Inclusion Begins with Me: Conversations That Matter

This special episode will take you on our own journey of how and why we built our  podcast, while also hearing incredibly personal stories and the most powerful insights our guests have shared in 2022. If this is your first time listening to our show, this episode will be an amazing way to get an overview of the conversations we’ve had and the lessons we’ve learned so far in Season 1.As we look back at our first year of Inclusion Begins with Me:You’ll hear about the experiences of inclusion from the phenomenal women who kicked off our seriesYou’ll learn about connection from experts on waymaking, purpose, and brain science.You’ll discover the importance of DEI through personal stories. --At Metlife, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we believe making a difference in the lives of our customers, community, and the world around us is #AllTogetherPossible. Learn more and join us at MetLife.com.Subscribe to our podcast.Rate and leave us a review.Produced by Hueman Group Media.

How can we recognize our similarities and build strong relationships with one another despite our differences? Why is collective action central to advancing the work of DEI?  Dr. Tina Opie and Dr. Beth Livingston are the authors of Shared Sisterhood: How to Take Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at Work. In this episode, we spoke with them about: How their relationship is the prime example for building shared sisterhoodWhy coalition building and accountability are critical for building inclusive workplacesThe differences between a co-conspirator, ally, and accomplice in relation to DEI workLearn more and reach out to Tina and Beth here.--At Metlife, we believe making a difference in the lives of our customers, community and the world around us is #AllTogetherPossible. Learn more and join us at Jobs.MetLife.comSubscribe to our podcast. Rate and leave us a review.

What is the difference between earned and unearned advantage? How can DEI practitioners simplify their work?  How does advantage affect our workplaces? Why does it have a major impact on DEI work?Chris Altizer and Gloria Johnson-Cusack are the authors of Growing the Elephant: Increasing Earned Advantage for All. In this episode, we spoke with them about:How advantage - both earned and unearned has affected their livesWhy who you are and where you come from mattersHow to approach difficult DEI conversations and exercisesLearn more about Chris, Gloria and their book here.--At Metlife, we believe making a difference in the lives of our customers, community and the world around us is #AllTogetherPossible. Learn more and join us at Jobs.MetLife.comSubscribe to our podcast. Rate and leave us a review.

Why does inclusion need to be personal? Why is it necessary for DEI work to be uncomfortable? What is the difference between niceness and kindness — and why does language matter to DEI efforts?Wade Davis is currently the Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix. He’s a thought leader public speaker, and writer on gender, race, andorientation equality.In this episode, I spoke with Wade about:how leaders can step out of their comfort zone to advance DEIwhy it’s crucial to make inclusion a personal journeywhy language matters in the practice of DEILearn more about Wade Davis here.

 What happens to our brain when we experience exclusion? How have pandemic related shifts in our work environments affected our ability to connect? And how do we maintain a clear sense of pride and purpose in our work?Dr. Britt Andreatta is a thought leader, consultant, and author. She synthesizes neuroscience and makes it applicable to the business world. Her book series on brain science looks at how we as people are wired to grow, resist, and connect.In this episode, I spoke with Britt about:why humans have an evolutionary desire to connecthow leaders can create psychological safety for their employees and address pandemic related burnouthow to create a positive hybrid work environmentLearn more about how leaders can address employee burnout here.Learn more about how to heal from burnout here.And learn more about Britt and her books here.--Learn more about MetLife’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at metlife.com/about-us/global-diversity-equity-inclusion/Subscribe to our podcast.  Rate and leave us a review.Produced by Hueman Group Media.

What is waymaking and can anyone be a waymaker? Is there a difference between waymaking and sponsorship? What makes employees feel respected and appreciated?Tara Jaye Frank’s book, The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence serves as a guide for tackling these tough questions. Tara started her 20-year career at Hallmark and today, she runs a successful culture and leadership consulting firm. In this episode, I spoke with Tara about:how waymaking can bypass traditional power structuresintegrating mission statements into everyday workplace culturewhy actively learning and listening is key to waymakingLearn more about Tara Jaye Frank here.--Learn more about MetLife’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at metlife.com/about-us/global-diversity-equity-inclusion/Subscribe to our podcast.  Rate and leave us a review.Produced by Hueman Group Media.

What is the connection between purpose and performance? Amid the Great Resignation, what can workplaces do to meet the demands of today’s workforce?Today’s guest, Aaron Hurst, coined the “purpose economy.” He is the CEO and Founder of Imperative, a peer coaching startup that is helping employees find meaning and purpose in their work. According to research, 61% of Americans feel lonely at work — even before the pandemic. In this episode, Aaron and I tackle:why relationships are the biggest predictor of fulfillment at workwhy care is critical for businessesdesigning interactions that build authentic connections in the workplaceLearn more about Aaron’s work on the “Purpose Economy” at Imperative.--Learn more about MetLife’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at metlife.com/about-us/global-diversity-equity-inclusion/Subscribe to our podcast.  Rate and leave us a review.Produced by Hueman Group Media.

How does inclusion impact our well-being and why is it a business imperative? How do we cultivate a culture of belonging, and lead with more empathy and courage? On our podcast, we examine the pivotal role people play in creating inclusive workplaces that are built for the future. Each episode weaves together storytelling and research-driven conversations with globally recognized authors, experts, and DEI practitioners.   Each month, Dr. Cindy Pace, MetLife’s VP and Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, tackles actionable steps we can all take to advance DEI. -- Learn more about MetLife’s work at metlife.com Subscribe to our podcast. Rate and leave us a review. Inclusion Begins With Me: Conversations That Matter is a podcast from MetLife and produced by Hueman Group Media.