When we talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion, it’s not about quotas, optics, or checking the multi-cultural boxes. It’s about working with, serving, and providing a platform to people who don’t all look and think like you do. Because as you’ll find out in today’s episode, the decisions you make in an echo chamber aren’t always the best ones.

As a small business owner, I’m taking a hard look at the clients we work with and the people I hire, to identify any homogenous areas. I’m putting myself into rooms where not everyone looks like me, having conversations with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and getting curious about ideas and challenges that are different than mine. Through this learning process, I hope to make Kaye Publicity a more diverse and inclusive space, as well as reshape the way I think about my own privilege.

Today’s guest, Erica Courdae, has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. As an entrepreneur + certified coach her work is frequently focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), imperfect allyship, and imposter syndrome. This work has taken her across the country onto stages and into communities as a key speaker and educator. Erica also has a podcast that features open conversation and dialogue on the topics of her work and more, Pause on the Play. Her support and leadership facilitates engaged conversations within 6 figure communities, international podcasts, and live events to connect people and create change.

In today’s interview, she shares how she first integrated DEI into her hair and makeup company before realizing that other business owners were craving guidance in doing the same. She shares how freelancers and solopreneurs can create diverse and inclusive companies, even if they don’t have a team of people working with them. And finally, we discuss some of the recent problems in the publishing industry, including the positioning of American Dirt and Barnes and Noble’s “diverse” editions.

Connect with Erica

·        EricaCourdae.com

·        Pause on the Play podcast

·        Follow Erica on Instagram

·        Want to join Erica’s brand new community? Send an email to hello(at)ericacordae(dot)com to receive your exclusive invitation.

Additional resources mentioned:

·        Worthy and Well

·        The Garment

·        Lake of Darkness by Scott Kenemore

·        Being Boss conference