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In this powerful interview, I speak to my friend and colleague Willie Jackson, a DEI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant & Head of Facilitation with ReadySet, a boutique consulting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a frequent writer and speaker on the topics of workplace equity, global diversity, and inclusive leadership.
Willie and I speak about what he learned in 2020 in the DEI space, what learning and development needs were being asked for most, and the importance of doing our inner work to be allies and create greater healing in the workplace and world. In this interview, you will learn what you can do to support the shift to a more inclusive workplace and world. When we commit to a conscious inner game, learn to sit with discomfort, and act courageously in service of others, we can build a more unified and just world.
How allyship can support healing the divide to create a more inclusive world summary:
[1:46] Carley defines allyship as the instrument that supports healing the divide to create a more inclusive world.
[5:16] What does allyship in action look like? Carley shares several simple ideas and introduces her guest Willie Jackson.
[7:19] Why does diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging matter to a black male in America? The story that wasn’t told inspired Willie to begin to both celebrate and heal.
[11:50] How have Willie’s increased learnings, awareness, and failings influenced his work?
[14:12] Willie shares his perspective on the awakening and increased awareness that have emerged as a result of the events of 2020.
[19:25] Is it truly possible to affect long term change when facing the inconvenient reality that people are incredibly biased?
[23:25] The goals and results of successful ally skills training, including defining values, recognizing identities, and increasing performative allyship.
[27:54] Is it wrong to call yourself an ally? Willie explains the potentially harmful effects of making such a statement and what you can say instead.
[32:10] The importance of creating brave spaces over creating safe spaces to effectively repair harm, even when it’s incredibly uncomfortable.
[38:26] What can you do today to take the first step toward inclusion and greater diversity?
[42:05] The most effective positive changes happen long after the one-day training is over.
[46:30] What is the greatest obstacle to acting as an ally and how can you overcome it?
[51:16] The value of taking time to truly learn and understand how our country got to the tragic point that it is at today.
[52:25] Willie shares the number one quality that a person who is seeking to activate equality must possess.
[56:11] Carley shares simple ways that you can take steps toward greater equality today.
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