In this episode of FARSIGHT Chats, host Farah Bala is joined by Jennifer Brown, a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The discussion is centered around the urgency of inclusive leadership in today's climate while exploring Jennifer's book, How To Be An Inclusive Leader. They explore topics such as the inclusive leadership continuum, the impact of imposter syndrome on leadership resilience, and the need for integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppression (EDIA) as core leadership competencies. Jennifer shares her journey in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) space, the relevance of updating her book, and her views on allyship, advocacy, and creating sustainable change within organizations. She shares insights on how individuals at all levels can contribute to positive, lasting change. The conversation delves into the complexities of marginalized identities, allyship, and the necessity of strategic, collective action.

| KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED |

Inclusive Leadership Defined

• Leadership rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppression (EDIA)
• Embedding EDIA as a core leadership competency for healthy workplace culture

The Inclusive Leadership Continuum

• Four stages: Unaware → Aware → Active → Advocate
• A personal and non-linear journey that all leaders move through

Urgency of Inclusive Leadership

• The need for leaders to go beyond performative actions
• Inclusive leadership tied to business outcomes like retention, innovation, and revenue

Imposter Syndrome & Personal Barriers

• Internalized scarcity and shame hinder inclusive leadership
• Everyone has a story worth sharing that can drive inclusion

From Fear to Courage

• Transitioning from ego and fear to vulnerability, authenticity, and humility
• Leadership as a journey of unlearning and relearning

Allyship and Advocacy

• Allyship is earned, not claimed; must be practiced continuously
• Advocates should use their privilege strategically and humbly, avoiding saviorism

Using Privilege for Change

• Recognizing and leveraging one’s privileges (e.g., race, education, gender alignment) to open doors for others
• Everyone, regardless of position or seniority, has a role to play

Collective Change-Making

• Change is more effective when done in coalitions
• Building internal networks and identifying power dynamics is crucial for sustained DEI efforts

The Risk of Status Quo

• Leaders who ignore inclusive practices risk obsolescence
• Stagnant DEI efforts can harm both people and business

Sustainable DEI Strategy

• Importance of long-term, strategic planning over short-term visibility
• DEI must be integrated into core business functions and not left to marginalized groups

| SHOW NOTES |

00:00 Welcome to Farsight Chats

00:30 Introduction to Inclusive Leadership

02:34 Jennifer Brown's Journey in DEI

04:02 The Urgency of Inclusive Leadership

10:19 Navigating Challenges in DEI Work

11:58 Understanding the Inclusive Leadership Continuum

20:30 The Role of Privilege in Advocacy

26:12 Understanding the Weight of Worthiness

26:43 The Unique Power of Individual Voices

28:08 Advocacy and Humility

28:44 Balancing Ego and Advocacy

32:38 The Role of Allies and Advocates

37:41 The Complexity of Corporate DEI

40:03 Building Effective Coalitions for Change

46:50 Sustaining Long-Term Change

48:38 Conclusion and Future Conversations

| WORKS CITED |

How to be an Inclusive Leader. 2022. Book.

Jennifer Brown Consulting. Company LinkedIn.

Jennifer Brown, host. The Will To Change. Podcast.

Connect with our guests:

• Jennifer Brown | LGBTQ+, Woman-Owned Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author, and Thought Leader.

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