I haven’t immersed myself in the news about the recent nationwide protests in support of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. There are two main reasons for this, I suppose. I’ve been busy/don’t have time to read all about it and listen to the news. I run a business and I have a child. Those keep me busy … [Continue reading] What the Pipeline Protests can Teach us About Inclusion
A World without Assumptions and Fear…
I had a powerful conversation yesterday with a colleague – Heather Hansen O’Neill. She was asking me about my thoughts regarding bias, assumptions, fear and how they get in the way. During that conversation she asked me a question that I had to think about. Not because I didn’t have an answer. … [Continue reading] A World without Assumptions and Fear…
Food for Thought for Black History Month
Every year I cringe when February arrives. And every year I try to think of new ways to raise awareness that can bring us closer to understanding and bridging the racial divide. This year I encourage you to pay attention to what you see and hear during Black History Month specifically related to … [Continue reading] Food for Thought for Black History Month
The Power of Leadership
Last week, Goldman Sachs announced that they wouldn’t be granting any companies IPO certification if they don’t have at least one diverse director on their Board. Well....! It is amazing to me what can happen when someone influential (or a business in this case) draws a line in the sand about … [Continue reading] The Power of Leadership
The (Subtle?) Ways History can Undermine Inclusion
Last week I was in San Antonio, Texas for the Evolutionary Business Council’s annual conference. My colleague and I led a short session called Real Talk: Race, Equity and Raising Social Consciousness. We also met with the organizational leadership to discuss these issues in the context of … [Continue reading] The (Subtle?) Ways History can Undermine Inclusion
Forging a New Path – Harry, Meghan and D&I
I had a whole other topic planned and written for this week, but Harry and Meghan’s announcement has given me pause. When I heard the news that they would be stepping down from Royal duties (and that the Queen hadn’t been consulted first) I was with my daughter. As I explained it so she could … [Continue reading] Forging a New Path – Harry, Meghan and D&I
Broadening Inclusion – what we can learn from Justin Trudeau’s Christmas message
It's the new year, but I have to comment on our Prime Minister's Christmas message from a D&I perspective. You can watch it here. Powerful Messages There are many beautiful messages in there: - compassion - giving and giving back - supporting folks in our communities - reaching out to … [Continue reading] Broadening Inclusion – what we can learn from Justin Trudeau’s Christmas message
Reflections on D&I…at the Spa
This past weekend I had the fortune of spending some time at the spa. It was lovely and relaxing and I made a concerted effort to not think about work - but as I finished one of the hydrotherapy circuits, I wondered about the cycle and the link to D&I. Hydrotherapy The spa I was at … [Continue reading] Reflections on D&I…at the Spa
Don Cherry – and how we can miss the bigger picture of inclusion
I’m a little late to the party, but wanted to wrap up my representation series before moving on. By now, Don Cherry’s remarks and his subsequent firing are old news. But what intrigues me most about this story is how we defend ourselves, and what those defenses tell us about awareness and … [Continue reading] Don Cherry – and how we can miss the bigger picture of inclusion
Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct
So, Justin Trudeau is in hot water as images of him in “brownface” 18 years ago have surfaced. And although I’m disappointed, I’m not surprised. Well, maybe a little that it was only 18 years. Why? Because this is an example of how deeply the social construct of race has embedded itself into our … [Continue reading] Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct