Allyship in Action
Allyship doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, action, and consistency. The goal of Allyship in Action is to provide practical, actionable tools from inclusion experts that people can be more actionable allies at work.
301: How to Weave DEI Into Your Culture with Melissa Ng Goldner Audio

Are you tired of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that feel like lip service? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Melissa Ng Goldner, Head of Strategy at Coqual, to uncover how leading organizations are moving past performative DEI to create truly equitable and thriving workplaces. Melissa, a daughter of Chinese immigrants, brings a unique perspective on intersectionality, combining cultural insight, data fluency, and bold storytelling to drive real business outcomes.
Discover how organizations are navigating the current landscape, operationalizing fairness, and redesigning power structures to future-proof their talent strategies. If you're a leader wrestling...
300: The Gender Competition Gap with Katy Milkman and Sophia Pink

Katy Milkman is the James G. Dinan Professor at the Wharton School, the host of Charles Schwab's Choiceology podcast, and co-directs the Behavior Change for Good Initiative. Sophia Pink is a PhD student at the Wharton School studying decision-making and behavior change. They join Julie Kratz on the Allyship in Action podcast to discuss their new research on the gender gap in competition. They highlight that women are, on average, less likely to enter competitions (like applying for jobs or promotions) than equally qualified men, a phenomenon observed across many decades and countries, even at the top of the...
299: Diversifying is the Best Way to Grow Your Business with Charlene Polite Corley and Stacie De Armas

This episode of the Allyship in Action Podcast with Julie Kratz features Charlene Polite Corley, Nielsen's VP of Diverse Insights and Partnerships, and Stacie De Armas, Senior Vice President of Diverse Intelligence & Initiatives at Nielsen.
Together we discuss the long-term value of diversity for businesses, emphasizing that engaging historically excluded consumers is crucial for growth and brand loyalty. Stacie and Charlene highlight that while people can be "trickier" than money, diversifying your workforce and your approach to consumers is as important as diversifying your financial portfolio.
Some key takeaways from this conversation:
Diversity is a...298: The ROI of Neuroinclusion with Keivan Stassun

Keivan Stassun is the Director of the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation at Vanderbilt University. He joins this week's Allyship in Action Podcast epidsode to unpack how to get the full ROI when appropriately practicing neuroinclusion.
Key Takeaways
Neurodiversity drives innovation and strengthens teams: Keivan's experience in astrophysics, particularly the groundbreaking discovery made by his neurodiverse team, powerfully illustrates how embracing different cognitive styles leads to novel problem-solving and enhanced outcomes. Clear communication, beneficial for everyone, becomes essential in neurodiverse teams, ultimately making the entire team more effective. Support for autistic individuals needs to extend into a...297: Deep Listening Strategies with Emily Kasriel

Emily Kasriel is the author of Deep Listening: Transform your relationships with family, friends and foes. She joins the Allyship in Action Podcast this week to share insightful perspectives and practical tips on deep listening.
Key takeaways from the conversation:
Deep listening goes beyond active listening. It's not just about repeating or paraphrasing, but about being truly present, understanding the emotions and underlying messages, and reflecting those back with humility. Self-awareness is crucial. Recognizing our own biases and "shadows" allows us to listen more openly to others. Silence is a powerful tool. Creating space in conversations...296: Launching a Non-Profit with Impact with Chéla Gage

Chéla Gage returns to talk about her new non-profit 1,000,000 Fosters. She shares her journey and the impact she hopes to create in this week's episode.
Chéla's journey to launching her nonprofit to support adults who have experienced foster care as youth. This initiative aims to provide transformative life and career coaching, foster personal growth and independence, and build a strong community for former foster youth. Chéla's personal experience growing up in foster care fuels her passion for this work, and she envisions the organization as a supportive network, similar to a fraternity or sorority, con...
295: Baked-In Resilience: Keeping the Flame of Inclusion Alive, Quietly and Powerfully with Sona Khosla

