Feb 14, 2023
Whether having casual chats with friends or formal work meetings, the language we use matters. Here, to shed some light on using inclusive language is Dr Jen O’Ryan.
Dr O’Ryan is a Consulting Editor, specializing in Inclusion, Diversity & Representation.
In this Episode 110 of The Legendary Leaders Podcast, Dr O’Ryan talks about how to improve our language to be more inclusive, why it’s important to bring these conversations to light, and how the pandemic has changed the nature of our conversations and interactions. She also shares the result of not implementing change, introducing inclusion & diversity in policy writing, and the “accidental” DEI experts. Ready to learn how?
Episode Timeline:
[07:42] A bit about Dr
O’Ryan.
[09:36] Working in
Tech.
[11:36] The keys to success to be at
your best.
[12:57] Getting in tune with team
members.
[13:45] Dr O’Ryan’s role in
Tech.
[14:43] Being a woman in
Tech.
[16:32] Having a safe
space and
having to
adapt.
[18:31] Becoming more confidently aware
of inclusion.
[24:21] Raising awareness and
categorizing
humans.
[26:14] The complexities in
Tech.
[27:36] Starting to identify pitfalls
early on.
[29:32] Examples of
frontrunners.
[32:18] Influencing
change.
[34:10] Why it’s important to talk
about Diversity, Equity
&
Inclusion.
[37:39] How would the world change with
raised awareness?
[40:22] How the pandemic helped people
feel more like themselves.
[45:02] Systemic challenges
to
authenticity.
[48:00] Affecting lasting
change.
[52:30] Microaggressions.
[54:20] The risks for the system
when change
doesn’t happen.
[56:57] Inclusive and diverse
policy
writing.
[59:56] Where’s the
“we”?
[63:36] Inclusive AF: A Field Guide for
Accidental Diversity Experts.
[65:48] What it means to be
all-in.
[66:37] How to become an
“accidental” DEI
expert.
[70:11] Dr O’Ryan’s book
No.2.
[71:44] Researching
LGBTQ+.
Key Takeaways:
-
Why is it important to talk about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?
-
The power of creating a space for encouraging conversations on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
-
How will companies lose out if they don’t implement change?
-
How to improve Inclusion & Diversity, in policy writing.
-
The nature of the “expert”.
-
How to affect lasting, wide-reaching change.
-
How to practice using gender-neutral language.
-
Dr. O’Ryan’s research into the LGBTQ+ community.
Notable Quotes:
“If the gender is either unknowable or it’s immaterial to what the message is, then just use ‘they’.” – Dr Jen O’Ryan [20:20]
“Once you start noticing the small things, you start noticing the big things.” – Dr Jen O’Ryan [29:03]
“Don’t ever underestimate your ability to change, make a change, or influence change.” – Dr Jen O’Ryan [32:43]
“Our own insecurities about the unknown holds us back from calling things out.” – Cathleen Merkel [34:38]
“There’s no more waiting for people to be comfortable with change.” – Dr Jen O’Ryan [65:32]
“Be the one.” – Dr Jen O’Ryan [76:38]
Connect:
Find | Dr Jen O’Ryan
Business:
www.pagingdrjen.com
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/jenoryan.
Instagram:
@pagingdrjen.
Bio:
Dr. Jen O’Ryan is the Creator of Double Tall Consulting, where she helps organizations achieve effective, measurable, and meaningful results from their Inclusion and Diversity initiatives.
With her approach grounded in continuous improvement, building relationships, and curiosity-based problem solving, Dr. O’Ryan has built global teams, introduced corporate policies, and conducted research to improve customer outcomes and satisfaction.
Dr. O’Ryan is a frequent podcast guest, panelist, and speaker on Inclusion & Diversity, organizational behavior, and influencing change.
Dr. O’Ryan is the author of Inclusive AF: A Field Guide for Accidental Diversity Experts, a roadmap to safely introduce meaningful and lasting change.
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