Voices of Inclusion

February, 2024

A few years ago, I needed to build a team quickly. Companies were eager to develop inclusive work cultures and I knew we could help. But I had certain criteria for my team. I wanted a diverse, enthusiastic, insightful, and empathetic group of coaches. Beyond representation, I wanted us to be culturally sensitive and humble. I wanted a team that I could learn from, a team that was constantly growing. I met dozens of coaches in the process and I will always remember my first meeting with Louria Lindauer. Not only did she meet all of those criteria, she was also hilarious and ingratiating. I admired her instantly.?

For Black History Month this year, I want to start by amplifying Louria and celebrating her and the gifts she brings to my team, but also to the world. Louria has brought her brilliant skills and humor to the RoundTable team as a facilitator for our JEDI for Leaders program. Clients love her boldness and humanity. I sat down with her to discuss her personal and professional experiences as a Black woman in America. In our conversation, Louria wasted no time going deep: she shared her insights on identity, experiences with racism, challenges she has faced, and her perspectives on Black History Month. Our conversation touched on themes of racial identity, stereotypes, systemic racism, empowerment, self-care, and the importance of authenticity and inclusivity.?

I’m excited to share my takeaways from our conversation with you. To listen in to the full conversation, watch the full video here.

I want to know how you are observing #BlackHistoryMonth. Who at your company can you highlight? If you live in the US, what questions are you grappling with this month about the Black experience in America? What conversations are you wanting to have, or avoiding having, or scared of having? We want to know, and we can help.

Now, onto Louria.

Key Takeaway #1: Racial Identity and Intersectionality

I loved how Louria teased out the complexity of racial identity and intersectionality. From sharing her various identities as a Black woman, mother, athlete, entrepreneur, and coaching professional, she underscored the diversity of experiences within the Black community and the need to recognize and respect individual perspectives.?

She made me laugh in this part of our conversation. When I asked her how she wants to be known, she said: "I am known as the person who says that you don't have any pants on. I speak the bold truth because I care. Because as a Black woman, educated, middle-class raised, and a northerner in the United States, which is different from being raised in the South, I have to be bold and say the truth. So yeah, I want to be known as the person who says that you don't have any pants on.”

I realized that it takes courage sometimes to say the most obvious thing. Like, Hey, you don’t have any pants on. Is that really what you want? Sometimes the simplest and most human statements are the most influential. I appreciated that Louria taught me that beautiful idea in our conversation. But she also talked about resilience, which brings me to my next highlight.?

Key Takeaway #2: Challenges and Resilience

Louria candidly discussed the challenges of facing racism, stereotypes, and systemic barriers, both personally and professionally. Despite these obstacles, she demonstrated resilience and determination in advocating for herself and others, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, courage, and self-empowerment.?

Even as Louria can find humor in her story, she recognizes the pain that comes from being underestimated as a Black woman in America. She shared, “It's frustrating that I have to walk in with my dad, who is white, to a car dealership or to anywhere, and he gets a better deal. Then I come in after him and they're like, “Oh, hi,” and now I negotiate, because I'm an excellent negotiator. So that's frustrating. It's irritating. It's also irritating when they use politically correct jargon to say, well, you know, this is how it is - they try to teach me - and I'm a software engineer, with a degree in software engineering! Now that I’m in diversity inclusion leadership, I work with tech companies and leaders. But I remember I would say an idea and it always had to have a white counterpart to validate it. That’s irritating."

Can you relate? I sure can! Louria’s experiences reminded me of times when I too had been talked over or silenced. “Irritating” is the right word; it can be downright infuriating. But she also reminded me that there are ways that we can advocate for ourselves or enlist others to advocate on our behalf. Which brings me to my third highlight from my conversation with Louria…

Key Takeaway #3: Advocacy and Empowerment

Through her coaching and facilitation work, it’s clear that Louria’s purpose is to empower others, particularly people of color and Black women, by creating spaces for authenticity, connection, and personal growth. What I love in particular is her emphasis on self-care, self-acceptance, and collective action in fostering inclusive environments and driving positive change.

When I asked Louria what she wanted for her clients, she had this to say: "It's really what they want. It’s not my outcome; it is their truth. I always say, ‘People, I'm not gonna let you hide.’ I'm gonna say that to executives: I’m going to say yes, no, and maybe. In doing so I hope they can find their truth. That way they can uncover the thing that they want, because everybody's not ready for what they're looking for.”

My conversation with Louria Lindauer was illuminating and inspiring. From our initial meeting to her invaluable contributions to the RoundTable team as a facilitator for our JEDI for Leaders program, Louria has consistently exemplified the qualities of diversity, insight, empathy, and humor that I sought in my team. Our discussion dived into themes of racial identity, resilience, and empowerment, reflecting Louria's experiences as a Black woman in America. She navigates challenges with grace and determination, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-advocacy in fostering inclusive environments. Louria's commitment to creating spaces for connection and growth underscores her dedication to empowering others, particularly marginalized communities. As we continue our journey towards inclusivity and equity, Louria's wisdom and perspective serve as a guiding light, reminding us of the power of self-acceptance and collective action in effecting positive change. I invite you to explore the full conversation to gain deeper insights into Louria's journey and the transformative impact of her work.