Keeping It Real with Dr. Anita

Hello Community and Happy New Year!  As you make plans to thrive in 2025, I wanted to introduce a concept you might find innovative:  Improv!  In improv, the phrase “yes, and…” keeps the energy moving forward. It’s a way of acknowledging what’s happening while building on it to create something new. So instead of responding to the year’s anticipated challenges with “no, but…” let’s embrace a “yes, and…” mindset. Yes, DEI is under fire—and we can use this as an opportunity to reframe how we cultivate inclusion and belonging within our workplaces. When we shift the conversation from compliance to culture, we position ourselves to do more than survive this moment—we can thrive in it by reimagining what inclusion looks like beyond politics.  My guest this month on Real Conversations from the C-Suite, Mr. Avish Parashar, is going to show us how to leverage the power of improv.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2025, the air is thick with uncertainty, and for many, apprehension.  But before we let this reality hijack our hope for the future, I invite you to join me in reimagining the path forward by approaching this moment with clarity, creativity, and resilience.  In improv, the phrase “yes, and…” keeps the energy moving forward. It’s a way of acknowledging what’s happening while building on it to create something new. So instead of responding to the new year’s challenges with “no, but…” let’s embrace a “yes, and…” mindset.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Hello Community and welcome back to our last Real Conversations from the C-Suite with Dr. Mayra Austin, founder and CEO of Management Cues, and Dr. Sarai Koo, Chief Visionary and IDEAS Officer of Project SPICES, LLC.  Today, you’ll join us as we brainstorm how our unique practices demonstrate the power of diverse partnerships, exploring how leveraging our lived experiences can drive positive transformation across organizational cultures and industries alike.  Take notes so you can start 2025 in a position to help your organization thrive!Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Hello Community and welcome back to another Real Conversations from the C-Suite.  We’re continuing the conversation with Dr. Mayra Austin, founder and CEO of Management Cues, and Dr. Sarai Koo, Chief Visionary and IDEAS Officer of Project SPICES, LLC.  Today, we’ll get some insight into how neuroscience can help us become the leaders we mean to be in order to create cultures that can thrive in 2025.  Neuroscience plays a powerful role in how we show up each day and you’ll be surprised how it can shape your leadership outlook.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Hello Community and welcome back to another Real Conversations from the C-Suite.  This month my guests are Dr. Mayra Austin, founder and CEO of Management Cues, and Dr. Sarai Koo, Chief Visionary and IDEAS Officer of Project SPICES, LLC .  Both these dynamic women bring distinct perspectives and expertise to the table, and our first discussion will delve into ways psychological safety, mental wellness, and cultural inclusivity play a role in creating spaces where people and partnerships can flourish considering what the corporate landscape may bring in 2025.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

