Is gender equality in the workplace just a pipe dream?
That's what I discussed with David G. Smith—Co-Author of Good Guy: How Men Can Be Better Allies For Women In The Workplace and Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
Our conversation was open, honest, realistic, and exciting. I can say with 100% confidence that David is one of the Good Guys, and we need more like him to do the work and lead the charge for gender equality.
Show Notes
2:30: David's story: From the military to a champion for women's rights in the workplace and what experiences led him to perceive many issues when it comes to workplace equality
09:20: #MeToo backlash? Why men report being unsure about how to interact with women in the workplace.
11:16: Is the current cultural atmosphere, influencing many to refuse to identify as a certain gender in fear of backlash? Why David believes education around various gender identities has the potential to make everybody more empathetic, particularly men.
15:17: How can we overcome issues in communication? Is assuming good intent the key? Why mutual avoidance is not the right answer.
16:37: Why some women experience reluctance when having to mentor or interact with men.
18:56: Why zero-sum thinking, i.e. if women gain ground, men must by extension lose ground, hurts everyone
19:51: In the WFH environment, men have taken on more roles within the household, but the roles are still far from balanced
26:29: Should we be hopeful? David believes real change is within the grasp of the next generation
28:38: David’s forthcoming book: a look into how men are becoming more equitable in the workplace
David’s links:
Website: https://www.workplaceallies.com/
Book: Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies For Women In The Workplace
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgsmithphd/
Twitter: davidgsmithphd
