Chloe Valdary shares her unique way of thinking about – and training others – in the field of diversity and difference. She describes her fascination with human beings in all our complexity and resists and rejects our tendencies to put everyone into the limiting categories of “oppressors or oppressed.” Her thoughtful insights will make you think and might even challenge some listeners’ long-held beliefs.

Chapters:

02:20 Chloe Valdary’s Background Chloe shares her journey from New Orleans to becoming a thought leader in inclusion and belonging. Her passion for the human condition drives her work at Theory of Enchantment.

04:40 Understanding the Theory of Enchantment Chloe explains the concept of ‘enchantment’ as a balance between light and dark, contrasting it with the historical legacy of the Enlightenment. This framework aims to help individuals integrate their complexities.

09:27 Three Principles of Enchantment Chloe introduces the three principles of the Theory of Enchantment: treating people as human beings, criticizing to uplift, and rooting actions in love. She elaborates on the first principle, emphasizing the complexity of human identity.

15:12 Exploring DEI Training Approaches The conversation shifts to Chloe’s approach to DEI training, which focuses on celebrating human complexity rather than reducing individuals to political labels. She critiques the binary mindset prevalent in many DEI frameworks.

20:01 Celebrating Human Mystery Chloe discusses a practice called ‘Who Am I?’ that encourages self-acceptance and recognizes the mystery within every individual.

23:34 The Illusion of Separation Chloe highlights the dangers of viewing society through the lens of separation, noting that we often have more in common with those we perceive as different. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and connection.

27:37 Navigating Organizational Challenges Bill and Chloe discuss the varying environments Chloe encounters in organizations, from crisis situations to those merely checking boxes. She shares insights on how leadership alignment impacts the effectiveness of her training.

30:07 Transformative Training in Organizations Chloe shares her experiences training managers in organizations, highlighting how effective communication can transform difficult customer interactions. She emphasizes the importance of having all stakeholders on board for successful training outcomes.

32:38 The Challenges of Leadership Buy-In In this segment, Chloe reflects on the pitfalls of leadership initiatives that lack employee support, particularly when staff are overworked and burned out. She discusses the need for comprehensive engagement across all levels of an organization.

34:16 Navigating Complex Dynamics of Oppression Chloe addresses the sensitive dynamics that arise when discussing oppression and how she carefully introduces these concepts in her workshops to avoid alienating participants.

38:31 Engaging with Law Enforcement Chloe discusses her limited experience with police training and the complexities of addressing systemic issues within law enforcement.

42:29 The Role of Optimism in Challenging Work In this reflective segment, Chloe shares her perspective on optimism amidst the challenges of addressing divisive social issues. She believes that fostering gratitude can lead to significant societal improvements and encourages others to engage in this practice.

47:35 Future Aspirations for Theory of Enchantment Chloe reveals her exciting plans for the future of Theory of Enchantment, including incorporating music into her workshops to enhance personal expression and vulnerability.

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