43 - I’ll Be There For You - The Real Cost Of Allyship

Blended

The panel discuss allyship - what it means; the cost, challenges, and sacrifice involved; and how individuals & workplaces can cultivate a culture of allyship.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[01.12] Introductions to our Blended panelists.

“Allyship needs to be focused on how we can support each other, and vice versa. And being self-aware is key.” Dylan

• Roquita – Vice President of Intermodal Sales and Operations at Coyote Logistics
• Sharon – Vice President/CFO at Talon Freight Services
• Dylan – Founder and Chief Navigator at DylanListed LLC
• Mickey – COO at UNIQUE Logistics
• Weston – Chief Spokesperson at Cargomatic

“I’ve had a 27 year career in the logistics space and, along that journey, my understanding of allyship and what it required to be an effective ally has been challenged. Especially at the moment when I incurred enough political currency within my organization, when I was no longer the recipient of allyship, but now responsible as a leader to be an ally.” Roquita

[07.35] The group discusses allyship – what it means, how it’s changed, the dangers of performative allyship, and why we should all be viewing allyship as a journey, not a destination.

“We all have adversity in life that we need to overcome… by understanding people, and by being open and honest about who we are as a person, we can cut through the BS and help each other, be allies for whatever we need allyship for.” Weston

• Opportunity
• Active support
• Advocacy
• Standing up and speaking out
• Being a vocal ally vs a supportive ally
• Addressing bias
• Mentorship
• Leadership
• Challenges for women entering the “boys club”
• Importance of learning and education
• Integrity
• Complexity
• Self-advocacy
• Ableism
• Understanding
• Intent
• Balance between asking for help vs giving help without asking
• Privilege
• Self-awareness
• Questions to ask yourself before offering help
• Helping yourself first

“Allyship is an opportunity to drive social change by leveraging privilege for equity, bringing attention to injustice, and challenging systemic oppression.” Roquita

[35.38] The panel shared their thoughts on the real cost, challenges, and sacrifice involved in allyship, from personal and corporate perspectives.

“From a personal standpoint, the cost of allyship is exclusion – the very opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.” Mickey

• Fear
• Modern cancel culture
• Corporate risk
• Perception
• Emotional fatigue
• Slow change
• Honesty
• Titles are not equivalent to power or influence
• Context of allyship
• Limits
• Expectations
• Divisive topics and politics
• Empathy
• Ability to understand all sides of an argument, all perspectives
• Breaking down barriers
• Self-development

[49.49] The group discusses the risks inherent in allyship, and how we can move away from blame and judgement – of ourselves and others.

• Different capacities for engagement
• Levels of agency
• Burden of responsibility
• Allyship as a journey
• Training
• Silent vs vocal allies
• Progress over perfection
• Grace

[1.03.04] The panel discuss the different ways that individuals and workplaces can cultivate a culture of allyship.

• Tackling prejudice and bias
• Teaching because of love
• Releasing defensiveness
• Make it about making a difference, not proving a point
• Making changes on a small scale
• Boundaries
• Listening
• Calling in vs calling out

“Sometimes the best opportunity you have to make a difference in the world is to have real frank conversations with the people you’re closest with… you’re doing it in a private setting, you’re not doing it for some sort of accolade or recognition, and you’re doing it with people you genuinely care about and you want to see be better humans.” Weston

[01.19.22] The group sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Roquita, Mickey, Sharon, Weston and Dylan over on LinkedIn.

For other inspirational conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, why not check out 366: Blended – Leveling The Playing Field: What Women Have To Think About Vs Men or 283: Blended – The Rise of Asian Discrimination.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.