Brené with Ruchika Tulshyan on Inclusion on Purpose
Apr 25, 2022
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Ruchika Tulshyan, a journalist and inclusion strategist, discusses creating a culture of belonging at work. Topics include embracing identity, challenges faced by women of color, the impact of misspelled names, building coalitions, capitalism vs. oligarchy, promoting inclusivity in meetings, addressing pay disparities, and the importance of brave leadership for positive change.
Inclusion is a vital leadership trait requiring intentional action at personal and organizational levels for diversity and belonging.
Embracing discomfort, seeking feedback, learning from errors, and valuing time in change processes drive individual and systemic growth for inclusion.
Centering women of color in diversity efforts, amplifying marginalized voices, and building coalitions are essential steps to combat systemic oppression.
Deep dives
Focus on Personal and Organizational Change for Inclusion
Driving inclusion at work requires simultaneous effort on personal and organizational levels. The podcast highlights the importance of individual and systemic behavioral changes in creating a culture of belonging. It emphasizes that both leaders and employees need to take personal responsibility for inclusion, bridging personal discomfort with collective growth.
The Bridge Framework for Inclusive Mindset
The podcast introduces the Bridge Framework, focusing on being uncomfortable, reflecting on unknowns, inviting feedback, avoiding defensiveness, learning from mistakes, and understanding that change takes time. This framework encourages individuals to engage in introspection, embrace discomfort, and actively participate in personal and organizational growth for inclusion.
Centering Women of Color in Inclusion Efforts
The conversation delves into the significance of centering women of color in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It addresses the historical legacy of betrayal between white women and women of color, advocating for privileged individuals to leverage their platforms to elevate marginalized voices. Examples like Marilyn Monroe supporting Ella Fitzgerald underscore the importance of using power to amplify underrepresented voices.
Creating Coalition Among Women of Color
Building a coalition among women of color is crucial to address the tensions created by scarcity mindset. The podcast explores the importance of unity among women of color from different backgrounds to overcome the challenges and systemic oppressions they face. By emphasizing the need to work together and build trust, the speaker highlights the exploitation caused by scarcity mindset and the importance of dismantling harmful systems through collective action.
Addressing Pay Inequities for Women of Color
The episode delves into the systemic racial disparities that contribute to pay gaps for women of color. By disaggregating data and recognizing the opportunity gap between different groups, the speaker sheds light on the inequities faced by women of color in accessing top positions for wealth generation. The discussion emphasizes the significance of not just equal pay but also equal opportunities to address systemic injustice and create a more inclusive and fair environment.
If you come across Ruchika Tulshyan’s new book and find yourself dismissively thinking, “Another DEI book?” you do so at your own peril — and privilege. Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work is a transformative book. In it, Ruchika, a journalist and inclusion strategist, centers the experience of women of color and provides a framework of intentional actions — on both the individual and the organizational level — to neutralize workplace bias and foster environments that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. As Ruchika says in her book, inclusion is the most important leadership trait today — and one that can be learned through awareness, intention, and regular practice.