Being an LGBTQ-identifying Woman in Corporate Leadership | Renée Brown | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Renee Brown, an executive and LGBTQ+ advocate, shares her journey of self-discovery, the importance of intersectionality, and the challenges and rewards of being an openly gay leader.

Transcript

RENEE BROWN: Great. Great. Well, thank you. It's great to see all of you. And I want to thank Google for the invitation. I'm a fan of the company and have enjoyed working with all of you through the years. So it's good to have faces with the company. So thank you. And so in talking to a couple of the folks prior to this event, the term intersection... Read More

Key Insights

• 👥 Empathy gained from being part of a subordinated group helps leaders connect with and understand the experiences of diverse employees.
• 🤗 Coming out and being open about one's identity at work can serve as a platform for positive change and support within the workplace.
• 👾 Collaborating with diverse ERGs and finding common ground among different groups can create a united voice for advocating for diversity and inclusion.
• 🎓 Education is essential in addressing misconceptions and fostering understanding of gender and sexual orientation, especially in the workplace.
• 🤢 Leadership roles provide a platform for advocating for diverse groups that may not have a seat at the table, and it is important to use that platform to support and amplify underrepresented voices.
• 🤳 Confidence in one's identity and authenticity can develop over time through self-reflection, education, and support from the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
• 👪 The definition of family has evolved, and it is essential to recognize and respect all types of families in the workplace.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has coming out and being open about your identity positively or negatively affected your career?

Coming out allowed me to be my authentic self and connect with others on a deeper level. However, it also placed a spotlight on my identity, making it more challenging to be recognized for my skills and achievements.

Q: How do you think diverse groups, such as LGBTQ+ and faith ERGs, can work together effectively to advocate for one another?

Creating a common set of goals and promoting dialogue and understanding between ERGs can foster collaboration and support. This collaboration can help diverse groups unite and advocate for a more inclusive workplace.

Q: How have you balanced the risk associated with taking on challenging roles that no one else wanted to do in your career?

By seeking advice and support from senior leaders, outlining the risks associated with the role, and presenting a clear plan to mitigate them, I have been able to take on challenging roles with support and resources.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Renee Brown highlights the intersections of her personal and professional life, including being an executive, a wife, a mother, and an active member of her community.

• She shares her experiences of coming out, being a leader in the conservative banking industry, and the positive impact of the LGBTQ+ community on her career and personal growth.

• Renee discusses the challenges she faced during her journey, such as navigating the balance between work and family, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and addressing adversity.