In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood explores Allyship in Action with guest Julie Kratz, an insightful discussion around the nuances of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work. Julie shares her perspective on how focusing on inclusion, training, and creating inclusive leadership rather than just diversity can bring about meaningful change within organisations. Joanne and Julie delve into the importance of simplifying DEI language to promote fairness and reduce societal fears, underscoring the need for actionable steps towards creating equitable workplaces.

Julie Kratz is an accomplished author, speaker, and founder of Next Pivot Point, specialising in allyship and inclusive leadership. After spending 12 years in corporate America, Julie recognised the overarching need for belonging and safe leadership, which motivated her to establish her consultancy. Her work focuses on engaging broader conversations beyond gender-specific issues, addressing workplace inclusion challenges, and promoting a long-term vision for societal change. Julie’s columns for Forbes provide her a platform to influence and initiate discussions on these critical topics.

The conversation between Joanne and Julie unearths valuable insights into the evolving nature of DEI, where performative actions are contrasted with genuine, active allyship. They highlight how companies like Warner and American Airlines are champions of DEI, adhering to their core values despite shareholder opposition. While discussing equity issues such as pay equality, they emphasise the importance of fairness and inclusive culture over mere buzzwords. Both agree on the power of focusing on outcomes such as fairness, respect, and trust to cultivate an inclusive environment.

Listeners will find this episode particularly enlightening as it underscores a crucial shift towards genuine allyship and inclusion. Joanne and Julie's dialogue calls for a re-evaluation of DEI terminology and a steadfast commitment to creating environments where fairness and inclusivity are paramount. For those keen to foster a more inclusive and supportive culture within their organisations, this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast offers both inspiration and practical guidance.

A key takeaway from this episode is the profound impact that focusing on fairness and inclusion can have in simplifying the DEI approach and fostering a supportive and equitable environment. Listeners are encouraged to challenge themselves to move beyond performative allyship, embracing genuine actions that drive meaningful change.