Littler Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Podcast: Recent Episodes
Littler
We help organizations develop customized diversity and inclusion initiatives that advance strategic objectives within the legal margins. The purpose of Littler's podcasts is to provide helpful information for employers, addressing the latest developments in labor and employment relations. They are not a substitute for experienced legal counsel and do not provide legal advice or attempt to address the numerous factual issues that arise in any employment-related issue.
In this Pride Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Jenny Orr, a shareholder in Littler’s Cleveland office, leads a candid conversation with Haley Norwillo, an associate in the Philadelphia office, and Jean Schmidt, a retired shareholder from the firm’s New York City office, on how sports shape who we are – both personally and professionally.Together, they reflect on changing access to athletics, the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ identities in sports, and the lasting impact of teamwork, resilience and mentorship. The discussion offers a look at how inclusive environments – on and off the field – help people build confidence, form connections and contribute at their best. https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/celebrating-pride-month-power-inclusion-field-and-workplace
In this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Austin-based shareholder Nicole LeFave is joined by Lehoan Pham and Michelle Christy, associates in Littler’s Minneapolis office, to discuss the role of pro bono service in supporting individuals in need and shaping the legal profession.Centered on this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together, the conversation explores Littler’s involvement in the Minnesota Habeas Project and reflects more broadly on how attorneys show up for their communities through service.They also share what motivated their involvement and reflect on how a commitment to due process and compassion shapes their work, offering a look at how collective efforts across Littler and the broader legal community help expand access to justice. https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/celebrating-aanhpi-heritage-month-meeting-moment-through-pro-bono-service
What does it mean to “step up” – and why does it matter?In this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Esther Redman, an associate in Littler’s Phoenix office, is joined by Angel Garrett, a shareholder in Littler’s San Francisco office, and Jordan Wada, an associate in Littler’s Seattle office, to discuss how bar associations and community involvement help build connection, confidence and career momentum.Grounded in this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together, the conversation explores how leadership often begins with small steps – mentoring a peer, raising a hand, or creating space for others.Along the way, they reflect on the lasting impact of history, the importance of representation, and how investing in others continues to shape the future of the legal profession.
In this Black History Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Melissa Ackie, shareholder in Littler’s Austin office, reflects on legacy and representation with Vicki Phipps and Alexis Boyd, a mother daughter duo whose careers intersect across generations.Vicki, a former Littler shareholder in Houston, reflects on a distinguished, non linear legal career spanning private practice, in house leadership, and public service. Alexis, a Houston based associate, shares her path from higher education and Title IX work to law school and litigation as a second career attorney, ultimately joining Littler.Together, they examine mentorship, career pivots, and the importance of representation, illustrating how legacy is built not by following the same path, but by passing forward values, resilience, and belief in what’s possible. https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/celebrating-black-history-month-transformative-power-professional-legacy
In this special Veterans Day episode, Associate Caroline Lutz (military spouse) welcomes three colleagues whose lives have been shaped by military service – whether as veterans or as family members. Shareholders Matt Hank (Army veteran) and Zoe Argento (Navy veteran), and Littler CaseSmart Counsel Lisa Bolen (military spouse) share personal stories about how their military backgrounds have influenced their careers, their approach to client service, and their perspectives on resilience and adaptability. They share candid reflections on leadership, teamwork and navigating challenges – both in the armed forces and in the legal profession. The conversation also explores the unique experiences of military spouses and the importance of community and support networks. https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/veterans-day-2025-stories-service-and-resilience
In this Littler Celebrates episode honoring Pride Month, Shareholders Trevor Hardy and Jennifer Orr share their personal journeys of coming out – both as LGBTQ+ and as individuals with disabilities. They reflect on how these intersecting identities have shaped their resilience, fueled their growth, and empowered their legal careers. Their conversation offers insight into the strength found in authenticity and the importance of inclusion in the workplace. www.littler.com/pride
In this Littler Celebrates episode honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, host Devjani Mishra – a shareholder in Littler’s New York office and co-chair of the firm’s 'Ohana Affinity Group – is joined by Littler attorneys Brandon Mita and Lavanga Wijekoon, along with special guest Jeff Sun, Senior Director and Counsel at Exelixis, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of sports, identity, and the legal profession.Centered on the iconic 1989 French Open victory of Michael Chang, the discussion explores how this historic moment became a lasting symbol of perseverance, cultural identity, and quiet strength within the AANHPI community. Through personal reflections on immigration, belonging, resilience, and leadership, the episode highlights how lived experience and heritage continue to shape the way these legal professionals and allies lead, advocate, and inspire – both in and beyond the courtroom.
