Inclusion Catalyst

In this second conversation with Shailvi Wakhlu, The Inclusion Catalyst explores a critical but often overlooked dimension of workplace inclusion: what happens after people are invited to the table? Shailvi argues that inclusion cannot stop at representation or opportunity. Organizations have a responsibility to create opportunities for people to participate, but individuals also need the skills to make their voices heard, communicate their value, and take advantage of those opportunities. That leads to the idea of the "speak-up gap"—the space between having something valuable to contribute and being able to communicate it effectively. Sometimes people lack the words. Sometimes they lack the confidence, the forum, the context, or the psychological safety to speak. And sometimes they simply haven't been taught how to advocate for themselves without feeling pushy, difficult, or aggressive. Mickey and Shailvi discuss why self-advocacy should be treated as a professional skill rather than an innate personality trait. Just as people learn technical skills, they can learn how to communicate their accomplishments, negotiate, ask for opportunities, disagree effectively, and frame their work in terms of organizational value. In this episode: Why inclusion efforts can fall short without self-advocacy What the "speak-up gap" really means Why communication and self-advocacy are skills—not personality traits How to make the value of your work visible Turning everyday workplace conversations into career-building opportunities Why connecting your work to organizational goals matters How self-advocacy can be a win-win for employees and employers How to practice difficult conversations before you need them The difference between being assertive and being aggressive How to disagree effectively without becoming adversarial How empathy can make self-advocacy more effective How to recognize and respond to unhealthy power dynamics Shailvi Wakhlu is a technology leader, consultant, and author of Self-Advocacy: How to Get What You Deserve at Work. Her book approaches self-advocacy as a practical skill, offering playbooks, checklists, and examples for people navigating their careers. Find Shailvi on LinkedIn or visit her website to learn more about her work. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

What happens when you do excellent work, but nobody notices? In this episode of The Inclusion Catalyst, host Mickey Desai talks with technology leader, consultant, and self-advocacy author Shailvi Wakhlu about the often-overlooked forces that shape who gets recognized, promoted, heard, and trusted at work. Shailvi challenges the idea that merit alone determines career success. Great work matters, but so do visibility, communication, relationships, and the ability to articulate your own impact. For people who have been taught that humility is always a virtue, that can create a difficult paradox: how do you advocate for yourself without feeling as though you're being aggressive or self-promotional? Shailvi takes on one of the most persistent workplace myths: "Good work speaks for itself." It doesn't always. Some of the most valuable work, particularly behind-the-scenes or preventative work, may be defined by what doesn't happen. The bugs that never appear. The crises that never occur. The problems prevented before anyone knew they existed. For both employees and leaders, the challenge is learning how to make that invisible value visible. In this episode, Mickey and Shailvi explore: Why merit alone doesn't always determine who gets recognized at work The difference between humility, assertiveness, and aggression How employees can conduct a personal "career self-audit" Why inclusion metrics can tell us who is in the room without telling us who feels heard The importance of influence, psychological safety, dissent, and trust Why employees may be reluctant to speak up—and what leaders can do about it How self-advocacy can help organizations identify and reduce business risk Why "good work speaks for itself" is one of the biggest myths of professional life How to communicate the impact of work that is difficult to see or measure Why employees shouldn't leave their career advancement entirely to luck Find Shailvi on LinkedIn or visit her website at shailvi.com. This conversation only scratches the surface. The deeper question is one every organization and every individual should be asking: What valuable voices and contributions are we failing to see? This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

What’s really at stake when you ignore your nervous system? In this follow-up episode of Inclusion Catalyst, host Mickey Desai continues his conversation with Dr. Rebecca Eldredge, diving deeper into the real-world consequences of dysregulation—on our relationships, our communication, and our ability to lead meaningful change. From subtle shifts in tone and perception to breakdowns in connection and trust, Dr. Eldredge explains how an unregulated nervous system quietly reshapes the way we experience—and respond to—the world around us. Even our ability to hear, interpret, and engage in conversation can be compromised, making already difficult discussions even harder. The conversation takes a practical turn as they explore how to navigate conflict without avoiding it, including simple but powerful tools for staying grounded in high-stakes moments. Whether it’s asking better questions, anchoring to your values, or recognizing the signals your body is sending, the goal is not to eliminate tension—but to move through it constructively. At the core of it all is a powerful reframe: as a changemaker, you are the tool. And without care, sharpening, and restoration, even the most passionate efforts can lose their impact. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

