Simulated and immersive learning can be transformational.  Join Mr. RAWbert for this episode as he responds to the visceral learning moments of his simulated poverty session.  

Welcome to the show, and thanks for joining us for a Conversation With Purpose!

In this episode, Mr. RAWbert talks about the impressions and takeaways he got from a screening of the film, 'Heightened Scrutiny'.  Beginning with an inspriational quote from one of the film's characters, we learn that in our work, while crucially important for all our liberation, we will make history, experience loss and exhaustion...and still, there's work to do.

Welcome to the show, and thanks for joining us for a Conversation With Purpose!

In a day and age where so many of us are talking about tragedies in our communities, especially those that befall our young ones, it makes sense to want to make sense out of it all and we often end up grasping at any solutions to stop the harm.  Not all solutions are equal, not all solutions are available to all.
Join Mr. RAWbert for this episode as he shares a different side of the conversation about whether our racial identity is a determinant for safety in this world.

Welcome to the show, and thanks for joining us for a Conversation With Purpose!

Two people watch the same show, and have very different takeaways because of who they are.  In this episode, join Mr. RAWbert and Marvyn for a conversation that questions whether the phrase, "love is love," is really true.

Welcome to the show, and thanks for joining us for a Conversation With Purpose!

Perhaps you've heard the poem, "joy is an act of resistance," and you thought it was a nice sentiment, or you agreed and went on about your day.  Join us for a conversation digging into the relationship between joy and the work it takes for us all to remain in the work toward equity.

Welcome to the show, and thanks for joining us for a Conversation With Purpose!

In this episode our hosts demonstrate the kinds of vulnerability and transparency required to move "the needle" in diversity, equity and inclusion work and conversations.
While they may have an ongoing business relationship, even DEI Practitioners need to work on their skills, beyond the training spaces to make sure they are showing up as they intend, model behaviors they encourage, and move past good intentions, and leverage great impact.

Sometimes the trainer or educator will use different games and activities to instill a sense of humor, fun or even joy in the learning spaces.  Both for the experience of the participants as well as themselves.  During this episode, our hosts discuss if there is even a space for joy in the work greater inclusion, celebrating diversity and achieving equity.  

Welcome to the Beyond the Training "car cast" episode, where our hosts attempt a crucial conversation while on their way to deliver training.  The audio might not be the best, and the conversation is too good - so many bars for all of us to take back to work and community.  
In this episode, our hosts discuss what organizations at any point in the DEI journey can do to set up the best practices and elicit the best responses in their work. This is one of many conversations continuing around the world about how to be the best at DEI, which, while a journey, is certainly a goal for many people, communities and organizations.  Do you agree with what it takes to be best in class?

Welcome to the Beyond the Training "car cast" episode, where our hosts attempt a conversation while on their way to deliver a training.  The audio might not be the best, and the conversation is too good - so many bars for all of us to take back to work and community.  
In this episode, one of our hosts tells a story about the learnings she's been reflecting on since a near-accident incident in the community a while back.  Going beyond the training often means checking into where and when real life provides an intersection of identity and mindset - not to mention, cars and pedestrians.

How are we supposed to talk about differences?  If differences make a difference, how do we celebrate them in the workplace and in the community without harming one another?  This week, our hosts discuss the implications of our human nature to notice differences between us and our interests in naming them or calling them out.  What types of differences are off limits, and how do we know?

Are White people under attack?  There are certainly some who feel that way - especially inside trainings and conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion.  In this episode, our hosts discuss the implications of the work to be inclusive in what can feel like divisive politics, media and relationships.
**this episode includes a disclaimer about some topics brought up by our hosts to offer some clarity ahead of listening**

Have you ever heard the term "Cultural Competence"?  Do you think it's possible to actually become culturally competent?  Join us for the discussion about the pitfalls of this concept with our host, who are actually Qualified Administrators of the Intercultural Development Inventory, which is a measure of cultural competence!

