In this episode:
In our conversation with Jen Casimiro, IDEO's Global Talent Director and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we talked about what it means to truly center marginalized communities at work, how to design for the margins, and how to manage expectations while doing this important work.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Relationships are at the heart of DEI
- Work fueled by fear is problematic
- What DEIB looks like today
- The importance of understanding the 'why' behind this work
- How to design for the margins
- Egoism and elitism in DEI
- What does it really mean to center the margins
- How to manage expectations
- Equity doesn’t “feel good” for everyone and it shouldn’t
Our guest:
Jen Casimiro (she/her) serves as IDEO's Global Talent Director and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at IDEO. In her role, Jen designs equitable and inclusive systems, processes, programs and spaces that support IDEO's community of creative, lifelong learners in becoming more equitable designers and people. Drawing on her experience in equity-focused leadership and people development, Jen supports individuals and organizations in learning about systems of power, recognizing their impact, and making equitable decisions. Each of us has the capacity to be a leader, but we're rarely given the space, resources, or validation to realize that leadership. What inspires Jen every day is the opportunity to support others in recognizing this leadership potential through one-on-one coaching, examining interpersonal and team dynamics, and formal programmatic training. Jen's own leadership style is empathetic, collaborative, open, and direct, and is informed by her passion for social justice and her work in the social sector and the world of design.
