Ashley T. Brundage is a pioneer in the world of bringing inclusion to workplaces and the founder of Empowering Differences. Every day Ashley demonstrates what it means to be a compassionate leader as she bravely shares her struggles and helps others embrace their differences as strengths, not obstacles.
Her inspirational story from homelessness to bank executive to entrepreneur is the result of following her sage advice that she shares generously in her new book Empowering Differences. She shares a step-by-step process for using differences as a foundation for development and success in the book. The book is a “must-read” for anyone that cares about equity and inclusion and a “how-to” for anyone leading these initiatives in a community or workplace.
Ashley is a transgender woman who eventually rose to the ranks in financial services. From this personal experience, being a change agent in the corporate world, and extensive research, her book empowers all differences, including ability, age, class, education, ethnicity, gender, language, race, religion, and sexuality. The approach offers and the most inclusive method to inclusivity I have seen. In addition, the book is full of practical tips and tools, including one of the best terminology sections that will quickly help you be up-to-date on the most appropriate terms to use when speaking about differences.
After being the VP of Diversity and Inclusion at PNC, she recently left to start her own venture to work with organizations across sectors at Empowering Differences. The foundation of her approach, which she elaborates on in her book, are these four steps of empowerment which offer a process about power and empowerment:
1. Knowing Yourself: This step explores what makes you unique and reviews your history. Ashley provides a confidential free self-assessment at her website for anyone who wants to learn more about their differences. It is a great tool to launch this step.
2. Knowing Others: Learn the essential concepts, including privilege, intersectionality, political differences, investing in others, and how to develop trust with people who are different from you.
3. Developing Your Strategy: Every difference you have needs to have a different strategy in the context of your situation. For example, when Ashley was working up the ladder at the bank, she leveraged the fact that she did not have a college degree and her approach to proactive learning as a strength rather than a weakness.
4. Empowering Actions: Once you know the first three steps, you can begin taking bold empowering actions to move you from where you are now to where you want to go. Ashley defines empowerment as the power and authority you provide other people or yourself. She gives you tools to make sure these actions are measurable and create real change.
This approach is deep and will accelerate change as long as you are patient and persistent. You can hear my entire interview with Ashley T. Brundage here where she shares her story and wisdom.
