriers like apraxia, dyspraxia, and sensory processing disorder, advocating for research urgency, scientific rigor, and a civil rights reframing to include profoundly autistic individuals often overlooked in mainstream neurodiversity discussions. Her work redefines advocacy around presence, effort, and dignity rather than traditional milestone achievements. The Power of Maternal Intuition and Shared Stories: Kernion stresses the importance of a mother's primal intuition as a crucial "data point" in understanding and advocating for their children with profound autism. She encourages mothers to trust this inner knowing and use it to inform care and support. The conversation also underscores the power of one-on-one connections and shared stories among caregivers and within professional settings to foster understanding, reduce isolation, and build psychological safety. Addressing the Caregiving Burden and Workplace Impact: The podcast sheds light on the immense and often unsustainable caregiving demands placed on mothers of profoundly autistic children. This burden frequently leads to career plateaus or plummeting for women, highlighting a systemic problem where workplaces are not adequately set up to support these caregivers. Kernion suggests that leaders sharing their own experiences with caregiving can foster a more inclusive and understanding environment, ultimately benefiting both employees and companies. Learn more at . /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/37117195

301: How to Weave DEI Into Your Culture with Melissa Ng Goldner 07/06/2025

301: How to Weave DEI Into Your Culture with Melissa Ng Goldner 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 redesigning power structures to future-proof their talent strategies. If you're a leader wrestling with how to embed DEI into the very fabric of your organization, or simply curious about what "precision allyship" truly means, this episode is a must-listen! 3 Key Takeaways: DEI is Embedding, Not Bolting On: Learn why successful DEI initiatives are deeply integrated into an organization's DNA—from hiring and performance reviews to decision-making processes—making them incredibly difficult to unravel. Melissa explains that what's being "washed away" are the initiatives that were simply "bolted on" as easy-to-remove add-ons. The Power of Proactive Measurement: Move beyond lagging indicators like hiring and promotion rates. Discover the importance of measuring "smoke signals" like psychological safety as a proactive way to identify issues and ensure a culture where dissent is supported and difficult conversations can thrive. Context is King: Tailoring DEI for Global Success: The "one-size-fits-all" approach to DEI is outdated. Melissa emphasizes the critical need for global organizations to move away from generic strategies and instead lean into local context, culture, and nuances, recognizing that "belonging is going to look different in London, Lagos, and Louisville." Learn more at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/37117165

300: The Gender Competition Gap with Katy Milkman and Sophia Pink 06/29/2025

300: The Gender Competition Gap with Katy Milkman and Sophia Pink Katy Milkman is the James G. Dinan Professor at the Wharton School, the host of Charles Schwab's Choiceology podcast, and co-directs the Behavior Change for Good Initiative. Sophia Pink is a PhD student at the Wharton School studying decision-making and behavior change. They join Julie Kratz on the Allyship in Action podcast to discuss their new research on the gender gap in competition. They highlight that women are, on average, less likely to enter competitions (like applying for jobs or promotions) than equally qualified men, a phenomenon observed across many decades and countries, even at the top of the labor market. Key takeaways form this conversation: The Persistent Gender Gap in Competitive Environments and Its Consequences: The discussion begins by establishing the well-documented phenomenon that women, on average, are less likely to enter competitions (like applying for jobs or promotions) than equally qualified men. The speakers emphasize that while this reluctance is not inherently negative in all contexts, it can significantly disadvantage women in crucial career advancement opportunities, particularly for leadership roles that often require navigating multiple competitive stages. This theme highlights the problem and its potential impact on gender equity in the workplace. Leveraging Psychological Insights for Intervention: The Power of Stereotype Reactance: The central focus of the new research is the innovative application of "stereotype reactance" as a potential solution. The researchers hypothesized and found that informing women about the existing gender gap in competition could paradoxically increase their likelihood of applying for jobs. This is attributed to women's potential desire to resist conforming to negative stereotypes and a motivation to take action against the observed inequality. This theme underscores the use of behavioral science principles to design effective interventions for addressing the gender gap. Systemic and Just-in-Time Approaches for Organizational Change: The conversation moves beyond individual behavior change to discuss broader organizational strategies. Recommendations include implementing "default" mechanisms where individuals are automatically considered for opportunities unless they opt out, and providing timely reminders or prompts at the point of decision-making. The speakers emphasize that while long-term cultural shifts are challenging, these more immediate, systemic adjustments and "just-in-time" interventions can create a more equitable playing field by mitigating the impact of confidence barriers and internalized norms. This theme focuses on practical, actionable steps organizations can take to address the competition gap and promote gender equity. Actionable Allyship Takeaway: When you see a woman hesitating to pursue an opportunity for which she is qualified, gently remind her of the gender competition gap by saying something like, "Hey, men tend to apply for this, don't let gender stereotypes hold you back," to encourage her to take the chance . Check out their research at: /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/36639340

