080: How to champion diversity in the workplace – with Erica Courdae

Diversity… not an easy topic to simplify, but a necessary conversation to have. It boggles my mind⁠—in this day and age⁠—that there are still conferences where the majority of the keynote speakers and panelists are white men. Or worse… when you see a panel of men talking about women’s issues!!?!

Surely we could do better, right?

Instead, we could champion diversity. In our own offices, the conferences we attend, the associations we join, and the social media we create and consume. It all starts with us, becoming more aware, more educated, and then doing something positive about it. This is where growth happens. My guest today is here to help that along…

Erica Courdae simplifies how to champion diversity in the workplace

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why it’s important for small business owners to talk about diversity, and do it with courage, empathy, inquiry and love
• Simple, little shifts you could make in the workplace that’ll ripple out and make a big impact for women of color (WOC)
• Erica’s simple process for change
  • Realize you want to make changes
  • Set goals of how you want to change
  • Find someone to support you through those changes
  • Discuss how you’re feeling to make sure you’re staying aligned with your goals
  • Uncover where you needed more clarity
  • Feel yourself expand into the best version of yourself today
  • And then, start the process all over again… because this is a journey not a destination
• Plus, Erica shares her ideas on how women of color can be more present and “stay in the room”

As a bonus for wellness practitioners, Erica shares her ideas on how to increase diversity in yoga studios and self-care retreats.

#DoTheThing!

Links, books and apps mentioned:

Mention: unsplash.com for free commercial-use stock photography

Mention: Drag Race Thailand on Facebook

Definition: BIPOC – ‘Black and Indigenous People/Person(s) of Color’

Book: So You Want to Talk About Race – Ijeoma Oluo

Podcast recommendation: Pause On The Play on Apple Podcasts.

FREEBIE from Erica Courdae: Get Instant Access to the Vote With Your Dollars Directory – A list of businesses and service providers designed to shift how you use your money.

Favorite quotes from this episode:

[12:34] “There may be some other opportunities that are more aligned with who I am, who I want to support and where I’m going.” – Erica

[15:01] “You’re not saying here it’s diversity for diversity’s sake, that’s not the point. The point is; to get new diverse voices in the conversation… that might bring a whole new framework, solutions, ideas into that conference, so that attendees walk away with some true takeaways.” – Mary

[23:10] “Not only do you want to make sure that you are a business that encourages people (that don’t look like you) to feel comfortable and confident in working with you. But do you have a company culture that speaks to that?” – Erica

[30:53] “Are you choosing this to speak to who you’re already working with, who you would like to work with, and what you want to show to them? ‘I am building a space with you in mind’ versus, ‘Oh yeah, you can come in the doors too’.” – Erica

About Erica:

Erica Courdae is an entrepreneur, coach, and consultant. She’s dedicated to expanding how we all interact with the world, in life and in business. This includes multicultural professionals, managers, lawyers, coaches, and creative small business owners.

Erica believes that talking about important and necessary topics⁠—in a safe space⁠—creates change. It helps people feel comfortable, open, honest, and forward focused.

Through powerful conversations, Erica challenges people to perceive their reality through a different lens. She tackles topics like diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion to help people create mind shifts for impact.