Conversations on Leading People: Uncovering Sparks of Hope
I am grateful to share this Harvard Business Review interview, part of the Big Idea Series on The Next Phase of DEI, and a big thank you to Ania Wieckowski for her exceptional work.
I enjoyed this interview, as discussing how workplaces can prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and a core expectation of belonging is a topic close to my heart. Especially now, when this work is under attack, it's crucial.
Navigating the corporate landscape as a woman of color can feel like juggling flaming swords. In this interview, I delve into our journey in my early days at Vice in the summer of 2020, when we found ourselves engulfed in the chaos of unprecedented demand for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
Reflecting on those times takes me back to moments that still leave me wondering how we made it through with much healing left to do.
I vividly remember those initial days on the job when George Floyd's murder sparked a global uprising. My heart overflowed with concern for every vulnerable person. I couldn’t find the right words to reassure my daughter. As a Dominican and Puerto Rican woman, I grieved alongside my friends, coworkers, and neighbors. And, as Vice's new Global Chief People Officer, I had to summon my strength to support my team, our leadership, and the people we served.
One of the leadership lessons I’ve learned: When you find yourself amid a raging fire without a clear escape route, you have to take the first steps and lead your way through the flames.
Amidst the chaos, we advocated for consistent and deliberate actions aimed at embedding DEIB principles into our cultural and operational DNA. Our primary goal was to empower everyone to discover their role in this journey. We concentrated on equipping managers with the tools necessary to navigate these messy and mind-bending times.
We didn't always get it right, but we committed to the long term, to learning, and to doing better, constantly tweaking and fine-tuning.
Check out our interview for a closer look at how we navigated through the blaze, uncovering sparks of hope wherever we could. I hope it’s helpful as we persist in advancing DEIB and corporate responsibility, even in the face of challenges targeting companies committed to this vital work.
https://lnkd.in/eVmq_eBj
National Newsroom Digital and Print News Producer | Lee Enterprises
1moCongratulations Nicole Stockdale ! 🎊