299: Diversifying is the Best Way to Grow Your Business with Charlene Polite Corley and Stacie De Armas 06/22/2025

299: Diversifying is the Best Way to Grow Your Business with Charlene Polite Corley and Stacie De Armas This episode of the Allyship in Action Podcast with Julie Kratz features Charlene Polite Corley, Nielsen's VP of Diverse Insights and Partnerships, and Stacie De Armas, Senior Vice President of Diverse Intelligence & Initiatives at Nielsen. Together we discuss the long-term value of diversity for businesses, emphasizing that engaging historically excluded consumers is crucial for growth and brand loyalty. Stacie and Charlene highlight that while people can be "trickier" than money, diversifying your workforce and your approach to consumers is as important as diversifying your financial portfolio. Some key takeaways from this conversation: Diversity is a significant driver of business growth and ROI: Engaging with historically excluded consumer groups is essential for long-term business growth as they represent untapped markets and offer greater potential for building brand loyalty and achieving higher returns on marketing investment. Understanding nuanced cultural and consumption habits is crucial for effective marketing: A "copy-paste" approach to marketing is ineffective. Brands need to develop a deeper understanding of the media consumption habits and cultural nuances of diverse audiences to connect authentically and build lasting relationships. Data shows, for example, that Black, Hispanic, and Asian audiences spend significantly more time online. Centering diverse narratives benefits everyone and creates broader cultural impact: Focusing on representing specific communities authentically in content and advertising doesn't exclude other groups. Instead, it provides "windows" into different experiences, enriching everyone's understanding and often leading to broader cultural trends and significant financial success, as seen in sports and film. Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Organizations and individuals should actively lean into fear and commit to an inclusive data strategy, continually seeking to understand and meet diverse consumers where they are, knowing that it's both the right thing to do and a smart business decision that drives growth and loyalty, regardless of external pressures. Learn more about Charlene Polite Corley and Stacie De Armas and their research at: /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/36537490

298: The ROI of Neuroinclusion with Keivan Stassun 06/15/2025

298: The ROI of Neuroinclusion with Keivan Stassun Keivan Stassun is the Director of the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation at Vanderbilt University. He joins this week's Allyship in Action Podcast epidsode to unpack how to get the full ROI when appropriately practicing neuroinclusion. Key Takeaways Neurodiversity drives innovation and strengthens teams: Keivan's experience in astrophysics, particularly the groundbreaking discovery made by his neurodiverse team, powerfully illustrates how embracing different cognitive styles leads to novel problem-solving and enhanced outcomes. Clear communication, beneficial for everyone, becomes essential in neurodiverse teams, ultimately making the entire team more effective. Support for autistic individuals needs to extend into adulthood: While significant progress has been made in early intervention for autism, there's a critical need for increased focus and investment in supporting autistic adults in higher education and the workforce. This includes providing appropriate accommodations, fostering inclusive environments, and recognizing the unique strengths and contributions of this community. Creating inclusive opportunities benefits both individuals and organizations: Models like The Precisionists Inc. (TPI) demonstrate that tailored support and understanding of neurodivergent needs can lead to high-quality work, increased employee loyalty, and reduced errors. By shifting perspectives and implementing practical accommodations, businesses can tap into a valuable talent pool and achieve tangible benefits. Key Quotes "I'm absolutely convinced that new discoveries and innovations happen because the team invited and included and supported the full diversity of thought." "There has been so much less investment has been autistic people who are over 18 years old where people spend the majority of their lives in adulthood." Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Recognize and actively leverage the unique strengths and talents of neurodiverse individuals while also providing necessary support and accommodations. Keivan emphasizes that focusing on both the support needs and the strengths of autistic individuals is crucial. He provides examples of how companies can benefit from the talents of neurodiverse employees (e.g., employee loyalty, attention to detail) while also highlighting the importance of providing appropriate accommodations to ensure their success. Find Keivan at and find Julie at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/36359285

