– Insights from BSI’s Future Learning Podcast
This article is a summary of key points from BSI's Future Learning Podcast on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this episode, the second in this series, Kala Philip and Simon Dewar are the hosts. They are joined by two guests with great experience and expertise. The guests are Nola Turner Jensen and Anneli Blundell. If you are just joining us, feel free to check out the first video.
Nola Turner Jensen is an Aboriginal linguist and Diversity and Inclusion Fellow at the University of Melbourne. She offers invaluable insights into First Nations cultural inclusion and truth-telling. Anneli Blundell is an award-winning learning professional. She is also the author of "The Gender Penalty."
As we start this conversation, we aim to explore diversity, equity, and inclusion. We want to understand the complexities of DEI and its impact on individuals and organisations. What does DEI mean in practice, and where do we begin? Read on to gain a deeper understanding of DEI from a human-centered perspective.
Acknowledging the Land and Its People
The conversation starts with a respectful acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians of the land. This highlights the importance of recognising the cultural heritage and contributions of First Nations communities. It sets the stage for a discussion rooted in respect and acknowledgment. The focus is on people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
The Journey Toward Belonging - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Is Just the Beginning
Anneli opens the conversation by emphasising that diversity itself is not the endpoint but a step towards achieving true belonging. She explains that while many organisations strive to “tick the box” on diversity, this is the wrong way to think about it. A compliance mindset can create friction if not accompanied by genuine actions and real commitments to equity and inclusion that people can feel, see and be a part of every day. Anneli challenges us to think beyond mere numbers and focus on the quality of interactions and the inclusivity of environments.
Personal Insights on Interpersonal Dynamics
Focusing on the interpersonal dynamics of DEI, Anneli shares that her expertise in communication plays a vital role in helping people feel heard and included. She discusses the importance of understanding and valuing diverse perspectives to create a space where everyone truly belongs.
Experiencing the Outsider Perspective - Bridging the Gap with Empathy
Through vivid anecdotes, the discussion reveals common situations where people might feel excluded, such as women's safety concerns or the challenges that new fathers face when facilities do not accommodate them. These stories serve to encourage listeners to see disparities in everyday experiences and the importance of empathy in understanding others unique perspectives and needs.
Learning from the Majority and Minority Experiences
Anneli and Simon discuss the transformative power of sharing and recognising diverse experiences. Simon points out that profound learning often comes from exploring unfamiliar spaces and experiences. This part of the conversation emphasises the importance of exploring perspectives outside our own. It encourages everyone to learn, experience, and understand other viewpoints. The goal is to foster a deeper sense of community and belonging.
Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matters
It’s important to move beyond the merely theoretical aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion but to connect with real-world actions. By integrating personal stories with broader social concepts, the episode provides a comprehensive look at how embracing diversity can lead to richer, more inclusive communities.
Conclusion: A Call to Listen and Learn
We invite you to listen to this enlightening conversation to better understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion from those who navigate these issues daily. Whether you're well-versed in DEI or just starting to explore its impact, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for getting on the journey.
Watch the full podcast episode on Apple or Spotify.
Learn more about how BSI digital can help you with your Diversity and Inclusion learning needs - get in contact with one of our team.
Stay tuned for more on the next video of BSI’s Future Learning Podcast series.
Thank you for tuning in!
Simon, Kala, and the BSI Team