149. How to make sure you have the best role models for an inclusive culture

How to make sure you have the best role models for an inclusive culture with Teagan Robinson   Today's episode with have the fab Teagan Robinson who has been Anchor’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager since 2021 and has been with the housing association for nearly 6 years. She has led Anchor’s inclusion agenda that supports colleagues with their career goals and personal development whilst being their authentic selves and supports residents to live lives that allow them to thrive in later life. Her ethos is that everyone’s voice should be heard and that cognitive diversity allows organisations to provide great places to work and provides the best outcomes for customers.   In our conversation today we discussed the importance of role models and if you can see it then you can become it - a crucial role that visible leadership has to play.  As well as allies and how its not only men that need to be better allies but we also need to see more women supporting more women because the impact can be huge especially if there is judgement and criticism around different ambitions, and recognising that we don't always look at this through an intersectional lens.  Teagan explains the importance of positive action to address diversity gaps and shares great tips on how companies can do things differently.   We also look at the part that clear career pathways can play in moving the needle on gender parity too and ensuring that everyone is granted the actual time and space to be involved in and make the most of career development opportunities.  Let us know your thoughts after tuning in?     -------------------- We have recently finished the RiSE for Visible Leadership April cohort coaching programme which had ambitious women from different Housing Associations and they have been taking actions they never dreamed they would in terms of visibility and self promotion - it's a win win for both them and their organisation!   The following episodes are exploring the importance of visible leadership in housing for women's progression.  Tune in and let us know you what you think! There are 4 women in this mini series you can get to know better; Ep 147 Intro and why visibility is important for women in housing with Gemma Stow  Ep 148 with Sarah Roxby, Executive Director for Housing from WDH Ep 149 with Teagan Robinson, Diversity and Inclusion Manager from Anchor  Ep 150 with Alex Greenwood, Senior People Business Partner from Places for People  Ep 151 with Nina Evison,  Executive Director Culture & Performance from Yorkshire Housing    What is RiSE for Women in Housing? The housing association collaborative RiSE programme for visible leadership has a proven success rate previously internally in housing associations and it helps support women to own their expertise, identify barriers for self promotion and increase their visibility so that they can develop their career progression within the company. The impact of the programme for housing associations include: Increased retention of top female talent Promotions of more women into senior roles Reduction in the gender pay gap Pro active employees ready to take on new opportunities Talented employees who feel confident to speak up and share opinions and ideas in meetings More female role models who showcase their own achievements and are not backing away from self promotion Committed and motivated staff who want to progress their careers at their company Increased business opportunities from women getting more involved in networking to promote their company and its values. Some HAs have found the programme so successful that they have us facilitate internal cohorts every year.    If you can think of women in your organisation who are struggling to own and showcase their experience, are not taking control over their career or are avoiding next level opportunities and you'd like to discuss putting them into RiSE to help them achieve their potential, reduce recruitment costs and attrition then get in touch - email me at [email protected] or direct message me in LinkedIn. Let's get more diversity around those decision making tables and more importantly let's create inclusive workplaces that recognise everyone for who they are and the value they bring.   #Resources for YOU and your team! Click HERE to get the monthly 'Visibility Matters' Newsletter > that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, visibility, allyship, self promotion  and good practice that is happening all over the place that support more women to step up and companies to recognise the value they bring.     Take the Test > How good is your visibility and personal branding quiz?    Book a chat with Gemma - This is the place to book a call to see how Gemma can help you or your company support female leaders to raise their profile, increase performance and visibility.   Get the White Paper > ‘Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women’s Career Progression   I want to hear from YOU so get in touch with me:   Connect with your host Gemma Stow: Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/ LinkedIn: Business Page https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingco