Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace & The Will To Change | Jennifer Brown | Talks at Google | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Jennifer Brown, founder of Jennifer Brown Consulting, discusses her personal journey and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Key Insights

• ❓ Sharing personal diversity stories can have a powerful impact in the workplace, creating connections, and fostering inclusivity.
• 🥺 Leadership needs to demonstrate vulnerability and lead by example to create a safe space for others to share their stories.
• 😫 Creating a diverse pipeline requires proactive measures, such as adjusting job descriptions and setting clear diversity goals.
• 👥 Allyship and advocacy are crucial in supporting underrepresented groups and promoting inclusivity.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] NICOLE FARKOUH: I'm thrilled to be able to introduce and converse with Jennifer Brown of Jennifer Brown Consulting. And she not only is the founder of a well-reputed diversity and inclusion firm, a published author, and a just generally fun and exciting person, but she is also a native Californian. JENNIFER BROWN: Yes. NICOLE FARKOU... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jennifer Brown transition from being an opera singer to a diversity consultant?

Brown pursued her love for music but had to give up singing due to a voice injury. Encouraged by friends, she found a new passion in corporate training and organizational development, which led her to become a leadership development expert.

Q: How does Brown advocate for individuals who cannot hide their diversity stories?

Brown believes in the power of allyship and advocates for using privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. She emphasizes the importance of providing support and championing others in the workplace.

Q: How does Brown navigate the space between establishing her credibility and creating space for others to share their voices?

Brown adapts her approach depending on the situation, recognizing that sometimes she needs to be the definitive voice, while other times she prioritizes creating space for others to speak. She also emphasizes the importance of shifting the perception of what a leader looks like and recognizing the value of different leadership styles.

Q: How can smaller companies or teams build a more diverse pipeline?

Brown suggests taking drastic action, such as setting metrics and refusing to interview certain candidates who do not contribute to diversity. She also recommends using tools like Textio to identify gendered language in job descriptions, which can discourage diverse candidates from applying.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jennifer Brown shares her personal journey from being an opera singer to becoming a diversity consultant after losing her voice.

• She emphasizes the importance of using one's voice and sharing diversity stories in the workplace.

• Brown highlights the need for allies and advocates for marginalized communities and the role of leadership in fostering an inclusive culture.