Margaret Parnell Hogan, co-chair of Littler’s Women's Leadership Initiative and shareholder, speaks with Anna Curry Gualano, principal and Littler Learning Group director. They discuss Anna’s journey, the women who have inspired her along the way, and how she, in turn, inspires many at the firm.
Emily Haigh, U.S. Army veteran and co-founder of Littler's Veterans Initiative, speaks with Littler attorneys Michael Kibbe, Caroline Lutz and Jonathan Heller, about how their military experience has had a positive impact on their legal practice.
When President Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential campaign last month and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee, the move resulted in several historical firsts. It also placed a swift focus on intersectionality and identity politics as tensions mount in the final stretch of the 2024 election cycle.Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guests, University of North Carolina (Charlotte) Associate Chair of Communications Studies, Professor Debra C. Smith, and Littler Shareholder Bradford Kelley, explore:- The interplay of race, gender, and ethnicity for women in leadership and how they detract from meaningful conversations about suitability and competence;- Why and how topics like appearance, attire, voice pitch/tone, laughter, temperament, and likeability continue to persist so disproportionately for women;- The real meaning of “DEI Hire” and other coded terms;- How the perpetuation of inappropriate labels and evaluation criteria hinder progress for members of historically minoritized populations in key leadership roles – beyond the position of POTUS;- The role that the media and big tech ecosystem play in normalizing coded language, microaggressions, and stereotypes;- How biased messaging and beliefs about political candidates spill into workplaces; and- Possible guidelines – and guardrails - for implementing standards of conduct and handling discussions of politically diverse perspectives present in the workplace.This podcast offers an in-depth discussion about how and why an increasingly contentious election cycle is having such a taxing and divisive impact for so many.
Littler’s Anna Curry Gualano is joined by her father, Ashley Curry, to discuss their advocacy work in Alabama to update the traditional accessibility symbol to one that is more inclusive and empowering.
In celebration of Pride Month, Littler shareholder Mattheus Stephens and associates Trevor Hardy and Jessica Wimsatt discuss their advocacy work for LGBTQIA+ individuals in their local communities. The group also highlights the importance of how being authentically you and sharing your story can help others find community and feel connected.
In continued celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Littler shareholder Alyesha Asghar speaks with associates Alan Persaud and Grace Waddell about their experience in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Pathfinders Program and the inclusive community of legal professionals they joined by participating.
In honor of this year’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month theme “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation,” Littler associate Ed Tsui spoke with Littler shareholder, Lavanga Wijekoon, who shared how he has been able to advance his practice at the firm through innovation.
Littler Women's Leadership Initiative co-chair Margaret Parnell Hogan, interviews fellow Littler attorney Dionysia L. Johnson-Massie, about how respecting women in the workplace helps recruit and retain crucial talent, among other IE&D efforts.
As February comes to a close, we end our celebration of Black History Month with a podcast featuring Littler attorneys and authors in honor of this year’s theme “African Americans and the Arts.” Littler attorney Karimah Lamar, has a thought-provoking conversation with fellow Littler attorneys Michael Wilder and Tiffany Obeng, who share their journey to becoming published authors and the influence it has had on their careers.
Since the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard University and the University of North Carolina on June 29, 2023, striking down race-conscious admission processes in higher education, it has sent shock waves throughout the corporate community as business leaders consider the decision’s potential impact on their own diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) initiatives.Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guest, Littler Shareholder Kim Carter, explore:- The real significance of SCOTUS’ decision on the corporate sector- The challenges associated with language and terms associated with DEI initiatives- Strategies for reshaping and broadening the concept of “diversity” in screening and evaluating talent going forward- Business considerations for reinforcing commitments in this evolving space
In celebration of Disability Pride Month, Jennifer Duke, Littler Learning Group Director and attorney, talks with Anna Curry Gualano, Littler Principal and co-chair of the firm’s Individuals with Disabilities affinity group, about the importance of disability inclusion and its impact in the workplace for both employers and employees.
As May comes to a close, we end our celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the second of two podcasts that feature the personal stories of some of our ‘Ohana group attorneys. Littler attorney Brandon Mita has an inspiring conversation with fellow Littler attorneys Nicole LeFave , James Lee and Urvi Morolia about leading through community service, non-profits and pro bono organizations that make a difference in their communities.
In continued celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Littler's Jennifer Maguire, Sarah Sorensen, and Daniel Kim discuss how their individual experiences in the U.S. Military – as a JAG officer, a military spouse, and an officer – shaped them as leaders, ultimately leading to careers in labor and employment law.
