Reconstructing Inclusion Podcast
Welcome to the Reconstructing Inclusion podcast, hosted by Mr. Amri B. Johnson. With over 20 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Amri is the author of the book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable, a social capitalist, epidemiologist, and entrepreneur, whose mission is to create thousands of organizations that thrive via inclusive behaviors, leadership, structures, and practices. As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion. His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement. His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned. Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids. Learn more about Amri and his work by visiting https://inclusionwins.com/
Episodes
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri expresses concerns over the perceived threats to DEI, outlining that the resistance stems from a misunderstanding of what DEI truly signifies, beyond just representation and affirmative action. He explores the concept of 'Iatrogenic effects'—a medical term, indicating a treatment that causes more harm than good. Amri draws parallels between such unintended negative outcomes in healthcare and similar phenomena observed in DEI implementations, where initiatives sometimes inadvertently foster dependency, exclusivity, or counter-productive tensions. Through personal anecdotes and references to scholarly works, Amri makes the case for a reevaluation of DEI strategies, urging a shift towards inclusivity, agency, and a methodical questioning of DEI practices to ensure they foster genuine progress rather than unintended setbacks. Lastly, he encourages DEI practitioners and supporters to see current criticisms not as an attack but as an opportunity to refine and advance their approaches to truly make organizational and societal change.
Timestamps:
00:15 Understanding DEI and Its Opportunities
00:45 The Current State of DEI
01:25 Defining DEI and Its Importance
02:28 The Challenges and Misconceptions of DEI
06:03 The Concept of Iatrogenesis in DEI
11:18 The Impact of Iatrogenesis in DEI
14:18 The Role of Exclusivity in DEI
31:02 The Importance of Agency in DEI
34:41 The Role of Intentional Broadening in DEI
38:50 The Future of DEI
40:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose-aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Your support means a lot!
Like this episode? We'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to write a review, even if it's just one sentence!
Grab a copy of Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable: https://amzn.to/45AYFFP
Sign up for the Reconstructing Inclusion newsletter on Substack: https://reconstructinginclusion.substack.com/
Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrijohnson/
Let's discuss where your inclusion policies are effective and how to overcome challenges by creating an Inclusion System. > https://inclusionwins.com/contact
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri interviews Laura Smith, a celebrated organizational researcher and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist. Laura shares her journey from Detroit to Europe, her encounters with distinct cultures, and the notion of work in different countries. She highlights the significance of DEI in startup and scale-up companies, discussing a data-driven approach to understanding employee safety, company culture, and readiness to respond.
In this episode, Laura also talks about her experiences navigating DEI in various cultural contexts, particularly in the Nordic startup scene. They discuss the importance of intentionality in DEI work and the need for understanding the people and their contexts in the industries we serve. Laura shares her thoughts on the concept of 'becoming black', the meaning of work in different cultural contexts, and the important role of data in DEI work. She emphasizes the need to look beyond who's in the room, to ensuring conditions are created for them to thrive wherever they might be.
Timestamps
01:24 Getting to Know Laura Smith
04:25 Laura's Journey and Background
07:24 The Importance of Inclusion in Growth
09:55 The Work of ValiDEI
13:26 Understanding the Meaning of Work
17:29 Laura's Experience of Blackness
23:27 Transitioning to the World of Startups
24:07 The Importance of Intentionality in Startups
24:59 The Challenge of Inclusion in Startups
25:54 The Role of Diversity in Global Products
27:57 The Reality of Failure and Learning Opportunities
29:43 The Importance of Building Bridges in DEI
30:46 The Role of Investors in DEI
31:20 The Importance of Understanding People in DEI
33:16 The Current State of DEI in the Nordics
36:48 The Use of Data in DEI
41:57 The Personal Impact of Living Abroad
About the Guest
Laura Smith is an experienced organizational researcher, communications director, and strategist who helps companies discover impactful ways of becoming more inclusive, equitable, and empowering.
As founder of VALIDEI, an organizational research agency, she coordinates cross-functional research teams across Europe to deliver audits, experiments, and insights to support socially responsible businesses.
As a people-minded and data-informed professional, Laura develops organization-specific metrics, OKRs, and best practices for inclusive organizational development, communications, recruitment, and employer branding for growth companies.
She frequently collaborates with DEI and ESG agencies across the Nordics, subcontracting as a researcher or analyst. Learn more about her work by visiting https://www.validei.com/
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose-aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Your support means a lot!
Like this episode? We'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to write a review, even if it's just one sentence!