This week on the Allyship in Action Podcast, Julie Kratz is joined by Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity. Inclusion is about having courage to keep doing good when it feels like the world's spinning the other way. And that's exactly what Sona and Julie dove into this week – this idea that even when the news is full of noise and doubt, there's a powerful current of good still flowing, quietly and persistently. It's about finding that inner strength, that "baked-in cake" resilience, and reminding ourselves that this work, this striving for inclusion and impact, it's not a tr...
294: DEI Stealth Mode: Finding Hope and Action in Uncertain Times with Dr. Poornima Luthra

Dr. Poornima Luthra is a professor at the Coopenhagen School of Business. She joins the Allyship in Action Podcast to discuss how to turn fear into fuel for positive change. We discuss what she calls "stealth mode DEI," and how to navigate these polarizing times from a global perspective.
Key takeaways from our conversation:
The Global Perspective on DEI: While the US experiences a significant backlash, other parts of the world, particularly Europe, are continuing and even deepening their DEI efforts. Companies are finding ways to maintain progress, even when their US counterparts are pulling back...293: How ERGs Can Transform Your Workplace with Brian Reaves

Brian K. Reaves is the EVP and Chief Belonging, Equity, and Impact Officer of UKG, where he leads the company’s global belonging, equity, and impact program, expanding existing initiatives while working to strengthen a culture built on trust, fairness, and equality, so every U Krewer can thrive in every stage of their career.
In this episode of the Allyship in Action podcast, we dive deep into the power of employee resource groups (ERGs) and how they’re not just a "nice to have," but a "must-have" for any company serious about thriving. Brian's work at UKG shows...
The Behavioral Blueprint: Nudging Toward Inclusive Action, One Moment at a Time with Katryn Wright

Katryn Wright, a behavioral science expert, joins this week's episode of the Allyship in Action Podcast to share some fascinating insights. She reminds us that changing the world isn't about grand gestures, but those tiny, actionable tweaks in our everyday moments. Here are the key themes we explored:
Behavioral Science as a Practical Tool: Moving beyond abstract concepts to understand why people behave the way they do and how to create tangible change in organizational settings. Specificity Over Ambiguity: Ditching the "woolly and fluffy" notions of culture for concrete, measurable behaviors in everyday processes like hiring, performance reviews...291: How to Make Work Fair with Siri Chilazi

Siri Chilazi, co-author of the brilliant new book, "Make Work Fair," joins us this week on the Allyship in Action podcast to translate academic research into simple, actionable steps leaders can take. We tackled the "myth of meritocracy," the power of norms, and how to actually embed fairness into our workplaces, not just talk about it. It’s not just about changing systems, it’s also about changing behavior.
Here are the key themes we explored:
The Myth of Meritocracy: We debunked the idea that hard work automatically equals success, highlighting how biases creep into decisions, even...290: Unlocking Neurodiversity: Beyond Labels and Stereotypes. with Dr. Angela Kingdon

On this episode of the Allyship in Action podcast, Julie Kratz is joined by Dr. Angela Kingdon, Autistic Advocate and host of The Autistic Culture Podcast. Dr. Kingdon shares how life can throw you a curveball – like finding out you're autistic at 39! Angela's journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of understanding neurodiversity. She's not just talking about labels; she's talking about culture, empathy, and making room for everyone's unique "weirdness." And let's be honest, who isn't a little weird in their own special way? It’s about celebrating those differences.
Here are...
Navigating the Broken Rung and Building Your Own Path to Success with Lareina Yee

The broken rung. It's that invisible hurdle, that subtle yet persistent barrier that keeps so many talented women from climbing the ladder. Think of it like trying to run a race with a shoelace tied to your ankle – you can still move, but you're definitely not at your full speed. Today, we're diving deep with Lareina Yee, a powerhouse from McKinsey Global Institute, and co-author of "The Broken Rung. Wrong. When the career ladder breaks for women and how they can succeed in spite of it." Lareina's is here to shed light on the strategies that can help us na...
288: How to Push Back Against Othering in the Workplace with Daniela Pierre-Bravo