There has been a recent, dramatic rise in antisemitism in the United States. In this podcast, David Goldman, the Executive Director and General Counsel of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, shares his perspective on how this trend is impacting our communities and workplaces, and offers some practical insights as to how the development of a shared understanding, along with a combination of empathy and meaningful policy implementation, can contribute to a more respect-based coexistence as we move forward.
To celebrate the last week of Women’s History Month, WLI co-chair Margaret Hogan (Denver), talks with three Littler associates who have shaped their legal careers in the area of traditional labor. Listen as Kameron Miller (Charleston), Ashton Hupman (Washington D.C.) and Brittany Stepp (Philadelphia) tell their stories of being women attorneys in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men.
As February comes to a close, Littler is capping off our celebration of Black History Month with a special podcast highlighting the voices of some of our Black attorneys. Kimberly Dobson (Long Island, NY) talks with fellow Littler attorneys, Kim Carter (San Diego, CA), Jason Byrd (New York City, NY), and Taylor Lawson (Memphis, TN) about how they’ve experienced – and seen the impact of – Black resistance in their personal and professional lives.
Emily Haigh, U.S. Army veteran and co-chair of Litter's Veterans Affinity Group, speaks with Littler attorneys William Anthony, Tracy Leidner, and Emily Arnett, who each have a family member currently serving in active duty.
As Pride Month comes to a close, we are celebrating with a very special podcast that features the personal stories and perspectives from two members of the Littler family.
Littler Knowledge Management Counsel, Betsy Cammarata (GSC – Kansas City) talks with Littler alum, Bennett Kaspar-Williams (Corporate Counsel for Labor Relations at Amazon Studios) about:
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The effective use of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to strengthen connections between employees and the employer
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The benefits of thoughtful conversation about what it means to be transgender, evidence-based considerations, and avoiding oversimplification of complex and nuanced issues
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How the deliberate perpetuation of misinformation hurts trans people and their families – among other topics
Employers are under the microscope from internal and external stakeholders to weigh in on myriad social issues and current events. To publish, or not to publish in each instance? That is the question. In this brief “podcast-ette,” Alyesha Asghar Dotson highlights the self-assessment that an employer ought to engage in before pressing that publish or print button.
Littler attorney, Judy Iriye (L.A. – Century City) talks with fellow Littler attorney, Kevin Yam (New York) and Littler alum, Fran Barbieri (Chief Counsel, Litigation and Employment at World Wide Technology in St Louis, Missouri), about personal experiences where they were able to overcome feelings of foreignness to achieve personal and professional success.
In honor and celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Littler attorneys William Ng (Long Island), Hinna Upal (Rochester) and Gregory Iskander (Walnut Creek) discuss how their journeys to leadership were built on promoting collaboration, finding community and creating opportunities for other diverse attorneys.
In the weeks leading up to and during the historic confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, the first Black female justice was repeatedly recognized by a number of senators for being so “articulate” while being questioned. The “compliment” resonated at the same frequency as fingernails screeching across a chalkboard for many listeners.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her special guest, Professor Inte’a DeShields:
-- Unpack the cultural context of the word “articulate”
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Discuss why the word is viewed as a linguistic aggression for Blacks and African-Americans
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Consider the word’s relationship to “code-switching” and “racial bilingualism”
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Provide a framework for analyzing the appropriateness of the word’s use and more suitable alternatives
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Examine different strategies for responding to the “compliment” – particularly in workplace scenarios where there is an interest in preserving the relationship
This podcast offers an in-depth discussion about how and why such a seemingly straightforward word has such a bruising impact for so many.
Golf is one of the most significant informal business networks and approximately half of all women feel like their exclusion from these gateways is among the key challenges to reaching the highest echelons of corporate leadership. As a prelude to the 2022 edition of the “Masters Season,” Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas explores how enduring barriers in recreational golf impact meaningful access and equity gains for women in corporate America.
With nationally recognized LPGA leader and “Top 50 Instructor in the U.S.” Dana Rader as her guest, you will hear an engaging conversation on topics that include:
• An exploration of the business advantages that can flow from golf
• Reasons why exclusionary practices have legally and culturally been allowed to persist within the sport
• Tips for how women can overcome the external and internal obstacles to participating more meaningfully
• Action steps that golf industry insiders can take to advance the ball for female golfers
• Strategies that business leaders can take to level the playing field for businesswomen
• A “Gentleman’s Guide” to including golf for mentoring and networking with aspiring businesswomen in a post-#MeToo era
• An assortment of entertaining and inspirational tales from the “Forward Tees”
In this episode of our Women’s History Month podcast series, Conversations with Women, Melissa Cee, Littler’s Chief Talent Officer talks with three Littler attorneys – Lori Brown, Angela Healy, and Lisa Kathumbi – who recently rejoined the firm and how their experiences were shaped by the women who supported their individual journeys.
