Our allies come in all forms.  Some we are presented with, others we find through sheer happenstance.  Erin and John are just that.  Having worked together for four years, they did not start out as allies.  They had to learn about each other’s personalities and how to co-exist as peer leaders in a male-dominated environment.  Through this, they have built a strong working relationship built on trust and mutual respect.  They recognize one another’s strengths, diverse personalities, and gender traits, and often act as the yin to the other’s yang. 

 

They provide a window into diversity in athletics.  The NCAA’s Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) designation requires that a diverse person is at the table for decision making.  Erin has this designation, and is given the opportunity to serve on diverse committees, and provide input to important decisions outside of her role.  This is a necessary step to close the gaps for women trailing in leadership roles.  Their candid conversation reveals how when men and women work together as allies, we can close some of these gaps.

 

And, my favorite part, is when Erin says, “I want to recognized for what I say at the table, not for how I am dressed at the table.”

 

Follow Erin and John’s work at https://roadrunnersathletics.com/.

 

Follow us @nextpivotpoint on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and connect with us 1:1 at www.NextPivotPoint.com. 

We post daily about leadership, equality, and career development on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekratz/.