By Jesse Turk, Senior Consultant & Facilitator The entertainment industry has gone through multiple inclusion reckonings in the past decade. From movements to scandals to strikes, studios, networks, agencies, and productions have all had to grapple with a status quo that serves a privileged few while navigating a risk-averse industry. While many in the industry publicly agreed with the principles of inclusion and equity, which allows for new, original voices to break through, taking action to bring those principles to life has stalled in the face of complex realities including–budgets, la ..read more

Media frames reality. The images, words, and stories that we hear in marketing and advertising have a subtle but significant impact on how we see the world. Yet according to a 2018 study by IPSOS, 72% of people feel most advertising doesn’t reflect the world around them, 63% claim they don’t see themselves represented in most advertising, and 60% say they don’t see their community of friends, family, and acquaintances represented accurately. As businesses strive to connect with new audiences, culturally sensitive marketing practices remain a rich, untapped area of opportunity. So where c ..read more

In 2022, Sans Serif’s management team took an Inclusive Hiring Training and Working Session with ReadySet as part of their DEI Initiative. In this client spotlight, Susy Siddens, Manager Director at Sans Serif shares some key takeaways from the training experience. By Susy Siddens (Sans Serif) & Zoe King (ReadySet) At Sans Serif, we want to add to our culture—not have someone fit into our culture. In 2022, our management team took inclusive hiring training with ReadySet as part of our DEI Initiative. We did this because—like a lot of small agencies—we don’t have the support of an HR depa ..read more

By Rachel Marcuse, COO I got my first job as a manager when I was 15 years old. I was supervising the hosts at the “dream” home that was raffled off at a fair in Vancouver, Canada. I was managing staff 10 years my senior. And I was drunk with power.  A lot has changed in my approach to people management between then and now (good thing) but a consistent current in my work has been managing people of significantly different ages than I am. At 16, I was managing mostly people in their 20’s. As I got older, that delta grew. I managed a major municipal campaign when I was 24, with many of th ..read more

We are thrilled to announce the launch of ReadySet Lab, an innovative new offering to transform the way individuals and organizations approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. ReadySet Lab provides learners with an immersive scenario-based training environment that simulates realistic DEI challenges, enabling them to gain practical experience and receive actionable feedback as they progress. Traditional DEI training often falls short in preparing individuals to navigate the complexities of real-world situations. ReadySet Lab aims to bridge this gap by offering a dynamic learnin ..read more

By Dr. LILY jAMPOL Ermahgerd AI. Where do we start? We have been in nonstop dialogue with our clients and colleagues for the last few weeks and have heard every anxiety imaginable. Recruiters are wondering if job applicants are real people. Leaders are anxious about their employees accidentally sharing confidential info, managers are exhausted thinking about how this will affect their employee’s work, and employees are terrified that their jobs will be replaced.  Most imminently, folks who work in HR or lead companies want to know how to minimize risk. We want to offer a few frame ..read more

In the 3rd installment of DEI Download, Y-Vonne Hutchinson reflects on the changes in the diversity, equity, and inclusion landscape since ReadySet's first year in 2015. ReadySet started in an environment filled with optimism and a belief in the role of technology and workplace culture in shaping a better future. However, a series of wake-up calls followed, including the #MeToo movement, the polarizing impact of the Trump era, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted issues of remote work, ableism, and disproportionate impacts on certain groups. The 2020 Black Lives Matter uprising led to ..read more

By Mackenzie Martin and Viveka Kymal Maintaining momentum in DEI work can be challenging. This is especially true for ERGs. For many teams, reactive ‘throw paint at the wall’ approaches to programming are a slippery slope to burnout. Worse still when coupled with waning leadership involvement and fluctuating resources.  So how can ERG stakeholders boost engagement and revamp efforts? We’ve got a few tips.  Tip 1: Tailor Programming To Your ERG Members Educational events are fantastic, particularly for allies. But if attendance is waning, then it is time to recalibrate where you ar ..read more

Changing the way the world works requires connection between academic knowledge and real world experiences. Academic research can provide directional insights, uncovering underlying biases, systemic disparities, and innovative strategies. However, the translation of this knowledge into practical solutions is where the true impact lies. It requires collaboration and active engagement between researchers, practitioners, and communities to ensure that research findings are translated into actionable strategies that address real-world challenges and promote tangible change. By embracing interdisci ..read more

When it comes to origin stories, there's something almost magical about hearing how a person or organization got their start. Origin stories allow us to connect with others on a deeper level and understand the trajectory that led them to where they are today. They provide context for why someone or something exists and often reveal the values and aspirations that underlie their work. At ReadySet, we believe that every individual and organization has a unique origin story that deserves to be shared. Check out the video below to learn about ReadySet’s origin story from Y-Vonne Hutchinson, ReadyS ..read more