In this episode of our Women’s History Month podcast series, Conversations with Women, Jacqueline Polito (Rochester) talks with two special Littler alumnae, Meyling Ly Ortiz, Managing Counsel at Toyota, and Eboneé Lewis, Associate General Counsel at BD, a global medical technology company.
Sharing personal stories of support, Mey and Eboneé provide their perspectives on the importance of elevating – and being elevated by – their female colleagues every day in the workplace.
When President Biden revealed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, history was made. If her nomination is successful, Judge Jackson will be the first Justice in the Court’s 233-year history who is a Black woman.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her special guest, the Honorable Bernice Bouie Donald, a federal judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, explore:
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Riveting reflections from Judge Donald’s own personal journey as a pioneer in U.S. judicial history
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Why diversity on SCOTUS today is so critical for ensuring public trust in the judicial system and for all Americans’ rights
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The most significant challenges that jurists face due to the complicated intersection of race and gender and why Black women have not benefitted equally from women’s movements
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Strategies for female jurists of color in managing bias, invisibility, and micro-invalidations in the profession
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The role of law schools, law firms, and the judicial system in making sure that this historical moment repeats itself
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Judge Donald’s suggestions for female attorneys of color who may have their own ambitions of donning “the black robes”
Tune in to this podcast to hear an in-depth discussion with Judge Donald about the significance of this momentous nomination to the Supreme Court.
In the second of a two-part podcast celebrating Black History Month, Littler associates Jason Byrd (New York) and Jo Gbujama (San Francisco) talk with licensed clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Adia Gooden, about the interpersonal journey of Black health and wellness, and techniques for navigating everyday issues.
In the first of a two-part podcast celebrating Black History Month, Littler associates Jason Byrd (New York) and Jo Gbujama(San Francisco) talk with licensed clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Adia Gooden, about the impact of systemic health inequity on Black Americans, and the importance of self-advocacy and being heard when it comes to resolving health issues.
As a follow-up to last week’s podcast about a proposed law to ban private companies from delivering diversity or discrimination-prevention training that inflicts any “guilt,” “anguish,” or “discomfort” due to historic wrongs, this episode explores the implications for employers.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guests, Lori A. Brown, Littler Shareholder and Andrea Cisco, Chief Operating Officer of the Future Work Institute:
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Discuss the socio-cultural factors in the national clamor for “guilt-free” learning zones
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Consider the benefits of “discomfort” for effective learning initiatives
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Explore the potential challenges that such mandates pose for companies seeking to preserve their Faragher-Ellerth defense to hostile work environment claims
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Identify the steps that employers should take to safeguard their current anti-discrimination training programs from mounting “discomfort” claims
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Share additional strategies that business leaders can take to resist an increasing call for such orders
In case you missed it, legislation designed to prohibit public schools and private businesses from inflicting any “guilt,” “anguish” or “discomfort” due to historic wrongs related to race or sex during diversity or anti-discrimination training was introduced in Florida last month. While the bill – which is being promoted as a move to protect “individual freedoms” – is a few stages away from becoming law, the move to ban discomfort is becoming an increasingly familiar refrain for learning initiatives across the country.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guest from Flagler University, Professor J. Michael Butler, address diversity and discomfort as they:
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Examine the socio-political and theoretical challenges of “eliminating” discomfort from the uncomfortable facts of history and the Civil Rights movement
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Discuss “equity” as a tipping point for race relations in the U.S.
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Consider the dangers of suppressing historical realities that make us uncomfortable
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Contemplate the modern-day purpose of “Black History Month” in light of enduring truths about racial equity and discrimination
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Explore how the mounting focus on individual sensitivities is disrupting meaningful learning experiences and initiatives on race, equity, and social justice.
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close this week, Littler Shareholder and Reunión Co-Chair Mel Cole (San Francisco) and Shareholder Anne Sanchez LaWer (San Jose) discuss their experiences with the Spanish language and the ways in which learning it – and not learning it – have impacted their individual connections to their Hispanic heritage.
In this podcast celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Shareholder and Global Practice Leader Peter Susser talks with Juan Carlos Varela, Shareholder of Littler’s Miami and Caracas offices, about becoming Littler’s first international attorney, extending a labor and employment law practice beyond the United States, and how that helped him achieve the American dream.
