Often, when people think of Diversity and Inclusion, they think of racial diversity. Race is a particularly sensitive subject and difficult to talk about, especially in the workplace. As a result, training on how to have uncomfortable conversations has been a big focus of D&I training.
We’ll be talking with Laura Concannon, CPA/Principal of P + G Built Solutions in Baltimore, Maryland. In the conversations that followed the social and civil unrest following the death of Freddy Gray in 2015, Laura learned first-hand how challenging it could be to talk safely about race in a racially charged environment. When the conversation was re-ignited last year, Laura jumped in by asking questions, raising awareness, and inviting discussion within the local CPA community.
Often, those conversations start with a question. But how do you know it is safe to ask? How do you start one? And if it gets too uncomfortable, how do you get out of one? Laura isn't afraid to ask difficult questions or talk about a sensitive topic. In this session, she’ll share her approach to having straightforward conversations and how honesty has helped her learn and grow. We hope you join the conversation!
Learning Objectives:
- Identify strategies for interrupting unconscious bias to improve interpersonal communication
- Determine how to navigate sensitive topics and uncomfortable conversations
- Recognize how self-awareness can improve workplace communication
Laura Concannon
P + G Built Solutions
Principal and Founder
[email protected]
(410) 823-1585
Laura is the Principle and Founder of P + G Built Solutions, Inc., a full-service accounting and tax firm, and Tools4Success, Inc., a non-profit focused on businesses and educators working together to provide opportunities for students to succeed. A belief that personal and business life intersect is where the peace of mind and growth of the bottom line originated. A holistic approach to problems helps provide solutions that are sustainable and meaningful. The focus of these organizations is to build solutions for individuals, businesses, and society. Having a positive impact on others is a driving force. She not only talks about issues, but she also takes action. Laura is driven by curiosity and the desire that all should have an opportunity to succeed. An open mind allows her to question when others may stay silent.
Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA
Etienne Consulting
Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Speaker & Trainer
[email protected]
(301) 778-5510
Jina is a consultant and speaker on diversity, inclusion, culture, and belonging. She creates training programs and workshops to help clients move forward in their D&I journey. She is a storyteller and speaks candidly about her experiences, hard lessons, and ‘aha’ moments that helped her understand the importance of individuality, the value of curiosity, and the courage it takes to “just” be yourself. Often described as “approachable” and “relatable” by her clients, she works with purpose and the intention of being engaging, practical, and immediately applicable to real-world situations. Jina draws from her unique background and mix of work experiences to offer examples and share insights designed to benefit everyone across the workplace ecosystem – executives, management, employees, and customers.
Previously, she was Principal Consultant at EtiennePartners (EP), a boutique consulting firm that offered a unique strategy development, workshops & coaching to leaders, executives and entrepreneurs. Co-founded with her husband, EP was a full-time partnership in both work and life. Although in different professions, their work often intersected around the importance of self-awareness in leadership and navigating conflict within teams. Combining their experiences, backgrounds, and work led to the development of their unique approach to D&I, which she continues to use in her practice today.
About Our Presenter
Etienne Consulting's work is informed by their unique mix of experience in public accounting & business consulting, association management & member engagement, and diversity & inclusion consulting and training. Although in a variety of roles and industries, their work has always intersected around the importance of self-awareness in leadership, clarity of purpose, and navigating conflict within teams.
This led them to develop techniques to deepen awareness and strengthen communication — core skills necessary for driving meaningful change in organizations. They work with businesses and firms to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of people experience, operations, policy, communications, branding, and community & social responsibility. Their training programs and workshops are designed to bridge the gap between diversity and inclusion by offering concrete skills and communication strategies teams and use to build teams capable of leveraging their full diversity to drive innovation, growth, and lasting cultural change. They also offer support in developing, implementing, executing, and reporting on D&I strategy.
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