Breaking Barriers: From Olympic Controversy to Workplace Wellness
Gabrielle Austen-Browne FRSA (she/her)
Award-Winning DEI Consultant | Implementing Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Strategies in Events & Beyond | Mentor | Speaker | Legacy Creator
Welcome to this week's newsletter! As we continue to navigate through complex times, we're exploring topics that are challenging our understanding of inclusion and authenticity in various spaces. From Olympic controversies to workplace mental health - we're looking at critical issues that impact our industry and broader society.
In This Week's Newsletter:
✍️ Become a newsletter contributor! We are looking for people to contribute to this newsletter sharing DEIA insights and best practice. Keep reading to learn how to apply.
🕺 Breaking Bad? The Raygun Olympic Controversy, let's look at the recent breakdancing controversy at the Paris Olympics and its implications for cultural sensitivity, and equity and inclusivity in sports.
🧘♀️ Reflections on a recent relaxation and wellbeing session delivered for an award winning ad agency.
🧠 Mental Health in Event Planning. We take a little look at the critical issue of mental health in the high-pressure world of event planning.
📊 Stark DE&I Reality in Events Industry. Insights from our collaborative report revealing significant gaps between DE&I rhetoric and reality in the events industry.
🗣️ We continue with our anonymous DE&I Confessions Series where industry professionals share their experiences and challenges with diversity and inclusion.
Breaking Bad? The Raygun Olympic Controversy
Rachael Gunn, aka Raygun, an Australian university lecturer and breakdancer, qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics in breaking (breakdancing). Her performance at the Olympics, however, sparked controversy and went viral for unexpected reasons 👀
Raygun lost all three of her Olympic battles, but it was her unorthodox routine - which included moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo-inspired hopping - that caught global attention. Wearing a green tracksuit, her performance stood out from traditional breaking styles.
This led to a flood of memes, criticism, and online abuse. Some accused her of mocking or appropriating hip-hop culture, while others questioned how she qualified in the first place.
The incident divided the breaking community, with some defending Raygun's right to express herself and others feeling her performance misrepresented the art form on a global stage. It also raised questions about the development of breaking in smaller scenes like Australia's and the challenges of bringing street culture into the Olympic spotlight.
The controversy highlighted issues of cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and authenticity in breaking, sparking broader discussions about the sport's future as an Olympic event. So, how can we be inclusive, while preserving the essence of breaking culture? I'd love to hear your thoughts- add them to the comments.
Also, how do we nurture diverse talent, especially in smaller scenes like Australia's, where resources are tight and isolation is real? And when we do get newcomers to the global stage, how do we ensure they're adequately prepared and supported?
It's not just about Raygun though. This incident has opened up a can of worms about breaking's place in the Olympics altogether. How do we maintain the spirit of street culture in such a structured, high-stakes environment?
We need to have thoughtful conversations about what authenticity means in breaking, how to provide equitable opportunities across all levels, and ultimately, how to shape an Olympic future for the sport that honours its roots while embracing new talent.
What did you do for National Relaxation Day?
As part of a series of activities for National Relaxation Day, I had the privilege of guiding the team from an ad agency through meditation and intentional breathing exercises. The session focused on the importance of taking breaks during and especially during the working day, to enhance both their well-being and overall performance. We explored how regular pauses can significantly improve productivity while also reducing stress levels. By incorporating these moments of rest into their workday, they shared that they felt much calmer and ready to tackle their next task.
Upon reflection after the session, I realised something important..in these turbulent times, especially for marginalised communities facing increased hostility, moments of mindfulness become even more crucial. These practices offer a much-needed respite and can be a powerful tool for resilience and self-care when they're needed most.
This particular session provided a brief respite from the relentless pace of agency life, but beyond immediate stress relief, practices like these can support empathy and adaptability - qualities needed as we confront societal challenges.
While a single meditation won't solve systemic issues of course, it can equip us with tools to approach our work and interactions with greater awareness and compassion. My hope is that by prioritising wellbeing, we can create more inclusive workplaces and become better allies to vulnerable groups in our broader communities.
New Report Reveals Stark DE&I Reality in Events Industry- 40% Doubt Leadership Sincerity
Our "Driving Success Through Diversity: Data Report 2024," in collaboration with CVENT and M&IT, has just been released, offering crucial insights into DEIBA in our industry.