297: Deep Listening Strategies with Emily Kasriel 06/08/2025

297: Deep Listening Strategies with Emily Kasriel Emily Kasriel is the author of Deep Listening: Transform your relationships with family, friends and foes. She joins the Allyship in Action Podcast this week to share insightful perspectives and practical tips on deep listening. Key takeaways from the conversation: Deep listening goes beyond active listening. It's not just about repeating or paraphrasing, but about being truly present, understanding the emotions and underlying messages, and reflecting those back with humility. Self-awareness is crucial. Recognizing our own biases and "shadows" allows us to listen more openly to others. Silence is a powerful tool. Creating space in conversations allows for deeper reflection, creativity, and can shift power dynamics. Curiosity is key. Approaching conversations with a genuine desire to learn and understand, rather than to debate or convince, fosters connection. Asking about the origins of someone's beliefs can be particularly helpful. Listening doesn't equal agreement. It's important to remember that understanding someone's perspective doesn't mean you endorse it. Connecting with those who hold different views can be transformative. It can combat loneliness and foster social cohesion by recognizing our shared humanity. Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Cultivate curiosity and seek to understand the origins of others' beliefs, especially those different from your own. Emily emphasizes the importance of asking "what in your life experience has led you to feel what you do?" when engaging with someone who holds differing views. She explains that this approach can foster connection and understanding, even in the face of disagreement, by humanizing the other person's perspective and providing context. For those interested in learning more, Emily's book, "Deep Listening: Transform your relationships with family, friends and foes," is available for preorder and will be released in the US on June 24th. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn and explore her website, , for more information on her work. Find Julie at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/36251260

296: Launching a Non-Profit with Impact with Chéla Gage 06/01/2025

296: Launching a Non-Profit with Impact with Chéla Gage Chéla Gage returns to talk about her new non-profit 1,000,000 Fosters. She shares her journey and the impact she hopes to create in this week's episode. Chéla's journey to launching her nonprofit to support adults who have experienced foster care as youth. This initiative aims to provide transformative life and career coaching, foster personal growth and independence, and build a strong community for former foster youth. Chéla's personal experience growing up in foster care fuels her passion for this work, and she envisions the organization as a supportive network, similar to a fraternity or sorority, connecting individuals with resources and opportunities. The goal of 1,000,000 Fosters is to empower former foster youth by leveraging their inherent resilience and providing mentorship and guidance. Chéla emphasizes the unique strengths developed through the foster care experience, such as independence, resilience, and adaptability. She plans to create masterclasses led by her network of professionals to offer support in areas like resume writing, storytelling, and navigating adulthood. Ultimately, she hopes to connect this talent pool with corporate sponsors, recognizing the valuable skills and perspectives these individuals bring to the workforce. Chéla was inspired to start 1,000,000 Fosters by her desire to make a significant impact and by the powerful stories of connection and empowerment within the foster care community. A pivotal moment was an early podcast interview where a guest expressed the profound impact of sharing his story. This reinforced her belief in the importance of providing a platform for these voices and creating a sense of belonging. Despite the challenges of starting a nonprofit, including navigating the 501(c)(3) process, her determination and the encouragement from her advisors propelled her forward to create this much-needed support system. Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Actively seek out and support the talent within underserved communities. Chéla envisions creating a talent database to connect employers with individuals who have experienced foster care, highlighting the unique strengths and resilience of this group. Chéla puts out a call to action for businesses and organizations to become allies by tapping into the potential of often-overlooked populations. You can find Chéla and learn more about 1 Million Fosters online here: and you can find Julie Kratz at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/36249650

295: Baked-In Resilience: Keeping the Flame of Inclusion Alive, Quietly and Powerfully with Sona Khosla 05/25/2025

