291: Kind Curiosity: How to Navigate DEI Conversations with Bernadette Smith

The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

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How can mid-career professionals engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversations without fear of saying the wrong thing? Bernadette Smith, CEO of the Equality Institute, shares her ARC Method—Ask, Respect, Connect—a simple yet powerful approach to fostering authentic connections while ensuring psychological safety at work.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

✅ How to navigate DEI discussions with confidence and "kind curiosity"
✅ Why over-apologizing for mistakes can do more harm than good
✅ How to build meaningful relationships in workplaces scaling back DEI efforts
✅ Why progress in social movements includes setbacks—but connections endure
✅ How pickleball (yes, pickleball!) offers surprising lessons in inclusion

Key Takeaways:

✔ The ARC Method makes DEI conversations more approachable and effective
✔ A simple, sincere apology is better than over-apologizing
✔ Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it strengthens relationships
✔ DEI isn’t about political correctness—it’s about harnessing diversity for success

Subscribe to Bernadette’s newsletter → FiveThingsDEI.com

Bernadette Smith’s Website → https://BernadetteSmith.com

Listen to her podcast → Five Things in 15 Minutes

If you're looking to lead with inclusion and confidence, this episode is a must-listen!

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Chapters

1. Introducing Bernadette Smith & DEI Today (00:00:00)

2. From Wedding Planning to DEI Leadership (00:03:49)

3. Pickleball's Surprising DEI Lessons (00:05:08)

4. What Good Vibes in DEI Really Means (00:07:58)

5. The ARC Method: Ask, Respect, Connect (00:12:11)

6. Building Relationships When Organizations Shift (00:22:01)

7. The Future of DEI and Final Thoughts (00:24:41)

295 episodes

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