Episodes

  • 44 - From Handshakes to Cocktails: The Dos and Don’ts of Networking Etiquette

    44 - From Handshakes to Cocktails: The Dos and Don’ts of Networking Etiquette
    May 16 2024
    The panel of guests are going to explore the dos and don’ts; discuss the different things we need to consider, from drinking to shaking hands; reflect on the differences between on and offline networking; and share their own experiences for us to learn from. IN THIS EPISODE: [01.19] Introductions to our Blended panellists. · Lynn – Founder and CEO at LW Coaches · Kristy – President and Owner at Knichel Logistics · Benita – Independent Consultant at Benita Lee Professional Corp [05.16] The group discuss what we need to consider when it comes to networking etiquette and being professional; share some of their key dos and don’ts; and reflect on the differences between male and female experiences at in-person events. · Respect · Communication · Punctuality · Setting up meetings · Attending meetings/ghosting · Time management/scheduling · Safety · Dressing professionally · Awareness/understanding of your surroundings · Group settings vs individual encounters · Taking responsibility for yourself · Being intentional and self-aware · Planning ahead · Supporting each other · Body language · Anxiety · Mindset · Managing alcohol intake · Inclusion · Slow down and be present “At night, when you’re leaving a conference – I usually get someone to walk me to where I’m going, and men are just not as aware.” Benita “Be inclusive – make sure you talk to different attendees with different backgrounds, to get different perspectives.” Kristy “One of my ‘dos’ is planning ahead. You get what you put into it… take responsibility for responding vs reacting, and be very present.” Lynn “The more senior they are, the more I encourage them to take responsibility for role-modeling healthy, human-connecting behaviors… as a senior person you have the opportunity with your presence to open up the space, and bring people into the conversation.” Lynn “My Dad would tell me: “Business is done in the bar.” So I would stay at the bar until 2am – and he wasn’t wrong!” Kristy [31.59] The panel reflect on the positives and pitfalls of going out for group dinners – and exactly who pays the bill. “Who pays the bill changes the dynamic.” Benita · Expectations/assumptions · Navigating awkwardness · Paying as a sign of respect, thanks or appreciation · Setting boundaries · Clear communication · Misconceptions · Reciprocity [42.59] The group discuss the etiquette around greetings and physical touch. · Handshakes vs fist bumps vs hugging vs kissing · Self-control · Impact of the pandemic · Following others lead · The power of a smile · Normalizing asking for people’s consent/boundaries · Respecting cultural differences [50.39] The panel reflect on how we navigate difficult conversations, and how to react when we’re offended in a networking environment. · Intent · Shifting perspective instead of disagreeing · Understanding if you need to respond – what are you responding to? · Walking away · Responding without judgement · Leading with curiosity – “why do you say that?” · Asking for permission to support · Recognizing that we all have choices “Offer your perspective – it doesn’t have to begin with ‘I disagree!’” Lynn [59.08] The group talk about the dos and don’ts of online networking, and how we discuss or disagree in a respectful way in digital spaces. · Accountability · Intentional connections · Two-way conversations · The differing etiquette between social platforms · Introductions · Sending the right messages · Relationship-building rather than selling · Putting in the time/making the effort · Being mindful of how/why people use the space · Using first names · Making sure you have a picture · Creating safe spaces · Assuming good intent “It’s a platform tool for you, it should serve you. Don’t get trapped into serving it.” Lynn “I have a virtual book club… it gives people a forum to disagree respectfully… I can practice how to do it well.” Benita [01.15.47] The panel sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Lynn, Kristy and ...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 20 mins
  • 43 : I’ll Be There For You - The Real Cost Of Allyship