Imagine stepping into a room, feeling like you're the only one wearing a different uniform. That's the "other" feeling, isn't it? It's a feeling I know well, and it's something Daniela Pierre Bravo explores with such raw honesty and grace. Like many of us, Daniela's journey is a tapestry of "firsts," resilience, and a whole lot of grit, woven together with the threads of her immigrant experience.
She reminds us that being "the other" isn't a weakness; it's a superpower. It sharpens our emotional intelligence, compels us to be resourceful, and forces us to see opportunities where o...
287: Honoring Transgender Day of Visibility with Josephine Guckiean

International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on March 31 to celebrate the accomplishments and visibility of transgender people while raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide. This day is an opportunity to recognize the resilience and strength of transgender individuals and advocate for their equal rights and opportunities. My guest on today's episode of the Allyship in Action Podcast, Josephine Guckiean, a transgender woman and leader at Deloitte shares with us tools to be an ally year-round to the transgender community:
The Power of Visibility: Josephine's story highlights the critical importance of being seen and...286: Hiring with Intention: Moving Beyond Bias to Build a Thriving Workforce with Josh Millet

This week's episode features Josh Millet, the founder and CEO of Criteria. We dove deep into the world of evidence-based hiring, exploring how to make objective talent decisions that not only reduce bias but also drive better business outcomes. Josh shared some powerful insights about the common pitfalls in hiring, the importance of focusing on "strong signals" rather than "weak signals," and how to create a more equitable and transparent hiring process. It's like trying to bake a cake with a recipe written in a different language – you might have all the ingredients, but you're missing the key instructions. We...
285: The Great Re-Evaluation: Finding Purpose in the New World of Work with Jennifer Moss

On today's episode of Allyship in Action, we're diving deep into the heart of purpose and well-being in the workplace with the insightful Jennifer Moss. Author of the brilliant book, "Why Are We Here?", Jennifer's work is a breath of fresh air tackling the often-overlooked aspects of what truly motivates us and how we can create a more fulfilling work experience. As someone who's spent years navigating the choppy waters of work-life balance and purpose, I can't wait to share the gems we unearthed in this conversation! Jennifer's insights are like a warm, comforting cup of tea on a...
New Season, New Name: Allyship in Action
Exciting news - we are pivoting our podcast name to Allyship in Action. Allyship in Action will be your guide to transforming passive support into active change. We believe allyship isn't a label, it's a practice.
Each week, we’ll feature honest discussions with authors, corporate leaders, and everyday allies who are making a difference. We’ll break down complex issues, provide practical tools, and inspire you to take meaningful steps in your own life and community. If you're ready to move beyond good intentions and create lasting change, buckle up, and get ready to take action as a...
Unlocking the Superpower of ADHD with Kristen Pressner

You may know Kristen Pressner from her provocative TEDx talk “Are you biased? I am.” along with her ‘Flip it to test’ framework to check unconscious bias. Kristen joins us to highlight another sensitive subject, why is it that so many people ‘can’t get it together’?
Kristen is a trailblazing people leader who believes in the potential in each of us. As Global Head of People & Culture for a prominent multinational, her passion for equity and inclusion makes her a sought-after voice and she is often featured on international ‘Top HR Influencer’ lists. Together, we discuss:
How to unlock th...282: How to Talk About Privilege and Power Without Triggering People with Julie Kratz

The "P" word can be triggering, and it does not need to be. If you have access to power or privilege, use it for good. This is a chance to be an ally.
In this episode, Julie shares tips and ideas to navigate this fraught DEI climate with tools to bring in more allies into the conversation.
And, yes, even talking about privilege in a healthy, productive way.
281: The Truth About Anti-DEI Legislation with Juile Kratz

You've probably heard a lot of news stories about anti-DEI legislation and companies withdrawing from DEI. The truth is the DEI industry has been experiencing backlash for 2.5 years. This is not new. Scare tactics and false information is at play.
There are some pivots to consider that I share in this episode. Corporate DEI leaders - no need to be frightened. There is room for optimism based on real data, not opinions and fears.
280: What The Next Trump Presidency Means For The Future Of DEI

