The Right Way to Implement a DEIB Strategy: A Conversation with Smartsheet's VP of DEI, Amelia Ransom

It Gets Late Early: Career Tips for Tech Employees in Midlife and Beyond

Many companies are aware of the importance of promoting DEIB in the workplace. It's where you implement measures to ensure your employees feel respected and are treated fairly in an inclusive environment where they can feel comfortable as themselves - and in so doing, create optimal business outcomes.

However, many companies fail miserably when it comes to implementing their so-called DEIB programs. Why is that so? Let's get insights from someone who understands exactly what it takes to finesse your DEIB recipe to get the best possible outcome.

Today's episode features Amelia Ransom, Smartsheet's VP of DEI. Smartsheet recently achieved 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, a survey that evaluates corporate policies and practices pertaining to LGBTQ+ workplace equality - but as you’ll hear, Amelia doesn’t think that means their work is done.

Join us as we discuss this topic of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. You’ll learn the three-part framework Amelia thinks is optimal for sustained success, how we can reframe our thoughts about generational differences at work, and why Amelia has mixed feelings when it comes to the overall outlook for DEIB in the corporate realm.

"Here's the challenge with DEI if we're being honest: DEI tends to experience a renaissance at the expense of life. So we tend to pay more attention to DEI when a tragedy occurs, when a war happens, when the police are violating the rights of black people, like, name it."

- Amelia Ransom

In This Episode:

-How Amelia got into DEI

-What are the current trends in DEI, and what exactly does DEI stand for?

-What does it take to build a genuinely inclusive culture?

-Why do most DEI initiatives neglect to include age?

-Smartsheet receives accolades for hitting the mark on DEIB

-Amelia shares a fantastic analogy about how people can implement DEIB the right way

-What hope is there for the future of DEIB?

-How does Amelia set DEI goals organizationally?

-What are the red flags to watch out for when looking for work?

-When people say one thing, but they mean something else

And much more

Resources:

-Corporate DEI strategies are too focused on hiring. Here’s what to do instead: https://www.fastcompany.com/90890663/corporate-dei-strategies-are-too-focused-on-hiring-heres-what-to-do-instead

-Leading with Pride: Smartsheet achieves 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index: https://www.smartsheet.com/content-center/inside-smartsheet/diversity-equity-inclusion/leading-with-pride?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=linkedin&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=

Connect with Amelia Ransom:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliaransom/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088694515585

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy