[Out & Equal Mini-Series] Building Gender Inclusive Workplaces ft. Amanda Simpson and Chris Mossiah

Imagine Belonging at Work

The past decade has tragically tested the resilience and brilliance of transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive (trans) people living in the U.S. Misinformation about who we are and what we want has sparked thousands of anti-transgender bills introduced in nearly every state capital across the country, adversely impacting almost every segment of the trans community. Despite this harsh reality, the future is a rainbow, and it’s wise for business leaders to recognize this truth. It’s also essential for these leaders to recognize the responsibility they have to prepare their organizations today in anticipation of this future talent upgrade. Afterall, the latest research shows that 20% of Generation Z identifies as LGBTQ+, and of that number 1 in 4 are nonbinary, with another 20% questioning their gender identity. Many business leaders today struggle with how to build gender-inclusive workplaces and ways to prioritize this essential aspect of advancing their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments in the face of unprecedented backlash. Strong objections from a well-organized and vocal minority, which are out of alignment with public opinion, have led some organizations to backtrack on their gender inclusion commitments. To enhance the skills and confidence leaders will need to weather this current storm, this episode of the Business of Belonging mini-series features Third Segment CEO, Amanda Simpson, and JPMorgan Chase Executive Director, Chris Mossiah. Amanda serves as an advisor on aerospace, energy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a nationally renowned speaker, she has presented before a wide variety of corporate, government, and nonprofit audiences. She has served in executive leadership positions at Airbus, Raytheon, and Douglas Aircraft, and the Obama Administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy. Chris is an Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase’s consumer & community banking line of business. They are also the co-chair of the Firmwide Gender Expansive Council and co-lead for the Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Nonbinary Subcommittee of the PRIDE Tri-State BRG. Both Chris & Amanda serve on Out & Equal’s Transgender & Nonbinary Executive Leadership Circle.

Together, we explore:

• Common Barriers. What are some of the common barriers transgender and nonbinary people experience at work?

• Future of Work. Why is the future of work gender-diverse, and what can business leaders do today to prepare?

• Gender-Inclusion Practices. What actions can leaders take today to build more spaces of belonging for gender diversity to flourish?

This interview was designed to support people like you - visionary leaders, and those on their way to joining us. Savor this insightful talk, and if you’re looking for more ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Amanda & Chris, be sure to join our Belonging Membership Community - a community of practice committed to putting our values of belonging, community, and collaboration into action. Members have the unique opportunity to connect with guests like Amanda & Chris for 1:1 laser coaching sessions. Imagine belonging with fellow visionary leaders when you join the Belonging Movement Newsletter: www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe. Out & Equal: https://outandequal.org/