Show Notes
Microaggressions in the workplace are not always loud or obvious — but they add up.
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In this episode, I share real examples of subtle workplace comments that were designed, intentionally or not, to belittle, dismiss, or make someone feel like they don’t belong. From being laughed at as a CIO to hearing assumptions about Howard University students, this conversation explains why microaggressions matter in leadership and organizational culture. We cover: • What microaggressions are • Why “micro” does not mean harmless • How subtle comments become harmful patterns • Why leaders must address workplace culture • The difference between intent and impact • How microaggressions affect belonging and advancement If you’ve ever been dismissed, underestimated, or made to feel like you don’t belong at work, this episode will help you name what happened — and understand why it matters. You’re not stuck because you’re incapable. You’re stuck because you’ve been doing it alone.
Timestamps
00:00 – The CFO’s Comment That Dismissed Me 00:34 – When a Pattern Reveals the Truth 00:54 – Leadership Assessment Invitation 01:18 – What Are Microaggressions? 01:46 – Why “Micro” Matters 02:04 – “You’re Too Sensitive” 02:38 – One Comment vs a Pattern 03:26 – Strategic IT vs “Toilets” 04:33 – Why Leadership Had to Address It 04:56 – “You Are the CIO?” 05:30 – Responding in the Moment 05:55 – The Howard University Example 06:41 – Intent vs Impact 07:21 – Why Leaders Must Watch Culture 07:57 – One Comment, Ten Comments, a Pattern 08:16 – Microaggressions Are Cumulative 08:38 – You’re Not Stuck Because You’re Incapable
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Microaggressions in the workplace can damage confidence, culture, and leadership presence — especially when they go unchecked. In this final episode of the microaggressions series, we discuss practical strategies for responding to workplace microaggressions as: • the person experiencing them • the person unintentionally causing them • the leader responsible for workplace culture I share real examples from my leadership career, including how I responded calmly when someone publicly tried to diminish me during a meeting, how email tone can unintentionally create harm, and why leaders must understand context before responding. In this episode: • How to respond to microaggressions at work • Why calm responses are powerful • How to avoid escalating workplace conflict • Email communication mistakes leaders make • Why intent and impact are different • How leaders can educate teams about microaggressions • Workplace politics and subtle power dynamics You’re not stuck because you’re incapable. You’re stuck because you’ve been doing it alone. #Microaggressions #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceCulture #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #OfficePolitics #CareerGrowth #InclusiveLeadership