Grab a copy of Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable: https://amzn.to/45AYFFP
Sign up for the Reconstructing Inclusion newsletter on Substack: https://reconstructinginclusion.substack.com/
Let's discuss where your DEI policies are effective and how to overcome challenges by creating an Inclusion System. > https://inclusionwins.com/contact
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
In this episode of the 'Reconstructing Inclusion' podcast, host, Amri B. Johnson, engages in an enlightening conversation with his mother, Dr. Harriett D. Johnson, bringing out profound narratives about her life, family history, experiences, and take on DEI, and professional journey as an educator. They touched on the impact of history on current diversity and inclusion practices, based on Dr. Johnson's experiences growing up.
She shares insights from her long career in the education sector, emphasizing the importance of perspective, integrity, and resilience. Lastly, Dr. Harriett also reflects on her late husband's business acumen and discusses the importance of supporting children according to their heart's desires and potential.
Key highlights
The power of instilling empowerment, self-determination, and respect for every individual's unique identity
Dr. Harriett’s insights on DEI, sharing her wealth of experience in various educational settings
The importance of following one's heart and making decisions rooted in love, empathy, and understanding
About the Guest
Dr. Harriett D. Johnson is a retired educator, school administrator, and professor of education. She received her Ph.D. in early childhood education from Kansas State University and her career destinations included speech pathologist, preschool founder, high-school principal, professor, and currently entrepreneur/owner of a funeral home.
Dr. Harriett was born in Kansas City, KS, and has resided in Topeka, KS for the past 60 years.
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose-aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Get FREE 60-DAY ACCESS to Premium Content by signing up here.
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri chats with Dr. Starling David Hunter III, who, having lived outside the U.S. for 18 years, recognizes the importance of cultural nuances in shaping organizational behavior theories. He shared valuable insights into his journey from engineering to organizational behavior, emphasizing the importance of bridging theory and practice.
The conversation delves into the dynamics of teaching in diverse cultural contexts, from the Middle East to Europe, and how adapting teaching methods has unveiled the cultural underpinnings of organizational theories. They explored the challenges of making Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) a necessary component in people analytics and organizational development.
Dr. Hunter III emphasizes the significance of applying network analysis to organizational behavior, leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering a macro view that complements traditional approaches and its potential to examine issues like belongingness and DEI through the lens of actual connections within organizations.
Key highlights
Teaching Adaptations in Cultural Variation
Unveiling Cultural Assumptions
Social Capital: a key aspect in organizational dynamics
Driving ONA Adoption in Organizations
The Role of ONA in DEI Conversations
About the Guest
Dr. Starling David Hunter III received his MBA (in Human Resource Management) and Ph.D. (in Organization Theory) from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. He has been a faculty member at MIT's Sloan School of Management and Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business. His research, teaching, and consulting all focus on the application of social network analysis to questions of organization design and performance.
At present, Starling is a co-founder of Organalytic, a Stockholm-based advisory and consultancy specializing in organizational network analysis.
Learn more about his work by checking out Organalytic: https://organalytic.se/
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri provides a deep dive into the complexities of DEI outcomes and calls for a broader, more inclusive approach that engages all individuals in fostering change. He encourages everyone to contemplate how to make DEI accessible, actionable, and sustainable for everyone, irrespective of their role or expertise. Amri also talks about Inclusion Wins' “Theory of Change”, which focuses on 'Inclusion Systems' design, cultural intelligence (CQ), and social capital as key components of fostering DEI outcomes. The episode raises questions about creating conditions that foster risk-taking and skill development and, particularly, challenges DEI practitioners to reflect on their "skin in the game."
Key highlights
DEI Outcomes as Natural Progressions
Significance of Equity and Equal Representation for Historically Marginalized Groups
Creating Conditions for Thriving
The Significance of "Skin in the Game"
“DEI Work” Challenges
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri chats with Dr. David Livermore, founder of the Cultural Intelligence Center, and author of the book, Digital, Diverse & Divided: How to Talk to Racists, Compete With Robots, and Overcome Polarization. He shared insights into the profound importance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in our increasingly diverse and digitized world. With a passion for bridging cultural gaps and fostering genuine connections, Dr. Livermore's work has had a transformative impact on individuals, organizations, and societies. His work highlights the need for a fresh perspective on diversity, one that transcends mere recognition of differences. He encourages us to recognize our shared humanity as the antidote to hate and polarization. The conversation emphasizes that diversity is an undeniable reality, and our ability to thrive depends on our capacity to embrace it.
Key highlights
Cultural Intelligence (CQ) goes beyond just knowledge of cultural differences
Effective DEI conversations should focus on shared humanity
Cultural Intelligence in Power Dynamics
Complex Relationships Between CQ and Personality Traits
Developing cultural intelligence is an ongoing process
About the Guest
David Livermore, PhD (Michigan State University) is a social scientist devoted to the topics of cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership and the author of several award-winning books, including Leading with Cultural Intelligence, Driven by Difference, and Serving with Eyes Wide Open. His newest book, Digital, Diverse & Divided, addresses one of the most pressing issues of our day–how to overcome polarization in our personal and professional relationships.
