Let's Get Proximate - Powering an Inclusive Future with Alex Allen and Callie McKee

On the season finale, hosts Alex Allen and Callie McKee look back on some of the cutting-edge conversations of the season. With their colleagues at Cisco, they explore identity and inclusivity and dive into challenging and reshaping perceptions. The conversation urges a move past binary thinking to embrace human complexity.

Key talking points include the following:

- Rachel Sisco on being an Asian adoptee in a predominantly white community.

- Mary Fernandez on “accessible” entrances subtly enforcing disability stigma.

- Jack Naidoo recalls early racial awareness in his career.

- Callie stresses self-awareness in recognizing biases.

- Alex underscores leadership’s role in valuing diversity.

- Jim Jones notes his change in perspective through Cisco’s “proximity initiative.”

- Callie urges ongoing dialogue for societal change.

- Alex and Callie discuss the role of language in workplace inclusivity.

- Gloria Goins shares her continuous learning about biases and inclusion.

- Callie and Alex discuss empathy’s role in appreciating diverse views.

In recognizing the depth and diversity within ourselves, we can effectively address bias and discrimination, fostering both personal development and a more inclusive workplace environment.

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrZydGrZG5ZCXtmgnyFUl9Ra47AhljBlo0fL88kkC5A/edit?usp=sharing

Alex Allen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #Diversity #Innovation #Transformation

Getting proximate requires us to navigate the nuances of our identities. As humans, we have a tendency to want to bucket things into right/wrong, black/white, or left/right. By adopting a both/and mentality, we can widen the lens through which we see each and experience each other to power a more inclusive future for all–where all means all.

On this episode, hosts Alex Allen and Callie McKee are joined by Gloria Goins, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Cisco.

Gloria explores the tensions and intersections of our complex identities:

- We can possess privilege while also being on the receiving end of discrimination and unconscious bias.

- Experiencing discrimination of one form doesn’t mean we automatically understand all others’ experiences with being discriminated against.

- Trauma can be both individual and institutional.

- Taking care of ourselves and prioritizing wellbeing is foundational to our ability to show up as our best, authentic selves.

- Leaders must cultivate a psychologically safe and inclusive environment for their team.

By honoring the dissonance within our intersectional selves, we can combat bias and discrimination in our workplaces while also pursuing personal growth.

- Gloria Goins

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriajohnsongoins/

- Cisco | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

- Cisco | Website

https://www.cisco.com/

- Alex Allen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

- Callie McKee

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eTKoK2fXFPLtP5u07tx-zcj13XFsURjkox_-9t_Pl6Q/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#Intersectionality #PsychologicalSafety #DEI #Diversity #Innovation #Transformation

While some can embrace their identity without fear of being treated differently, for others, authenticity can come at the cost of opportunity, community and even safety.

On this episode, host Callie McKee is joined by Traci Juarez, CXA TCE Co-Op Manager at Cisco, to learn about the challenges that she, and others like her, faced on her journey to authenticity as a trans woman.

Traci and Callie discuss:

- How not being able to embrace your identity can create deep-seated unhappiness that manifests in unhealthy ways.

- The need for allies to leverage their privilege on behalf of those who aren’t afforded the same opportunities.

- The current US legislative environment that is often outright hostile towards LGBTQ+ communities.

- Why allyship must work to elevate marginalized communities into leadership roles.

Traci’s story is a profound reminder of the responsibility that privileged communities have to advocate for their more marginalized neighbors.

Traci Juarez -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-juarez-587605287/

Cisco | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

Cisco | Website -

https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. -  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ao9jPmeMtBUVh6TRTAuraCpuTyi31SXf51aHll4DkXg/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #Diversity #Innovation #Transformation

Relationships breed mutual understanding, and the empathy that results is the foundation of creating an inclusive culture.

On this episode, host Alex Allen welcomes Cisco leaders Jim Jones, Director, Strategy and Planning, Global Services Sales; and Shonya Howell Brathwaite, Growth Marketing - Emerging Talent Program Manager.

Together, they share important insights from Cisco’s Proximity Initiative:

- Creating a safe space for those who are different from us is core to cultivating trust and vulnerability.

- Mutually trusting relationships allow us to broach uncomfortable conversations in a healthy way.

-  Proximity is a prerequisite to authentic allyship.

- Humility in listening to the experiences of others can help us overcome our unconscious biases and our exclusion based on ignorance.

- We all have room to grow, and a willingness to learn is more important than holding the right perspective on every issue.

Jim and Shonya’s relational journey is a powerful case study on the effectiveness of proximity relationships in provoking personal growth and creating more inclusive workplaces.

Resources Mentioned 

Jim Jones -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimjon/

Shonya Howell Brathwaite -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonya-brathwaite/

Cisco | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

Cisco | Website -

https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/14sJn_mfiZEl9vHcgWGh3XzQWFNx8z3VCuWxKWR_WeTI/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #Diversity #Innovation #Transformation

Becoming aware of race and the challenges involved can be an incredibly difficult process, and this is even truer in countries where inequality is deeply ingrained.

On this episode, we chat with Jack Naidoo, People and Communities Leader at Cisco. Jack is a fierce advocate for DEI in all he does and is driven by his experiences growing up in a divided and racist South Africa.

We dive into a ton of different topics, including:

- Jack’s background and the experiences that led him to where he is today.

- Becoming aware of his race in the cultural context of South Africa.

- Jack’s experience having different names and deciding which one to use professionally.

- Some of the challenges Jack has faced in his career.

- The importance of getting proximate and learning about differences to overcome false narratives around people of color.