To err is human, so is apologizing!
Sometimes, when we demonstrate our biases, there's an opportunity to admit wrongness and wrongdoing - and when you apologize, there are some pieces to remember so it lands and makes the intended impact.  Join our hosts as they discuss what an apology can really do for our work, our relationships and our conversations in the work to be more inclusive.

By now, you've heard some of the maligning, anti-DEI rhetoric in the news, media and different public spaces that are gaining traction around the nation.  In this episode, our hosts discuss a number of the contexts they are experiencing anti-DEI language and walk through the meaning of a new acronym touting Merit, Excellence and Intelligence (MEI) as the way to focus attention and resources, in the way DEI can and has.

Whether a first or long time listener, you know the power of words and their meanings within the work of Seven Focus, and as such, you can go back and listen to a number of episodes with great examples - just like this one!

Call it what you want (DEI, JEDI, etc.), our world, our societies, just need to treat each other better.  Like human beings.  With so much hurt and harm, so much loss of life, it seems like the most logical answer to it all would be to humanize each other so we can see the value of people we know and strangers in other places.  
In this episode, our hosts discuss why it's so hard to humanize each other, and while one tragic loss of life is a catalyst of this conversation, we recognize there are so many more names to be said and stories to be told.  

Seven Focus has seven Ways of Being:
Reflective of Self
Awareness of the Present
Curiosity Over Certainty
Culturally Agile
Transparent
Heightened Consciousness of the Past
Diffuse Power and Privilege, Centering Historically Marginalized Identities

In this episode, our hosts define Cultural Agility, as opposed to the ever popular 'cultural competence'.  One of the more easily measured Seven Focus Ways of Being, these two have proven what can happen when learning about self and others leads to great impact.

Add what you learn about Cultural Agility to the rest of the Ways of Being and  see if any of the concepts are a part of the work, organization or communities you're a part of.  This is just a part of a larger conversation, stay tuned to learn where this Way of Being can be helpful to your moving from intent to impact

Have you ever been in a conversation and felt so passionately about something, you wanted to flip the table over in exasperation?  Have you ever really done that?  Or, are you the type to pound the table with a fist, maybe in your mind, if nothing else? 
In this episode, our hosts debate the merits of flipping the table, and the potential impacts on learners, ourselves and our community, when our emotions get displayed.

No doubt you've been in the news or the community hearing about and possibly being affected by the U.S. Presidential Executive Orders, Memoranda, or misguided vitriol to squash, discredit and illegalize the concepts of DEI and the work (and workers) therein.  In this episode, our hosts, like many in our communities discuss the impacts of what has happened to this moment in time and what to do, knowing the personal, professional and future intentions of the movement.

In today's episode, our hosts are honored to have Jen and Jason from the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC) along to talk about the way a stereotypical narrative of misappropriation and irresponsibility was told about people working to help lift others out of their circumstances with the criminal legal systems.  
Again, we find that even the best intended reporting and storytelling can have grave impacts on the very people they are designed to serve.  So, Jen and Jason help us change the narrative, for the better.

Check out the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition here - https://www.ccjrc.org/

Contact Jen at - Jennifer@ccjrc.org

Contact Jason at - Jason@ccjrc.org

In this episode we hear from a member of our Seven Focus community about her experiences in diversity, equity and inclusion training spaces.  In a time when DEI training is under fire, being shifted from U.S. Federal Government priority, and as several corporate and community serving organizations consider their work, this is a timely conversation.

Every trainer's done it...we've all been in training sessions and meetings with a facilitator who's trying to set the tone with an opener of some sort - before or after the ground rules and intention setting, there's almost always an obligatory ice breaker moment all the participants endure.
In this episode, our hosts discuss the concept of the conversational icebreaker, it's merits, and talk about if they are a tactic so popular, could it really be achieving the intended outcome?  And, they'll share if their intent and impact are misaligned, what might be an alternative.

Is resistance positive?  Can pushback be a sign of good things?
In this episode, our hosts debate the real messages, intentions and impacts of those who pushback in meetings, trainings and programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
It's been said that 'there's no such thing as bad press'...what about ideological resistance?