In the corporate world, we often hear about the benefits of diverse teams, and the data shows that organizations with diverse workforces are often more innovative, resilient, and responsive. But true partnership goes beyond just diversity in race, gender, or background—it’s about appreciating the rich perspectives that each person brings. The gift of diverse partnerships is also about recognizing and valuing how people think differently. Cognitive diversity in teams allows us to see challenges from various angles—logical, creative, strategic, and operational—all of which add up to robust solutions that a single perspective alone could never achieve.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Hello Community!  As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, I am joined again by my guests Jason Eisner and Neil Pretty, co-founders of Aristotle Performance.  Today, we’ll reflect on what we can be thankful for in terms of what we know about psych safety, especially as it plays into navigating potentially tense election conversations at the dinner table—turning them into moments of understanding rather than conflict.   Next week, Real Conversations from the C-Suite (where the “C” stands for cooking) will be happening around my dinner table, so I’ll see you next month.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving!Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Hello Community!  This month on Real Conversations from the C-Suite, my guests are Jason Eisner and Neil Pretty, co-founders of Aristotle Performance.  Our focus this month is being thankful for psych safety.  We’ll first explore the role of psychological safety and mental wellness in creating environments where people can thrive, both at home and in the workplace.   We’ll also look ahead to Psych Safety Day 2024, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Amy Edmondson, author of The Right Kind of Wrong, whose work helps us reimage failure and growth in psychologically safe spaces.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Hello Community!  Welcome to November and two significant events:  The elections and Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving also brings with it the dreaded dinner table conversations, especially in the wake of elections. Whether the results align with your beliefs or not, chances are you’ll find yourself sitting across from someone with an opposing view. And that’s where the concept of psychological safety can really help us navigate those potentially tense moments.  If you didn’t catch my October series titled “Discussing Hot Topics Without Torching Relationships” I’ve got you covered with some insights about maintaining your mental wellness in time for Thanksgiving dinner, to stay tuned... Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Thank you for returning for the last in our series of Real Conversations from the C-Suite with Ms. Terri Wilson, founder and CEO of Doing HR Differently.  I hope you have found our journey in exploring ways to discuss hot topics without torching relationships to have been valuable.  When talking about reframing the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) discussion from difficult to different, here's the framework I like to use: Diversity is a fact, Equity is a choice, Inclusion is an action, and Belonging is the outcome. Each of these elements requires a distinct approach, and none of them happen by accident.  When engaging in these conversations, remember that the goal might not always be to reach agreement, but rather to raise awareness. Sometimes, it’s about planting seeds of thought that will grow over time. And don’t forget the work YOU need to do to ensure you’re achieving your discussion goals. Self-reflection is a powerful tool for navigating complex conversations.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Thank you for returning for my third Real Conversation from the C-Suite with Ms. Terri Wilson, founder and CEO of Doing HR Differently.  As we continue exploring the subtleties of discussing hot topics without torching relationships, it’s important to note that even the most well-meaning people can get tripped up in failing to manage intent and impact. You may intend to have a thoughtful discussion, but if your timing or tone is off, the impact could be entirely different. Your discussion partner might feel like you’re dismissing their concerns, distracting from the real issue, or even trying to draw them into a frustrating debate. None of these outcomes lead to meaningful dialogue.  So, here’s a suggestion: before even beginning a potentially heated discussion, be strategic about appropriateness by considering the places, spaces, and faces that are part of the conversation. Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Thank you for returning for my second Real Conversation from the C-Suite with Ms. Terri Wilson, founder and CEO of Doing HR Differently.  Here’s a hard truth: you might have all your ducks and data points lined up in a row and still not get your idea across if the person you're speaking with isn’t in a place to receive it emotionally, psychologically, or factually.  You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Meet people where they are,” and that’s exactly what I mean here. If someone is not ready to hear your message, pushing it on them can result in frustration for both parties. Instead, take a reflective, rather than reactive approach. Ask yourself, “Am I focusing on being RIGHT, or am I focusing on having my message RECEIVED?”  It’s not about winning. It’s about MUTUAL understanding.

Welcome to a timely series of Real Conversations from the C-Suite with my dear friend and colleague, Ms. Terri Wilson, founder and CEO of Doing HR Differently.  This month’s focus is on discussing hot topics without torching relationships.  If you truly value a relationship, sometimes it’s best to simply forgo discussing hot topics altogether. Think about conversations surrounding politics, diversity, or any other issue that can quickly become heated. Are these conversations worth sacrificing your bond with the person on the other side of the table? Hopefully, the answer is often no. When we prioritize the relationship, we can make a conscious decision to hold back, not because we don’t care about the issue, but because we care MORE about maintaining mutual respect.

If you’ve been part of our community for a while, you know that around this time of year, in alignment with Halloween, I usually host a panel of C-suite leaders from a variety of industries to talk about what’s “scary” when it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. But this year, what scares me most aren’t the typical DEI challenges  —it’s the inflammatory conversations happening around the upcoming elections. The heightened tensions and division can make it feel like any conversation could ignite a raging argument, risking relationships we care about.  That’s why this month’s series of Real Conversations from the C-suite is so important. Discussing hot topics without torching relationships is such a valuable skill set, especially right now. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “Disagreeing without being disagreeable,” then you’ll appreciate that my goal with this series is to offer practical tools and insights to help navigate challenging conversations with grace, so we can all keep our relationships intact —even when the conversations get heated.  Join me and my special guest, Ms. Terri Wilson, Founder and CEO of Doing HR Differently, during this month’s series of Real Conversations from the C-Suite for thoughtful tips and coaching techniques to help you discuss hot topics without torching relationships!Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Today, we'll conclude this special series by discussing the renewed focus on team dynamics strategies at Dr. Anita Enterprises, Inc. We'll explore how these strategies are key determinants of culture and how they prepare businesses to navigate complexity and change.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Together, we’ll reflect about the importance of culture and how changing workforce demographics necessitate organizations to embrace inclusive leadership traits to thrive in the future.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Today we'll explore the potential impacts of AI in HR and discuss how it CANNOT be relied upon to ensure equity in the workplace due to inherent biases.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Our conversation today will review why diversity, equity, and inclusion should be considered as strategic business imperatives leading to better organizational performance, innovation, and bottom-line results.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Today we'll examine some of the reasons why organizations may still be hesitant to fully embrace DEI in ways that result in a true sense of BELONGING. And, we'll explore the challenges and barriers that need to be addressed to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/

Join me as we discuss the downturn in the prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the trend of companies dismantling their internal DEI teams. Connect with me!Web - https://www.doctoranita.com/YouTube - https://bit.ly/DrAnitaYouTubeLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-polite-wilson-ph-d-77695b/