29: Puma's Head of DEI Michelle Marshall on Bringing Diversity to Life

Guilty Privilege

In this episode, I had the pleasure and privilege of sitting down with Michelle Marshall, the Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Puma.

Join us as we dive into the intricacies of DEI, exploring its essential role within organizations and addressing common misconceptions, such as the belief that "diversity is dying." Michelle passionately explains how diversity is inherently part of our society and why it is crucial for everyone to have a seat at the table and feel a sense of belonging. She shares valuable insights into the challenges DEI leaders face, from securing leadership buy-in to managing the emotional and mental toll of the work.

Michelle discusses the importance of building impactful relationships, advocating for all communities, and prioritizing self-care. She also highlights her involvement in various organizations outside of Puma, demonstrating how DEI efforts extend beyond the workplace. Whether you're an aspiring DEI professional or looking to foster a more inclusive environment in your organization, Michelle's experiences and wisdom provide a roadmap for driving meaningful change.

KEY POINTS

- On prioritizing self-care and addressing issues in the community

- The importance of allies and resources

- On leveraging employee surveys

- The significance of business cases in the workplace

- The pivotal role of inclusive leadership track for employee productivity

- Privilege and its impact on making change in organizations

- Michelle’s privilege she refuses to be guilty about

QUOTES

“Diversity is about all of us. Diversity is about us having a seat at the table and being set up to succeed. And it's about us feeling like we belong.” – Michelle Marshall

“I have access to some very powerful people… I know I've built those relationships from me walking in my purpose. For me, [privilege is] trying to find ways that I can create more impact and always tell people — Make sure you're building those relationships for them to be a two-way street.” – Michelle Marshall

GUEST RESOURCES

Michelle Marshall

LinkedIn | @mtmarshall1

Amber Cabral

IG | @bamcabral

LinkedIn | @ambercabral

Facebook | @amber.cabral

Twitter | @BamCabral

Watch Amber’s TED TALK episode here.

Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon!

Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others -

Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network