DisrupTV Episode 349: Leading with Allyship & Inclusion

In DisrupTV Episode 349, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar engage with three distinguished guests who offer profound insights into the evolving landscape of leadership and organizational transformation:

  • Larry Chinski, VP of Global IAM Strategy at One Identity, discusses the integration of AI-powered automation in business processes and its implications for productivity and innovation.
  • Elisa van Dam, Vice President for Allyship & Inclusion at the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, explores strategies for fostering inclusive cultures and developing leadership at all stages of life.
  • Susan MacKenty Brady, Founding CEO of The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, delves into the importance of creating high-performing cultures fueled by respect and accountability.

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between technology and organizational behavior, offering valuable perspectives for leaders navigating the complexities of the modern business environment.

Why This Episode Matters

As enterprises increasingly adopt AI and automation technologies, understanding the interplay between technological advancements and organizational culture becomes crucial. In this episode:

  • Larry Chinski shares how UiPath is leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks, thereby enabling employees to focus on more strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation.
  • Elisa van Dam emphasizes the importance of aligning leadership practices with organizational culture to reduce friction and enhance the effectiveness of change initiatives.
  • Susan MacKenty Brady discusses the role of inclusive leadership in driving accountability and creating environments where diverse perspectives can thrive.

These discussions underscore the necessity for leaders to not only embrace technological advancements but also cultivate a supportive organizational culture that facilitates sustainable transformation.

Key Takeaways

  • Allyship Drives Impact: Effective leaders actively support and advocate for others, creating environments where all team members feel empowered to contribute.
  • Inclusive Cultures Boost Performance: Organizations that prioritize inclusion experience higher engagement, stronger collaboration, and greater innovation.
  • Leadership is Relational: Success comes from building trust, listening intentionally, and valuing diverse perspectives at every level of the organization.
  • Actionable Strategies Matter: From mentorship programs to inclusive decision-making processes, practical steps are essential for embedding allyship and equity into the organizational fabric.

Related Episodes

For further exploration into topics of leadership, innovation, and organizational transformation, consider the following episodes:

Final Thoughts

DisrupTV Episode 349 goes beyond traditional leadership discussions by highlighting the power of allyship and inclusion as key drivers of organizational success. Larry Chinski, Elisa van Dam, and Susan MacKenty Brady illustrate that leadership today isn’t just about strategy or efficiency—it’s about fostering environments where every team member can contribute, innovate, and feel valued. This episode offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build inclusive cultures that not only adapt to technological change but also empower diverse talent to thrive. By prioritizing inclusion alongside innovation, organizations can unlock higher engagement, stronger collaboration, and lasting impact.
 

Business Research Themes

Future of Work, Innovation and Product-led Growth, New C-Suite

Roles

Chief Executive Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Technology Officer