Summary:

In this episode of the HR Impact show, host Dr. Jim is joined by Ashley Brundage to dive into the topic of empowerment in the workplace and discuss ways to leverage the unique differences among team members. The conversation highlights Ashley's remarkable journey from facing significant challenges to becoming a pivotal figure in fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Ashley unpacks her experiences in the financial industry and recounts how her background informed her perspective on resource allocation and the critical nature of inclusive hiring practices. The discussion navigates through the importance of emotional intelligence and how DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) frameworks must evolve beyond checkbox exercises and transform into integral facets of leadership and organizational strategy.

Key Takeaways:

Empowerment is essential for leveraging diverse teams' unique differences to achieve high performance and representation.
Resource allocation is crucial in DEI, and understanding employees' varied backgrounds is vital for creating an inclusive environment.
Emotional intelligence plays a key role in advancing empowerment and self-actualization within professional settings.
Creating a DEI-friendly infrastructure is necessary before introducing initiatives to ensure sustainable and supportive growth within the organization.
DEI should be viewed as an organizational leadership opportunity, contributing to improved retention and business outcomes.

Chapters:

0:01:17 Ashley Brundage shares the questions and findings from her global research study on empowerment

0:06:12 Ashley Brundage's experience in the banking industry and its influence on resource conversation

0:10:07 Utilizing the Empowerment Self-Assessment Questionnaire to understand and memorialize one's existence

0:15:06 Ashley shares her success story at PNC Bank and emphasizes the importance of DEIB programs.

0:19:49 Ashley calls for DEI leaders to create a welcoming environment for people outside of marginalized communities.

0:23:19 Dr. Jim emphasizes the financial benefits of diversity and retention in organizations.

0:27:19 The success of empowering differences in different industries and roles.

0:29:08 Key steps to building an empowerment culture: benchmark and track empowerment, emotional intelligence, and avoid politics.

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Ashley Brundage: linkedin.com/in/ashleytbrundage

Music Credit: winning elevation - Hot_Dope

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