Illyasha "Illy" Peete, MBA

Thank you for speaking the truth. I’d also like to add that I had the amazing opportunity to hear Stacey Abrams speak in person recently and she shared they (referring to orgs like the ones listed above) are getting rid of DEI programs because they ARE working. #theywerenotready

As a woman of color, I've encountered skepticism from traditional leaders who have rarely engaged experts who look like me. To defend the credibility of my sources effectively, I start by stating the credentials and backgrounds of my sources, emphasizing their expertise and relevance to the topic. I provide specific examples of their work and its impact and use data and evidence to support my points whenever possible. I also share my own experiences and background to establish my authority on the subject. Guided by Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Liberation principles, I engage skeptical audience members with respectful dialogue and address their concerns directly to build trust and demonstrate transparency.

To ensure your message resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds, focus on inclusivity and connection, guided by B-IDEAL principles (Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Liberation). Use precise language, avoiding jargon or culturally specific references that some might only understand. Incorporate stories and examples that reflect diverse perspectives. Show respect and empathy for different viewpoints, and invite audience participation to make the session interactive. When audience comments take the discussion in unexpected directions, lean into it—embrace these moments to explore new perspectives rather than steering the conversation back to your original plan.

Navigating technical issues during a presentation? No problem! First, stay calm and crack a light-hearted joke to ease the tension—"Looks like even tech needs a coffee break!" Quickly assess the issue and communicate briefly with the audience. Engage the audience with questions or interactive discussions while troubleshooting. As someone who frequently facilitates training, I find having a co-facilitator is golden—they can continue engaging the group while I fix the issue. Demonstrating adaptability and humor ensures your message gets through smoothly. Remember, every glitch is just a plot twist in your presentation adventure!

As a change management consultant, navigating resistance from your boss involves understanding their concerns, communicating clearly, involving them in the process, and providing support. Emphasize belonging, inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and liberation (B-IDEAL). Identify their specific worries and acknowledge their feelings—present data to demonstrate the need for change and highlight the benefits. Involve your boss in planning and implementation, seek their input, and give them a sense of ownership. Provide necessary resources and training. Showcase quick wins to build confidence, while maintaining regular, open dialogue to address concerns and adapt as needed. This approach fosters a collaborative and supportive environment.