In the 178th episode of The Leadership Project podcast, we had the great honour of hosting Dr. Poornima Luthra (She/ Her), an Associate Professor at the Copenhagen Business School and the author of three compelling books: "Diversifying Diversity," "The Art of Active Allyship," and "Leading Through Bias." The conversation revolved around the critical themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and delved into actionable insights on allyship.
From Passion to Purpose
Dr. Luthra’s journey is as inspiring as the work she does. Born in India, she moved across countries from the UK to Singapore, Canada, and finally to Copenhagen. This diverse international background deeply influenced her passion for education and her sensitivity to inequality. Her journey from an engineering degree to a PhD in human behaviour underpins her dedication to creating inclusive environments.
Dr. Luthra poignantly shared, "I always knew that education was where I wanted to be, and I was deeply affected by inequality that I saw around me." This profound sense of purpose fuels her advocacy for DEI.
The Role of Allyship in Action
Allyship is more than just a concept; it's a call to action. Dr. Luthra's second book, "The Art of Active Allyship," aims to dispel the myth of apathy and encourage actionable allyship. She believes in the ripple effect—the idea that individual actions can create larger waves of change.
"We do have the capacity to make the spaces that we're in more inclusive," Dr. Luthra emphasized. The notion that these individual actions, like dropping a pebble in a pond, can create ripple effects is both empowering and practical.
The Multiplication Effect
For allyship to be effective, it needs a multiplication effect—where actions taken by a few can influence many. This network effect requires not just acknowledgment but active promotion of positive impacts. When people see that allyship works, they're more likely to join the cause.
"Human beings, we're observers," Dr. Luthra noted. "And if they see that what we're doing is having a positive impact, it motivates others to try it as well."
From Rhetoric to Genuine Action
One of the challenges many organizations face is ensuring that their DEI efforts are not just superficial gestures. Dr. Luthra stresses the importance of leading with conviction: understanding the 'why' behind DEI initiatives, from both a business and emotional standpoint.
Talking about Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), she mentions, "ERGs are very valuable if they are resourced well, have executive sponsorship, and open up for allies to listen." Genuine action requires systemic change and effective use of ERGs to drive that change.
Powerful Moments of Awareness
Dr Luthra shared an impactful story from one of her training sessions, illustrating the power of personal connections in driving awareness. A senior leader initially dismissive of DEI training experienced a moment of empathy when a close colleague shared his struggles with cultural bias. This moment changed his perspective entirely.
She beautifully encapsulates this with, "There's an emotional case for this...We need both—rational and emotional—to drive real change."
The Path to Allyship
Many allies struggle with knowing where to start. Dr Luthra outlines seven behaviours that can help transition from passive to active allyship:
Self-Work: Understand your biases and privileges. Engage in honest introspection and humble acknowledgment.
Engage Empathetically: Address biases with empathy, understanding that mistakes are part of the journey.
Have Authentic Conversations: Create psychologically safe spaces for open discussions on difficult topics.
Inclusive Communication: Be intentional about using inclusive language and challenging exclusionary systems.
Systemic Change: Actively question and dismantle biased systems within organizations.
Vulnerable Interactions: Be willing to show vulnerability and accept that we have blind spots.
Courageous Responsibilities: Take intentional and courageous action to effect change.
Conclusion
The podcast conversation with Dr. Purnima Luthra was profoundly insightful and filled with practical advice for both individuals and organizations aspiring to be better allies. Her approach of combining rational business cases with emotional empathy provides a comprehensive roadmap for allyship.
“Every individual can make change happen,” she stresses, encapsulating the essence of her message. Together, we can create a ripple effect that charts the course towards an inclusive future.
Whether you're an individual seeking to understand your role in allyship or an organization aiming to embed DEI deeply into your culture, the insights from Dr. Luthra offer a guiding light. Let’s take these steps collectively because our actions today can create the inclusive world of tomorrow.
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