In our latest episode, we welcome Karen Catlin, author and advocate for inclusive workspaces, back to the pod for the first time since 2020. Our discussion covers celebrating ten years of learning through Better Allies, shifts in DEI dynamics post-2020, and the increased backlash against DEI initiatives in current times. We discuss the continued importance and evolution of allyship, with practical strategies for individual and organizational support. Karen also shares personal anecdotes, mistakes, and lessons learned in her journey, while providing resources for those looking to delve deeper into allyship. 

Please note that we’re taking a hiatus, but please subscribe to our feed so you can be the first to know when we’re back. We’ve got some fun stuff in the works!

• BetterAllies.com
• The Savvy Ally by Jeannie Gainsburg
• The Anti Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu
• Good Guys by David Smith and Brad Johnson 
• The Wake Up, Michelle MiJung Kim

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:50 Reflecting on the Election and Its Impact

02:35 Evolution of DEI Work

03:55 Challenges and Shifts in Workplace Inclusion

07:18 The Importance of Allyship

11:21 Connecting Through Shared Stories

14:19 Welcoming Karen Catlin

15:41 Karen's Journey and Insights on Allyship

29:42 Newsletter Insights and Language Awareness

30:32 Best Practices for Scheduling Events

32:03 Challenges with Event Scheduling

36:11 DEI Backlash and Media Misrepresentation

41:18 The Future of Allyship

47:46 Recommended Resources for Allyship

52:33 Looking Forward: AI and Personal Growth

55:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Want more like this? Here are a few episodes we think you'll love!

• Being a Better Ally with Karen Catlin
• Being an HR Unicorn with Christofer Peterson
• Digital Accessibility with Perkins Access
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Chris Haigh
• Full Interview with Amaia Arruabarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater
• Full Interview with Dr. Erika Powell, DEI Certified Professional Diversity Coach
• Future of Work Insights from Revelio Chief Economist Lisa Simon
• Geeking Out about DEI Strategy with Allyson Livingstone from athenahealth
• Managing Teams Empathetically with Dexter Arver
• Reimagining Inclusion with Mita Mallick

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.