Becoming an Anti-Oppressive Leader: Reflection, History, and Active Listening | Rooted2Thrive S08E73

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityBecoming an Anti-Oppressive Leader: Reflection, History, and Active ListeningSeason 7, Episode 73Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariGuest: Dr. Candace Robertson-JamesOverview:In this episode of the Rooted2Thrive Podcast, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari and Dr. Candace Robertson-James explore how anti-oppressive leadership begins with examining the lenses through which we see ourselves, others, and the world. Dr. Robertson-James reflects on how personal stories, family history, lived experiences, and societal systems shape our perspectives, while emphasizing the importance of identifying what we may need to unlearn. The conversation addresses bias as a natural part of being human and encourages awareness rather than shame, while also examining how historical policies and systemic decisions continue to shape present-day inequities. Through examples from education, public health, advocacy, and community engagement, they highlight the power of active listening, valuing lived experiences, understanding historical context, and using leadership to elevate the voices of others. The episode ultimately offers practical ways to become part of the solution through lifelong learning, building relationships across communities, and actively contributing to causes that advance equity and human dignity.Topics discussed:- The Stories That Shape Our Lens: Our personal, family, and generational experiences influence how we see the world and can reveal both values to embrace and beliefs we may need to unlearn.- Understanding Bias Without Shame: Recognizing that everyone has biases creates an opportunity for greater self-awareness and helps prevent personal preferences from becoming prejudice, discrimination, or harmful assumptions.- Leadership as Advocacy: Anti-oppressive leadership requires showing up authentically, listening to those whose voices are absent, and using positions of influence to represent their experiences and concerns.- History, Policy, and Present-Day Inequities: Understanding the historical and systemic roots of inequity, including policies such as redlining, helps us recognize society's responsibility to address the disparities they continue to create.- Learning, Listening, and Getting Involved: Becoming part of the solution means continuously learning, listening deeply to people's lived experiences, building connections across communities, and actively supporting causes that advance meaningful change.Guest:Dr. Candace Robertson-JamesDirector of Public Health Programs and Associate Professor at La Salle UniversityCheck out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!