Summary

In this episode of Embracing Your Voice, Chrysta Wilson, a DEI trainer and leadership coach, discusses the nuanced concept of "culture fit" and its impact on marginalized groups. Together, Atima and Chrysta explore actionable ways to create equitable and inclusive workplaces.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Atima introduces the podcast's focus on empowering women of color to create impactful lives and careers while staying authentic.

[00:02:00] Meet Chrysta Wilson: Atima introduces Chrysta Wilson, a DEI trainer, consultant, leadership coach, and founder of Wilson and Associates Coaching and Consulting.

[00:10:00] Starting a Bakery: Chrysta discusses her journey into entrepreneurship through her bakery, influenced by personal grief and burnout, and how it became a source of healing and creativity.

[00:15:00] Transition to DEI Consulting: Chrysta explains her shift from running a bakery to focusing full-time on DEI consulting due to economic pressures and a desire to address systemic inequities.

[00:22:00] Lessons from Entrepreneurship: Chrysta highlights the importance of clarity and focus in business, learning to narrow her offerings, and how those lessons shaped her consulting practice.

[00:30:00] The Role of Emotional Intelligence: Chrysta explains the importance of self-awareness and self-regulation in leadership and how it intersects with DEI work.

[00:37:00] Culture Fit Discussion: Chrysta and Atima explore the concept of "culture fit," its often exclusionary use, and the importance of defining and aligning organizational culture.

[00:45:00] Approach to Organizational Transformation: Chrysta introduces her "Recipe for Transformation" framework, emphasizing a holistic approach to change at the individual, team, and organizational levels.

[00:55:00] Addressing Resistance to DEI: Chrysta reflects on how anti-DEI movements have persisted and shares strategies for organizations to stay committed to their DEI goals.

[01:05:00] Evolution of DEI Work: Chrysta discusses the increasing availability of information and awareness around systemic inequities and the resilience of the DEI movement despite resistance.

[01:15:00] Personal Fulfillment and Experimentation: Chrysta shares her desire to evolve her career by blending her passions for food, storytelling, and consulting into her future work.

[01:33:00] Closing Thoughts: Atima wraps up the episode, and Chrysta shares information about where listeners can find her and her work.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefine culture fit as culture alignment to ensure inclusion and equity.
• Leadership for women of color requires self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Leverage personal challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.

Call to Action:

Be sure to catch future episodes of Embracing Your Voice! Subscribe, share, and join our community at embracingyourvoicepod.com.

Connect with Chrysta Wilson on Instagram | LinkedIn.

Head to DisruptYourDEI.com to access our e-course for leaders looking to build their abilities around culture change and DEI