Episode 10: Ron Adams
Podcast: Construction DEI Talks
Episode: Ron Adams
Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, where we dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the construction industry. Co-hosts Jorge Quezada, Vice President of Inclusive Diversity at Granite Construction, Stephanie Roldan, Director of Lean Culture at Rosendin, and Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Business Partner at Granite Construction, bring new conversations with subject matter experts and discuss how we can make our industry better and stronger. In today’s episode, the hosts are joined by Ron Adams, Executive at Northwestern Mutual, Vice President of Field Diversity and Inclusion, and Co-Lead of the Northwestern Mutual DEI Corporate Committee.
The episode begins with Ron sharing about his intent and framework for teaching inclusion and diversity. Despite the frequent challenge in this area of teaching, Ron points out how every DEI leader must focus on these topics. He encourages them to take proactive steps in planning and mapping out goals upfront to determine what you are reaching for. He compares this kind of strategy to his time in the military and how putting the necessary time and effort into mapping out a plan helped prevent important details from slipping through and being overlooked.
Next, Ron discusses his 5D framework for how he proactively plans for roadblocks that may occur, which include fighting against distraction, discouragement, division, discounting, and disengagement. First, distraction aims to derail us from goals, and this can be faced by having important conversations that keep you on track. Discouragement is another setback that must be addressed, and this can be done by anticipating problems that may be discouraging and planning how to confront and mitigate them. When it comes to division, Ron encourages listeners to understand the collective power available to use rather that constantly living divided against others. The setback of discounting, or feeling that your work or effort is going unrewarded, can be confronted by making sure everyone feels noticed and appreciated. Lastly, disengagement is remedied by making sure everyone feels like they are part of the team and play an important role.
The episode comes to a close as Ron then walks listeners through different levels of thinking strategically when taking the 5D’s to a business level. He encourages those working in this field to always be seeking ways to add value to their team using the 5D framework. Additionally, he shares a time in his life when learned about the importance of being curious and continually having a humble attitude of wanting to learn and grow. He concludes with one last piece of advice for listeners, which is to always aim to cultivate good character and change any environment you are in for the better.
Links:
Connect with Stephanie Roldan.
Connect with Jorge Quezada.
Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin
Connect with Ron Adams
Learn more about the Northwestern Mutual DEI Corporate Committee here
