Star Agassi Consulting

Oath Inc. ( Verizon Communications) “Let’s start the conversation”

We learn from each other.

Having a healthy, respectful, diverse, inclusive workplace is something every one deserves. Feeling safe in public spaces is equally important and often taken for granted.  Being stopped by the police for example.
We spend so much time at work which has tremendous impact on the rest of our private lives.  We need to feel safe at work.   This is  not always the case, and of course, I speak from experience.  It only takes one person to ruin a workplace if there is ineffective leadership. So how do we make changes, how can we become more educated, perhaps more aware of our own life lens ( or as Joanne points out in her book, our unconscious bias) the way we see things from our own experiences. Can we change our attitudes once we know about our negative behaviors and thought patterns?  Yes we can!

We  start with a conversation.

There are places and people who make an impression on you, creating awareness, giving insight on important issues and tools to inspire others to have the conversation on harassment, bullying, intolerance, racism that continue to harm our workplace.
On September 11, 2018 in New York City,  I had the honour to be part of the panel discussion with Oath Inc.  (which is a subsidiary of Verizon Communications). The group of professional women who organized the event were amazing.  This  team put together the first of  a “Safe Place Series”. To help their organization create a healthy workplace.

 “The purpose of this series is in response to external climate such as harassment, #metoo

movement, Oath integration/culture dynamics (corporate bullying), and to enhance overall employee experience. ” Kristyn Ruggiero, Program Co-ordinator. 
Helping employees understand the resources available in dealing with workplace harassment, retaliation and discrimination.

Sharing the stage with world renowned and totally awesome author, speaker, Joanne Lipman

In her book ‘That’s What She Said’.   Her book talks all about the gender problems that women in the workplace have to deal with everyday.  It is also a tool for awareness and better understanding about leadership and management roles. Once we know something we cannot unknown it.    https://www.wmespeakers.com/speaker/joanne-lipman
Oath Inc and Start the Conversation in New York City

 

And the talented awesome actor, activist, speaker Jesse Williams.

His insight on the issue of silent racism and how it can be the subtle actions that allow people to be considered ‘the other’ and given less opportunities in life and in the acting field. He speaks with passion on the perspective of police and race relations.  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Williams_(actor)
Our moderator was Twyla who had questions about the workplace and the issues that involved everyone, such as harassment, gender pay inequality, racism, covert harassment and bystander behaviour.    Starting the conversation.

Workplace Bullying/Harassment leads to suicide?

My first question was on the impact of harassment, suicide.    Although I was prepared for this question, it always takes me back to that sad, mental space which is what can  happen having been diagnosed with PTSD. Yet I refuse to shy away from my own truth if this experience can help others. If no one says anything then nothing changes.

Three things to share:  Importance for  people to speak up because their voice counts and to  speak up for those who are unable or afraid.

Be curious about their  own behaviors and be curious about others this can build bridges of understanding and compassion

And to have their own self care tool kit for empowerment and happiness. No one can make you happy except you.

There is always one person in the audience who knows someone or who has thought or is thinking of suicide.  We learn from each other. Never give up.
The idea of this event was to start a conversation. It is the ripple effect. Each person attending in the live audience and those who will later watch the video, have taken away information and awareness that fits who they are and perhaps start another conversation to help improve their lives and the lives of other co-workers, family and friends.

Mother Teresa  “I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters and create ripples.”

Start the conversation, we did.

Connect

Email: info@sherrybensonpodolchuk.com