We need to weld DEI into the business, embedding DEI in every relevant aspect that we can. When you think about welding something into the business, it's an incredibly powerful word because you think of welding as kind of these two pieces, the merging or fusion of these two pieces coming together.

You’re listening to episode 41 of the Happy Space podcast. Today we’re exploring keeping DEI initiatives strong in challenging times by welding them to your business - with Seramount’s Managing Director Katie Mooney.

Seramount's Managing Director, Katie Mooney, discusses how she began her DEI journey, her view on "welding" DEI initiatives to organizations, the value of community, and what it means to “pass the baton” as a DEI practitioner.

Managing Director of Seramount, Katie Mooney talks about the importance of sustaining efforts for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. She shares her journey from a young professional in financial services to becoming deeply involved in DEI work, sparked by a visit to an exhibit called “Struggle for Justice,” as part of Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. She also prefers the term “welding” DEI to organizations as opposed to embedding it and shares practical ways of doing so. With the downturn of the economy and a concerted effort by some to dismantle DEI efforts, these are volatile times, and keeping DEI strong is more important than ever. Katie emphasizes that slow progress is not an option due to the demand for transparency and the need for proactive processes. As DEI practitioners, carrying the baton forward is necessary. I hope you enjoy this illuminating discussion about DEI and where it’s heading next. 

Katie Oertli Mooney is a Managing Director at Seramount, an organization with over 40 years of experience supporting and advancing women in the workplace. She is an accomplished DEI leader and thought partner with expertise in driving strategy and growth of diversity and inclusion change management, planning and programs. Prior to joining Seramount, she was responsible for overseeing the client delivery, staffing, operations and growth as Vice President of Jennifer Brown Consulting. She was accountable for the firm’s successful consulting project delivery to clients from the Fortune 1000, government agencies, startups, to nonprofits.

Before that, she managed the DEI enterprise learning and development strategy at Capital One specializing in differential investment programming to support historically underrepresented talent and communities of color. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the GSBA; the largest LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce in North America and is supporting the organization in 2020, by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Board of Directors, for the benefit of GSBA staff, members, partners, and the LGBTQ+ and allied community of Washington State. Katie has a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management with a concentration on Diversity and Inclusion Management from Georgetown University. She is based in Seattle, WA.

CHAPTERS

02:34    Katie Mooney: A DEI practitioner's journey

03:52    The importance of DEI in business strategy

08:00    The power of DEI in driving business outcomes

12:50    Challenges and opportunities in DEI work

15:18    The role of research in DEI work

15:57    Welding DEI into business outcomes

26:44    The impact of DEI on consumer behavior and attracting talent

29:29    The role of DEI in navigating through polarity

36:44    Future of DEI work

LINKS

National Portrait Gallery - Struggle for Justice

Seramount Website

Research - Keeping DEI Strong in Volatile Times

Working Mother Magazine Wiki

IMAGE CREDITS

Capital One Logo - CapitalOne.com

Seramount Logo - Seramount.org

Katie Mooney Headshot - Katie Mooney

Keeping DEI Strong in Volatile Times - Seramount.org

Working Mother Magazine - Wikipedia

Martin Luther King Jr - Wikipedia

Rosa Parks - Wikipedia

Minal Bopaiah headshot - Minal Bopaiah

Equity Book - Amazon.ca

Other images - Canva

Learn more about and follow Katie:

LinkedIn

Website

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Highly sensitive executive coach and productivity catalyst, Clare Kumar, explores the intersection of productivity and inclusivity continually asking how can we invite the richest contribution from all. She coaches individuals in sidestepping burnout and cultivating sustainable performance, and inspires leaders to design inclusive performance thereby inviting teams to reach their full potential. As a speaker, Clare mic-drops “thought balms” in keynotes and workshops, whether virtual or in-person. She invites connection through her online community committed to designing sustainable and inclusive performance, the Happy Space Pod. Why? Because everyone deserves a Happy Space.

Believing that productivity is personal, the podcast is produced in a variety of formats so you can enjoy it in the medium you prefer:

Listen to the audio right here or on your fave podcast platform.

If you prefer to  watch video, check out the episode on YouTube.

If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below.

Ready to learn more, or want to find out more about coaching with Clare or hiring her for your next engaging event? Contact Clare here.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a heartfelt review as this will help other listeners discover the podcast.  Please invite your colleagues, friends, and family to listen as well. Together we can design a more inclusive world where everyone can make their richest contribution.

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And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊

CREDITS

Audio and Video Editing by: Jaclyn Enchin

Production Assistant: Luis Rodriguez

Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi from Pixabay