Episode 003 — Building Human-Centered Workplaces with Erica Woods

Description: A conversation with Erica Woods on what it really means to build human-centered workplaces — moving beyond systems and into empathy, lived experience, and how people actually show up at work. Episode Date: March 9th Host: Adam Kleckner, Devon Walker, Tia Kleckner Summary: Erica Woods has spent 25 years in HR refusing to do it the way everyone else does. She makes the case that diversity programs are one of the most damaging things a company can do — when diversity is treated as a program instead of a foundation. She breaks down what true inclusion looks like, why leaders need to stop waiting for permission, and why the most important thing about a person never shows up on a resume. Main Topics: Why diversity programs harm culture when treated as a bolt-on What true inclusion looks like — and why it's different for every organisation Diversity of appearance vs. diversity of thought Why HR has quietly become policy resources instead of human resources Why leaders need to stop waiting for permission to advocate for their people What every employee wishes their leader understood Intriguing Quotes: "Diversity needs to be part of the structure. It's not a program." "Humans are going to do humans. If you're frustrated by that, you'll be frustrated all day every day." "The policies are static. Every human thing is case by case." "We've got to stop waiting for permission." "Every single human has a spark of something that is theirs to give to the planet." Key Moments: [05:14] The controversial take: diversity programs harm culture. Diversity has to be foundational — not bolted on as a program or ERG. [13:33] The tech industry shifted the rules on engineers mid-career and then got mad they didn't keep up. [15:56] Leaders have to show up authentically first. Erica's standard: tell me who you are so I can help you. [34:11] What's not on Erica's resume: the belief that every single person came with a spark of something that is theirs to give to the planet. Notable Resources: Concepts: Culture add vs. culture fit; cognitive diversity; neurodiversity at work; ERGs Connect with Erica Woods: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eywoods/ Special Announcements: Erica will be back. Adam promised it on air. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.