Challenging Bias, Building Resilience, and Leading Boldly

Bold action, brilliant insights, and badass conversations—this week’s top 10 are packed with the leadership lessons, hard truths, and hopeful reflections we need to drive meaningful change. Dive in, get inspired, and let these insights fuel your fire for equity and impact.

1️⃣ There’s a Fair Way to Be Fair 💡 Tara Jaye Frank on Justice-Focused Leadership 🗣️ Why it matters: Tara Jaye Frank highlights three truths about fairness, equity, and privilege: fairness requires proactive justice, privilege blinds people to inequities, and double standards shape systems of power. She challenges us to align our choices with our values, especially in turbulent times.

2️⃣ 10 Things You Didn’t Know DEI Does for You 💡 daniela (dani) herrera on Hidden Benefits of DEI 🗣️ Why it matters: DEI’s ripple effect improves retention, innovation, and even profitability. Daniela highlights the hidden superpowers of DEI, proving it’s not just about doing good—it’s a business imperative.

3️⃣ Flipping the Script on Blind Spots 💡 Oana Iordachescu on Courageous Leadership 🗣️ Why it matters: Courage is the foundation of inclusive leadership. This post invites us to confront our blind spots, nurture a growth mindset, and take bold actions to promote equity, even when it’s uncomfortable.

4️⃣ Why Quitting DEI Isn’t an Option 💡 Dr. Philip McAdoo on Resilience in Equity Work 🗣️ Why it matters: Philip McAdoo reflects on the backlash against DEI and why he refuses to give up. Rooted in personal history and deep values, his commitment to equity reminds us that this work is necessary, not optional.

5️⃣ Post-Election Anti-Trans Risk Assessment 💡 Erin Reed on Protecting Trans Communities 🗣️ Why it matters: Erin Reed’s risk assessment underscores the high stakes for trans communities in the current political climate. Her work reminds us of the urgent need for allyship and proactive support.

6️⃣ Caitlin Clark and the Bias of Expectations 💡 Natasha D. Wade on Privilege and Representation 🗣️ Why it matters: Caitlin Clark’s acknowledgment of her privilege as a white athlete highlights systemic inequities in how we value and support Black women. Natasha Wade’s post challenges us to foster more inclusive narratives and equitable opportunities.

7️⃣ Blaming White Men: Missing the Bigger Picture 💡 Ruchika T. Malhotra Ruchika Malhotra on Expanding Accountability 🗣️ Why it matters: Ruchika reminds us that while white men hold privilege, meaningful change requires dismantling systems like patriarchy and white supremacy. Her nuanced take encourages us to focus on collective action over personal blame.

8️⃣ Past Performance Reviews and Disability 💡 Greer Procich, M.A., sHRBP on Inclusion in Feedback Systems 🗣️ Why it matters: Greer shares a vulnerable story about how a lack of understanding around her disability impacted her reviews. She calls for workplaces to adopt truly inclusive and empathetic performance evaluation systems.

9️⃣ Moms Are Doing It All—And It’s Not Sustainable 💡 Anne Welsh, PhD, PMH-C, RPLC, ACC on Equity at Home and Work 🗣️ Why it matters: Women disproportionately bear the mental and physical burdens of household labor, impacting their health and careers. Dr. Welsh advocates for gender equity in both domestic and professional spaces to create sustainable change.

🔟 The Levels of Racism: An Urgent Reflection 💡 Paul Ladipo on Recognizing Systemic Inequities 🗣️ Why it matters: Racism isn’t just interpersonal—it’s institutional, structural, and internalized. Paul Ladipo breaks down these levels to help us recognize and address systemic inequities, creating pathways to meaningful change.

Bonus Shout-Out: Tameka Allen on Walmart's DEI Rollback

💡 Tameka Allen on the Impact of DEI Cuts 🗣️ Why it matters: Tameka N. Allen (She/Her) critiques Walmart’s rollback of DEI programs and its shift to "belonging." She highlights the disproportionate harm to multiply-marginalized employees and calls for structured, intentional DEI efforts to address workplace inequities.

Reminder: Practitioners’ Perspective Survey

🌟 DEI practitioners are on the frontlines of driving change, and their voices are critical to shaping the future of work. The Practitioners’ Perspective Survey aims to amplify those voices.

By gathering insights from 500+ DEI professionals, this survey will: 💡 Influence organizations, media, and conferences with practitioner-led insights. 🛠️ Develop monthly playbooks to tackle real-world challenges. 🎙️ Ensure DEI professionals lead the conversation about the future of work.

✨ Take the survey today, share it with your network, and help us hit 500 responses by Dec. 12!

Weekend Thought

💡 Energy is Contagious Shelley Zalis reminds us that the energy we project influences the spaces we inhabit. Her advice: channel positivity and intention into every interaction to uplift yourself and those around you.

💡 As You Get Ready for Next Week: Stop Downplaying Your Success Michelle D. Sims encourages us to own our achievements as we prepare for the week ahead. Her reminder: minimizing your success not only dims your light but also denies others the inspiration and value you bring. Step into next week with confidence and purpose.

Here’s wishing you an awesome, productive, and impactful week ahead.