In today's competitive business landscape, DEI is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Organizations that embrace diversity and inclusion are better equipped to understand and cater to the needs of a diverse customer base, attract and retain top talent, and drive innovation. In today's episode, we'll discuss how by quietly and effectively embedding DEI into their culture, organizations can create sustainable and inclusive workplaces that drive long-term success.
No one knows the future of DEI for certain, yet it is likely that the DEI divide will widen, DEI language will shift and DEI w...
279: Why Abandoning Diversity Efforts Will Hurt Your Bottom Line

In this episode, we'll discuss how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have become a hot-button topic in politics and at work. While some organizations are doubling down on their commitment to creating inclusive workplaces, others are quietly (or not so quietly) abandoning these efforts. But stepping away from DEI can have significant, and often overlooked, consequences for your business.
Full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/11/06/why-abandoning-diversity-efforts-will-hurt-your-bottom-line/
278: How To Balance DEI Backlash With Employee Support For DEI

The business case for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work is well known, and increasing over time. Despite what you might hear in the news cycle, 95% of employees say they weigh a prospective employer’s DEI efforts when choosing between job offers with similar salary and benefits, and 78% would not consider working for a company that fails to commit significant resources to prioritizing DEI initiatives; this is according to Benevity's State of Workplace DEI report. I unpack these strategies in this episode:
Leverage your existing employee resource groups (ERGs). Proactively set the tone for leaders to have candid con...3 Strategies To Be An Anti-Ableist Ally

In my interview with Tiffany Yu, disability advocate and author of the newly released Anti-Ableist Manifesto, she defines disability as, “The interaction between individuals with a health condition with personal and environmental factors including negative attitudes, inaccessibility and limited social support.”
Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/10/16/how-to-be-an-anti-ableist-ally/
276: How to Align Your Organization on DEI with Najauna White

Najauna White is a vibrant force in the travel and tourism sector, with a flair for sparking change and building bridges. Her journey in hospitality and tourism has seen her champion diversity and inclusion at every turn, leading to her current role as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Miles Partnership. Here, she's a trailblazer, rolling out impactful DEI initiatives, from educational programs to dynamic staff engagement strategies. We discuss:
The ROI of DEI
The role of the senior leadership team in DEI
How to get middle management support
<...
275: The Power of Privilege with Joanna Lane

Joanna Lane is an expert in creating engaged, inclusive, and equitable workplaces, leveraging her proven success to drive sustainable results for organizations and individuals. With nearly two decades of experience, she supports her partners to integrate an authentic shared language for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She shares:
Ideas to leverage your privilege for good
How to engage more white men as allies
The future of inclusion and what to expect in 2025 and beyond
Follow Joanna at https://www.lanesg.com/ and Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
274: Stereotype Threat wtih Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder

Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder is a social psychologist, research professional and the CEO of the American Psychological Foundation, an organization that leverages the power of philanthropy to invest in research and advance psychological knowledge. Dr. Quist Ryder has an extensive background in human-centric organizational design, effective DEI practices and leveraging psychology to solve critical societal issues. Together, we discuss:
Why employers need to listen to their employees and take actionable steps to create a sustainable workplace that promotes their happiness and well-being
How to build employee centered workspaces by finding out who is not included and...273: How to Give a Meaningful Gift with Leeatt Rothschild

Leeatt Rothschild is the Founder and CEO of Packed with Purpose, a corporate and personal gifting company that gives back. She is a thought leader on using business as a force for good, and the power of gifting in strengthening relationships. She shares:
The importance of a handwritten thank you notes in today’s age
The why behind the gift you have chosen
How to create the impression I want with the gift I want to give
Find Leatt at https://packedwithpurpose.gifts/ and Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
272: Feedback Forward Cultures with Rachel Ceccarelli

With over 15 years of experience in communications at public companies, Rachel Ceccarelli currently serves as the Vice President of Engagement at DHI Group, Inc. (NYSE: DHX) based in Denver, Colorado. In this role, Rachel focuses on advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives, driving employee engagement through training and cultural initiatives, and overseeing programs which create an equitable and attractive workplace for DHI employees. She shares:
1. Establishing a channel for employees to provide feedback is free. Be prepared to listen and take action, while also recognizing limitations due to budgets, resources, etc.
2. Employees are the greatest asset...
271: The Narrative Method with Shari Foos