There are many employee referral strategies out there, and the newest among them is leveraging the employee referral bonus program to build diversity. Such programs offer special – sometimes higher – bonuses to current employees for the referral of candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities. In this podcast, Alyesha Asghar Dotson discusses whether such bonuses potentially may expose employers to legal risks, and whether employers ought to use them even if they are legally sound and effective.
Vendor or supplier diversity programs can be a powerful tool in a company’s Inclusion, Equity & Diversity toolbelt. But, like any tool, such programs can cause more harm than good if they are implemented haphazardly. In this podcast, Alyesha Asghar Dotson discusses the history, benefits, and challenges of implementing a successful vendor or supplier diversity program that pushes the needle forward regarding Inclusion, Equity & Diversity without embracing unnecessary legal risk.
In celebration of Pride Month, Jennifer Youpa (Dallas) interviews Shareholder and Littler Board Member Lee Schreter (Atlanta) about Lee’s experience coming out as a lesbian woman, the challenges and opportunities of intersectionality, and strategies for improved inclusion, equity and diversity across the legal profession.
Littler's Chief Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Officer Paul Bateman leads a conversation with Shareholders Dionysia Johnson-Massie (Atlanta), LaToi Mayo (Lexington), Lindbergh Porter (San Francisco), and Charles Wilson (Houston) as they discuss the trail to Juneteenth, its importance and how various acts impacted slavery in the U.S.
Kimberly Doud of Littler’s Orlando office, Chelsea Lewis of Littler's Miami office and Kameron Miller of Littler's Charleston office present episode two of the Allied Behavior podcast series. Allied Behavior is focused on cultivating conscious conversations about inclusion, equity, diversity, and allyship in a corporate environment. In this episode, Kimberly, Chelsea and Kameron discuss Juneteenth, the factors shaping our perceptions about race, and how to foster meaningful interactions in the workplace.
Racially offensive symbols, such as Confederate flags, displayed in the workplace can constitute evidence of a racially hostile work environment. In light of this and our ever-increasing efforts to foster harassment-free workplaces, Alyesha Asghar Dotson discusses how employers can prepare for and respond when potentially offensive symbols appear in their workplace.
In celebration of Pride Month, Whitney Williams (L.A. – Century City) and Michael Hui (San Francisco) discuss their personal experiences growing up gay in the Black and Asian American communities, what their similar upbringings have taught them about being an attorney, and how the Littler Pride affinity group is an important part of their lives at the firm.
In continued celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Eddie Chyun (Cleveland), Lavanga Wijekoon (Chicago) and Aki Tanaka (Boston) share their stories of moving to the U.S., assimilating and adding to the American culture, and how their worldview, experiences, and background prepared them to practice law.
In support of AAPI Heritage Month, this podcast features Danielle Herring (Houston), Emilie Hammerstein (Pittsburgh) and Alan Sims (Downtown Los Angeles) as they explore their biracial identity and how that shapes the way they practice law.
Watershed events in recent years like the resurgence of Black Lives Matter and #MeToo have galvanized organizations to step up their commitments in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space to gauge the “cultural temperature.” The persisting pandemic has raised the stakes. Accordingly, many companies seeking a roadmap for these efforts increasingly want to begin their journey with a snapshot of who’s in the mix and how they are feeling. Enter the “Diversity Questionnaire.”
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guest, Littler Shareholder Alyesha Dotson: • Examine the reasons for the growing trend towards soliciting employees about their demographics and commentary on DE&I • Outline the purpose and function of the “diversity questionnaire” • Provide guidance on issues associated with these instruments • Explore alternative measurement tools
A properly structured and implemented Affinity Group (AKA Employee Resource Group) is a powerful tool in an employer’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion tool belt. But, unwary employers may risk violating the National Labor Relations Act if they bargain with an Affinity Group. In this month’s podcast, Alyesha Asghar Dotson discusses the do’s and don’ts of interacting with an active Affinity Group within your organization.
Kimberly Doud of Littler’s Orlando office, Chelsea Lewis of Littler's Miami office and Kameron Miller of Littler's Charleston office present episode one of the Allied Behavior podcast series. Allied Behavior is focused on cultivating conscious conversations about inclusion, equity, diversity, and allyship in a corporate environment. In this episode, Kimberly, Chelsea and Kameron discuss the importance of effective allyship and provide suggestions to turn allyship into meaningful action in the workplace.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her special guest, Pranam Lipinsk, a dedicated scholar of Generation Z and co-founder of Door of Clubs, delve into the (unofficial) rule book for attracting and retaining these young professionals. They will:
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Crack the code on “Gen Z Speak”
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Outline what’s really most important to members of the iGen
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Pinpoint the actions employers should be taking to attract and retain these young professionals
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Discuss how and why your current approach to DE&I may be failing them
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Identify resources that may help Gen Z navigate a post-COVID world
An effective way to increase diversity hiring is to require diverse candidate slates for interviewing. Such slates include at least two diverse or women candidates in the pool of finalists. Employers should take heed, however, because there are limits to which a recruiter or a staffing agency can go in building such a slate. Alyesha Dotson discusses the avenues to intentionally recruit for diversity in a fair and smart manner to avoid violating antidiscrimination laws.
