After the murder of George Floyd, the world seemed to rise up collectively to demand an end to racial inequality. And while many organizations openly spoke about commitments to improve racial and gender equality within their workforce, the situation hasn’t improved. In fact, in some cases, it’s actually gotten worse.
So how do we move past performative efforts to genuine action to overcome persisting racial and gender inequalities in today’s workplaces? That’s a conversation I’m eager to have with my guest in this episode of Leadership Biz Cafe, Dr. Tina Opie.
Tina is an Associate Professor of Management at Babson College and a well-regarded thought leader in the field of organizational behaviour. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Business Insider, O Magazine, Essence Magazine, The Boston Globe, and Harvard Business Review. In fact, Tina’s podcast episode “Lead with Authenticity” was selected as one of Harvard Business Review’s Most Influential and Innovative articles from Harvard Business Review’s first century.
Tina is also the co-author of “Shared Sisterhood – How To Take Collective Action For Racial And Gender Equity At Work”, which serves as the focus of this episode.
I know for many people discussing racial and gender inequality can be uncomfortable, which is why I wanted to have this conversation with Tina – to start that conversation in the hopes it will lessen the discomfort so others can start having it in their workplaces.
After all, a problem will not go away if we continue to ignore it. And being a leader means being willing to have tough conversations, and not just those you’re comfortable with having.
I want to strongly encourage everyone to take the time to listen to this episode to learn what each of us can do to overcome racial and gender inequalities in our workplace.
Noteworthy links:
- Learn more about Tina’s work here: drtinaopie.com
- Buy Tina and Beth’s book “Shared Sisterhood” on Amazon*.
- Listen to “Why Leadership Should Be Hard | Leadership Espresso Shot 29“
*sponsored link that helps to support this podcast. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.