DEI Work Is Not About Shame, It’s About Accountability (Extended Cut)

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In this extended cut of episode 5, Rianka and Katie continue the conversation on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and how employers can better meet the needs of their employees. This episode builds upon the discussion of S05 EP05: DEI Work Is Not About Shame, It’s About Accountability.

Rianka shares that for so many Black and Brown professionals, leaving corporate America for entrepreneurship or a profession with more flexibility is not an easy decision.

Building upon that concept, Katie breaks down the misguided cultural ideal of entrepreneurship, and shares that risking everything, changing the world, and making money is reserved for the privileged few who have communities to support them.

Katie further elaborates how white nationalism continues to undermine the efforts of Black and Brown communities supporting their own through violence or political will.

The two also break down the concept of bootstrapping, that encourages personal responsibility for one's success or failure, but neglects the barriers that exist. In order to change the outcome, we must shift the conversation.

Katie shares that “failing harder” or “taking risks” are not inclusive language because Black and Brown professionals are constantly interviewing for the job they already have, trying to prove their worth. So many times organizations don’t extend a level of trust to Black and Brown people, and one mistake could be “proof” that they’re not worthy of the job they already have.

The two also discuss the impact on younger generations and how parents are choosing to raise their children in this new environment.

What You’ll Learn:

Why we need to shift our organizations, not just leave them
How the entrepreneurial journey is rooted in privilege
Why sharing statements like “my door is always open” is insufficient
How to be intentional about meeting people’s needs by offering rather than asking