Margaret Parnell Hogan interviews Wendy Buckingham and Emily Haigh on how their experience as women in the U.S. military influenced their legal careers, and how their backgrounds shaped their outlook on gender equity in the workplace.
Jennifer Youpa and Nina Markey discuss the importance of advancing gender equity in the workplace, how access and representation are critical to creating opportunities for women, and how women can help each other achieve their professional goals.
One year into a global pandemic, with vaccinations underway, we are eagerly preparing for social “re-entry.” But how do the isolating behaviors that we have now perfected - in the interest of sheer survival - bode for the concept of “inclusion” in a post-pandemic world?
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guest, Enidio Magel, Managing Director and Founder of the Multicultural Institute, consider:
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The estranging effects of the pandemic on people in our “New Normal.”
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The future of “inclusion” after a year of practicing physical avoidance
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Practical approaches for re-cultivating a culture of trust and connection.
Jeanine Conley Daves hosts a conversation between Tom Bender and Shin-I Lowe. They discuss the importance of mentorship, what a successful mentorship relationship looks like, and how male mentor influences are equally important to women.
Episode 1 “Conversations with Women: Impacts of the Pandemic on Women in the Workforce,” in which Erin Webber and Zoe Argento discuss the affects the pandemic has had on working mothers and the impact on women in the workforce generally.
As more and more employers take steps to improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, there’s an increasing demand to know if those measures are successful. In this podcast, Alyesha Dotson, Littler Shareholder, discusses ways in which employers can track progress in their DE&I efforts without tripping over legal hazards, and gauge individual and organizational change.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her special guest, author and Professor of Sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Adia Harvey Wingfield, explore:
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What “Diversity of Thought” encompasses
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Reasons for the concept’s increasing appeal in recent years
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The tension that exists between this and more “traditional” dimensions of diversity and its impact on the “Equity Conversation”
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What happens when people attempt to “weaponize” the concept
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The future of “Diversity of Thought” in a post-2020 world
With 2020 firmly behind us, let’s cast our minds forward into what our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion journey might look like in 2021. If you are an employer thinking about what you can do to take your DE&I goals to the next level in 2021, you are not alone. In this podcast, Office Managing Shareholder of Littler’s San Diego Office, Mishell Parreno Taylor and Shareholder of Littler’s Seattle office, Alyesha Dotson, explore all the next level tools in your diversity toolbox, including diversity-focused internships, overhauling recruitment practices, and the hottest trends in supercharging your retention practices.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas, Littler’s new Chief Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Officer Paul E. Bateman, and incoming Chief Equity Officer for the City of Baltimore Dana P. Moore provide an enlightening - and inspiring! - look at this new seat in the C-Suite.
In this podcast, Cindy-Ann and her guests address, among other issues:
Why the creation of this C-Suite position is gaining momentum right now.
How such “Chief” designations in this space can make a strategic difference for organizations.
Why CDOs can’t be the only ones in charge of navigating organizations through “uncomfortable conversations.”
What these emerging leadership roles will require from their respective organizations for sustainable success.
How such officers can ensure that their role is not a mere “trend” in response to dynamics of our current era.
In this podcast, we tackle three intriguing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion questions. 2020 has been a tumultuous year where DE&I programming has grown by leaps and bounds in corporate cultures around the world. We discuss the hiccups that might have tripped up your past DE&I efforts, and explore avenues to ensure that your future DE&I programming flourishes in 2021 and beyond.
Littler’s Dionysia Johnson-Massie and Detrachia “Tray” André join Alyesha Asghar Dotson to discuss the rising popularity of facilitated workplace discussions about race (also known as “Courageous Conversations”) as an invaluable diversity, equity, and inclusion tool.
Littler’s David Goldstein and James Paretti join Alyesha Asghar Dotson to talk about President Trump’s Executive Order, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping,” which curbs the discussion of certain topics from diversity and inclusion training provided by federal contractors and grantees.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas, Mishell Parreno Taylor, Littler Shareholder, and Kiara Harlow, Senior Recruiting Director of The Partners Group, present a multifaceted examination of the diversity and inclusion challenges ahead for the legal industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
In this podcast, Cindy-Ann and her guests address the following:
• How will the pandemic crisis and associated fiscal fallout affect the legal industry’s efforts in the D&I space?