What happens when the people working hardest to make the world better begin to lose themselves in the process? In this episode of Inclusion Catalyst, host Mickey Desai sits down with licensed psychologist Dr. Rebecca Eldredge—founder of @Feel Deeply, Live Completely—to explore the hidden toll of advocacy, leadership, and social change work. From burnout and compassion fatigue to the subtle erosion of self-awareness, they unpack what it really means to sustain well-being while confronting injustice head-on. Dr. Eldredge reframes well-being not as constant happiness, but as an “inner harmony”—a grounded, resilient state that allows changemakers to stay engaged without collapsing into exhaustion or withdrawal. The conversation moves through the cultural forces that normalize overwork, the internalized pressures that make rest feel selfish, and the very real consequences of ignoring our limits. Along the way, listeners gain practical tools—from recognizing nervous system states to small, in-the-moment regulation techniques—that make sustainable engagement possible. This is not a conversation about stepping away from the work—it’s about staying in it, without losing yourself. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

Host Mickey Desai sits down with Su Joun, principal of Diversity at Workplace Consulting Group, to unpack the realities and misconceptions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Su reframes DEI not as a system of preferential treatment, but as a deliberate effort to remove barriers that prevent qualified individuals from accessing opportunity. Through practical examples and candid discussion, she challenges the idea that DEI undermines meritocracy, instead arguing that true meritocracy cannot exist without addressing systemic inequities. The conversation explores why DEI work remains necessary today, the impact of bias and micro-aggressions in everyday workplace dynamics, and how individuals (not just organizations) can take meaningful steps toward advocacy. Su also breaks down commonly misunderstood terms like equity vs. equality, psychological safety, and belonging, offering grounded, accessible definitions that cut through the noise. From amplifying overlooked voices in meetings to asking better questions about barriers, this episode delivers a pragmatic roadmap for anyone looking to foster inclusion in real, tangible ways. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Host Mickey Desai sits down with children’s author and entrepreneur Tiffany Obeng, founder of Sugar Cookie Books, to explore a powerful and often overlooked truth: inclusion in the workforce doesn’t begin in college or even high school—it begins with literacy in early childhood. Tiffany shares her perspective on what she describes as a literacy crisis, particularly among underrepresented communities, and explains how reading proficiency as early as fourth grade can shape a child’s long-term trajectory. From the realities of the school-to-prison pipeline to the role of disengagement in education, the conversation draws a clear line between early literacy and future workforce participation. A central theme of the discussion is representation. Tiffany highlights how the lack of diverse characters—especially Black boys—in children’s books contributes to disengagement, reinforcing the idea that reading isn’t “for them.” Through her own work, including more than 27 children’s titles, she aims to change that narrative by creating books where children can see themselves reflected, celebrated, and inspired. The episode also examines the role of traditional publishing as a gatekeeper, the limitations of current diversity metrics in literature, and the broader cultural barriers—including book deserts and book bans—that restrict access to inclusive stories. Together, these challenges underscore that improving literacy is not just about teaching children to read, but about giving them meaningful reasons to want to. Looking forward, Tiffany introduces her theory that early literacy—combined with intentional exposure to career pathways through books—can organically build a more diverse and prepared workforce. By engaging children as young as five with stories that spark imagination and possibility, we can begin to reshape talent pipelines long before hiring decisions are made. The conversation closes with practical ways listeners can get involved, from supporting diverse authors and recommending inclusive books to libraries, to simply reading regularly with the children in their lives. Whether through advocacy or everyday actions, everyone has a role to play in expanding access to literacy and opportunity. Key Topics Covered: The current state of reading literacy and why it matters The connection between literacy and the school-to-prison pipeline Representation in children’s books and its impact on engagement The role of publishers in shaping access and visibility Book deserts, book bans, and barriers to inclusive literacy How early literacy can influence workforce diversity Practical ways individuals can support literacy and inclusion Guest:Tiffany Obeng – Author and Founder of Sugar Cookie Books Website: sugarcookiebooks.com Personal site: tiffanyobeng.com Social: @sugarcookiebooks (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

