Topics discussed in this episode:

1- Where to hear more about the Changing the Conversation series. [0:01:56]

2- My jagged journey background: the reluctant consultant. [0:02:36]

3- Common communication roadblocks in the workplace. [0:04:45]

4- Why the workplace is a microcosm of our society. [0:06:18]

5- Things to establish before going into a conversation in the workplace. [0:08:46]

6- Defining respect and how it can become a communications roadblock. [0:11:50]

7- Confusing intent with impact and how that can influence our conversations. [0:13:06]

8- Why making mistakes is okay, but doing better is best. [0:15:00]

9-  The importance of putting time into building a sufficient level of trust. [0:16:10]

10- Hard conversations: why we need them and how to have them more confidently. [0:19:10]

11- One thing you can do to start making progress in your workplace communication. [0:31:16]

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Changing the Conversation Series [0:01:56]
• ‘Why So Many Organizations Stay White’ by Victory Ray [0:06:20]
   

Guest information:

• Sandra Neuman on LinkedIn
• Sandra Neuman on Instagram
  
  Sandra Neuman is a Human Resource professional with over 20 years of progressive human resources and leadership experience in the public and private sectors. She is skilled in generalist human resource functions with an emphasis on compensation, benefits, and payroll.
   

How to support the podcast:

• If you find value in the podcast, rate us on Apple Podcasts (we LOVE 5 stars!) I aim to help as many people as possible who are working hard to advance racial equity inside their organizations.

Topics discussed in this episode:

1- Sean introduces his role at the Building Movement Project. [0:02:37]  

2- How Sean found himself in this line of work and the influence of his parents. [0:04:45]

3- Opportunities and challenges that Sean has encountered related to race, racism, and leadership. [0:09:04]

4- Prioritizing solutions to central questions and moving past mere deconstructive analysis. [0:16:11]

6- Identifying the most notable barriers to leadership for people of color. [0:19:02]

7- Unpacking the Building Blocks for Change Racial Equity Assessment. [0:22:32]

8- Explores why is a formal assessment so irreplaceable for clarifying how to drive equity work internally [0:28:07]

9- Sean's biggest concerns surrounding DEI and its success in supporting leaders of color. [0:29:29]  

10-Further complications and new dynamics we encounter in situations with people of color in leadership roles. [0:33:20]

11-DEI opportunities for nonprofit leaders. [0:38:00]

12-Advice for nonprofit leaders for moving forward on the path to equity. [0:41:03]
 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Building Movement Project [0:00:57]
• Saul David Alinsky [0:08:10]
• Race to Lead [0:09:02]
• Building Blocks for Change - Racial Equity Assessment [0:14:33]

About Sean Thomas-Breitfeld
Sean Thomas-Breitfeld co-directs the Building Movement Project. Before joining the BMP staff, Sean spent a decade working in various roles at Community Change, where he developed training programs for grassroots leaders, worked in the communications and policy departments where he coordinated online and grassroots advocacy efforts, and lobbied on a range of issues, including immigration reform, transportation equity, and anti-poverty programs. Before joining Community Change, Sean worked as a policy analyst at UnidosUS, focusing on employment and income security issues. Sean holds a Master’s in Public Administration from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service and a bachelor’s degree in social work and multicultural studies from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.

Click here for a transcript of this episode. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

1- The dangers of moving too slowly in equity work. [0:01:24]

2- The importance of listening to staff feedback and taking intentional action. [0:02:20]

3- Why you have to communicate clear expectations of what staff needs to know. [0:05:29]

4- What racial equity fatigue is, and how to overcome it. [0:05:42]

5- Practical, actionable tips to avoid the slow-moving equity work trap. [0:08:09]

• One: ask and act. [0:08:28]
• Two: acknowledge areas where people need support. [0:09:15]
• Three: create clear expectations. [0:12:22]

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Racial Equity Impact Analysis Tool. [0:01:59]
• Overcoming Racial Equity Fatigue. [0:05:53]

Click here for a transcript of this episode.