The Great Flattening

We continue our conversation about the state of DEI and the heavy influence that AI will have on this important directive. This month, we explore the impact of AI on DEI initiatives—how it can either amplify biases or serve as a tool for equity. We look at how DEI programs play a key role in developing AI that does not cause unintended and disproportionate harms. And we will also get a sneak peek at how AI might be changing our behaviors without us knowing. So if you’re concerned about the intersection of technology and equity—and what it means for the workplaces of tomorrow—you’re in the right place. To talk about this important topic, we’re delighted to welcome back Bo Young Lee. Read the transcript @https://bit.ly/3GE94II Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3YMx82i

We’re diving into a topic that’s more urgent than ever: the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion in organizations, and the profound impact artificial intelligence is having on these initiatives. As economic pressures mount, budgets tighten and politics change, a concerning trend is emerging: Organizations are scaling back their DEI initiatives. These pullbacks are raising alarms about what the future of work will look like—especially for underrepresented groups. And when you add in the impact of companies adopting artificial intelligence to streamline operations and make decisions, the risk of algorithmic bias becomes even more pronounced. Without strong DEI frameworks, AI systems and those who are coding them can unintentionally perpetuate inequalities—widening opportunity gaps rather than closing them. To talk about this important topic, we’re delighted to welcome Bo Young Lee.Read the transcript from this interview @https://bit.ly/428vdpP. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3XtuHkP.

In this episode, we’re diving into a critical transformation happening across industries—the decline of middle management. As companies flatten their structures in pursuit of efficiency, what happens to organizational communication and workplace culture? Are we losing vital connectors who bridge leadership and employees, or is this the evolution of a more agile and collaborative workforce? To talk about this important topic, we’re delighted to welcome Ron Coverson, an executive-level human resources professional and business consultant, and is currently the Assistant Dean of Academic Personnel and Human Resources for the University of California, Berkeley Law School. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4hXbD6N Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3FqqyIc

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s reshaping modern workplaces and unlocking incredible potential—neurodiversity. From creating inclusive environments to tapping into the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, we'll explore how organizations can evolve beyond traditional approaches and thrive in a world that celebrates and leverages difference. To talk about this important topic, we’re delighted to welcome Khushboo Chabria, a neurodiversity specialist and a transformational leader.  Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3PP8Xvz Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/4irhzoA

As we look toward 2025, we’re reflecting on how much AI has made deep inroads into our future of work. From creating new opportunities for automation and entrepreneurship to its impact on how we hire new talent, AI will no doubt continue to stay at the forefront of our conversations. But we need to remember that there are actual humans coding the AI, responding to the outputs and implementing change. Where does the intersection of people and AI convene? Are we embarking on a new set of technical and people skills? To future-cast what this relationship might look like in 2025, we’re excited to welcome back esteemed guests Vaneese Johnson and Chalenge Masekera. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/41InVKV Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3FB1iii

In this episode, we're going to shed light on a sensitive subject that many professionals encounter, but very few understand: performance improvement plans, or PIPs. It's time to bring PIPs out of the shadows and talk about them.  You may be a manager trying to guide your team to success and have a challenging employee who is struggling, and you face having to put them on a PIP. Maybe you are that employee, struggling to understand what is expected of you and frustrated by your lack of advancement and facing a PIP. Let's explore and break down the stigma of what a PIP really is, how it can be used to support growth—rather than be used as a disciplinary measure—and what both employees and managers can do to navigate this often tricky process.  To explore this growing trend, we’re delighted to talk with Sonya Sigler, founder of PractiGal Coaching and Consulting, an IP lawyer, and best-selling author of Welcome to the Next Level and What's Next for My Career?  Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3O55nwr Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3DoW5ty  

In this episode, we’re asking the question of, are side hustles the new normal? In recent surveys, nearly 50-percent of the population has a side hustle in addition to their full-time work.  What starts as a side hustle often begins with a spark of passion or a desire to explore an idea outside the confines of a regular job. It's a space for creativity, a chance to build something meaningful on your own terms. But as this small venture grows, it presents a unique opportunity: the chance to transform that side hustle into a full-fledged startup. To explore this growing trend, we’re delighted to talk with Chuck Temple and see if a startup might be part of your future of work. Read the transcript @https://bit.ly/3FoHVcm Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4dKKgK1

In this episode, we’re helping to unlock access to coaching—both for your career and your personal life. Perhaps you have never thought about working with a career coach, or maybe you thought about it but hiring a coach was not financially viable. Some may feel an unfounded concern that coaching puts a spotlight on identifying your weaknesses. To unravel the mysteries of coaching and how this could be an avenue toward your own success, we’re delighted to welcome founder and CEO of the Timmermann Group and unhamster, Michael Timmermann.  Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4gv5fTJ Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3FCNfsz

Social impact, change-making, entrepreneurship. Opportunities abound to affect positive impact and influence by leveraging your passions. Extraordinary things can happen when passion meets purpose. Sounds overwhelming? It doesn't need to be. You may already have a side hustle that spotlights your passion. You may already be thinking about that one project that you never seem to have enough time to put into motion.  Find out how you can get started on a path toward social entrepreneurship! Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4fEEagB Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/4iLNXC9    

Millions of Americans entering the workforce don’t have a traditional four-year college degree. Earning a degree may not be realistic, attainable or appealing for everyone. Many folks are instead pursuing alternative educational paths—from on-the-job-training to certificates— to advance their careers. The traditional four-year degree is only one way to demonstrate needed work skills. But are prospective employers feeling the same way? We continue to see the bachelor's degree as a requirement for many job listings and so AI-enabled resume readers will screen out otherwise capable applicants. How can we tear down this paper ceiling and create more pathways for professional development and faster skills growth without the time and financial investment that college requires for workers who may already have equivalent work experience?    Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3SkqBsO Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/41XCcTD