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Equity at Work
Your DEI Minute™ is your go-to podcast for leaders looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Whether you're just starting out with DEI or looking to sustain your long-term successes, each episode will provide you with actions you can take to move DEI forward at your organization, all in 15 minutes or less.
Total 11 episodes
1
Setting and Achieving Effective DEI Goals in Your Organization
In this epsidoe, Jamey continues to talk about setting DEI goals using the SMART Plus framework. He discusses a real-world example of working with a large organization to implement unconscious bias training. By breaking down the goal into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound components, Jamey showcases how to develop and implement DEI initiatives successfully. He also emphasizes the importance of additional elements, such as accountability and DEI alignment, to ensure that goals are clearly defined and achievable within a set timeframe.The discussion covers setting specific and measurable targets, ensuring achievable and relevant goals, and determining a realistic timeline. Jamey also elaborates on the importance of collecting qualitative and quantitative data to measure the impact of training and offers some actionable steps so you can start setting your own DEI goals.To find out more, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/Key Topics Discussed:Overview of the SMART Plus FrameworkReal-world Example: Unconscious Bias TrainingSpecific Goals and Activities RequiredMeasuring the Training's ImpactEnsuring Achievability and RelevanceSetting Time-bound ObjectivesAccountability through a RACI FrameworkDEI Alignment: Readiness, Capacity, and LeadershipWrap-up and Actionable Insights for Listeners
14:3412/11/2024
DEI Goal Setting: From Framework to Implementation
In this episode, Jamey discusses the crucial topic of setting DEI goals within organizations. He first talks about the common misstep organizations make by jumping directly into DEI programs without evaluating their current standing or readiness, and without setting clear goals to track the success of these initiatives. The episode also talks about the importance of establishing DEI goals that align with other organizational objectives and are monitored and adjusted regularly to ensure effectiveness.Jamey introduces the SMART Plus framework for setting DEI goals, explaining the traditional SMART criteria— Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and adding elements focused on accountability and DEI alignment. This additional focus includes assessing DEI readiness, capacity, and leadership alignment to ensure that the organization is fully prepared to meet its DEI objectives. To find out more or connect with Jamey, visit: https://Equity-at-work.comKey Topics Discussed:Introduction to the importance of setting DEI goalsRisks of starting DEI programs without proper goal-settingAlignment of DEI goals with overall organizational objectivesOverview of the traditional SMART goal-setting frameworkIntroduction of the SMART Plus framework, including elements of accountability and DEI alignmentImportance of assessing DEI readiness, capacity, and leadership alignment
10:4129/10/2024
The Role of Empathy in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In this episode, Michelle dives into the critical role of empathy within the framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She highlights the shift from traditional workplace norms that once favored emotional detachment towards a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent approach. Michelle discusses how empathy serves as a fundamental pillar for creating a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment. By understanding and sharing the feelings, experiences, and perspectives of others, leaders can foster trust and a strong sense of belonging among employees.Michelle also outlines the different types of empathy: behavioral, cognitive, and emotional, emphasizing how each can be effectively utilized in the workplace. She also discusses attributes that enhance empathy, such as authenticity, emotional resilience, curiosity, optimism, and flexibility. She also offers practical advice on channeling empathy into actionable allyship, reinforcing that embracing empathy is not just a soft skill but a strategic approach for driving meaningful DEI outcomes.To find out more or connect with Michelle, visit: https://Equity-at-work.comKey Topics Discussed:Importance of empathy in DEIDefinition and elements of empathyDifference between empathy and sympathyTypes of empathy: behavioral, cognitive, and emotionalAttributes that enhance empathy: authenticity, resilience, curiosity, optimism, and flexibilityRole of empathy in building psychological safetyPractical steps to demonstrate and apply empathyConnection between empathy and allyshipEncouraging leaders to embrace empathy for DEI success
16:2315/10/2024
Building DEI Readiness: Foundational Steps for Long-Term Success
In this episode, Jamey dives into the concept of DEI readiness, discussing how organizations often rush into implementing flashy DEI initiatives without a deeper, data-driven strategy, which can lead to superficial changes that don't address underlying issues. Jamey outlines the importance of assessing an organization's current state before rolling out DEI programs and introduces three critical steps for achieving DEI readiness. These steps are:Conducting a current state assessmentDefining DEI purpose and visionDeveloping a comprehensive DEI road map and strategyJamey also discusses best practices for evaluating an organization's foundational culture and DEI landscape, such as conducting organization-wide surveys and listening tours. The episode also covers the necessity of leadership alignment and capacity, underscoring the role of senior leaders in driving DEI success. Emphasizing a strategic and intentional approach, Jamey advises that DEI efforts should start with an accurate assessment of the organization's current state and steadily build towards meaningful and sustainable progress.For more information and to connect with Jamey, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/Key Topics Discussed:DEI readiness and its importancePitfalls of jumping into DEI initiatives without a strategyAssessing the current state of organizational culture and DEIBest practices for conducting surveys and listening toursLeadership's role in DEI alignment and capacityCreating DEI purpose and vision statementsDeveloping a DEI road map and strategyBalancing regulatory compliance with strategic DEI initiativesSteps for long-term sustainable DEI success
