548: The Power in Empowering Differences, with Ashley Brundage

Oct 4, 2021

Ashley Brundage, Founder of Empowering Differences, shares her inspiring journey of transitioning and thriving in the workplace as a transgender woman. She discusses the importance of language and pronouns in fostering inclusivity, offering practical tips for leaders to support diverse identities. The conversation highlights the need for allyship, particularly around gender identity, and addresses challenges like restroom accessibility for trans individuals. Brundage's insights empower leaders to create a more inclusive and accepting workplace culture.

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ANECDOTE

Early Transition

Ashley Brundage's early transition fears in the 1990s led her to prioritize work over education.
This period involved hiding her identity and facing societal challenges.

INSIGHT

Empowering Differences

Empowering differences is crucial for individuals and organizations.
Highlighting unique attributes allows you to stand out and leverage change.

ANECDOTE

Transition for Survival

Ashley Brundage transitioned to survive, not by choice.
Transitioning involves navigating negativity and requires support from allies.

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Ashley Brundage: Empowering Differences

Ashley Brundage is the Founder and President of Empowering Differences. She’s overcame homelessness, harassment, and discrimination and then, while seeking employment at a major financial institution, she self-identified during the interview process as a male to female transgender woman and subsequently was hired. She was offered a position and started as a part time bank teller and worked in various lines of business before moving to VP of Diversity & Inclusion in less than 5 years.

Since beginning transitioning in 2008, she has worked tirelessly to promote awareness and acceptance of gender identity and expression. She serves on the Corporate Advisory Council for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she was voted on the National Board of Directors for GLAAD and has also been named one of Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Women from the National Diversity Council. She is the author of Empowering Differences: Leveraging Differences to Impact Change*.

In this conversation, Ashley and I discuss her experience in the working world as a transgender woman. We highlight key language that every leader should be aware of to support the differences of others. Plus, we discuss the initial steps that leaders can take in the workplace, especially related to gender identity.

Key Points

The harassment and discrimination that transgender people experience also finds its way into the workplace.
Respect people’s pronouns — and leaders can highlight their own in order to create a safe space for others.
Comfort and ability to use the restroom is something that organizations should address. A helpful starting point is dialogue and conversation.
Beware of binary thinking in relation to gender — and many other ways we identify ourselves. Expand your horizon on the gender continuum.

Resources Mentioned

Empowering Differences: Leveraging Differences to Impact Change* by Ashley Brundage
Empowering Differences Self Assessment

Interview Notes

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