Shari Foos is the founder of The Narrative Method, an award-winning 501C3 that addresses the crisis of loneliness through profound and fun group experiences. Salons, workshops and retreats invite diverse individuals to deeply connect to themselves and each other through sharing their stories, creativity and humanity. She shares:
The importance of having the experience of being seen and heard without judgment Why creative expression is a way to deepen your relationship with yourself How to practice Relational Mindfulness to be a better allyFollow Shari at https://www.thenarrativemethod.org/ and Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
270: DEI Is A Long Game, How To Budget Strategically with Julie Kratz

By shifting the focus from short-term tactical initiatives to longer-term strategic commitments, organizations can develop a more thoughtful DEI strategy.
Full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/07/28/dei-is-a-long-game-how-to-budget-strategically/
Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
269: 5 Clues To Determine If Your Team Has An Inclusion Problem with Julie Kratz

Diversity-and-inclusion problems cost organizations in higher turnover and less innovation, and they lose the competitive advantage.
Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/09/01/5-clues-to-determine-if-your-team-has-an-inclusion-problem/
Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
268: DEI Backlash 4 Legitimate Concerns To Avoid with Julie Kratz

Hiring quotas, “bad guy” training, diversity tokenism and public-education overstep are four legitimate concerns organizations can use to avoid DEI backlash.
Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/08/25/dei-backlash-4-legitimate-concerns-to-avoid/
Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
267: DEI May Be Challenged But Its Impact Is Undeniable with Julie Kratz

With anti-DEI messages dominating the headlines, it's critical that leaders show the importance of DEI work through its impact.
Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/06/19/dei-may-be-challenged-but-its-impact-is-undeniable/
Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
266: Is It Time To Rename Diversity Equity And Inclusion with Julie Kratz

Language matters. If DEI is the right acronym for your organization, don't let the naysayers force you to pivot. If people understand what it means, why it matters and how the organization is using DEI to create a competitive sustainable advantage, it is likely a long-term fit. If you're getting resistance where people are not willing to be allies, perhaps pivoting to a word like “inclusion” or “belonging” might be a better fit.
Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/08/21/is-it-time-to-rename-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei/
Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
265: Why Are We Still Talking About The Business Case For Diversity with Julie Kratz

The business case for diversity is not new. It has been around for decades. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) leaders have been sharing the same business case for years. It has been demonstrated time and again that diverse-led organizations are:
Thirty-nine percent more likely to outperform those lacking diversity Twelve times more likely to engage and retain employees Nearly eight and a half times more likely to inspire a sense of belonging Eight and a half times more likely to satisfy and retain customersRead the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/06/26/why-are-we-still-talking-about-the-business-case-for-diversity/
<...264: How To Talk About DEI At Work In A Polarizing Political Climate with Julie Kratz

Successful organizations embed DEI into their cultures to avoid political polarization and keep a steady drum beat of DEI communications.
Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/07/14/how-to-talk-about-dei-work-in-a-polarizing-political-climate/
Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
263: How Psychologically Safe Is Your Workplace with Julie Kratz

Psychological safety, simply put, means creating a place where people can share hard things. In the workplace, that means employees feel safe to speak up about mistakes, weaknesses and failures, and they feel they can challenge the status quo openly without fear of retribution.
Julie unpacks what it is and why it matters in this week's podcast.
Read full article at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/03/08/how-psychologically-safe-is-your-workplace/
Find Julie at: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/
262: True White Allies with Aisha Suleiman

Aisha Suleiman is Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for IPG Mediabrands EMEA region, overseeing 21 diverse markets. As a founding member of Amazon UK’s Black Employee Resource Group (BEN), she championed change while serving as Chair. In 2022, Aisha launched True White Allies, a groundbreaking film project spotlighting historical White anti-racists from the 1700s onward, inspiring greater allyship and action. Together, we unpack:
How she chose 8 historical figures that showcase white allyship Why these stories are hidden as a way to keep other allies quiet How to make the workplace more accessible and a part of your jo...