5 Things / Measuring Up
Listen to this episode:
‘Tis the season of year-end reflections and plans for next year. Many of my conversations with leaders this fall have been about trust, specifically about rebuilding trust after major changes. I’ve spoken with wonderful people eager to improve culture and engagement after right-sizing, turnover of key staff, and/or mergers and acquisitions – all while striving for the hybrid work balance.
My next guest on 5 Things in 15 Minutes, LaTonya Wilkins, Founder of Change Coaches and author of Leading Below the Surface knows a lot about this topic. She wrote on LinkedIn: “Coaching clients…feel like they “fell short” of their goals this year. One of the questions I usually ask when I hear this is: What is your measuring stick?...in a year like 2023…is the right stick and if the goalposts are in the right place.”
LaTonya asks us to reflect: “are you using the right measuring stick as you close out 2023?”
Please join us for some year-end reflections as LaTonya and I talk about this on the last episode of the show next week.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Croquet player becomes first out trans woman to win world championship
Jamie Gumbrell's historic win at the World Croquet Federation Championship is a monumental moment in sports, marking her as the first out trans woman to clinch a women’s world championship in any sport. Jamie triumphed over 55 competitors from 16 countries. The World Croquet Federation's updated policies, which align with the IOC's principles of inclusion and non-discrimination, allowed her to authentically participate. This is a major win for representation, especially given the setbacks for trans athletes in the past few years.
Discord Explicitly Bans Misgendering and Deadnaming on Its Platform
Discord's updated its policies to specifically ban misgendering and deadnaming of transgender individuals. At a time when many social media platforms (like Twitter/X) struggle to or fail to protect LGBTQ+ users, Discord's Hateful Conduct Policy sets a vital precedent and is a significant stride for LGBTQ+ safety in online spaces. The platform's detailed warning system for policy violations reflects a commitment to being proactive and enforcing respectful interactions and sets an example for others in the digital realm. This helps shape a safer, more respectful online community for everyone, particularly for those who often face discrimination and hate speech.
Estée Lauder leverages AI and AR to help visually impaired people use cosmetics
Estée Lauder Companies' Voice-enabled Makeup Assistant (VMA) is a groundbreaking innovation, merging artificial intelligence and augmented reality to empower visually impaired individuals. This tool provides voice guidance for makeup application, addressing a key need among the 2.2 billion people globally with visual impairments. It's a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to make everyday activities more accessible, enhancing self-reliance and confidence. This initiative offers a model for others to create products that cater to all abilities, ultimately benefiting everyone.
'Barbie' Movie Adds Unique Accessibility Option
The "Barbie" movie will soon debut on Max, featuring American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. By offering an ASL version, with interpreter Leila Hanaumi visible on screen, Max is acknowledging and catering to the deaf community, enhancing the movie's accessibility. This initiative, aligning with the film's theme of empowerment and inclusiveness, sets an important precedent in the industry. It's not just about providing entertainment; it's about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy and participate in popular culture. This decision by Max, highlighted by a special screening and discussion with Hanaumi and star Margot Robbie, reflects a growing awareness and commitment to diversity and accessibility in media.
Beck’s New Beer for Older Adults
Beck's Brewery has introduced Beck's 70+, a beer crafted specifically for the mature palate, acknowledging that taste preferences evolve with age. This product, developed with a more bitter flavor suited to older consumers, is not just a new beer; it's part of an anti-ageist campaign. The launch at the Gop Tun Festival, featuring tastings for VIPs over 70, reflects a growing trend in senior-targeted products and aspirational aging. Beck's 70+ and its marketing approach signal a shift towards more inclusive and age-positive product development and advertising. It's an important reminder that aging populations have unique desires and aspirations, and catering to these can open up new market opportunities while challenging ageist stereotypes.
This Week’s Call to Action:
What is Trauma Intelligence and why does it matter? Check out LaTonya Wilkins’ Leading Below the Surface podcast to learn about the intersection of trauma and DEI.