Episode 7

full
Published on:

2nd Nov 2023

Leading with Courage: Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community and Allies Show Description:

Leading with Courage: Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community and Allies

In this compelling episode of Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo engages in a powerful conversation with Ashley Brundage, leadership expert and author of "Empowering Differences," and Ann Stoner, former PFLAG board member and passionate ally. They discuss their personal and professional journeys advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the power of courage, authenticity, and resilience in building inclusive, equitable workplaces and communities. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from homelessness to executive leadership, highlighting the essential role of empowerment. Ann shares her heartfelt experiences supporting her transgender daughter, Daisy, offering valuable insights into allyship and community advocacy. This episode provides essential tools and encouragement for listeners aiming to foster empathy, understanding, and equity in their personal and professional environments.

Key Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Introduction: Understanding the strength and courage of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • (02:06) Ashley’s motivation behind "Empowering Differences."
  • (05:24) Navigating homelessness and parenting while facing adversity.
  • (13:12) Ann’s journey of supporting her transgender daughter.
  • (18:54) Creating safe, respectful spaces within family and community settings.
  • (24:00) Advocating courageously in the face of discrimination and ignorance.
  • (29:00) Economic empowerment and its role in changing perspectives.
  • (33:30) Effective strategies for interrupting bias and advocating inclusivity.
  • (39:00) Final reflections on allyship, advocacy, and empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Authentic Advocacy: True advocacy requires authenticity, empathy, and the courage to challenge biases constructively.
  • Empowering Leadership: Effective leaders prioritize empowerment and inclusivity to create lasting positive impacts.
  • Economic and Social Equity: Leveraging data on economic empowerment can effectively dismantle prejudice and foster inclusivity.
  • Continuous Conversations: Ongoing dialogue is vital for cultivating understanding and breaking down systemic barriers.

Resources & Links:

About the Guests:

About the Guests:

Anne Stoner is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and allyship, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. As an HR Consultant at AdNet/AccountNet and former board member of PFLAG Carroll County, Maryland, Anne passionately supports positive workplace cultures and marginalized individuals through education and empathy.

Ashley Brundage is an award-winning speaker, author, and empowerment expert known for her leadership in diversity and inclusion. Starting her career at PNC Bank, she rose to Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. As a transgender advocate, Ashley authored Empowering Differences and founded the Voyage of Empowerment Conference, inspiring diverse audiences through education and personal empowerment.


Tags:

LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Inclusive Workplaces, Empowering Differences, Allyship, Courageous Leadership, Authenticity, Community Advocacy, Resilience, Social Impact, Economic Empowerment, Ashley Brundage, Ann Stoner, Betsy Cerulo, Room at the Table Podcast.


Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Room at the Table: Building Culture by Breaking Barriers

About the Podcast

Room at the Table: Building Culture by Breaking Barriers
Gather around the table for conversations about creating equitable and inclusive workplaces where leaders rise above mediocrity and teams thrive.
Gather around the table for insightful conversations focused on building heart-centered workplaces that thrive on equality, inclusive workplaces, and exceptional leadership. Betsy Cerulo (she/her) and her expert guests explore what it takes to transform workplace culture through thoughtful, meaningful dialogues that drive real social impact.
Each engaging episode of Room at the Table Podcast gets to the core principles of creating a heart-centered workplace. Through inspiring conversations, listeners will discover the critical role that inclusive workplaces play in achieving equality and enhancing workplace culture. Betsy and her diverse guests share powerful strategies to help leaders rise above mediocrity, fostering an environment of genuine inclusivity and significant social impact.
Whether discussing compassionate leadership, the impact of inclusive workplaces on employee satisfaction, or addressing burnout and stress management, each episode emphasizes practical ways to cultivate a thriving workplace culture. Betsy’s expert guests provide tangible advice on how to implement meaningful changes that support both individual and organizational growth, reinforcing the values of equality and heart-centered leadership.

Listeners will find rich, actionable insights on fostering emotional authenticity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting disability inclusion in inclusive workplaces. Each conversation highlights the transformative power of equality, effective leadership, and workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, respect, and community engagement.

Room at the Table also explores the powerful journeys of women in leadership, providing inspiration and guidance on how to break down barriers and achieve greater equality in the workplace. Episodes dedicated to navigating grief and loss underline the importance of compassion and understanding within heart-centered workplaces, reinforcing the value of empathy-driven leadership.

Economic empowerment and financial equality are also central themes, demonstrating how inclusive workplaces drive both organizational success and broader social impact. Leaders will gain valuable insights into leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to build sustainable, thriving organizations that positively impact communities.

Room at the Table Podcast is essential listening for leaders and team members dedicated to cultivating heart-centered workplaces. Betsy Cerulo and her expert guests offer clear pathways for creating inclusive workplaces where equality is prioritized, leadership is impactful, and the overall workplace culture significantly contributes to positive social impact.

Subscribe now to Room at the Table Podcast and join a growing community committed to equality, inclusive workplaces, and leadership that transforms workplace culture into environments of empowerment, empathy, and enduring social impact.

About the Host:

Betsy Cerulo is the CEO of AdNet/AccountNet, a successful certified LGBTE, WBE and 8(a) management consulting firm focused on professional staffing and executive search, based in Baltimore, Maryland, and Co-Founder of the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Betsy is the author of Miss Crabapple and Her Magical Violin, a children's book that was inspired by lighting up a dream for a child through their imagination. She is also a contributing author of two compilations: Women Living Consciously and Keys to Conscious Business Growth. Betsy lives in Baltimore with her wife, Susan, and their treasured Weimaraner, Grace Kelly. Their son and daughter-in-law, daughter, and three grandchildren complete the picture with lots of love, creativity, and laughter.

Company Website: https://www.adnetp3.com/
Personal Website: betsycerulo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsycerulo/
Shake it Off Leadership: https://books.google.ca/books/about/Shake_It_Off_Leadership.html?id=tZ3fxwEACAAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y

About your host

Profile picture for Robin Thompson

Robin Thompson