And the findings are eye-opening - We've identified a significant gap between DEIBA rhetoric and reality. 59% of respondents don't feel their organisation values DEIBA, and 40% question leadership's sincerity. Yikes! And, only 35% are fully aware of their workplace's DEIBA initiatives.
However, this report isn't just highlighting challenges - it's providing solutions. Whether you're new to DEIBA or well-versed, we offer actionable strategies to drive meaningful change.
DEIBA isn't just ethically important; it's a business imperative. As Felicia Asiedu from CVENT states, "By fostering inclusive environments and leveraging diverse perspectives, we can unlock innovation, better serve our clients, and create a more equitable industry." Paul Harvey from M&IT emphasises, "We have a responsibility to hold ourselves accountable and take concrete steps towards building a more diverse, inclusive future."
This report is our industry's call to action. It's time to move beyond surface-level activities and commit to systemic change.
Are you ready to elevate your DEIBA initiatives and create truly exceptional, inclusive events? Let's lead the charge together!
The full report is available to view at Diversity Alliance
#DEIBAinEvents #DrivingSuccess #EventIndustry #InclusiveLeadership
Should your event team have to sacrifice their mental health for unrealistic deadlines? 🤔
Let’s face it, it’s not the only thing many #EventProfs struggle with when it comes to event planning:
😓 High stress from deadlines and logistics
⏳ Long hours disrupting work-life balance
😰 Emotional strain from client demands
🚫 Lack of support for mental health
We think it’s time for you to rethink your approach to event planning with a more inclusive mindset.
Wellbeing workplace policies that have DE&I at the heart and center of their mission is essential for creating a thriving, successful team.
If you want to champion a culture where balance and respect go hand-in-hand with productivity - 🔗 get in touch with Diversity Alliance or comment ‘mental health’
Diversity Alliance is seeking contributors for our newsletter!
We're looking for fresh perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the events industry. Each month, we'll feature one contributor's article on topics ranging from emerging DEIA trends and success stories ,to inclusive design and global perspectives.
We're particularly interested in pieces that explore:
• Cutting-edge DEIA strategies in events and experiential marketing
• Case studies of successful inclusive practices
• Global perspectives on DEIA implementation
• Inclusive design in marketing and branding
• Intersectionality in the workplace
• DEIA in virtual and hybrid events
• Community engagement and partnerships
• Measuring and reporting DEI impact
• Inclusive language and communication
• The future of DEI in our industry
Here Some Benefits for Contributors:
1. Exposure to our wide network of industry professionals
2. Opportunity to showcase your expertise and thought leadership
3. Potential for networking and collaboration with like-minded professionals
4. Contribution to advancing DEIA in the events industry
So, if you're passionate about DEIA and have insights to share, we'd love to hear from you! Contact us at Gabby@diversityalliance.co.uk with your proposed topic and a brief outline of your article.
Check out Some More DE&I Confessions...⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
“I have only seen change by changing our event suppliers”
✨ What advice would you give to them?
✨ Has this happened to you?
✨ What would you do differently in this situation?
We are so grateful and humbled that folks are sharing their DEI confessions with us. We recognise it takes a lot to revisit past trauma and negative experiences, so a huge thanks to all those who have contributed so far.
👉 We would love for you to Get involved with our series of 'DE&I Confessions' where we ask for YOU to share your confessions on issues relating to DE&I in the events industry with us, it's all completely anonymous (don't worry🙈). This is a safe space for people to share their own stories that have impacted them, to either ask for help, advice or to simply confess...
Want to confess? 🔗 Tap the link:https://buff.ly/3zV3vTb
By sharing our experiences, we are not only empowering ourselves but also contributing to larger conversations around how we can be more inclusive, equitable and accessible.
Exciting news from Diversity Alliance! We've expanded our services to help you create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplaces and events.
Our updated brochure showcases our comprehensive offerings, including:
As industry leaders collaborating with high-profile clients like the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant and Square Enix, we bring unique expertise to advance your DE&I journey.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance existing initiatives, our non-judgmental, bespoke approach meets you where you are.
Ready to transform your organisation and events?
Request our brochure to discover how we can empower your team, debias processes, and authentically represent all communities at work and in your events or book a call today to discuss how Diversity Alliance can drive meaningful change in your business.