197 - Nicole Hughey (Former SVP, DEI at SiriusXM) on the shifting language of DEIB, the SHRM debate, & the heart of inclusion
Sep 3, 2024
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Nicole Hughey, former SVP of DEI at SiriusXM, shares her journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion. She discusses the evolving language of DEIB and the recent SHRM debate surrounding equity. Nicole emphasizes the crucial role of heart in driving meaningful change and the common misconception that DEI initiatives are fading away. She highlights the importance of courage and accountability in these efforts and reflects on what’s next in her career. A must-listen for anyone interested in impactful leadership!
Nicole Hughey emphasizes the evolving language of DEI and its political ramifications, stressing the need for organizations to adapt and commit to these values.
The podcast highlights the importance of courage in DEI initiatives, particularly regarding leadership accountability and fostering an inclusive organizational culture.
Nicole's journey showcases how personal growth and risk-taking in DEI work are essential for improving inclusivity and organizational success.
Deep dives
Personal Reflections Through Theater
The guest shares a meaningful experience involving a recent trip to see 'The Wiz' on Broadway, reflecting on her family's connections to the characters. Each family member resonates with a particular character's journey, highlighting personal growth and challenges. For instance, her husband embodies the lion, who overcame his fears to pursue a music career, while her son relates to the tin man, facing significant health setbacks yet finding a new path in coaching basketball. This exploration underlines the importance of family and how individual successes contribute to collective well-being, emphasizing a shared journey of courage and resilience.
Career Journey and DE&I Insights
The guest's career journey began unexpectedly in the insurance industry, where a manager encouraged her to explore training and development roles. This led to her involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, highlighting her passion for helping others find their voice. She describes pivotal moments where she took risks that shaped her understanding and approach to DE&I, such as leading efforts at various organizations to improve inclusivity. Her experiences illustrate the evolving nature of DE&I work across different industries, reinforcing that it requires sustained commitment and innovative thinking.
Challenges and Future of DE&I
There is a clear recognition that DE&I has become increasingly politicized, and the language surrounding it is evolving, complicating discussions about its future. The guest believes that while the terminology may shift, the fundamental importance of DE&I in workplaces remains essential, as it addresses equity and inclusion for all employees. Companies are urged to maintain their dedication to DE&I efforts despite external pressures, emphasizing that this work is not optional but integral to the organization's success. The call to action is for organizations to assess their progress and to ensure that DE&I continues to be a priority.
The Role of Courage in Diversity Work
The conversation underscores the necessity of courage within DE&I initiatives, especially in terms of leadership accountability and creating inclusive environments. The guest indicates that leaders must be held accountable not only for company metrics but also for fostering an organizational culture where diversity is valued. This courage extends to bringing in external perspectives to avoid groupthink and promoting a climate of open dialogue where differing views can coexist. Such an approach is vital for breaking down barriers, promoting understanding, and ensuring that all voices are heard within the workplace.
Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Understanding
Fostering an environment for respectful dialogue is highlighted as a critical responsibility of DE&I leaders. The guest emphasizes the importance of structuring conversations that allow employees to express their views and experiences without fear of judgment. Leadership plays a pivotal role in enabling these discussions, ensuring that all employees feel safe to bring their whole selves to work. This cultivation of dialogue is seen as essential for enhancing understanding and promoting a culture where differing perspectives are acknowledged and appreciated.
Nicole Hughey, the former DEIB leader at SiriusXM, joined us on The Modern People Leader.
We talked about the evolution of DEIB language, the recent SHRM debate on equity, and the critical importance of heart in driving meaningful change within organizations.
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(0:44) Good news stories
(9:57) Big update on the September 17th event in Austin, Texas
(11:04) Nicole’s career journey and transition into DEI
(21:07) Moments that shaped Nicole’s approach to DEI
(26:00) State of the Union for DEI
(27:18) Nicole on the misconception that DEI is going away
(29:33) Discussion on SHRM’s decision to remove the “E” from DEI
(34:19) The importance of maintaining rigor and responsibility in DEI work
(39:00) Courage and accountability in DEI efforts
(49:41) Courage as a key element in the evolution of DEI
(53:22) What’s next for Nicole’s career in DEI
(54:38) Rapid fire questions: Career advice, HR challenges, and future guests