Tuning in to become a better ally

Every month, I sit down with someone from my organization for an internal radio show called Marketing & Consumer Business (MCB) Radio. It’s a place for listening and learning—a safe space for employees to share their individual experiences at Microsoft and beyond. And it’s an opportunity for me, and our employees listening in, to learn and build empathy for perspectives we may know little about. In the last year, I’ve hosted people who have different experiences than my own. We’ve covered an array of topics, like struggling with mental health issues, experiencing life as a Black LGBTQIA+ woman, having deep religious faith, living with physical disabilities, and more.

Each conversation has helped me better understand my role as an aspiring ally and encouraged me to reflect honestly on my own blind spots. It’s been enlightening to set my preconceptions aside and actively listen with open curiosity. During a conversation about identity and fitting in, Aftab Virani (Strategic Account Manager, Microsoft), perfectly summarized the responsibility of someone with privilege: “Our privilege is a measure of our capacity to help others.” In other words, I benefit from privilege because the systems in place have favored me. As an ally, I have a voice to help those who may not have benefited in the same way—or who may have been hurt by those very systems that have given me privilege.

Our conversations on MCB Radio aren’t just focused on racial or ethnic differences—we discuss gender, orientation, neuro and physical differences, and so on. The way our guests share their perspectives helps us all increase our empathy and understanding. Sera Fernando (Assistant Store Manager, Microsoft), said to me, “To respect someone’s pronouns is to be inclusive.” Such a simple thing–thoughtfully considering whether to use him, her, or they—can make a huge difference. And then, Cece Betancourt (Incident Communications Manager, Microsoft) shared how being an introvert with a quiet personality doesn’t mean she isn’t a strong leader. She explained, “Quiet isn’t a sign of weakness. You don’t have to be loud to evoke the right responses.” These conversations remind me that what people need to help them thrive at work differs from person to person, and when we look deeper and ask questions, we’ll better understand the people around us.

Having a personal, vulnerable, and sometimes difficult conversation on the air and on topics I’m not very knowledgeable about can be intimidating. I’ve made mistakes on almost every show. However, I’ve found that listeners not only forgive these mistakes but take time to educate me afterwards in ongoing discussions on Yammer, so everyone can learn from my own missteps. Knowing that the community believes that I’m here to understand them better helps me remain open to the experience. I’ve also realized that in my position I can step forward more easily and open up discussions that provide a safe and comfortable way for everyone to learn. I’m consistently amazed at people’s willingness to be vulnerable and share personal stories so that we all can learn—courageously—together.

I’m also inspired by how MCB Radio is spreading across the company. Groups are now having viewing parties where they get together to listen to the show and have open discussions on the show topic which has been really cool to see.

The discussions we have on MCB Radio can be challenging and uncomfortable, but I firmly believe that my own discomfort is important for growth. I’m excited for what the next year will bring…we still have a lot to learn and many more stories to hear!

As I look ahead to 2020, I can’t wait to see how our employees continue to build a nurturing, inclusive, and diverse community where every person can feel at home. With that, I encourage you to use your voice and share your stories. You matter, and your story can have a real impact on someone else. We can all encourage more courageous learning to create a world where every person is empowered to achieve more.