In this powerful episode, Inclusion Catalyst sits down with Professor Corinna Lain, legal scholar and author of the forthcoming book Secrets of the Killing State, to examine the realities behind lethal injection in the United States. Lain’s work exposes a system shrouded in secrecy, built on medical misconception, and sustained by public misunderstanding. Corinna Lain’s research confronts the core question: Why are states so bad at lethal injection?What emerges is a disturbing truth: the method widely perceived as humane is structurally designed to hide pain, avoid accountability, and preserve the political palatability of the death penalty. Key Themes & Insights Lethal Injection as Hidden Torture The standard three-drug protocol uses a paralytic that freezes the face and body, masking the agony inflicted by potassium chloride. Autopsies routinely show multiple puncture wounds, evidence of repeated failed IV attempts by unqualified staff. Some executions have lasted hours, including the three-hour execution of Joe Nathan James. State Secrecy and Systemic Malpractice Many executions are carried out by non-medical prison staff, not trained clinicians States source drugs from unqualified vendors, including individuals running non-pharmaceutical businesses. Protocols are frequently violated: Curtains raised too early. Media witnesses banned. IV insertions hidden from public view. Prisoners’ fingers are often taped down to prevent signaling pain. The Making of the Book Lain felt spiritually called to document these abuses and persisted through a year of publisher rejections. A fortuitous meeting led to a contract with NYU Press, which will release the book Easter 2025. The manuscript is extensively documented, with 1,000+ endnotes drawn from depositions, investigative journalism, and insider accounts. The 80-Day National Book Tour Lain traveled 12,000 miles across 23 states, taking unpaid leave to bring public attention to the issue. Reception has been overwhelmingly positive — and notably, no state official has challenged her findings. Why Lethal Injection Persists Lain argues its primary function is aesthetic: to make state killing appear peaceful, preserving public support. The book reframes the death penalty debate from “Does the prisoner deserve to die?” to “Does the state deserve the power to kill?” Many people on death row undergo profound personal transformation; the state may be, in Lain’s words, “killing its Pauls.” This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center.

Charles Gibson is the Chief Engagement and Belonging Officer at Randolph College.  He visits the Inclusion Catalyst to talk about fostering a culture of belongingness and home for Randolph Students. Key Takeaways Engagement and belonging work aims to make everyone feel at home on campus, focusing on authentic self-expression and learning from differences Private colleges have more latitude in DEI efforts compared to public institutions facing political pressures Religious/spiritual life on campus requires careful policy development to balance inclusivity with religious freedom Assessment, active listening, and adaptability are crucial for effective DEI and interfaith initiatives. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

Nadia Mian is the Senior Program Director at the Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement at Rutgers University. She visits the Inclusion Catalyst to discuss a very innovative faith-based housing initiative.    Key Takeaways Dr. Mian is leading research on faith-based affordable housing, including a database of congregational housing projects across the U.S. California's SB4 legislation allows houses of worship to bypass local zoning laws for affordable housing development, setting a potential model for other states. Faith-based organizations are repurposing underutilized assets like parking lots for affordable housing and community services. Internal congregational discussions and community engagement are crucial first steps before pursuing development projects. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/

Theresa Lau, Senior Policy Counsel, Eradicating Poverty at the Southern Poverty Law Center, visits with Mickey again to discuss the proposed federal budget cuts and their potential impacts on social programs and states. The budget bill passed by the House contains massive tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, while making deep cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP that help low-income families. The SNAP (food stamps) program would see $300 billion in cuts over 10 years, leading to 4.6 million people losing benefits. States would be forced to pay 5-25% of SNAP costs, leading to harder decisions about who to cover. Medicaid would see nearly $1 trillion in cuts over 10 years, resulting in 13.7 million people losing health coverage. Work reporting requirements and frequent renewals would also make it harder for eligible people to access Medicaid. The bill also makes it harder for federal judges to hold government officials in contempt for ignoring court rulings, reducing accountability. There is still time to influence the Senate version of the bill and push for fewer harmful cuts. Theresa recommends calling/emailing Congress, sharing personal stories, and supporting advocacy organizations like SPLC to fight these provisions. This episode is produced in partnership with the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. Inclusion Catalyst invites you to become our next guest host. Learn more here: http://inclusioncatalyst.com/join-us-as-a-guest-host/