Season 2, Episode 10: Unconscious Bias (with Helen Yoon)

Join us for a profound exploration into the silent yet impactful world of unconscious bias, where Helen Yoon, Assistant General Counsel – North America at Brink’s, Incorporated, shares her personal and professional insights on the challenges and nuances of navigating workplace dynamics as an Asian-American woman in a leadership role. Helen, an advocate for diversity and a champion of women in corporate leadership delves into her experiences with gender bias, offering a rare glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of balancing roles as a lawyer, mother, and business owner.

In this episode, Helen articulates the different types of unconscious biases she has faced and discusses their profound effect on her self-esteem and professional interactions. She describes how these biases have often forced her into a double bind of being perceived as too assertive or not assertive enough. Through candid anecdotes, Helen illustrates the complexities of stereotype-driven expectations in corporate settings, particularly around leadership roles and professional conduct.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Awareness of Unconscious Bias: Listeners will gain insights into the various forms of unconscious bias that can pervade professional environments and learn to identify these biases in their own workplaces.
2. Strategies for Advocacy and Inclusion: Helen provides actionable advice for individuals experiencing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of forming support networks and fostering allyship to combat bias.
3. Tools for Organizational Change: The conversation outlines practical steps that organizations can take to reduce the impact of unconscious biases, including training programs and policies to enhance diversity and inclusion.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of diversity and inclusion within the legal and corporate fields. It offers not only critical insights but also inspiring stories of resilience and advocacy. Tune in to empower yourself with knowledge and tools to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more equitable professional landscape.