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It\u2019s episode 15 of Blended: I\u2019m joined by another incredible panel of guests and we\u2019re talking about ageism. When it comes to the spectrum of topics in the DEI world, it\u2019s not the most talked about, so it\u2019s important to open it up, hear what others have to say and learn something new. And that\u2019s exactly why we do the show: diving into other people\u2019s experiences, leaning into empathy, engaging with new points of view \u2013 it\u2019s what opens up our minds and makes us all better employees, leaders, entrepreneurs, and people.

Today we\u2019ll be diving into our guests personal experiences with ageism; why ageism isn\u2019t just an issue for the old; ageism\u2019s place within the larger context of DEI discussions; and the panel will be sharing their advice for creating more inclusive workplaces.

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[0.32] Introductions to our Blended panellists.

• Lisa \u2013 Supply Chain Manager at Rapala VMC Corporation
• Lavinia \u2013 Founder and Host of Women in Blockchain Talks
• Brendan \u2013 Founder and CEO at AccidentPlan
• Leona \u2013 Chief Technology Officer at Benefits Data Trust
• Rebecca \u2013 Assistant Director, Vessel Services Division at T&T Salvage LLC

\u201cAt my dinner table, there\u2019s nobody smarter than the oldest teenager and nobody dumber than a boomer!\u201d Brendan

[06.02] The guests share their own experiences with ageism, and reflect on why it continues to be an issue within the workplace and society overall.

• Dynamic between generations
• How old you look vs how old you are
• Capability, experience and knowledge
• The truth behind assumptions
• The words we use, their implications and reshaping the conversation

\u201cI\u2019ve had people assume that I don\u2019t understand how to use something as simple as Facebook. I\u2019ve built systems more complex than Facebook! \u2026There\u2019s an assumption that, if you\u2019re of a certain age, you don\u2019t understand.\u201d Leona

[32.14] The panel discuss how we can better support people as they move through their careers, and ensure that at every stage, it\u2019s working for everyone.

• Job shadowing and mentorship
• Cultural belonging and creating safe spaces
• Allyship and finding your voice
• Fear of losing your job
• Policies and procedures
• Bias \u2013 challenging each other and modelling for others
• Leadership

\u201cHow do you develop a culture where speaking up is acceptable? We can educate ourselves and have the right motives, but to put that out into the universe requires courage. And that\u2019s the systemic change we need to see, this overwhelming sense of courage to speak for truth.\u201d Rebecca

[56.42] The group dig deeper into the reasons that ageism is rife throughout society, and how we can move out of a culture of divided workplaces.

\u201cUnless you\u2019re willing to stand up and support someone else\u2019s action, change is very slow and you only see it many years after the damage has been done.\u201d Lavinia

[1.06.08] The panellists consider ageism alongside other issues within the world of diversity and inclusion, and why we don\u2019t talk about it as much as we should.

• Self-reflection, introspection and challenging our own bias
• Learned bias
• Creating two-way conversations and non-toxic dialogues
• Courage to face push back
• Self-development

[1.15.20] The panelists sum-up their learnings from today\u2019s discussion.

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You can connect with Lisa, Lavinia, Brendan, Leona and Rebecca over on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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