Tammy Smith | Leadership and Inclusiveness in the Military | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Major General Tammy Smith shares her inspiring journey as the military's highest-ranking openly LGBTQ officer.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] TIMOTHY BERRY: Hello, everyone. My name is Timothy Berry, and work at our global business organization for the ads policy team here at Google. And it is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome you to our Talks at Google series. I just want to let the audience know that we will be taking questions for today's talk. And this is a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎖️ Tammy Smith's journey highlights the evolution of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the military.
• 🤩 Authenticity, collaboration, and honesty are key principles in Tammy's leadership approach.
• 😀 The military faces challenges in retaining diverse talent and creating a more inclusive environment.
• 🖐️ Tracey, Tammy's wife, played a significant role in supporting Tammy through her journey.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Major General Tammy Smith's experience as a woman in the military differed from being open about her LGBTQ+ identity?

Major General Tammy Smith shares that being a woman in a male-dominated industry had its own barriers and stereotypes, whereas being open about her LGBTQ+ identity initially came with fears and challenges, which she overcame with time.

Q: What challenges did Major General Tammy Smith face in advocating for policy changes within the military?

Major General Tammy Smith encountered resistance from within the military as she navigated policy changes post-Don't Ask, Don't Tell. However, she persisted and worked towards creating a more inclusive and accepting army.

Q: How has Major General Tammy Smith influenced the military's approach to diversity and inclusion?

Major General Tammy Smith's leadership has set an example for diversity and inclusion in the military, emphasizing collaboration, authenticity, and the importance of valuing diverse perspectives and talents within the organization.

Q: What advice does Major General Tammy Smith have for young individuals navigating their identities in the workplace?

Major General Tammy Smith encourages young individuals to be honest and authentic in their identities, not to self-select out of opportunities, and to speak up for what they want in their careers, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Major General Tammy Smith, a trailblazer in the military, became the highest-ranking openly LGBTQ officer in 2012.

• She has had a successful 35-year career with various roles, advocating for military families and inclusion.

• Tammy emphasizes the importance of authenticity and collaboration in her leadership approach.