We recently connected with Alex Steinman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alex thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Inclusivity in the workplace is paramount for fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered both moments where the workplace fell short in terms of inclusivity and moments where it thrived, shaping my view on this critical issue.

One impactful moment from my journey was when I experienced firsthand the consequences of a workplace that lacked inclusivity. Early in my career, I found myself in environments where male and white voices were prioritized over others, and where Black and Brown people faced barriers to advancement. These experiences underscored the importance of creating environments where diversity is celebrated, and where all voices are heard and valued.

Conversely, I’ve also been fortunate to witness the transformative power of inclusive workplaces. At The Coven, the community and workspace I co-founded, inclusivity is at the core of everything we do. We’ve worked tirelessly to create a space where women and nonbinary individuals feel empowered to succeed, regardless of their background or identity. Seeing the impact of this inclusive approach firsthand—how it fosters collaboration, creativity, and belonging—has reinforced my belief in the importance of building inclusive workplaces.

Inclusive workplaces not only benefit individuals but also drive business success. When employees feel included and valued, they are more engaged, innovative, and productive. Moreover, diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and problem-solving, ultimately driving organizational growth and success. We know that when people feel psychologically safe, they are more willing to take risks and leaps that could lead to new innovation, new business ideas, and new careers. We’ve seen hundreds of community members launch something because they had the support, resources, and connections through The Coven.

My journey has taught me that creating a more inclusive workplace requires intentional effort and commitment from everyone within an organization. It’s about fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and openness, where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than a difference to be overcome. By prioritizing inclusivity, we can create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the co-founder and partner at The Coven, a community and workspace dedicated to creating environments where women and nonbinary individuals can step into their economic power. My passion for building inclusive communities stems from my own experiences navigating the professional world.

My journey into this industry began with a desire to address the systemic barriers faced by women and nonbinary individuals in the workplace. Recognizing the inherent power within each individual, we co-founded The Coven with a mission to create a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

At The Coven, we provide a range of products and services aimed at supporting our members in their professional and personal endeavors. From coworking spaces and networking events to educational workshops and mentorship programs, we offer a holistic approach to creating environments where individuals can thrive.

One of the key problems we solve for our community members is the lack of inclusive work environments where women and nonbinary individuals can fully realize their economic potential. By providing a supportive community and resources tailored to their needs, we provide the space for community members to achieve their goals.

What sets The Coven apart is our unwavering commitment to creating inclusive environments that help our members generate a bias for risk taking and action. We believe that the power has always been within people, and we simply provide the environment that allows them to step into it. Our dedication to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued is what truly makes The Coven different.

I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on our members’ lives and careers. Seeing individuals flourish and succeed within our community is incredibly rewarding and fuels us everyday.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the tumultuous events of 2020, The Coven faced unprecedented challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe and Minneapolis became the epicenter of a racial uprising following the tragic murder of George Floyd. In the face of these crises, The Coven demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, emerging stronger than ever before.

As the pandemic forced businesses to shutter their doors and communities to isolate, The Coven immediately sprang into action to support the community. Recognizing the importance of maintaining connections and providing resources during these uncertain times, we quickly transitioned to virtual platforms, offering online workshops, networking events, and support groups to ensure our members felt connected and supported.

Within 24 hours of closing The Coven’s physical doors during quarantine, we opened up a digital platform that would house hundreds of hours of virtual content and events. This initiative aimed to keep the Twin Cities small business community and beyond connected, resourced, and supported during the pandemic, providing a lifeline for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of remote work and social distancing measures.

Simultaneously, as Minneapolis grappled with the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and the ensuing uprising, The Coven remained steadfast in its commitment to social justice and racial equity. Partnering with Minnesota Women for Political Change, we launched a supply donation initiative to bring much-needed resources to areas most impacted by civil unrest. Together, our teams collected and distributed over $150,000 worth of supplies to local Twin Cities residents in need, providing critical support during a time of crisis.

Despite the immense challenges we faced, The Coven refused to succumb to despair. Instead, we viewed these crises as opportunities for reconciliation and transformation. We doubled down on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively working to amplify systemically marginalized voices and dismantle systems of oppression.

Through resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination, The Coven weathered the storms of 2020, emerging as a beacon of hope and inspiration for our members and the broader community. Our ability to adapt, evolve, and remain true to our values in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the strength of our collective spirit and our unwavering commitment to creating a better, more inclusive world for all.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As an entrepreneur, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that I have to know everything and have all the answers. In the early stages of my journey, I often felt overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility and the pressure to have all the solutions at my fingertips. However, over time, I came to realize that this mindset was not only unrealistic but also detrimental to my growth and success.

The backstory to this lesson begins with my deep-rooted sense of independence and self-reliance. Like many entrepreneurs, I entered the business world with a strong desire to chart my own path and prove my capabilities. Having started my career in a very competitive industry, I felt the pressure to keep any self-doubts to myself and respond to questions with rapid and accurate answers. However, as I navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship, I quickly realized that I couldn’t do it all alone.

It was through the support and guidance of my community, mentors, and peers that I began to embrace a new approach—one centered on collaboration, humility, and a willingness to learn from others. Instead of viewing my lack of expertise in certain areas as a weakness, I began to see it as an opportunity to lean on those who had knowledge and experience to offer.

By relinquishing the need to know everything and cultivating a mindset of openness and receptivity, I discovered a wealth of resources and insights within my network. Whether seeking advice on strategic decision-making, navigating challenges, or exploring new opportunities, I found that my community, mentors, and peers were invaluable sources of support and guidance.

Embracing this lesson has been transformative for both me and my business. It has allowed me to tap into a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, and resources that have propelled my growth and success. Moreover, it has strengthened my relationships with those in my network, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support and respect that continues to drive me forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: thecoven.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/thecoven.co
• Twitter: twitter.com/thecovenco

Image Credits
All credits Bethany Birnie