DEI, Leadership, and Starting With The Heart

In today’s episode, Jeremy has a very thought provoking conversation with Tru Pettigrew. They start by talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion - Tru explains where his passion for DEI originated from, what each of those terms means, he offers his thoughts on where most organizations are at in 2022 with DEI, and he explains the important role that curiosity, intentionality, empathy, and listening play in this conversation. Jeremy and Tru also talk about the differences between active and competitive listening, as well as dealing with imposter syndrome. Their conversation ends with a discussion about different aspects of leadership, including handling tough situations and setting and managing expectations. 

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Key Takeaways

• Understanding DEI Components: Diversity exists as a state of being, equity ensures fairness by meeting unique needs, and inclusion fosters belonging through intentional actions and behaviors.
• Active Listening is Crucial: Genuine curiosity and active listening can bridge differences and foster empathy across diverse teams.
• Intentionality Matters: Building inclusion and addressing unconscious bias require deliberate effort and an openness to uncomfortable conversations.
• Cross-Generational Leadership is Key: Adapting leadership styles to reflect generational changes helps align methods with timeless principles.
• Start Conversations with Heart, Head, and Hands: Use personal storytelling to build empathy, co-create solutions, and hold each other accountable to take meaningful action.

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Episode Summary

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Definitions and Applications

Tru begins by defining the core components of DEI. Diversity is the state of being different across identity, experiences, and cognitive approaches. Equity ensures fairness by meeting people where they are and providing what they need to succeed, while inclusion involves behaviors that create a sense of belonging. These principles are foundational for building cultures where everyone feels valued and empowered.

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Active Listening and Empathy: Tools for Connection

One of the biggest barriers to DEI is the discomfort in addressing differences, whether related to race, gender, or religion. Tru emphasizes the importance of active listening—listening to understand rather than to reply. Through open, empathetic conversations, we uncover shared experiences and build stronger connections, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.

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From Purpose to Action: A Framework for Leaders

Tru shares a three-step framework to help leaders advance DEI:

1. Heart: Start with personal stories to build empathy and understanding.
2. Head: Collaborate on ideas to address challenges and barriers.
3. Hands: Take tangible actions based on these shared insights, holding one another accountable for progress.

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Leadership and Cross-Generational Approaches

Tru highlights the need for leaders to adapt their styles to different generational contexts. While the principles of leadership remain consistent—such as focusing on purpose and developing people—the methods must evolve with technology, societal changes, and cultural shifts. Leadership is about serving others and helping them connect their unique contributions to the organization’s broader goals.

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Building a Sense of Belonging

Whether it’s prospective students questioning diversity efforts or employees navigating imposter syndrome, fostering a sense of belonging is critical. Organizations should be transparent about their purpose, vision, and mission, outlining clear goals and progress. Tru emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity when addressing questions about diversity or inclusion.

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Practical Tips to Advance DEI in Your Organization

1. Understand the Why: Clearly articulate the purpose behind your DEI efforts to foster shared commitment.
2. Encourage Storytelling: Use personal narratives to build empathy and deepen connections across diverse groups.
3. Set Expectations Early: From onboarding onward, clarify roles, responsibilities, and how individual contributions connect to larger goals.
4. Invest in Cross-Generational Leadership: Adapt methods to align with the evolving needs of younger generations while maintaining core principles.
5. Lead with Love: Approach tough conversations with patience, kindness, and a commitment to growth.

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This episode is brought to you by Gecko - a student engagement platform offering multiple modules to help institutions better engage with students and lighten the load for their staff.

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