Navigating DEI Messaging By Leading With Empowerment With Ashley T. Brundage

President and CEO of Empowering Differences, Ashley T. Brundage, is back for another episode of Communicate Like You Give A Damn with Kim Clark! In continuing their conversation surrounding “Empowering Differences,” Ashley and Kim dive deep into the intricate world of DEI messaging in the realm of branding, marketing and corporate communications. Together they uncover the alignment within organizations in order to strengthen the impact of DEI messaging while learning how to navigate political differences in the workplace constructively. Their conversation also explores how to shift corporate messaging from performative to meaningful as it relates to organizational gestures, developing inclusive environments and even in the context of events such as Pride. About The Guest: Ashley T Brundage is the President & CEO of Empowering Differences. While seeking employment at a major financial institution, she self-identified during the interview process as a woman of transgender experience and subsequently was hired. Starting as a part time teller she rose to VP, Diversity and Inclusion in less than 5 years. She captured this 4-step process of empowerment to cultivate change in her new book and online course. Ashley credits her success to those closest to her for providing actionable allyship including her 2 teenage sons, Bryce and Blake.Since beginning transitioning in 2008, she has worked tirelessly to promote awareness and acceptance of gender identity and expression. She works to accomplish this goal by volunteering in the community and holding education sessions for corporations. Ms. Brundage speaks locally and nationally about her transition, empowerment, workplace equality, leadership, and diversity, equity & inclusion. She has also been interviewed in several publications and media outlets, including Tampa Bay Times, The Business Journal, The Miami Herald, Fox, ABC, CBS, Las Vegas Review Journal, Milwaukee Biz Times, the Daily Beast, Fairygodboss, InStyle Magazine, BBC World Service Radio, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, and Forbes while being named their compassionate leader award. She approaches her advocacy and empowerment work very apolitically, and this is evident as in 2022 she served on a committee for the Biden White House and won an award from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a community spirit award for her commitment to women and girls in Florida.Find Ashley Here: WebsiteInstagram FacebookLinkedInAbout Kim:Kim Clark (she/her) focuses her work on the communicator and content creator's role in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is the co-author of The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t, an Amazon #1 bestseller and the leading voice for DEI communications and social justice messaging for brands.She speaks at conferences, writes custom workshops, writes inclusive communications guides, and consults with companies on all things related to diversity, equity, and inclusion communications. Kim is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a cisgender woman, Native American (Muscogee Nation) and a mom of two kids with disabilities. These marginalized identities and the privileges that come with society seeing her as White motivate her daily for social change.Communicate Like You Give A Damn Podcast