What do you do and what is it about your job that gets you out of bed in the morning?
In a nutshell, I amplify and build diverse and inclusive teams. I work cross functionally to create interventions and checkpoints to mitigate against bias and make sure that the net impact matches our positive intent throughout the entire employee journey. There is a ton of building and problem solving involved in my job - it is really creative and draws on what I am good at and what I am passionate about! There is so much cross functional collaboration- my remit touches recruiting, learning & development, communications, legal, finance, and general HR. Having a learning mindset is critical for DEI work. There is usually not one right answer.
It tickles me to see teams performing at their best, and people who are activated and productive because they are enabled to be their best selves. I feel very lucky to do this work. That being said, this work is not for the faint of heart. DEI is very personal and though incredibly rewarding, it can be sensitive and divisive. You also cannot plan for when the world throws you curveballs affecting your employee base (especially when your employees are coming from different worldviews that all need to be respected and honored). When you work in DEI, your job is never done, there is always another hill to climb. That is why self care is so important for all DEI practitioners.
How did you get to where you are today?
My path has certainly not been a linear one! I’ve climbed and descended the ladder, and at times made my own ladder out of twine.
After UC Santa Barbara, where I studied Sociology and English, I had envisioned myself making a difference in the Peace Corps before embarking on a fulfilling career in teaching. I tried my hand at teaching elementary school, but soon learned that I am more suited for the hustle and bustle of start-up life.
Before long I found myself in the world of agency recruiting where I enjoyed great success very early. Though the golden handcuffs were compelling to a 20 something, I decided to take a measured step “back” to move into the internal recruiting space. That move opened doors that allowed me to build a talent and DEI function from the ground up. And now I’ve finally found a dedicated home in the developing discipline of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
What is the most important lesson you have learned along the way?
You’ve got to give yourself the oxygen mask first. You are no good to anyone if you are not in a balanced and healthy space. I used to run in vicious cycles of overachievement to burnout, taking a toll on my health & well-being. Now I take the break. I go for the run. I make the space for the things that fill my cup.
The concept of energy management really has helped me manage this. Your energy is a limited resource, spend it wisely!
What's your pitch to CEOs in the identity space? What do you suggest they START / STOP / CONTINUE doing and why?
I am newer to the identity space but I do have some thoughts on the matter.
It seems as though the DEI discipline has not taken complete hold in the identity space (and it needs to start). In reviewing our competitors' presence, there is not much concrete commitment in the area. CEOs in the identity space should start prioritizing this initiative. That is why it is so heartening to see organizations like Women in Identity starting to make space for historically marginalized and/or underrepresented identities.
CEOs in general (not just in identity) should stop only hiring people from their inner circle. Go out of your network when building your company. When you hire from your network you often hamper diversity of thought and can spark “like me bias.”
I think that work on bias in AI should be continued and innovated upon. The more we rely on AI and machine learning, the more important our bias checkpoints become. We must continue to put controls in place to reduce harm.
My two cents, for what they are worth.
In one sentence, why does diversity matter to you?
Diversity amplifies innovation; diversity turns single song notes into a gorgeous harmony.
What book/film/piece of art would you recommend to your fellow members? Why?
This is a tough question there! There are too many to count! One documentary that I think is particularly thought provoking (especially for parents) is The Mask You Wear. This documentary showcases how reductive gender roles can be harmful for all of us and explores some of the particularly toxic elements of growing up as a boy in America.
What advice would you give to the teenage 'you'?
I’d tell teenage Nancy that there will be new disciplines blossoming all the time, ones that don’t even exist yet, that you’ll love….hang tight. You don’t have to limit yourself. Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t underestimate yourself. Do the things you are great at and love and the rest will follow. Don’t be too quick to label what you are not good at, you might surprise yourself. Oh, and please wear sunscreen and drink water.
Where can we find you on social media / the Web?
LinkedIn: Nancy Vance