In a compelling and insightful conversation, Dr. Nika White recently welcomed guest co-host Tommi Paris, a seasoned Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)consultant with an impressive 15 years of experience across diverse industries. Tommi, who also boasts a former NCAA Division One women's basketball referee background, immediately brought a unique and engaging perspective to the discussion. Adding a touch of personal flair, Tommi shared her passion for pickleball, encouraging everyone to try the increasingly popular sport.
However, the heart of their dialogue delved into the rich intersection of Tommi's journey in basketball and her profound work in DEIB.
From the Court to Cultivating Change: Tommi's "Brutiful" Path
Tommi eloquently traced her path from playing basketball at Furman University to the world of officiating and, ultimately, to her impactful career in DEI. A recurring theme in her narrative was the power of saying "yes" to opportunities that resonated with her identity and values. For Tommi, both officiating and DEI work are deeply personal endeavors fuelled by a commitment to fairness and creating inclusive environments.
She offered a powerful reflection on the emotional landscape of this work, using Glennon Doyle’s term "brutiful" to describe the inherent paradox of doing work you deeply care about, which can be both incredibly rewarding and, at times, profoundly challenging. This honest acknowledgment resonated deeply, highlighting the emotional labor often involved in driving meaningful change.
The conversation naturally transitioned to how Tommi's experience as an NCAA basketball referee has shaped her approach to conflict resolution in her current role as a DEIB consultant.
Navigating Chaos: Parallels Between Referees and DEI Practitioners
Tommi drew a fascinating parallel between the role of a referee and that of a DEI practitioner. She emphasized the referee's ability to absorb the inherent chaos of a basketball game and strive to create a sense of calm and order. She argued that this ability to navigate complex emotions and high-pressure situations is strikingly similar to the work of DEI professionals.
Key skills honed on the court, such as understanding underlying needs and values, validating different perspectives, and seeking closure even amidst disagreement, are directly transferable to navigating challenging conversations around diversity and inclusion. Tommi shared a personal experience of collaborating with a DEI leader who held differing viewpoints but consistently demonstrated respect and acceptance, showcasing the potential for mutual understanding even when perspectives diverged.
Building a Foundation of Trust: Psychological Safety and Growth Mindset
The discussion then explored the critical elements of fostering inclusive and productive environments. Dr. White and Tommi underscored the importance of acknowledging and respecting differences without judgment, emphasizing the leader's role in creating psychological safety. This safe space allows for risk-taking, open dialogue, and the crucial practice of navigating difficult conversations effectively. They stressed the need for leaders to be vulnerable and willing to take risks themselves to cultivate a culture of trust.
Expanding on this, they delved into the significance of cultivating a growth mindset within organizations. Shared learning, humility, and the operationalization of DEI at every level were highlighted as essential components. Tommi advocated for a shift in performance management, focusing on managing performance rather than solely output. Dr. White echoed this, emphasizing the need for upskilling leaders and establishing clear expectations and consequences for inclusive behaviors. Both agreed on the necessity for organizations to be more intentional and specific in their DEI strategies.
Addressing Status Differences and Embracing Organizational Readiness
The conversation further addressed the often-overlooked issue of status differences within organizations and their impact on inclusivity. Dr. White and Tommi stressed the importance of leaders taking risks and demonstrating vulnerability to disrupt existing power dynamics. They also highlighted the delicate balance between implementing programmatic activities and driving fundamental institutional change, particularly in industries resistant to transformation. The importance of implementing effective "level one" strategies to build buy-in and support for more impactful initiatives was also discussed.
Finally, they tackled the crucial aspect of organizational readiness for change. Understanding an organization's current state of readiness and anticipating potential resistance are paramount for successful change initiatives. They emphasized the need for ongoing conversations about readiness, not just at the outset of a significant change, but periodically to assess progress and adapt strategies as needed. The conversation concluded with a powerful call to action for leaders to commit to the principles of inclusive leadership as a driver for high performance and effective collaboration.
This intentional conversation between Dr. Nika White and Tommi Paris offered a wealth of valuable insights, blending personal experiences with expert knowledge. Tommi's unique background as a basketball player and referee brought a fresh and compelling perspective to the complexities of DEI work, reminding us that the ability to navigate chaos, foster trust, and embrace the "brutiful" truth are essential skills for leaders committed to building truly inclusive and equitable organizations.
Intentional Conversations is a weekly podcast by Nika White Consulting that intersects diversity, equity, and inclusion dialogue with leadership and business. Click here to register to attend the live sessions each Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon EST. You may also search archives to view replays of past episodes, or you can listen to the Intentional Conversations Podcast on your favorite platform.