In my latest episode of the “Stop Shoulding All Over Yourself” podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Sheva Guy that truly resonated with me and I believe it will do the same for you. This discussion dove into some crucial topics that challenge our conventional thinking and help us reevaluate our perspectives on professionalism, diversity, and change management. You’ll definitely want to hear this insightful exchange, so make sure to tune into the podcast.
Rethinking Professionalism
One of the most striking points from our conversation was Dr. Guy’s take on professionalism. She boldly stated, “Fuck professionalism, fuck what professional is, fuck all of it,” emphasizing the restrictive and often discriminatory nature of what is traditionally deemed ‘professional.’ This really hit home for me. It highlighted the systemic issues rooted in our understanding of professionalism, including inherent racism, sexism, and classism. It’s a call to challenge and redefine these standards, which is something I’ve grappled with personally since my early days transitioning from Pakistan to the professional world of Boston.
The Iceberg of Professionalism
The concept of professionalism can be likened to an iceberg. Above the water, you see the visible aspects – the attire, the language. But beneath the surface, there’s a whole world of access, privilege, and systemic barriers. It’s not just about owning a suit; it’s about the ability to fit into a certain mold that’s often unattainable for many. This part of our conversation was an eye-opener and made me think about the invisible barriers that many of us face.
Embracing Diversity Beyond the Surface
Our discussion on diversity went beyond the typical corporate rhetoric. Diversity isn’t just about adding color to the team photo. It’s about enriching our workplaces with varied ideas, experiences, and perspectives. It’s a crucial element that drives innovation and empathy in any organization.
Three Key Takeaways:
- Diversity is More Than Just Appearance: It’s about the richness of thoughts and experiences.
- Inclusion Requires Active Effort: Simply having a diverse team isn’t enough; their voices need to be heard and valued.
- Challenge the Norm: Traditional views on professionalism and diversity often hinder true inclusivity.
Change Management: Human-Centric Approach
Dr. Guy’s approach to change management, focusing on participatory methods, really struck a chord with me. It’s about involving everyone in the process, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and part of the change. This resonates with my belief that change should be a collaborative process, not something that’s imposed.
Our conversation was more than just enlightening; it was a call to action for each of us to reevaluate our workplaces, our attitudes, and our actions. For a more visual and engaging experience, check out the video version of our conversation on YouTube. Join us in this journey of self-improvement and societal change!
About Dr. Sheva Guy
Dr. Batsheva (Sheva) Guy (she/her/hers) is a Prosci® Certified Change Management Consulting Senior Associate, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, and a Participatory Action Researcher. Dr. Sheva Guy implements participatory and community-based methods to engage and support diverse groups and advocate for inclusive and equitable practices in higher education, healthcare institutions, nonprofits, industry, and more. Sheva is a professional troublemaker and positive disruptor, constantly challenging the status quo to dismantle inequities. She proudly identifies as “Antiracist AF” and unapologetically embraces the title of “Tattooed PhD.”
Connect with Sheva
- Website
- #TheRealDrBatGuy Merch Shop
- Antiracism product proceeds are donated to The Reparation Race
- Abortion product proceeds are donated to Shout Your Abortion
- #ThisIsWhatProfessionalLooksLike product proceeds are donated to the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center
- All other product proceeds are deposited in #TheRealDrBatGuy’s tattoo fund.