**Focus Keyword:** Allyship in Action
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**Title:** Allyship in Action | #InclusionBitesPodcast
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**Tags:** Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship, Joanne Lockwood, Julie Kratz, Positive People Experiences, Culture Change, DEI Strategies, Workplace Inclusion, Inclusive Leadership, Fairness, Trust, Warner, American Airlines, Constitutional Change, Executive Orders, Social Movements, Gun Violence, Climate Change, Gender Equality, Loretta Ross, Empathy, Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence
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**Killer Quote:** "By focusing on fairness and inclusion, we can cut through the confusion and genuinely advance DEI work." - Julie Kratz
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**Hashtags:** #InclusionBitesPodcast, #PositivePeopleExperiences, #CultureChange, #Allyship, #Diversity, #Equity, #Inclusion, #DEI, #JoanneLockwood, #JulieKratz, #WorkplaceInclusion, #Fairness, #InclusiveLeadership, #Trust, #Equality, #Collaboration, #Empathy, #SocialMovements, #ChangeAgents, #TransformativeConversations
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**Why Listen**
Welcome to another compelling episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast, where we deep dive into "Allyship in Action." I'm Joanne Lockwood, your host from SEE Change Happen, and join me as I engage with Julie Kratz. In this episode, we tackle the intricate and critical topic of allyship in the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Together, we challenge some prevailing misconceptions and explore what true allyship looks like within organisations today.
Today's conversation pivots around the evolving terminology of DEI and its impact on workplace culture. Julie and I critique how terms like diversity and equity are often misunderstood, leading to resistance from some quarters. Julie mentions shareholders who oppose DEI hiring but are unaware of the holistic benefits such initiatives bring. We spotlight Warner and American Airlines, showcasing their commitment to DEI despite opposition, underlining their strategic alignment with company values.
Julie argues for a shift in focus towards inclusion, training, and the cultivation of inclusive leadership and cultures. She believes diversity is a static fact, not something you can train for, whereas inclusion and equity are dynamic processes that require continuous effort and education. It’s here we introduce the essence of Positive People Experiences. By concentrating on fairness, respect, and trust, companies can create environments that nurture employee satisfaction and enhance overall productivity.
A relevant point is the discussion about equity. Despite structural improvements, many companies still grapple with pay equality and equitable access to opportunities. Julie asserts—a shift towards simplified DEI language can mitigate fear and misconceptions. Terms like 'fairness' and 'inclusion' naturally resonate more with people and are less intimidating. This change not only makes DEI work more accessible but also foregrounds the outcomes that matter most: fairness and inclusion.
Regarding external influences, the episode dissects the fluidity of DEI terminology due to political and legal shifts. Despite these potential changes, Julie and I agree that the core essence of DEI work remains unchanged. Thought leader Lily Zhang’s new book about fairness aligns with our discussion, reinforcing the notion that everyone inherently desires equity, simplifying the DEI discourse to resonate broadly.
Julie offers a fascinating reflection on the societal impacts of major events like George Floyd's murder and the COVID-19 pandemic. These incidents have accelerated conversations around inclusion and wellbeing, compelling more individuals and organisations to embrace DEI initiatives consciously.
Furthermore, Julie provides a critical perspective on the sociopolitical landscape, mentioning the slim margin in the US House of Representatives and the challenge inherit in instituting constitutional changes, such as the stalled Equal Rights Amendment for women. She also touches on executive orders and immigration issues, stressing the detrimental impact fear-mongering can have on the immigrant community.
We delve into social resistance movements, celebrating their historical significance and anticipating their future roles in challenging the status quo. From MeToo to Black Lives Matter, these movements highlight the necessity of collective action to dismantle entrenched inequities.
Our conversation transitions into creating Positive People Experiences as a byproduct of inclusive cultures. Julie and I discuss that successful DEI strategies inherently weave fairness into company practices, benefiting everyone, not just historically marginalised groups. The example of Costco illustrates this point vividly. By promoting talent from within and ensuring competitive wages, they exemplify the advantages of comprehensive DEI commitment.
In essence, this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast is a clarion call for action, rooted in empathy and collaboration, advocating for culture change through inclusive practices.
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**Closing Summary and Call to Action**
In this sequence-rich episode, our discussion leads to several actionable insights, beneficial for individuals and organisations striving for impactful DEI initiatives:
1. **Clarify DEI Language**: Simplify terms to minimize fear and misunderstandings. Use universally comprehensible language such as ‘fairness’ and ‘inclusion.’
2. **Focus on Inclusion**: Prioritise training and cultivating inclusive leadership over merely increasing diversity statistics.
3. **Equity Over Equality**: Ensure structural fairness and equal access to opportunities within the workplace, moving beyond symbolic gestures toward tangible outcomes.
4. **Strategic Commitment**: Follow the lead of firms like Warner and American Airlines, which align DEI initiatives with their core values, despite resistance.
5. **Holistic Improvements**: Broaden the DEI focus by considering the whole workforce’s needs, essential for creating Positive People Experiences.
6. **Address Pay Inequality**: Elevate towards pay equity by developing transparent and fair compensation structures.
7. **Power of Narrative**: Encourage positive, constructive dialogues around DEI work and its benefits, enhancing organisational culture and community welfare.
8. **Allyship**: Foster genuine allyship with actionable support and empathy. Avoid performative activism; instead, engage in long-term, meaningful allyship.
9. **Sustain Long-Term Vision**: Consider the long-term impacts of DEI efforts, understanding that substantial cultural shifts may take years to materialise.
10. **Learn from Exemplars**: Implement best practices demonstrated by successful companies like Costco to create thriving and inclusive environments.
By summing up these insights, it becomes apparent how crucial it is to take a strategic and empathetic approach to DEI work. This episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast advocates for practical steps to become effective allies and foster a culture change within our workplaces and communities.
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**Outro**
Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast. If you found our discussion on "Allyship in Action" enlightening, please hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and share this episode with your network. For more information on cultivating inclusive cultures and Positive People Experiences, visit SEE Change Happen at [https://seechangehappen.co.uk](https://seechangehappen.co.uk). Additionally, explore more episodes of the Inclusion Bites Podcast at [https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen](https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen).
Stay curious, stay kind, and stay inclusive - Joanne Lockwood