Allyship in Action

This podcast episode features Sarah Kernion, a writer, podcast host of "The Inchstones Podcast," and mother of two profoundly autistic, nonspeaking children. Kernion advocates for a new conversation around profound autism, focusing on neurobiological barriers and redefining advocacy to prioritize presence, effort, and dignity over milestone achievements. She emphasizes the urgent need for distinct, research-grounded discussions on profound autism, particularly regarding the disproportionate caregiving burden on mothers and its impact on their careers.

Key Takeaways:

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...

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...

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:

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

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:

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...

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...

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:

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...

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:

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:

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...

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...

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...

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:

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...

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...

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...

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:

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.

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.

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...

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/

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:

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/

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

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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/ 

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

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/ 

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...

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:

Follow Shari at https://www.thenarrativemethod.org/ and Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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:

Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/06/26/why-are-we-still-talking-about-the-business-case-for-diversity/

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/ 

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/