Gender equality expert Ayan Said discusses surviving inequalities as an intersectional woman, driving intentional design for empowerment, decolonizing the tech industry, and the importance of aligning identity with passion. They touch on empathy, art as a revolution, pairing value with value in leadership, and breaking generational patterns to create a more equitable future.
Intersectionality shapes perspectives and systemic inequalities.
Empowering marginalized communities through intentional design and advocacy.
ESG standards drive sustainable change and equitable representation.
Importance of community and shared support networks for impactful change.
Personal growth and diverse perspectives are catalysts for positive change.
Deep dives
Importance of Encouraging Kinder Connections
Encouraging a kinder connection to ourselves and others is emphasized as the starting point for a more human approach to addressing the key challenges facing humanity. The belief that fostering such connections will unlock a more positive future is highlighted throughout the conversation.
Iain Said's Diverse Advocacy Work
Iain Said, a gender equality consultant and founder of Voicing Voices, discusses her work dedicated to promoting multi-level representation in global decision-making processes. She shares her journey from teaching to social entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of alignment, continuity, and sustainability in her projects.
Empowering Marginalized Communities
Through Voicing Voices, Iain focuses on empowering marginalized communities, particularly young people, women, and individuals in Southeast Asia affected by civil war. She highlights the need to voice and showcase empowerment within tragedies while advocating for systemic changes to humanize systems.
Intersectionality and Advocacy for Change
The conversation delves into the concept of intersectionality, understanding the interplay of diverse identities and experiences in shaping individuals' perspectives and systemic inequalities. Iain's initiatives aim to bridge gaps and drive intentional design for inclusive environments, emphasizing the importance of systemic frameworks.
Hope Through ESG and Decolonizing Tech
Iain expresses hope and excitement for the transformative potential of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards in driving sustainable change towards Agenda 2030 and long-term goals. She highlights the importance of programs like DecoTech in decoding the tech industry to ensure equitable representation and address systemic challenges.
Youthful Exuberance and Cross-Generational Collaboration
Iain's energy, passion, and commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future bring optimism and rejuvenation to the conversation. The importance of cross-generational collaboration and passing on wisdom to empower future leaders is underscored, highlighting the collective effort needed to effect positive change.
Reflections on Diverse Perspectives and Hope for the Future
The focus on diversity of thought, experiences, and backgrounds as catalysts for meaningful change resonates throughout the dialogue. The exchange evokes reflections on overcoming challenges, embracing lived experiences, and cultivating hope for a more inclusive and progressive future.
Community Building and Agency for Change
The significance of community, agency, and shared support networks in driving impactful change is highlighted as a source of strength and resilience. Iain's commitment to fostering choice, diversity, and empowerment underscores the transformative power of collective action and individual agency.
Acknowledgment of Personal Growth and Inspirational Insights
Personal growth, self-discovery, and a sense of purpose resonate as themes underpinning Iain's journey and inspirational insights. Her reflections on spirituality, hope, and the transformative impact of diverse perspectives underscore the potential for positive change through individual and collective empowerment.
Ayan Said is a truly inspiring force of nature, gender equality expert and founder of the international advocacy firm Voicing Voices. In this fun and enlightening conversation we discuss intersectionality and the leadership values of the future - plus the origin of "stakeholders".
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Surviving inequalities as an intersectional woman
Exploring tools for empowerment & sustainable, systemic change
“Driving intentional design for the people by the people”
Aligning to identity, passion & purpose
How to be relentless in humanising our systems
Decolonising the tech industry
QUOTES & SNIPPETS:
“There is beauty in my diversity. I don’t feel like an outsider anymore, because I’ve been in spaces where all of me was accepted.”
“Empathy can feel like a curse - you feel too much”
“Treat this world as if you’re a traveler - serve, serve, serve, - and impart as much as you can with the time that you have”
“Art is a revolution, it's our way of pushing back on the structures”