295: Baked-In Resilience: Keeping the Flame of Inclusion Alive, Quietly and Powerfully with Sona Khosla This week on the Allyship in Action Podcast, Julie Kratz is joined by Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity. Inclusion is about having courage to keep doing good when it feels like the world's spinning the other way. And that's exactly what Sona and Julie dove into this week – this idea that even when the news is full of noise and doubt, there's a powerful current of good still flowing, quietly and persistently. It's about finding that inner strength, that "baked-in cake" resilience, and reminding ourselves that this work, this striving for inclusion and impact, it's not a trend, it's our DNA. Key takeaways from this conversation: The Quiet Persistence of Impact: Despite the noise and pushback, many companies are quietly increasing their investments in CSR and DEI initiatives, recognizing the long-term value and employee expectations. Data-Driven Advocacy: The importance of leveraging data and metrics to demonstrate the ROI of inclusion and impact initiatives, moving beyond emotional appeals to tangible business benefits. The Long Game of Legacy: Focusing on the enduring impact and legacy of leadership, rather than short-term reactions to current pressures, emphasizing that this work is about long-term human connection and value. The Power of Small, Consistent Actions: Emphasizing that even small, consistent actions, like internal communication and employee listening sessions, can make a significant difference in maintaining a sense of belonging and commitment. Generational Values Driving Change: Highlighting the influence of millennials and Gen Z in shaping workplace values and consumer expectations, reinforcing that inclusion is not a passing trend but a fundamental shift. Insightful Quotes: "It's just how it is, the nature of progress, we will progress, we'll take steps back, but we will progress. I fundamentally believe that resistance is a part of progress." "What's the risk of inaction and what do I know for sure that will be enduring?" "When you design your systems for all like you benefit all." "Employees want to hear the commitment right now." Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Start a conversation. Even if your company seems quiet on DEI, initiate a lunch-and-learn or team discussion about the data and trends shared in Sona's research. Talking about it, even in a small group, reinforces that these values matter and builds a sense of community. You can find Sona and check out her following resources: Sona's LinkedIn: Benevity's research: Benevity's resource hub: The Executive CSR report: Find Julie at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/35944540

294: DEI Stealth Mode: Finding Hope and Action in Uncertain Times with Dr. Poornima Luthra 05/18/2025

294: DEI Stealth Mode: Finding Hope and Action in Uncertain Times with Dr. Poornima Luthra Dr. Poornima Luthra is a professor at the Coopenhagen School of Business. She joins the Allyship in Action Podcast to discuss how to turn fear into fuel for positive change. We discuss what she calls "stealth mode DEI," and how to navigate these polarizing times from a global perspective. Key takeaways from our conversation: The Global Perspective on DEI: While the US experiences a significant backlash, other parts of the world, particularly Europe, are continuing and even deepening their DEI efforts. Companies are finding ways to maintain progress, even when their US counterparts are pulling back. Stealth Mode and Systemic Change: Many organizations are quietly continuing their DEI work, focusing on embedding inclusive practices into their core systems, such as hiring, promotion, and performance management. This "stealth mode" allows them to avoid public scrutiny while still making tangible progress. Addressing the Moveable Middle: The majority of people are in the "moveable middle," meaning they are persuadable and open to DEI initiatives. The challenge is to engage and educate this group, rather than focusing solely on the vocal detractors. The Role of Fear and Backlash: Fear is a driving force behind the backlash against DEI. Understanding and addressing these fears is crucial for building bridges and fostering inclusive environments. Reframing the Narrative: The way DEI is presented can significantly impact public perception. Reframing negative narratives and highlighting positive progress can help shift the conversation. Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Embrace the concept of "realistic optimism." Acknowledge the challenges while maintaining a belief in the possibility of positive change. Focus on actionable steps you and your organization can take to advance DEI, even in a challenging environment. Insightful Quotes "It's also time for us to hold the mirror up to ourselves. And to say, well, how can we do this better? Can we hold ourselves? How can we bridge the gap? Because there's such a divide right now, it almost feels like there's this valley in between. And how do we try and bridge that?" "You know, prior to January 20th, he was quite sceptical about DI efforts and what it means for someone like him. He's a white. What does it mean for me? But now seeing what has happened and unfolded in the US and how far the pendulum has swung the other way, and how extreme the reactions have been, or the actions that have been taken, he finds himself. Actually defending dei." "These are the practices that enable that to happen so you know. I had a leader yesterday who came up to me and said, you know, people in his. Are. Saying we really need to base our decisions. On merit and. And he said, how do I address this? And I said, well, why don't you just ask them, what would it take to create a system? A hiring process, for example. That is based on merit. Would that look? What would they put into? What measures would they put into place? Quite likely it's going to be the things that we just talked about. And yes, those are the practices of DI." "And a lot of it comes down to the. Human emotion of fear. Right. And you know, you think about how many people feel overwhelmed right now. Feel uncomfortable where they feel anxiety, where they're feeling worried, panicky, insecure." "But it also really got me thinking that even in a household like mine, where these are topics of conversation constantly, the kids know how I feel about. Glad he felt safe. Now to be able to see it and then engage with me on it, I do appreciate that. But there's so much social conditioning around this, right?" Find Dr. Poornima Luthra at and find Julie Kratz at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/35662115