    43 : I’ll Be There For You - The Real Cost Of Allyship
    Apr 17 2024
    The panel discuss allyship - what it means; the cost, challenges, and sacrifice involved; and how individuals & workplaces can cultivate a culture of allyship. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.12] Introductions to our Blended panelists. “Allyship needs to be focused on how we can support each other, and vice versa. And being self-aware is key.” Dylan Roquita – Vice President of Intermodal Sales and Operations at Coyote LogisticsSharon – Vice President/CFO at Talon Freight ServicesDylan – Founder and Chief Navigator at DylanListed LLCMickey – COO at UNIQUE LogisticsWeston – Chief Spokesperson at Cargomatic “I’ve had a 27 year career in the logistics space and, along that journey, my understanding of allyship and what it required to be an effective ally has been challenged. Especially at the moment when I incurred enough political currency within my organization, when I was no longer the recipient of allyship, but now responsible as a leader to be an ally.” Roquita [07.35] The group discusses allyship – what it means, how it’s changed, the dangers of performative allyship, and why we should all be viewing allyship as a journey, not a destination. “We all have adversity in life that we need to overcome… by understanding people, and by being open and honest about who we are as a person, we can cut through the BS and help each other, be allies for whatever we need allyship for.” Weston OpportunityActive supportAdvocacyStanding up and speaking outBeing a vocal ally vs a supportive allyAddressing biasMentorshipLeadershipChallenges for women entering the “boys club”Importance of learning and educationIntegrityComplexitySelf-advocacyAbleismUnderstandingIntentBalance between asking for help vs giving help without askingPrivilegeSelf-awarenessQuestions to ask yourself before offering helpHelping yourself first “Allyship is an opportunity to drive social change by leveraging privilege for equity, bringing attention to injustice, and challenging systemic oppression.” Roquita [35.38] The panel shared their thoughts on the real cost, challenges, and sacrifice involved in allyship, from personal and corporate perspectives. “From a personal standpoint, the cost of allyship is exclusion – the very opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.” Mickey FearModern cancel cultureCorporate riskPerceptionEmotional fatigueSlow changeHonestyTitles are not equivalent to power or influenceContext of allyshipLimitsExpectationsDivisive topics and politicsEmpathyAbility to understand all sides of an argument, all perspectivesBreaking down barriersSelf-development [49.49] The group discusses the risks inherent in allyship, and how we can move away from blame and judgement – of ourselves and others. Different capacities for engagementLevels of agencyBurden of responsibilityAllyship as a journeyTrainingSilent vs vocal alliesProgress over perfectionGrace [1.03.04] The panel discuss the different ways that individuals and workplaces can cultivate a culture of allyship. Tackling prejudice and biasTeaching because of loveReleasing defensivenessMake it about making a difference, not proving a pointMaking changes on a small scaleBoundariesListeningCalling in vs calling out “Sometimes the best opportunity you have to make a difference in the world is to have real frank conversations with the people you’re closest with… you’re doing it in a private setting, you’re not doing it for some sort of accolade or recognition, and you’re doing it with people you genuinely care about and you want to see be better humans.” Weston [01.19.22] The group sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Roquita, Mickey, Sharon, Weston and Dylan over on LinkedIn. For other inspirational conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, why not check out 366: Blended – Leveling The Playing Field: What Women Have To Think About Vs Men or 283: Blended – The Rise of Asian Discrimination. Check out our other podcasts HERE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 24 mins
  • 42 – What We Need To Know About Bias

    42 – What We Need To Know About Bias
    Mar 20 2024

    The panel discusses bias - where it comes from; how we call it out; the process of learning and unlearning; the impact of titles; & the top 5 workplace biases.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • 41 - Preference vs Bias: What’s The Difference?

    41 - Preference vs Bias: What’s The Difference?
    Feb 21 2024

    The panel discusses preference vs bias; the differences; the impacts; and the ways that we can tackle bias in ourselves and within our communities.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • 40 - Let's Change The World! Organizations Doing Good Now

    40 - Let's Change The World! Organizations Doing Good Now
    Jan 17 2024

    The panel discusses doing good - personal vs corporate responsibility; the line between people and profit; & how organizations can create a positive impact.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 27 mins
  • 39 - Don’t Cancel Us! Calling out Cancel Culture

    39 - Don’t Cancel Us! Calling out Cancel Culture
    Dec 20 2023

    The panel discusses cancel culture; how and why it's changed; the role of social media; & what organizations can do to tackle it and create thriving workplaces.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 38 - 'Did They Just Say That?' The Truth About Microaggression

    38 - 'Did They Just Say That?' The Truth About Microaggression
    Nov 15 2023

    The panel talk about microaggressions: what they are; how to identify them; how to tackle them; and their personal experiences. 
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 35 mins
  • 37 - What women have to think about vs Men

    37 - What women have to think about vs Men
    Oct 18 2023

    The panel discusses what women have to think about vs men; societal expectations; the impact of bias and stereotypes; and how we can create safe spaces for all.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 21 mins