• Why and how are female attorneys and attorneys of color disproportionally affected by the steps that law firms have taken to weather the crisis?
• How does the killing of George Floyd and the resulting nationwide social unrest compound the pandemic crisis and further impact the industry’s efforts in D&I?
• What can law firms do to protect any gains they have made to advance diversity in the profession since recovering from the last global crisis?
In the midst of our current global health crisis, the deliberate use of terms like “Chinese flu” and “Wuhan virus” has underscored hundreds of reports of racism and xenophobia directed to Asian-Americans. The spike has been so high that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently called on employers to be more attentive about creating “respectful workplaces” as reports continue to emerge about the harassment and mistreatment directed to people of Asian descent, in reaction to the novel coronavirus.
In this podcast, Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guests, Littler Shareholder Tahl Tyson and businesswoman Jeanne Guanzon discuss the following issues, among others:
• Reasons for the persistent rhetoric pertaining to original terms given to COVID-19 • The historical, cyclical and personal realities of anti-Asian bias in the U.S. • The roles that leaders must play in dialing down “otherness” and “exclusion” - particularly in times of crisis. • What affirmative steps can organizations - and their leaders - take to bridge this developing divide in a post-COVID-19 world.
Asha Santos, Shareholder in Littler’s Boston office, explains the purpose of bystander intervention training and the value of diversity and inclusion sessions in today's workplace.
Implicit bias in the workplace can start as early as the application process. A key study conducted by National Bureau of Economic Research found that significantly fewer employers responded to resumes listing stereotypically “black-sounding” names than resumes including similar qualifications but listing “white-sounding names.” Job advertisements might include words or phrases that – by accident or design – tend to draw applicants of a certain race or gender. How can employers recognize these unconscious biases in hiring and take steps to address them? Cindy-Ann Thomas, Littler Principal and Co-Chair of the firm's EEO and Diversity and Inclusion practice group, discusses these issues with Littler Shareholder Jeffrey Hanslick and Amy Peterson, Director of Parker and Lynch and Ajilon professional search firm.
A newly-released study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) states that the gender wage gap is more dismal than we thought. For every dollar earned by a man in a 15-year period, the study says, the average woman only makes 49 cents – and not 80 cents.
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guest, Littler Shareholder Yvette Gatling, examine the issue, discussing:
• Some of the - well-known and lesser-known - reasons for the discrepancy between the long-held 20-cent shortfall and the IWPR’s latest finding of a 51-cent shortfall • Best practices and organizational trends in responding to the wage gap • The issue of organizational messaging about “pro-family” policies
Last month, we focused on what courageous steps organizations will have to take in response to emerging cultural shift reflected in movements that include “#MeToo” and “Times Up.” However, if meaningful culture change is going to ever happen, is too much of the national conversation focused on what companies need to do? Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and Rockhurst University Communication Professor, Dr. LaKresha Graham consider the following:
• Why “Training Day” can’t be the only solution to changing dysfunctional gender dynamics and response cultures in the workplace • The link between early gender-based socialization messages and the proliferation of sexism at work • What and how other entities can work to preempt the various forms of gender-based disrespect that eventually show up at work.
If you would like to hear more from Cindy-Ann about this topic, she will be a Littler panelist on this year’s Executive Employer’s Diversity Summit.
It’s 2018, but the sexual harassment scandals and #MeToo movement that closed out 2017 are sure to shape the year – and years – ahead. From Hollywood Boulevard to Main Street, USA, no industry has been spared. But for all the turmoil that business leaders are either witnessing or enduring, they may have an opportunity to seize this moment and establish a dramatically new normal.
In this podcast, Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and Jane Miller, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Gallup Organization, offer in-depth discussion and analysis of the answers to these questions and more:
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The link between sexual harassment and the presence of women in leadership positions
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Shifting mindsets about how organizations evaluate “financial interests” and the benefits of being gender-diverse
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How organizations should guard against any backlash associated with the #MeToo movement, and
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Whether new “rules” will need to be carved out for how men and women interact in the workplace.
Affinity groups have been receiving mixed reviews from many of late. These groups have been lauded for improving the business, bolstering employee loyalty, and fostering a sense of community. However, these groups have also been criticized for creating employee silos, encouraging distrust and division, and functioning as mere “gripe sessions.”