293: How ERGs Can Transform Your Workplace with Brian Reaves 05/11/2025

293: How ERGs Can Transform Your Workplace with Brian Reaves Brian 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 , and you can find Julie Kratz at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/35944450

292: The Behavioral Blueprint: Nudging Toward Inclusive Action, One Moment at a Time with Katryn Wright 05/04/2025

292: The Behavioral Blueprint: Nudging Toward Inclusive Action, One Moment at a Time with Katryn Wright Katryn Wright, a behavioral science expert, joins this week's episode of the Allyship in Action Podcast to share some fascinating insights. She reminds us that changing the world isn't about grand gestures, but those tiny, actionable tweaks in our everyday moments. Here are the key themes we explored: Behavioral Science as a Practical Tool: Moving beyond abstract concepts to understand why people behave the way they do and how to create tangible change in organizational settings. Specificity Over Ambiguity: Ditching the "woolly and fluffy" notions of culture for concrete, measurable behaviors in everyday processes like hiring, performance reviews, and team meetings. The Power of "Just-in-Time" Interventions: Delivering the right message, from the right messenger, to the right people, at the right moment, to maximize impact and mitigate bias. Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to pinpoint specific areas for improvement and track the effectiveness of interventions, rather than relying on generalized assumptions. The Critical Role of Middle Managers: Recognizing the significant influence of middle managers in shaping employee experiences and the need to equip them with inclusive mindsets. Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Identify one specific process or moment within your organization where you suspect inclusivity could be improved. Then, break down the behaviors involved and design a "just-in-time" intervention – a quick, targeted nudge – to encourage more inclusive actions. Remember, it's about boringly specificity and practical steps, not grand gestures. Insightful Quotes: "Culture is the result of the behaviors that people around US display all the time." "If we can get the right message, the right messenger to the right people at the right time, we can have these really outsized effects." "Really figure out what's the problem that you're trying to solve for, and and to be that sounds like an obvious thing to say, but to be as behaviourally specific about that as possible." "These little nudges, though, add up. People notice like, oh, wow, like that promotion. Like, decision felt different." Find Katryn Wright at and on Linkedin. Find Julie Kratz at . /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/35843535

