Jackye Clayton & Katee Van Horn (Inclusive AF Podcast Hosts) - Challenging the Status Quo: A Deep Dive into DEI Leadership

In our latest episode, we chat with Jackye Clayton, VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB at Textio, and Katee Van Horn, Chief People Officer at Web Pros – who are the acclaimed hosts of the Inclusive AF podcast. Jackye and Katee discuss their journeys as Catalysts for change in DEIB, highlighting the importance of transparency, resilience, and meeting people where they are to overcome resistance and drive meaningful transformation in organizations. They emphasized creating inclusive environments and leveraging discomfort to achieve impactful results. Katee Van Horn, Chief People Officer at WebPros, shared her experiences of stepping into challenging roles and pushing organizational boundaries to improve employee experiences. She emphasized the significance of operating in the gray areas and bringing the team along as Catalysts, encouraging them to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Jackye Clayton, VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB at Textio, recounted her unconventional path to leadership. Despite not having a college degree, she leveraged relationships and took on roles she wasn’t initially qualified for, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Her journey underscored the importance of leaning into discomfort, breaking norms, and continuously iterating to achieve impactful results. Both guests discussed the critical role of transparency and clear communication in navigating resistance. They stressed the need for organizations to create inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong. The conversation also touched on the backlash against DEIB initiatives, with Jackye and Katee advocating for meeting people where they are and bringing them along on the journey towards equity and inclusion. Their insights remind us that pushing past resistance often involves a combination of self-advocacy, allyship, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. By doing so, leaders can foster a diverse workforce that collaborates effectively and drives more powerful, innovative outcomes for the organization. Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.