Sybil Taunton on the value of diverse organisations and her experiences in the US military Audio.

The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments

Sybil Taunton, is the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). She is an advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion. Today she shares her pxperiences and insights on topics such as the impact of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the Uersonal eS military, the emotional toll of keeping secrets, the continuous war in America, and the lack of diversity in leadership. She also discusses her work with the Modern Military Association of America and the challenges faced by gay prison officers. Throughout the conversation, Sybil emphasizes the importance of representation, empathy, and inclusive leadership in creating a more equitable society. In this conversation, Sybil Taunton discusses the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing personal comfort levels when discussing sensitive topics such as sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and mental health. She emphasizes the need for EDI practitioners to understand their own boundaries while still being relatable and supportive to others. Additionally, Sybil shares advice on maintaining emotional safety and nourishment, including the importance of prioritization and managing expectations to avoid burnout.

Takeaways

• The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy had a significant emotional impact on LGBTQ+ service members, causing fear, anxiety, and a lack of psychological safety.
• Continuous war in America has shaped the country's culture and has had a significant impact on the working class, diverting resources away from domestic issues.
• Diversity in leadership is crucial for creating inclusive and innovative organizations, as it brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to the table.
• The emotional challenges of being a visible minority, such as a gay prison officer, can include fear, lack of privacy, and the need to navigate stereotypes and assumptions.
• Representation and visibility are essential for marginalized groups, as they provide role models and create a sense of belonging and opportunity. Setting boundaries is crucial when discussing personal and sensitive topics.
• Recognizing personal comfort levels and boundaries helps maintain emotional safety.
• Prioritization and managing expectations are key to avoiding burnout.
• EDI practitioners should strive to be relatable and supportive while still protecting their ownwellbeing.