09:2401/10/2024
Metrics and Examples for Your DEI Business Case
In our previous episode, we discussed making a business case for DEI. In this episode, we cover some metrics and examples that you can apply to your own company. Recognizing the intricacies in articulating the benefits of DEI initiatives, Michelle outlines actionable steps to illustrate the diverse and far-reaching impacts of inclusion on your organization’s bottom line. From evaluating internal metrics like engagement and turnover rates to tracking external community involvement and volunteering efforts, Michelle provides a comprehensive guide on how exactly to measure success and areas for improvement.Michelle also discusses how to align DEI metrics with your organization’s values and goals, ensuring that initiatives are not just implemented, but are meaningfully integrated and sustained. Whether it’s through measuring Net Promoter Scores (NPS) or employee tenure, Michelle offers valuable insights and real-world examples that can help paint a clear picture for leadership and stakeholders.For more information and to connect with Michelle, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/Key Topics Discussed:Inclusion Metrics: Engagement, NPS, Tenure, and TurnoverTracking Leave of Absence and Career Progression Post-LeaveCommunity Engagement and Volunteering MetricsCreating a Balanced Scorecard for DEITailoring Metrics to Specific Organizational GoalsReal-World Examples of Successful DEI Implementation
12:3417/09/2024
Strategies to Build a Business Case for DEI
You know you need a solid DEI strategy within your company, but how do you justify the cost of adding or cultivating one?In this episode, Michelle discusses the crucial task of building a business case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Recognizing the challenges that many organizations face in justifying and proving the value of DEI initiatives, Michelle outlines a structured approach to demonstrate the tangible benefits. She shares important metrics and examples, explaining how even small changes in gender diversity can significantly boost revenue and the performance of companies on various financial fronts.Michelle also discusses specific measures for diversity and equity, both internally and externally. She offers advice about how organizations can track progress, such as monitoring representation, hiring, promotions, and compensation. Additionally, Michelle presents a visual quadrant framework to help organizations plot the desired impact level of their DEI initiatives. For more information or to connect with Michelle, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/Key Topics Discussed:Five Key Benefits of Investing in DEI WorkMetrics and KPIs for Measuring DEI ImpactEquity at Work’s Quadrant Framework for Measuring ImpactDiversity: Internal and External MeasuresEquity: Internal and External MeasuresPreparation for the Next Episode on Inclusion
15:1603/09/2024
Who Should Own DEI: A Comprehensive Guide for Organizations
In this episode, Jamey dives in to the critical topic of ownership of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within an organization. Jamey talks about how everyone in the organization should feel a sense of ownership and engagement in DEI efforts, creating a collective and inclusive environment. Jamey provides a comprehensive overview of the different roles and responsibilities essential for successful DEI implementation, focusing particularly on the DEI leader, senior leadership, human resources, and compliance functions.Jamey also stresses the importance of having a dedicated DEI leader who is part of the senior leadership team, enabling them to influence organizational change effectively. The discussion also covers how senior leaders can reinforce DEI by prioritizing it alongside other business metrics and actively participating in DEI activities. While HR and compliance are often associated with DEI, Jamey argues that DEI should be a standalone function to highlight its importance and cross-functional nature. For more information or to connect with Jamey, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/Key Topics Discussed:Importance of Collective Ownership of DEIRole and Responsibilities of a DEI LeaderInvolvement of Senior Leadership in DEIPosition of DEI as a Standalone FunctionContribution of HR and Compliance to DEIStrategies for Integrating DEI into Organizational CulturePotential Evolution of DEI Roles and Responsibilities Over Time
10:4420/08/2024
Why Psychological Safety is Critical for Employee Engagement