- What are some of the barriers to creating a more inclusive society where everyone can be their most authentic selves?

- Jack’s experience working and promoting DEI across three continents.

Jack Naidoo -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-naidoo-077b8365/

Cisco | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

Cisco | Website -

https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/16qmkpz8Gpn18taT1XwrffxGLR5U6JAeofJOr4aMThNA/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #Diversity #Innovation #Transformation

To create a truly inclusive community, leaders have to maintain a posture of humility and remember that there’s always something new to learn.

On this episode, hosts Alex Allen and Callie McKee are joined by Laércio Albuquerque, Vice President of Cisco Latin America, who explains what it’s like to be “under construction” as a leader who consistently tries to build themselves into something better.

To continue a journey of growth, Laėrcio offers wisdom to his fellow leaders:

- Remove the cloud of judgment from your eyes so that you can see other people clearly.

- Never think you’ve learned everything there is to know about a person or community. They will always have something new to teach you.

- Never let a person’s position or title (or lack thereof) color your perception of them, or alter the level of respect you give them.

This humble mindset is the first step in becoming a truly inclusive leader.

Laércio Albuquerque -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laercioabq/

Cisco | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

Cisco | Website -

https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c2CeDJbslXNX6Ccw0rzZ7OZIbTaiRrGH6amRyXq-hPA/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #diversity #innovation #transformation

Greater awareness of the unique struggles of people with different life experiences is the first step in facilitating true inclusion and belonging.

On this episode, host Callie McKee is joined by Mary Fernandez, Lead Disability Inclusion Consultant and Equity and Fairness Consultant at Cisco. Mary shares her perspective on how education is foundational to inclusion.

As a blind person, Mary has a ground-level understanding of what the disabled community needs from allies. Here are some of her thoughts on the subject: 

- Education is each individual’s responsibility, and a disabled person is not required to be an open book about their disability.

- Non-disabled people should make intentional efforts to make accessibility considerations. A disabled person has no choice but to think about accessibility.

- Inclusion is not the same as accommodation — something that is technically accommodating may still be exclusive and even degrading.

Self-education is a great first step in becoming an ally to those with different needs.

Mary Fernandez -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-fernandez-23a0a644/

Cisco | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

Cisco | Website -

https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JoZUkkINHGgdja9MCir_pgDoxz0AHmlyuLushhIGl_o/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #diversity #innovation #transformation

The intersectionality of our identities makes the concept of belonging a difficult idea to define but an important value to implement.

In this episode, Rachel Hyerim Sisco, Senior Corporate Counsel – Employment Law at Cisco, joins host Callie McKee for a conversation about what belonging means for a transracial adoptee like herself.

Rachel’s unique background affords her several important insights:

- Belonging can be a triggering concept for people whose experience of belonging has not always been positive.

- Our identities are rarely defined by one element, but instead are a complex intersection of many diverse parts of our experience.

- It’s important to acknowledge our feelings of not belonging, rather than dismissing those experiences without adequately exploring their impact on us.

- The hardships of others do not undermine your own pain and trauma.

Defining belonging should always include listening to the experiences of those around us.

Rachel Hyerim Sisco -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelhsisco/

Cisco | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

Cisco | Twitter -

https://twitter.com/Cisco

Cisco | Website -

https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/14JrAKLPuGLKPiC-bsR_pqyoOAHmAb53Fn9Pqvbk4tLM/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #diversity #innovation #transformation

Proximity starts with ourselves, and allows us to build connections that inspire inclusion, transformation and empowerment,

In this episode, Nakia Stringfield, Director of Customer Experience – Success Enablement and Architecture at Cisco, joins host Alex Allen to discuss her journey of bringing her full, authentic self into her relationships, both at home and at the office, and how that’s enabled greater connectedness in her personal and professional relationships.

Nakia’s experiences taught her several valuable lessons:

- It’s healthy to be excited by and proud of your personal successes and accomplishments.

- Just like we’re only comfortable when space is made for our authentic selves, we also consciously need to make space for others to present their authentic selves to us.

- Sharing our unique life experiences will always be valuable.

If we aren’t welcoming another person’s full and authentic self to the table, then we aren’t really welcoming them at all.

Nakia Stringfield - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakia-stringfield/

Cisco - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/

Cisco | Website - https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NaoyKHZXmVVm2VF3ojFcAwYVxn-5ePK-Fq5W-KzLRpY/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #Diversity #Innovation #Transformation

Family is about healthy, meaningful relationships, and sometimes those relationships come by way of proximity to people we aren’t related to by blood.

On this episode, Les Morley-Hart, Collaboration Customer Success Engineer at Cisco, details his journey to finding new families around the world. He uncovered important truths about himself and his newfound community:

- Knowledge is the first step in undoing prejudice.

- It’s okay to walk away from relationships that inhibit your true self.

- Honestly confronting the ways we have been hurt by others can lead to newfound intimacy and the mending of broken relationships.

- Sometimes we have to build our own family when our blood relatives can’t meet our needs for acceptance and community.

Allowing ourselves to get proximate to others, and them to us, allows us to build our own community that we might one day be able to call a second family.

Les Morley-Hart - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leshart/?originalSubdomain=au

Cisco - https://www.cisco.com/

Alex Allen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-allen-a4334210/

Callie McKee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-mckee/

You can find a human-verified transcript of this episode here. - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rQw-HiaGSsUWw2d373325bn_ENd5iEH9cUrUUYxzr-w/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for listening to the Let’s Get Proximate podcast, powered by Cisco. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#DEI #diversity #innovation #transformation