Episode 6: Check-in for Episodes 1 – 4 and Introduction of Te’osha Baker-Bunch
Construction DEI Talks – Check in for Episodes 1-4 and Introduction of Teosha Baker Bunch – Show Notes
Podcast: Construction DEI Talks
Episode: Check in for Episodes 1-4 and Introduction of Teosha Baker Bunch
Tune in to this episode of the Construction DEI Talks, a podcast where we dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates 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 direct each episode to bring new conversations with subject matter experts and discuss how we can make our industry better and stronger. Today, Te’osha Baker Bunch is welcomed on as the 4th co-host and joins in to bring her own worldview to the table.
Switching things up a bit, this conversation gets rolling as Te’osha takes the host position to interview her fellow co-hosts on previous episode highlights. Listen as they check in and hear their thoughts as our hosts become our guests! Listen as they look back to the first episodes of interviewing their bosses—what did they learn and take from that conversation? Stephanie shares about how entering this space is not easy for leaders—the speed in an organization is slower than she realized. Jorge chats about how committed their bosses are to learning and putting diversity, equity, and inclusion into practice. Hear how they are fighting to be at the very tip of the spear in this industry through hard work and vulnerability.
Following up with this, they discuss the next episodes and conversations from the female perspective on this construction work. Jorge said this brought in a whole new level of conversation when he remembers the trade perspective Vickie offered. They also remember Shirley joining the narrative in lending her thoughts on inclusion as a business strategy and how critical this can be to success in this space.
Shifting to a perspective from a person of color, they chat about the conversation they had with guest Alex Willis. Learn what Alex revealed in the ability to not “vibe” with a group that looks the same as you, but have different life experiences that can make people feel a certain way. They share personal takeaways from hearing about Alex’s work. We think bias is for people that aren’t like us, but we have bias against those like us too! There are many layers around our own biases that we find as we learn more about ourselves. Jorge touches on the Golden Rule and how he has realized that this rule needs to shift towards treating others the way they want to be treated, recognizing them as individuals.
As the episode wraps up, Teosha asks the three key questions—what do you want people to be, what do you want them to know, what do you want them to do? Stephanie shares her thoughts with today’s listeners—be brave, know you’re not alone in this work, and take your first step forward. Jorge comes at this with a different emphasis in considering the podcast itself and encourages listeners to be curious, engaged, and participatory in providing feedback. We must know we are all going on a journey and need to be open about it. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, share, and leave a review!
Links:
Connect with Stephanie Roldan.
Connect with Jorge Quezada.
Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.