Turning Lead Into Gold

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: Inclusive Cultures, Nurturing Belonging, workplace inclusion, misinformation challenges, empathy and resilience, health recovery, ERG leadership, social media debates, family dynamics

Media Sensationalism and Constructive Conversations

John Sands shares a deeply personal and transformative journey through a severe COVID-19 experience, underscoring the profound importance of vaccination, allyship, and the delicate balance of empathy and inclusion in navigating a polarised world.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by John Sands to explore the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities. John dives into a range of pressing issues, including media sensationalism, the polarisation of opinions in social debates, and the ways in which remote work statistics are often misrepresented. The conversation is not just about identifying problems but also about creating actionable solutions in the workplace, particularly through the use of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

John Sands is a certified ERG trainer committed to fostering inclusive workplaces where every voice is heard. With a background that spans a navy career, personal resilience through severe health crises, and substantial experience working with various ERGs, John's insights are both profound and practical. His metaphor of "turning lead into gold" encapsulates his mission to empower organisations to transform raw ideas into actionable and impactful initiatives. Along with his engaging personal stories, such as his vivid coma experiences and battle with double pneumonia, John offers a rich tapestry of experiences that underline his empathetic approach to leadership and inclusion.

Joanne and John delve into the importance of robust discourse, even on divisive topics like animal rights and political stances. John recounts how sensational headlines often drown out meaningful discussions and how social media can create echo chambers, amplifying polarising views. They also touch on historical figures and how differing perspectives shape their legacies, using Nelson Mandela as an example. In the context of ERGs, John highlights their crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and providing strategic benefits for organisations, from employee retention to inclusive policy-making.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with John Sands for more discussions on ERG leadership and the importance of empathy in overcoming adversities. Joanne Lockwood wraps up the episode by underscoring the power of inclusion and community, urging listeners to share their thoughts and stories to foster a more inclusive world through dialogue.

A key takeaway from this episode is the emphasis on empathy and constructive dialogue in transforming polarised views into collaborative efforts. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the role of ERGs in creating inclusive environments and the importance of understanding and conversation in mitigating societal divides. This episode offers a compelling blend of personal experience and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone committed to driving inclusion and societal change.

Published: 19.12.2024

Recorded: 21.11.2024 Episode Length

Duration: 0:57:32

Shownotes:

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Clips and Timestamps

Empowering ERGs to Make a Difference: “The goal is created by the people that I’m teaching, or just facilitating, getting these people to speak and to take an idea and make it real, and for it to really make a difference in the workplace.”
— John Sands [00:04:07 → 00:04:11]

Employee Resource Groups: “I helped to create an ERG around disability and also was an ally for the LGBTQIA plus ERG, the black alliance ERG, and also, I was part of the veterans ERG.”
— John Sands [00:05:29 → 00:05:37]

**The Pitfalls of Corporate Diversity Initiatives**: “And that’s another big pitfall for this kind of thing is they’ll say, yeah, we need it. We want it on the website. We wanna show we’re, you know, we’re a diverse, corporation, but then they don’t, they don’t help to make that survive. So it withers on the vine, basically.”
— John Sands [00:09:12 → 00:09:27]

Importance of Allyship in ERGs: “we’re not only looking to support and educate the people within that group, but we’re also looking to then support people outside of that group to understand. And education is very important.”
— John Sands [00:10:40 → 00:10:53]

Growing Up in a Different Era: “I grew up at a time, where, is looked back as, being, you know, a, the, a black time, the black time, a, a dark time where, I was doing, I’m trying to put together actually, a presentation around and I call it poor little white boy.”
— John Sands [00:12:57 → 00:13:16]

The Problem with Generalizations: “You just get people that are bad no matter what what where they come from, whether they’re, you know, LGBTQIA, whether they’re black, whether they’re white, whether they’re Christian, whether they’re Catholic, whatever. You just get bad people.”
— John Sands [00:14:48 → 00:14:59]