David is a founder of the Cultural Intelligence Center in East Lansing, Michigan, Research Professor at Questrom’s School of Business at Boston University, and a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He consults with global organizations around the world, including the Harvard Business School, Google, Coca-Cola, the US Department of Defense, BMW, Qatar Airways, the United Nations, and dozens more. He has traveled to more than one hundred countries and is a frequent speaker at conferences. He also serves on several boards and is a Fellow with the Society of Leadership Fellows, Windsor Castle, a select leadership community that meets to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing us globally.
David loves to make social science accessible to practitioners. He has been interviewed and referenced by myriad news sources, including The Atlantic , CBS News, Christian Science Monitor, The Economist, Forbes, NBC, the New York Times, USA Today, the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal , and the South China Post.
David and his wife, Linda, have two adult daughters, Emily and Grace. Emily is embarking on a career as a litigation lawyer, and Grace is a graphic designer. Some of their favorite family activities are traveling (fortunately!) and discovering new foods together.
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!
Friday Sep 01, 2023
Friday Sep 01, 2023
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri discusses recent developments in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) primarily focused on the U.S. context but with global relevance. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication regarding DEI's impact and significance and to avoid becoming overly reactive to political statements, as this can inadvertently amplify their impact. This episode encourages meaningful dialogue and systemic change within organizations, keeping in mind that effective DEI work involves engaging with diverse perspectives, and should focus on substantive impact and advancing the mission. Lastly, Amri warns us of the dangers of being swayed by misleading narratives and calls on the need for careful analysis and response to DEI challenges.
Key highlights
Impact of Affirmative Action on DEI
Decline in the number of DEI roles and resignations
Ron DeSantis' controversial statements
Drawing parallels from the parable of "Chicken Little"
Taking DEI to the next level
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Friday Aug 04, 2023
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri is joined by 3 key members of the Diversity Atlas team: Peter Mousaferiadis, Rezza Moieni, and Michael Walmsley. The discussion delves deeper into the concept of intersectionality and its role in shaping diverse identities. Learn how Diversity Atlas takes a multifactorial approach, allowing individuals to define their identities across an array of dimensions—ethnicities, languages spoken, religious groups, and more. Understand how this approach enables a comprehensive understanding of human experiences and supports targeted, inclusive strategies. Gain insights into how inclusive data sets and nuanced categorizations enable a richer understanding of cultural nuances and support strategic decision-making in your DEI efforts.
Key highlights
The term “race” and its implications
The concept of intersectionality and its role in shaping diverse identities
The critical role of data in driving DEI initiatives
Captivating stories of individuals and teams with Diversity Atlas
The future of DEI efforts and the pivotal role of data-driven approaches
About the Guests
Peter Mousaferiadis is a thought leader in the space of culture, and of utilising culture as a driver of peace, sustainability, and innovation. He has spent over three decades working in the cultural and creative industries, and is a winner of numerous international awards in interculturalism including the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Intercultural Innovation Award as well as producing the winning slogan “Diversified We Grow” for their “Do One Thing for Diversity” campaign. Peter is regularly called upon as a thought leader of culture as a driver of peace.
CTO and Project Director of Cultural Infusion since 2015. Rezza Moieni has a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering and a Master’s degree in Computer Science (Information Security). He graduated as the best student of 2012 from University Teknologi Malaysia in 2012 having started his career as a broadcast Engineer in 2001 at IRIB and continued his career pathway as a technical and project director of many national level projects in the broadcasting industry in Iran.
Michael Walmsley leads the commercialisation of digital technologies, including Diversity Atlas. Michael has played pivotal leadership roles that have resulted in local and global expansions. Prior to Cultural infusion, Michael led commercialisation of unique emerging technologies and data businesses, including Dialog information services with its Thomson Reuters acquisition ,Lexer pre Series A and Hitwise with its sale to Experian for $250m.
Diversity Atlas is a unique diversity data-analysis platform that provides insight into cultural and demographic diversity within an organisation. To learn more about their work, please visit their website: https://diversityatlas.io/
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri along with esteemed Philosophers, Dr. Subrena Smith and Dr. David Livingstone Smith offer profound insights into the complex dynamics of race and its impact on society.
They argued that race is not simply about skin color but encompasses metaphysical views, evolutionary history, and social hierarchies. By ascribing certain traits and attributes to different racial groups, individuals perpetuate a flawed system that fosters inequality and marginalization. They also touched on the importance of exploring the social construction of race within academia to better comprehend and address the complex issues surrounding racialization.