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guests Patty Olsen, Chief Human Resources Officer of Huron, and Dr. Isaac Dixon, Associate Vice-President of Portland State University, examine both the pitfalls and opportunities associated with affinity groups.
They explore the following questions, among many others:
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Fifty years later, are affinity groups still really necessary? Or are such groups actually more necessary than ever right now, in light of our evolving socio-political climate?
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What are the reasons behind any increase in cynicism associated with affinity groups and how can they be addressed?
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When and under what conditions can these groups be successful and relevant?
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How will affinity groups have to evolve if they are to be viable networks in the future?
This podcast covers both sides of the mounting affinity group debate.
Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guests Littler Shareholder Allan King, and author and historian Carroll “C.R.” Gibbs provide a multi-faceted examination of the label “People of Color.” In this podcast, Cindy-Ann, Allan, and C.R. address the following, head-on:
- What are the historical underpinnings for the “People of Color” label?
- Does or should any particular one racial group “own” this label?
- What are the social and legal challenges associated with this designation?
- What are the shortcomings and advantages for an organization that applies this term to categorize its D&I initiatives?
- Is it time to update this term? Or is “People of Color” an expression that is here to stay for the foreseeable future?
Listen to this podcast to hear an in-depth discussion and analysis of the answers to these questions and more.
People sometimes struggle with identity labels, in a genuine effort not to offend. We can help organizations in their D&I training efforts on complex topics like these. Check out this and other “conversation starters” available from Littler’s Diversity & Inclusion Video Channel. https://www.littler.com/diversity-inclusion-video-channel
For those organizations that don’t have a dedicated Diversity & Inclusion Officer, many continue to experiment with where to house their D&I efforts. HR? Legal? Operations? Which departments are driving diversity in most U.S. organizations today, and what are the opportunities and challenges associated with those choices?
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guest, Debra Plousha-Moore, System Chief of Staff of Carolinas Healthcare System, explore the relationship between the success of an organization’s diversity initiative and the office or department that champions it.
After more than half a century of corporate diversity efforts - and notwithstanding the best of intentions - companies are still grappling with the ability to promote and retain females and people of color in their leadership ranks.
In this podcast, Cindy-Ann Thomas and Gavin Appleby discuss the following:
- The increasing use of "diversity bonuses" as an incentive that organizations are using to bolster diversity
- Potential landmines to avoid
- Ways to maximize the effectiveness of these techniques
This is a recruitment tool that is gaining traction. Cindy-Ann and Gavin get to the heart of the issue in this dynamic podcast.
Women today still face considerable challenges working in the legal profession. This podcast explores:
- The reality that women consistently assume more at-home responsibilities even though they have similar work demands as men
- The impact of taking maternity and family-related leaves of absence
- The truth about the “likability factor”
- Unique guidelines for effective self-promotion and networking practices
- The value of establishing personal rules and rituals
- The critical role that business leaders have to play in attracting and retaining female legal talent
So what are the keys to achieving well-rounded and meaningful success when managing a career in law?
Cindy Ann Thomas addresses these topics and more with her guests: Erin Webber, Shareholder at Littler; Frances Barbieri, Assistant Vice President and Senior Corporate Counsel of U.S. Bank; and Mary Kaczmarek, Attorney Coach, Law Firm Consultant and Author.
Cindy-Ann Thomas, Littler Principal and Co-chair of the firm’s EEO and Diversity Practice Group, and Dr. Thomas Robertson, Chief Psychologist at Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, discuss how the transgender patient population in healthcare is one of the most highly victimized groups. They discuss a joint study undertaken by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force entitled: Injustice at Every Turn. Data from the major study showed that transgender and gender non-conforming people disproportionately experience discrimination, harassment, and even violence with respect to accessing healthcare. Listen to this podcast to hear a discussion and analysis of eight specific and startling statistics.
Littler’s Cindy-Ann Thomas and Gene Ryu are joined by client-guest Enidio Magel to discuss the first days of the Trump administration. The three address the effects of the fiery and divisive debates that made their way into workplaces across the country during our most recent election season, and explore the arising diversity challenges.
In this inaugural post to the Diversity & Inclusion podcast series, we discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion today for the organizations we counsel and how we help our clients with their diversity and inclusion efforts. Join Cindy-Ann Thomas, Littler Principal and Co-chair of the firm’s EEO and Diversity Practice Group, and Kevin Kraham, Shareholder in our D.C. office and a member of our Diversity and Inclusion Council, as they share what diversity and inclusion means to Littler and our clients, discuss the shifting philosophies and interests about the diversity and inclusion space, and explain how and when to keep up with the trends.