**The True Impact of Political Polarization**: “Even parts of the same family no longer speak to each other because of the way that they’re they’re voting. So it’s got that polarization is, is incredible.”
— John Sands [00:18:21 → 00:19:13]

The Double-Edged Sword of Technology: “It’s it’s it’s a beast of, you know, of of two sides, really, because we’ve got the the amazing technology that allows us to communicate and to to share information.”
— John Sands [00:29:18 → 00:29:28]

**The Harsh Reality of Isolation**: “I don’t think I’m gonna finish this diary, because my breathing was getting so bad.”
— John Sands [00:36:01 → 00:36:47]

Facing Mortality: “I’ve never ever never ever lost that feeling. The feeling I had when I thought I was lying on the bed, and I was thinking, what’s it gonna be like to die?”
— John Sands [00:39:13 → 00:39:25]

Definition of Terms Used

Polarised View

Definition: A polarised view refers to opinions or perspectives that are strongly divided and positioned at extreme ends, often without room for compromise or understanding.
Relevance: Polarised views are prominently seen in social media debates, where individuals retreat under pressure, hindering constructive discussion and inclusivity.
Examples: Debates on controversial topics such as horse racing and animal rights, Brexit, and certain social justice issues.
Related Terms: Partisanship, Divisiveness, Binary Thinking
Common Misconceptions: It is often believed that polarisation simplifies decision-making, but it can actually obstruct meaningful dialogue and progress by fostering an “us versus them” mentality.

Sensational Headlines

Definition: Sensational headlines are exaggerated or provocative news headlines designed to capture attention and elicit strong emotional reactions, often at the expense of accurate reporting.
Relevance: Sensational headlines can mislead the public and amplify misinformation, impacting discourse on important issues and feeding into confirmation biases.
Examples: Misleading statistics or claims about remote workers being lazy, or distorted facts about public health crises.
Related Terms: Clickbait, Yellow Journalism, Media Spin
Common Misconceptions: Many believe sensational headlines provide the most important news, but they often prioritise engagement over factual integrity.

Echo Chambers

Definition: Echo chambers are environments, particularly within social media, where individuals are exposed only to information and opinions that reflect and reinforce their own, limiting exposure to counterarguments.
Relevance: Echo chambers contribute to societal divisions and the reinforcement of polarised views, impacting family and community dynamics, especially during key events like elections.
Examples: Social media timelines tailored to match user preferences, like pro-Brexit or anti-Brexit content, or communities around specific political ideologies.
Related Terms: Filter Bubbles, Confirmation Bias, Groupthink
Common Misconceptions: It’s often assumed that echo chambers represent a balanced view of reality, but they can distort perception by excluding differing opinions.

Armchair Experts

Definition: Armchair experts are individuals who, often through social media, present themselves as knowledgeable on certain topics without formal expertise, relying on superficial understanding or popular opinion.
Relevance: The rise of armchair experts has complicated public discourse and contributed to the spread of misinformation, as people may trust unverified opinions over credible sources.
Examples: Public figures speaking authoritatively on health issues they aren’t specialised in, like Chris Hoy commenting on cancer awareness.
Related Terms: Pseudo-Experts, Social Media Gurus, Misinformation
Common Misconceptions: People may believe that widespread social media presence equates to credible expertise, though true expertise requires extensive knowledge and experience.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Definition: Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are volunteer-led groups within an organisation designed to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organisational goals and employee needs.
Relevance: ERGs are vital in promoting inclusion, providing support for diverse employees, affecting recruitment, retention, and overall workplace culture positively.
Examples: ERGs focusing on disability, LGBTQIA+ issues, veterans, etc., providing safe spaces for discussion and advocacy.
Related Terms: Diversity Groups, Affinity Groups, Inclusion Initiatives
Common Misconceptions: Some may think ERGs only benefit specific groups, but they offer broader organisational advantages, including diverse perspectives and improved employee engagement.