Throughout this thought-provoking conversation, David and Subrena highlighted the historical origins of racialization, tracing it back to the Middle Ages and its subsequent expansion during colonialism and the slave trade. They stressed that racialization is deeply ingrained in the ideological foundations of race, perpetuating systemic oppression and exploitation.
Key highlights
The social construction of race, its historical origins, and its perpetuation of inequality
The role of individual experiences
Black culture, revealing the inherent racism within racial categories
Confronting the challenges posed by racialization
Affirmative Action
About the Guests
Subrena Smith is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Hampshire. She grew up in Jamaica, and moved first to the United Kingdom, and then to the United States, where she obtained her Ph.D. from Cornell University. Subrena specializes in the philosophy of science generally, and the philosophy of biology in particular, and focuses on identifying and combating the misappropriation of ideas from evolutionary biology and genetics by scientists, philosophers, and in popular culture. Subrena is best known for her influential critique of the field of evolutionary psychology, and her paper “Is evolutionary psychology possible?” created much buzz in academic circles and beyond. She has also published work on the question of what organisms are, the uses and misuses of teleological explanations in biology, why evolutionary biology is not a good basis for public policy, and other topics.
David Livingstone Smith is Professor of Philosophy at the University of New England in Maine. He has published nine books, including Less Than Human, which won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for contributions to the understanding of racism and appreciation of diversity. The study of humanity in response to inhumanity has been the focus of Livingstone Smith's life work. He has written and edited ten books on the subject. His book, On Inhumanity: Dehumanization and How to Resist It was published by Oxford University Press in 2020, and his tenth book, Making Monsters: The Uncanny Power of Dehumanization was published by Harvard University Press in 2021. His work is praised by Cornel West as “a philosophically sophisticated and prophetically courageous treatment of dehumanization, especially in regard to race,” and by Yale University historian Timothy Snyder as “firm but gentle, wise but accessible.” University of Pennsylvania law professor Dorothy Roberts says that he “brilliantly provides a chilling warning of repeating the past and a hopeful call to create a more humane future," and science journalist Angela Saini calls it, "a chilling, comprehensive and passionate account of dehumanization,” and adds that “Smith offers a devastating reminder of the capacity of every human to treat other humans as lesser."
Learn more about David's work by checking out his Substack, Dehumanization Matters
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Reconstructing Inclusion S1E5: Social Media Storms’ Strategic Ignorance
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
In this episode, Amri unpacks the social media backlash and the polarized opinions surrounding “Don’t Call Me Karen,” a series of dialogues facilitated by Uber’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Bo Young Lee. Amri encourages listeners to consider Lee’s profound message and the need to challenge our own strategic ignorance in order to foster systemic change.
Key highlights
The comparison between Steve Jobs and Travis Kalanick
A look back at the case of Denise Young Smith at Apple
Bo Young Lee's response to the backlash
The concept of "strategic ignorance"
The limitations of social media discourse
The significance of bringing diverse voices into conversations
About the Host
As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri B. Johnson and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.
His theory of change is focused on building ‘Inclusion Systems.’ Inclusion systems provide direction and momentum in the complexity of organizations that allow them to be antifragile—leaning into and engaging with resistance, stressors, disruptions, and disequilibrium and being stronger as a result of such engagement.
His book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable outlines how organizations can create inclusion-normative cultures and build approaches to DEI that are designed for and with everyone, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose aligned.
Born in Topeka, Kansas (USA), Amri has worked and lived in the U.S., Brazil, and currently lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife Martina and their three kids.
Reconstructing Inclusion is also on Substack. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!
"This podcast goes far beyond what I consider redundant, how-to diversity, equity, and inclusion dialogues.
It will be more contrarian than conventional. More dissenting than agreeable. More mirror-holding than window-peering. More inclusion than representation.
More systems than symptom. More extraordinary than mundane.
We aim to create a space to speak the truth and examine context in DEI. This means creating a path forward for everyone to rethink and recognize the benefits of inclusion individually and collectively.
Reconstructing in this sense is about creating organizational systems and networks where everyone belongs."
Why should you tune in and subscribe to the Reconstructing Inclusion podcast?
Many resources have emerged on diversity, equity, and inclusion over the past two to three years. These include books, podcasts, social media influencers with massive reach, YouTube channels, etc.
I've found only a few that are targeted to go beyond their echo chambers.
So if you are committed about how to make DEI accessible to everyone, actionable, that is unambiguously prioritized and sustainable, aligned with personal and organizational purpose, this space is for YOU.