#26: Bernadette Smith - Inclusive 360 - Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization

IN THIS EPISODE: In Today's conversation, we'll be talking about creating inclusive cultures with my guest Bernadette Smith. Bernadette is CEO of Equality Institute and an award-winning author of three books. Her fourth book, Inclusive 360 – Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization, has just been released and is available through your favorite bookseller. We'll follow her journey into activism, understand that Inclusion is for everyone and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel safe, not only inside of the organization but on the client side as well. Bernadette shares how to overcome DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) overwhelm by learning to ask better questions, becoming better listeners and maintaining a solutions-focused approach.  She also shares her "ARC" methodology (Ask, Respect, and Connect) for gaining clarity and building more inclusive cultures and organizations. It's a great conversation with a lot of thoughtful take-aways, I hope you get as much out of it as I did. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Bernadette Smith is CEO of Equality Institute and an award-winning author of three books. Her fourth book, Inclusive 360, has just been released. Her work has been featured in USA Today, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Fast Company. She's appeared on CNN, the Today Show, the BBC, and National Public Radio. Bernadette was named one of Chicago's Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain's Chicago Business. SHOW NOTES: To connect with Bernadette: Website: www.theequalityinstitute.com  On LinkedIn If you'd like a copy of her new book: Inclusive 360 To get a copy of the ARC Method tip sheet go to: www.theequalityinstitute.com/arc INSIGHT AT WORK PODCAST THEME MUSIC: Our theme music is composed by Chris Lucca, Jr.. You can listen to more of Chris' work at http://chrisluccamusic.com  You can also connect with him on Twitter: @Flipluka and on Instagram: @_flipluka.music_ ABOUT THE HOST: Ken Blackwell is a speaker, trainer, facilitator and executive coach. His signature practice is "rescuing Accidental Leaders and Dysfunctional Teams". His firm InKlaritas, based in Princeton, NJ, works with teams and leaders in companies in the U.S. around the world. You can find out more about InKlaritas at: www.InKlaritas.com and connect with Ken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjblackwell/.