Episode summary:

In this episode, Nick speaks with Corey Williams about her experiences growing up in Alabama and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She shares how her upbringing and family shaped her perspective on race and class and how she has evolved in her understanding of privilege and marginalized identities. She challenges the notion of a meritocracy and highlights the value of every individual’s worth. Overall, the conversation explores the complexities of DEI and the importance of education in fostering understanding and empathy. 

What to listen for:

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• DEI is about more than just race and gender; it encompasses all kinds of identity, including neurodiversity, disability status, and veteran status.
  
  
• Growing up in a racially segregated town in Alabama, Corey learned the importance of education and saw it as a way to overcome obstacles.
  
  
• Corey’s perspective on race and class has evolved over time. She now recognizes the privileges she had and the need to address systemic issues.
  
  
• Honest and open conversations about sensitive topics, such as sexuality, are important for fostering understanding and acceptance.
  
  
• DEI is not about giving someone something they didn’t earn but about recognizing the worth and value of every individual.
  
  
• The education system can be a deterrent for certain people, and there is a need for a broader understanding of DEI in educational settings. 
  
  
• DEI is about creating an inclusive environment where teams can work together effectively and leverage the unique talents of individuals.
  
  
• Understanding and accommodating individual differences, including neurodiversity, is important for creating an inclusive workplace.
  
  
• Managing trauma and letting go of shame are essential for personal growth and self-mastery.
  

“I am here because I have ancestors that survived. They survived the Middle Passage. They survived wars. They survived. And they survived so that I am in this point right here, and they did that, and so I can do this.”

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• Being aware of the resilience of ancestors who endured unimaginable hardships serves as a foundation for current generations.
  
  
• The survival of ancestors isn’t just history; it’s a legacy that empowers the present.
  
  
• A reminder that the struggles of those before us have led to our current opportunities and responsibilities.
  
  
• There’s a strong thread of continuity between past and present, linking generations through shared struggles and triumphs.
  
  
• Understanding this history can be empowering, motivating us to make the most of the opportunities we have.
  

“What DEI is really supposed to be about is helping people understand how teams, groups of people can work best together, most productively for the individuals and most effectively for the team.”

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• DEI is all about fostering collaboration, ensuring everyone can work together harmoniously.
  
  
• When teams understand and embrace DEI, they function more productively, benefiting everyone involved.
  
  
• DEI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategy for making teams more effective.
  
  
• Understanding how we can focus on balancing individual productivity with team effectiveness.
  
  
• By understanding and appreciating differences, teams can unlock new levels of performance.
  
  
• DEI encourages a holistic approach to teamwork, considering the well-being of each member as well as the collective success.
  

“DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion is really about all kinds of identity. So we’re not just talking about race or gender or sexuality. We’re talking about neurodiversity, we’re talking about disability status, we’re talking about veteran status. Most people have some marginalized identity, and we all benefit when we can see one another more fully and connect across our differences.”

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• DEI encompasses a wide range of identities beyond just race, gender, and sexuality.
  
  
• It’s important to recognize and include neurodiversity, disability status, and veteran status in DEI conversations.
  
  
• Many people carry some form of marginalized identity, highlighting the widespread relevance of DEI.
  
  
• Understanding that there’s value in connecting with others across different identities as it enriches our collective experience.
  
  
• When we embrace DEI, everyone benefits, not just those who are marginalized.
  
  
• True DEI means seeing and valuing all aspects of a person’s identity, leading to deeper connections and understanding.
  

About Corey Williams

Corey was born in Alabama and went off to Harvard with less than zero self-awareness. For a long time, she believed that identities didn’t matter. And then, through challenging experiences like having babies and being sexually assaulted, she found that her identity was very much at issue. It has taken her on a long journey that’s led to DEI consulting with nonprofits, schools, Silicon Valley startups, and Fortune 500 companies.

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• www.saircollective.com
  
  
• https://linkedin.com/in/coreybwilliams
  
  
• https://www.instagram.com/saircollective/
  

Resources:

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