291: How to Make Work Fair with Siri Chilazi 04/27/2025

291: How to Make Work Fair with Siri Chilazi Siri Chilazi, co-author of the brilliant new book, "Make Work Fair," joins us this week on the Allyship in Action podcast to translate academic research into simple, actionable steps leaders can take. We tackled the "myth of meritocracy," the power of norms, and how to actually embed fairness into our workplaces, not just talk about it. It’s not just about changing systems, it’s also about changing behavior. Here are the key themes we explored: The Myth of Meritocracy: We debunked the idea that hard work automatically equals success, highlighting how biases creep into decisions, even when we think we're being fair. As Siri pointed out, "the world has never actually seen a meritocracy in action yet, and it's the state of the world that we have to create going forward." Systems vs. Individual Actions: We delved into the paradox of DEI work, recognizing that both systemic changes and individual actions are crucial. It's not an either-or situation; it's a "both-and." As Siri put it, "systems change is really the thing that works," but it can happen "in both top down ways" and "bottom up ways." The Power of Norms: We discussed how norms, or "how we do things around here," significantly influence behavior. Even when people hold virtuous intentions, the perceived norms can sway their actions. Small, everyday moments can either reinforce or shift these norms. Leadership and Modeling: We emphasized the importance of leaders modeling inclusive behaviors. Their actions, whether positional or influential, have a ripple effect on the entire organization. "They absolutely are demonstrably more influential at helping to shape norms and change culture for the organization," Siri noted. Making Fairness Count: We explored practical ways to embed fairness into systems, particularly performance evaluations, by using data, structured processes, and clear, actionable feedback. Actionable Takeaway: Start small by focusing on micro-behaviors. Pay attention to the everyday moments in meetings, feedback sessions, and team interactions. Ask yourself, "Am I contributing to a fair and inclusive environment?" and "What small tweak can I make today?" Remember, change happens one moment at a time. Insightful Quotes: "The world has never actually seen a meritocracy in action yet, and it's the state of the world that we have to create going forward." "Systems change is really the thing that works." "They absolutely are demonstrably more influential at helping to shape norms and change culture for the organization." "There's actually no evidence to suggest that we can fundamentally debias human brains. We can debias our decisions and our behaviors." You can find Siri Chilazi at and find Julie Kratz at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/35843380

290: Unlocking Neurodiversity: Beyond Labels and Stereotypes with Dr. Angela Kingdon 04/20/2025

290: Unlocking Neurodiversity: Beyond Labels and Stereotypes with Dr. Angela Kingdon On this episode of the Allyship in Action podcast, Julie Kratz is joined by Dr. Angela Kingdon, Autistic Advocate and host of The Autistic Culture Podcast. Dr. Kingdon shares how life can throw you a curveball – like finding out you're autistic at 39! Angela's journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of understanding neurodiversity. She's not just talking about labels; she's talking about culture, empathy, and making room for everyone's unique "weirdness." And let's be honest, who isn't a little weird in their own special way? It’s about celebrating those differences. Here are the key themes explored on this episode: The Double Empathy Problem: It's not that autistic people lack empathy; it's that neurotypical and autistic individuals operate within different cultural frameworks. Understanding this cultural difference is key to bridging communication gaps. It's like learning the shower habits of your mother-in-law – it's about cultural awareness, not judgment. Rebranding Autism: The outdated "Rain Man" stereotype has done a disservice to the autistic community. It's time to shift the narrative and recognize the diverse spectrum of autistic experiences. It's time to throw out the old script and write a new one, where everyone gets a starring role. Support Needs vs. Labels: Focusing on individual support needs rather than rigid labels fosters a more inclusive and understanding environment. It's not about "how bad" someone's autism is; it's about "what do they need right now?" It's like asking for a ride when you break your ankle – it's about practical support, not categorization. Self-Advocacy and Accommodations: Understanding your sensory profile and advocating for your needs is crucial for autistic individuals. Small accommodations, like moving water bottles or adjusting lighting, can make a significant difference. It's about knowing your "meat body" and making the world a little more comfortable, one adjustment at a time. Special Interests and Connection: Asking about someone's special interests is a powerful way to connect with autistic individuals. It's like unlocking a treasure trove of passion and knowledge. It's about finding common ground in the things that light us up, whether it's wreck-it Ralph or German tanks. Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Start practicing "spin bonding." Instead of asking "how are you?" which can be challenging for autistic individuals, ask about their special interests. "What are you researching right now?" or "Tell me about your hobbies" are great conversation starters. This simple shift can foster deeper connections and create a more inclusive environment. Quotes: "Autism needs a better PR department like we have some messaging problems." "It's a double empathy problem. Not autistic people don't have empathy, so we have plenty of empathy. We might even have more than you. We have to understand and respect each other's cultures enough to know this person has empathy. Just looks different than mine." "Just making room for more differences. Makes the world just. More magical, like so many surprise." "If a label makes you happy you should use it." Find Dr. Angela Kingdon at and find Julie Kratz at /episode/index/show/nextpivotpoint/id/35732235

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