Ways of Thinking Assignment
a) The four resources reviewed in this reflection are: "Why Corporate Diversity Programs Fail and
How Small Tweaks Can Have a Big Impact" by Joan C. Williams, "How I Fail at Being Disabled" by
Susan Robinson, "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown, and "How Racial Bias Works and
How to Disrupt It" by Jennifer L. Eberhardt.
Joan C. Williams' talk on corporate diversity programs starts with the premise that despite their
good intentions, these programs tend to backfire and often lead to resentment among
employees. She argues that small tweaks can have a more significant impact than grand diversity
initiatives. It made me wonder if it is time for companies to re-evaluate their approach to
diversity and inclusion.
The talk by Susan Robinson on how she fails at being disabled was a resounding look at the
difficulties that individuals with disabilities deal with on a daily basis. Her openness and
vulnerability challenged my assumptions on the realities of living with a disability. Robinson's
talk served as a reminder of the value of empathy and the necessity of appreciating the
particular requirements of people with disabilities.
Brené Brown's talk on the power of vulnerability explored the connection between vulnerability
and human connection. Brown argued that vulnerability is not a weakness but a source of
strength. Her talk made me question my assumptions about vulnerability and the role it plays in
personal and professional relationships. Brown's presentation inspired me to embrace
vulnerability as a way to connect with others more authentically.
Jennifer L. Eberhardt's talk on racial bias and how to disrupt it exposed the subtle ways in which
racial bias operates and its impact on marginalized communities. Eberhardt's insights into the
prevalence of implicit bias made me question my own assumptions and biases. Her talk was a
stark reminder of the urgent need to confront systemic racism and the importance of promoting
diversity, equity, and inclusion.
b) I found the TED Talks to be highly relevant to my personal experiences and values. Joan C.
Williams' talk on corporate diversity programs reminded me of my own experiences with
discrimination in the workplace. While I have not faced overt discrimination, I have observed
that people of color often face greater barriers to career advancement than their white
colleagues. This is an issue that I am passionate about addressing, and Williams' talk gave me
insights into how small changes can have a big impact in creating a more inclusive workplace.
Susan Robinson's talk on how she fails at being disabled challenged my assumptions about
disability and the challenges that people with disabilities face. While I have not personally
experienced disability, Robinson's talk made me realize the importance of designing accessible
environments that accommodate the needs of all individuals. As someone who hopes to pursue
a career in healthcare, this talk inspired me to advocate for greater accessibility and inclusivity in
healthcare settings.
Brené Brown's talk on the power of vulnerability resonated with me on a personal level. As
someone who has struggled with vulnerability and its role in building relationships, Brown's talk
helped me understand that vulnerability is a source of strength rather than a weakness. This is a
value that I hold dear and one that I hope to embody in all aspects of my life.
Jennifer L. Eberhardt's talk on racial bias and how to disrupt it highlighted the ongoing systemic
racism that exists in our society. As a brown individual, I have experienced racial discrimination
and have seen the impact of racism on my community. Eberhardt's talk gave me insights into
how we can disrupt racial bias and create a more equitable society. As someone who hopes to
pursue a career in social justice, this talk inspired me to continue fighting for equity and justice
for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
c) Joan C. Williams' talk on corporate diversity programs fail and how small tweaks can have a big
impact has helped me understand the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the
workplace. As a Commerce student, I have learned about the benefits of a diverse workforce,
including increased innovation and creativity, and Williams' talk has reinforced the importance of
these concepts in the workplace. I have also learned that small changes, such as rethinking hiring
practices and promoting inclusivity, can have a big impact in creating a more diverse and
inclusive workplace.
Susan Robinson's talk on how she fails at being disabled has helped me understand the
importance of designing accessible environments that accommodate the needs of all individuals.
As a Commerce student, I have learned about the importance of customer service and ensuring
that businesses meet the needs of their customers. Robinson's talk has reinforced the
importance of considering the needs of all customers, including those with disabilities, in
creating a successful business.
Brené Brown's talk on the power of vulnerability has helped me understand that vulnerability is
a source of strength rather than a weakness. As a Commerce student, I have learned about the
importance of building relationships and the role that vulnerability plays in this process. Brown's
talk has reinforced the importance of vulnerability in creating strong and meaningful
relationships, both personally and professionally.
Jennifer L. Eberhardt's talk on how racial bias works and how to disrupt it has helped me
understand the impact of bias on our perceptions and decision-making processes. As a
Commerce student, I have learned about the importance of making informed decisions based on
data and evidence. Eberhardt's talk has reinforced the importance of recognizing and addressing
bias in decision-making processes to ensure that decisions are fair and equitable.
d) In particular, Joan C. Williams' talk on corporate diversity programs has made me more aware of
the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. I believe that by creating
a more diverse and inclusive workplace, we can foster greater innovation and creativity, and
ultimately drive greater success for the organization. As such, I plan to advocate for greater
diversity and inclusivity in the workplace in any future roles that I may hold.
Susan Robinson's talk on accessibility has also influenced my thinking about how to create a
more inclusive work environment. I now recognize the importance of designing workplaces that
accommodate the needs of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This is a value that I plan
to embody in any future roles that I may hold, by advocating for greater accessibility and
inclusivity in the workplace.
Brené Brown's talk on vulnerability has given me a greater appreciation for the importance of
authentic communication in leadership. I now recognize that vulnerability is not a weakness, but
rather a source of strength that can foster greater connection and trust between team members.
As such, I plan to practice more authentic communication in any future roles that I may hold, by
sharing my own vulnerabilities and encouraging others to do the same.
Finally, Jennifer L. Eberhardt's talk on racial bias has made me more aware of the systemic racism
that exists in our society, and the impact that it can have on organizational culture. As a
Commerce student, I recognize the importance of creating a workplace that is free from
discrimination and bias. I plan to advocate for greater equity and inclusion in any future roles
that I may hold, by promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, and by challenging any
discriminatory practices or policies that I may encounter.