For Your Consultation/Consideration: Stop shudding on each other!
You read that right...think about what you really mean when you use the word "should" in a sentence or question.  What expectations are you trying to communicate?  Are they fair? Are they inclusive?
Most folx don't appreciate getting shud on, so let's work to keep that from happening.

Certainly there are connections between language and culture.  In those connections we are able to understand what is expected of us in our communities, our organizations and our relationships.
What, then, is the intersection between the language and culture of fashion and the work of diversity, equity and inclusion?
In this episode, we welcome fashion professional, Malcolm to the conversation to discuss how he sees his world and the work of inclusion in it.

For Your Consultation/Consideration: Take the Implicit Associations Tests.  Actually, take a few.  And make sure you have a plan for what comes next...you're going to need one.

In this episode we welcome a lifetime learner of diversity, equity and inclusion topics into the conversation to learn about her take on DEI training.
When learning and talking about bias training, she has some specific thoughts for DEI practitioners out there, looking to improve their impact, beyond their intent.

For Your Consultation/Consideration, here are three challenges you can try on in the new year to increase the intentionality of your words, and conversations.

• Be mindful of who you talk to...and who you don't.
• Ask more (better) questions.
• Keep your "but" out of people's faces.

How do you make inclusion efforts 'stick'?  When the person or people who created or facilitate the activities and programming leave, how solid is the work for those who remain?
In this episode, our hosts talk about the challenge of keeping programs that celebrate differences, highlight communities and honor those who are often marginalized - going, especially after a transition of leadership or organizational priority.

No doubt you've heard the phrase, "when you assume, it makes an a** out of you and me."  That's about as popular as, "assume positive intent," especially in conversations about bias, equity and undoing oppression. 

In this episode, our hosts debate the merits of assuming positive intent, what the phrase means and the impact(s) of leaning into or away from our assumptions.

Join us for a special episode where you get to listen in on a dual keynote, led by our hosts as they work with a community serving organization, preparing to do work where they move from really great intentions (in their mission, their vision, and their 'why') to tangible, measurable impacts.
If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you'll remember some of the tenets of the talk.  If you've never been a part of the Seven Focus work, you'll find a little bit of why the team is requested all over the country.

In this episode, our hosts discuss how ego shows up in diversity, equity and inclusion spaces - like trainings, consultations and other works.  Everyone has an ego, and some folx use theirs for good and for evil.  Still, is there an intentional space for ego in the work?

Even if this wasn't the season of a US Presidential election, the conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion topics being political at work, at the dinner table, with family or friends would still be topical.  The old adage of not talking about politics or religion at work persists, even though politics and religion impact nearly every facet of life and work. 

In this episode, our host argue the concept of DEI being political and invite listeners to consider the merits of each side.  

“Out of the mouths of babes,” they say. Kids really do say the darndest things and instead of focusing on Jamie’s little truth tellers, our hosts have a different young person giving them inspiration as they learn age doesn’t matter when thinking of undoing systems of oppression…specifically, those that are setup based on gendered norms, practices, customs and traditions. 

Seven Focus has seven Ways of Being:
Reflective of Self
Awareness of the Present
Curiosity Over Certainty
Culturally Agile
Transparent
Heightened Consciousness of the Past
Diffuse Power and Privilege, Centering Historically Marginalized Identities

In this episode, our hosts talk about another Way of Being, Awareness of the Present, which could also be called "Pay Attention!"  This episode focuses on what can be keeping us from really engaging in learning, training, and even life as a whole.

Add what you learn about Awareness of the Present to the rest of the Ways of Being and  see if any of the concepts are a part of the work, organization or communities you're a part of.  This is just a part of a larger conversation, stay tuned to learn where this Way of Being can be helpful to your moving from intent to impact

We all have to participate in mandatory trainings at work.  We don't often think about the impacts of those educational opportunities - or whether they are actually as effective as we hope.  So, what's the point of making training mandatory?  And, is there a way to 'move the needle' if learning is not required?
In this episode, our hosts discuss what they've experienced in delivering on learning outcomes in trainings that are mandatory and aren't, and debate the merit of that process.

