In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola and guest Vivian Wesson explore the importance of curiosity over judgment in inclusive conversations, emphasizing the transformative power of small gestures and acts of kindness in creating an inclusive society and highlighting the positive impact of smiles.
In this episode you will learn:
- The surprising relevance of improv skills in leadership
- The importance of replacing judgment with curiosity
- The impact of silence on DEI efforts
- The power of greeting and acknowledging others
24 Hour Challenge:
Stop apologizing! Distinguish when situations require a ‘pardon me’ rather than a true ‘I’m sorry’. Empower yourself by changing your language around the situation, and pass it on!
Mentioned in the Episode:
“Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It” – Chris Voss
About Vivian:
A Fordham law school graduate, Vivian currently serves as Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel for The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Board of Pensions offers a broad range of benefits to congregations, agencies, and affiliated institutions, serving more than 65,000 members nationally.
Prior to joining the Board of Pensions, Vivian held the position of Chief Intellectual Property Counsel of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., for which she worked for over 16 years. Her areas of expertise include intellectual property, software licensing, mergers & acquisitions, strategic investments, benefits, corporate governance, reinsurance regulation, records retention, and business entity management.
Vivian has authored several articles on social justice issues, including “How AI and Facial Recognition Can Chill Access to Justice,” “Why Facial Recognition Technology is Flawed,” and “Environmental Racism: How Lawyers Can Help Close the Climate Gap.” Aside from her work with the Board of Pensions, Vivian chairs the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and is a member of the Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Asian Hate. In June 2021, Vivian was appointed as a delegate to NYSBA’s House of Delegates. Vivian also serves as a Director of Phillips Exeter Academy’s General Alumni Association.
You can connect with Vivian in the following ways:
- LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-d-wesson-9a71076a/
- LinkedIn (business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/board-of-pensions-of-the-presbyterian-church/
You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
- LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
- Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
- Twitter: @LauraSicola
- Instagram: @drlaurasicola
- Website: https://laurasicola.com
- Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today
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