In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Anu Gupta, a lawyer, social scientist, and author of the groundbreaking book, Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them. Anu shares his deeply personal journey from growing up in India to navigating bias and discrimination as an immigrant in the U.S., revealing how these experiences shaped his understanding of bias and motivated him to write his book. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of turning personal pain into a purpose-driven mission.

Anu explores the origins of bias, drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience to present a nuanced understanding of how biases are formed and how they can be dismantled. He discusses the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in recognizing our own biases and offers practical tools, such as his PRISM toolkit, to help individuals and organizations combat bias effectively. This conversation goes into how we can rewire our brains to unlearn biases, emphasizing that while bias is learned, it is not inevitable—it can be unlearned with the right approaches.

The discussion also addresses the broader impact of bias in organizational settings, exploring how unconscious prejudices can lead to significant inefficiencies and loss of talent. Anu argues that while AI and algorithms are often seen as solutions, they can perpetuate existing biases unless we actively work to understand and address the biases inherent in the data they use. He challenges leaders to foster environments of true inclusion rather than tokenistic diversity efforts, which can backfire if not handled with genuine intent and empathy.

Finally, Anu emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity at all levels of leadership. He advocates for shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion, recognizing that everyone—regardless of background—has experienced bias in some form. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how Anu Gupta’s personal journey shaped his understanding of bias and led to the creation of his book, Breaking Bias.
• Discover the science and ancient wisdom behind how biases are formed—and how they can be unlearned.
• Learn about the PRISM toolkit, a set of actionable strategies for leaders to address bias and foster inclusivity in their organizations.
• Understand why AI, if not carefully managed, can reinforce biases—and what leaders can do to prevent this.
• Explore the real costs of bias in organizations and why eliminating bias should be a top priority for business leaders.
• Hear Anu’s thoughts on why many diversity initiatives fail and how to make them more effective and impactful.
• Discover the emotional and neurological underpinnings of bias, and why it’s not just a rational problem but a deeply emotional one.
• Learn how to foster a culture of empathy and understanding by shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion.
• Hear practical advice on bringing others along on the journey to breaking bias, from your immediate team to the entire organization.
• Gain insights into why traditional training methods often fall short and how to approach DEI initiatives in a way that genuinely engages and transforms.

Connect with Anu Gupta

Anu Gupta Website 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website