Podcast #091: Diversity, Empathy & Creativity (with Heather Fleming)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Google Play
Many of the episodes of this podcast are more light-hearted thematically. We often talk about writing, the arts, curiosity, and related topics. This episode is a little different because I decided to dive into the topic of diversity.
I hope that doesn’t scare you away. In fact, I hope it does just the opposite because you absolutely do not want to miss the wisdom and insights that my guest, Heather Fleming, shares with us. This is one of the most important conversations I’ve had on the show, and I came away a changed person.
Heather Fleming is a diversity and inclusion educator, former English teacher, and now author of My Black Friend Says…: Lessons in Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competency. Her professional experience includes eight years in the public service sector before she became a high school English teacher in one of the state’s top districts.
In 2018, Heather left the educational field to start a nonprofit dedicated to equity and inclusion education, called In Purpose Educational Services. Her organization offers several services, particularly educational advocacy for students and families regardless of ability to pay, as well as learning events centered around diversity. Her goal for her work in the St. Louis area is to promote healing, understanding, and equity for all.
Our conversation covers a range of topics, including: Heather’s experience as the only African-American teacher in a school district, the most effective ways to help others change their heart and perspective, her programs churches and organizations, and her new book.
This type of conversation is exactly the reason why I do this podcast: to learn, grow, and talk about important topics as they relate to creativity, mindset, and positive change.
Key Takeaways
- Some questions to ask yourself: Do you love people? Do you love their stories? Do you value them?
- The work of diversity is by definition creative work.
- A simple idea of how you can make a difference today.
Resources Mentioned
- InPurposeEA.com
- My Black Friend Says…: Lessons in Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competency by Heather Fleming
- Cultural-Responsive Lessons
- Small Acts, Big Impacts Podcast
- Connect with Heather on Facebook
- Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
- Follow Heather on Twitter
- Follow Heather on Instagram
Ask Kent
Sterling Hyland asks, “When your house is full of art and you’ve given gifts of art to the limit, it affects your motivation to make more. What should I do with any further creations?”
Check out the episode to hear my response!
This episode was sponsored by Audible. Click here to grab your FREE audiobook and begin your 30-day trial.
Download my free Ultimate Tool Kit for Creative Entrepreneurs.