In this episode of Your DEI Minute™, host Jamey Applegate discusses the critical topic of psychological safety in the workplace. Psychological safety is the belief that one won't be punished or humiliated for speaking up, asking questions, or making mistakes. Jamey emphasizes that this concept is foundational for creating an organizational culture where employees feel secure and valued. When psychological safety is present, it can dramatically enhance innovation, productivity, and employee engagement.Jamey also covers what it feels like to be in a psychologically safe environment, highlighting the significance of support from team members, valuing integrity and honesty, and treating everyone fairly. To foster such an environment, Jamey outlines ten specific actions that leaders and team members can implement. These range from knowing and correctly pronouncing team members' names to developing formal structures for feedback and conflict resolution. The episode concludes with a reminder that building a culture of psychological safety is an ongoing process filled with learning opportunities.For more information or to connect with Jamey, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/Key Topics Discussed:Definition of Psychological SafetyImportance of Psychological Safety in Organizational CultureImpact of Psychological Safety on Innovation, Productivity, and Employee EngagementFeelings Associated with Psychological SafetyTen Actions to Build Psychological Safety
13:2806/08/2024
The DEI Maturity Model: Stages for Successful Implementation and Growth
In today's episode, Michelle introduces a comprehensive DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) maturity model designed to guide organizations through DEI initiatives' systematic implementation and evolution. The model is divided into three primary stages: setting the foundation, operationalizing DEI, and expanding and enhancing DEI. Michelle discusses the importance of each stage, detailing the essential actions and cultural dependencies required to succeed. For instance, setting the foundation entails compliance-related tasks, defining DEI objectives, and establishing psychological safety, while operationalizing DEI involves integrating DEI into daily operations, policies, and communication strategies. Finally, the expansion stage focuses on continuous learning, mentorship, community outreach, and embedding DEI metrics into all performance reviews.The episode also covers the holistic and iterative approach to DEI, stressing that organizations must solidify foundational elements before progressing to more advanced stages. Michelle also discusses the importance of psychological safety, inclusive team norms, and transparent leadership styles as critical components across all maturity stages. By following this structured roadmap, organizations can more effectively navigate their DEI journeys, ensuring sustainable and impactful changes.For more information or to connect with Michelle, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/Key Topics Discussed:Introduction to the DEI Maturity ModelSetting the Foundation for DEIOperationalizing DEIExpanding and Enhancing DEICultural Dependencies for DEI Success
20:5423/07/2024
Understanding DEI: What Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mean in the Workplace
In this episode of Your DEI Minute™, Michelle Bogan, founder and CEO of Equity at Work™, discusses the fundamental components of DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—in the workplace. Michelle breaks down each element, starting with the broad and nuanced concept of diversity, which encompasses not just race, gender, and sexual orientation but also age, ethnicity, disability status, communication styles, and more. She highlights how diversity can change depending on the setting and emphasizes the importance of understanding these variations to foster a truly inclusive environment.Moving on to equity, Michelle clarifies the often-confused terms of equity and equality. She explains that equity involves providing fair opportunities and access, tailored to individual needs, to ensure everyone can succeed and thrive. Examples range from physical accommodations to ensuring pay equity. Finally, she discusses inclusion, which is about creating an environment where everyone can be authentic, feel valued, and genuinely belong. Michelle also touches on the broader implications of DEI, such as justice and belonging, and provides actionable advice on how organizations can start implementing these principles effectively.Key Topics Discussed:Breakdown of Diversity: Definition and examplesThe expanded view of diversity beyond race, gender, and sexual orientationImportance of understanding diversity in different settingsEquity vs. Equality: Definitions and DistinctionsExamples and importance of equitable practices in the workplaceInclusion: Creating a supportive environment for every employeeThe concept of belonging and its relation to inclusionExtending DEI to include justice (DEIJ) and its implicationsSteps for organizations to begin their DEI work effectively
13:2909/07/2024
Setting Up DEI for Success: Key Actions for Leaders
In this first episode of Your DEI Minute™, host Michelle Bogan, founder and CEO of Equity at Work™, details a practical, five-step framework for setting up an organization's successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program. She discusses why crucial steps must be taken to establish a solid foundation no matter where an organization is on its DEI journey. These steps include:Taking an honest look at the current state of DEI within your organization.Setting clear and tangible goalsFully resourcing the workEnsuring comprehensive education and communicationMaintaining an agile approach to adapt to unforeseen challenges and opportunities.Michelle dives deeper into each step with practical advice and real-world examples. She speaks at length about the importance of data in understanding where the organization currently stands and how to set realistic goals. She also discusses the necessity of internal and external resources to fully support DEI initiatives and stresses the significance of continuous education to ensure everyone in the organization is aligned with DEI principles. Throughout the episode, Michelle emphasizes that DEI is an ongoing journey, not a one-time box-checking exercise, and requires consistent commitment and agility to adapt to evolving needs.To learn more or connect with Michelle, visit: https://www.equity-at-work.com/
16:3609/07/2024