What are we afraid of? What’s the worst that might happen in a DEI training? 
This week, our hosts discuss how to better prepare for learners in a session, so they’re ready to engage and participate - even when they don’t want to. 

Ever heard that silence is profound? How about that silence is complicity? Even if that’s not always the case, being quiet is always sending a message. Coupled with body language, the silence of a learner or participant in a conversation (or, training) is telling. 
Join our hosts this week as they discuss the impact of a quiet learner and how our biases and instincts get in the way of our interactions, even when we don’t mean for that to happen. 

Can you trust your instincts? Have you ever considered some of the bias you have are positive and possibly even protect you?
Join our hosts this week for a discussion (maybe a debate) about whether there’s something to be said for how biases are good for us, and how our instincts might be harmful too. 

Who is responsible for changemaking? Is it you? Me? Us? Does social change start with the individual, or the system? Join our hosts as they work through the concept of social transformation and who (or, what, or where) is responsible for making change happen. 
The work of Dr. Shawn A. Ginwright is the impetus of this conversation, so if you’re familiar, you are already ready for the conversation. If not, you are right where you need to be!

Do you know a local, regional, national or internationally known DEI Practitioner?  Bet you do.  Bet your relationship with them is transactional, and probably only in one direction.  DEI trainers, educators, consultants and activists give and deliver all the time - that's the job (or, passion).  

Do you know what DEI Practitioners need from you? Check into this episode, as our hosts lists some of the top things DEI Practitioners you know (and those you don't) need from you right now.  As always, bring a pen and pad to take notes, and take steps to put those into action!

There is so much to be sick with and sick of in our world.  In today's episode, our hosts tackle the concept, and symptoms of Imposter Syndrome.  While they are not medical doctors, they do diagnose for themselves and others the ways Imposter Syndrome shows up and can impact work, relationships and life.  Be sure to bring your notepad for the ideas they have about how to "cure" the sickness of Imposter Syndrome.

You've likely heard the term microaggressions before.  Perhaps in your media, in your schooling, or a recent diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, accessibility or belonging (or, some combination of those) training.  For this episode, our hosts call on the work of Dr. Derald Wing Sue, et. al, and Ibram Xolani Kendi to go beyond the training (and definition) and delve into the work necessary to stem the impacts of experiencing microaggressions.  However you understand the concept, which our hosts do provide different perspectives of - it is important to reckon with the impact of our words, actions and environments, no matter how they are intended.  
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Seven Focus has seven Ways of Being:
Reflective of Self
Awareness of the Present
Curiosity Over Certainty
Culturally Agile
Transparent
Heightened Consciousness of the Past
Diffuse Power and Privilege, Centering Historically Marginalized Identities

In this episode, our hosts tell some stories about the impact of being curious and how this Way of Being can shift communication and conversations, relationships and work.

Add what you learn about Curiosity Over Certainty to the rest of the Ways of Being and  see if any of the concepts are a part of the work, organization or communities you're a part of.  This is part one in this conversation, stay tuned to learn where this Way of Being can be helpful to your moving from intent to impact.

Seven Focus has seven Ways of Being:
Reflective of Self
Awareness of the Present
Curiosity Over Certainty
Culturally Agile
Transparent
Heightened Consciousness of the Past
Diffuse Power and Privilege, Centering Historically Marginalized Identities

In this episode, our hosts tell some stories about how culture shows up and is experienced.  They define cultural agility, assimilation and eventually get to disrespect as well.  Check in to see if any of the concepts are a part of the work, organization or communities you're a part of.  This is part one in this conversation, stay tuned to learn where this Way of Being can be helpful to your moving from intent to impact.

Seven Focus has seven Ways of Being:
Reflective of Self
Awareness of the Present
Curiosity Over Certainty
Culturally Agile
Transparent
Heightened Consciousness of the Past
Diffuse Power and Privilege, Centering Historically Marginalized Identities

In this episode, our hosts define and discuss what it means to diffuse power and privilege, and the impacts both can have on your work.  Be sure to check out the marginalized identity activity, where they share how some training efforts can lead to harm, even without that intention.