We recently connected with Natasha Nurse, Esq. and have shared our conversation below.

Natasha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

Absolutely! Building a truly inclusive workplace isn’t just a feel-good initiative, it’s a recipe for innovation and success.

Here are key ways to build an authentic inclusive workplace:

1) Anonymous Feedback Channels & Focus Groups: Create safe spaces for honest feedback through anonymous surveys and focus groups. This allows employees, especially those from underrepresented groups, to voice concerns without fear of repercussions.

2) Flexible Work Arrangements with Autonomy: Move beyond traditional schedules: offer compressed workweeks, remote work opportunities, and flexible start/end times. Trust your employees to manage their time effectively and empower a healthy work-life balance.

3) Culturally Responsive Communication Strategies: Train managers and leaders on effective communication across cultures. This includes sensitivity to different communication styles, avoiding jargon, and fostering clear and inclusive communication practices.

4) Inclusive Interview Panels & Unconscious Bias Checklists: Assemble interview panels with diverse representation to ensure a wider range of perspectives during the hiring process. Additionally, implement unconscious bias checklists for interviewers to identify and mitigate potential biases in their evaluations actively.

For me, it’s about creating a space where people can bring their whole selves to work. We all have unique experiences and perspectives, and when we tap into that collective well of talent, the possibilities are endless. It’s not just about being the “nice” thing to do, it’s about building a stronger, more innovative team.

Think about it: if everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, we’re less likely to miss out on the next big breakthrough. And let’s face it, a happy, engaged team is a productive team. When people feel like they belong, they’re more likely to go the extra mile, to be their best selves at work.

So, building an inclusive workplace isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. It’s about creating a winning environment where everyone thrives.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. isn’t just a name, she’s a revolution. A trailblazer in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Natasha wields empathy like a superpower, carving a path toward a world where everyone feels valued.

Imagine a workplace bathed in the warm glow of understanding. That’s the magic Natasha conjures. Armed with academic brilliance and real-world experience, she’s a sought-after speaker and consultant, guiding organizations to weave the threads of inclusion into their very DNA.

Her workshops are electrifying. They don’t just educate, they ignite. Natasha carries the torch of inspiration, illuminating the transformative power of inclusivity. Her vision? A ripple effect of change, where every interaction fosters a sense of belonging.

But Natasha is more than just a powerhouse professional. She’s a DEI consultant, a coach, an author, a podcaster – a one-woman content creation machine. She’s the founder of Dressing Room 8, a consultation and coaching platform, and co-founder of WokeNFree, a groundbreaking social impact podcast redefining social and cultural conversations.

Don’t be fooled by the busy schedule, though. Outside the professional arena, Natasha enjoys the Arizona sun with her husband, son, and their furry companions. For Natasha, inclusion starts at home and extends outwards, one empowered voice at a time.

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

Writing used to be the worst when I was younger. Every single sentence felt like it had to win a writing award, and every paragraph needed to be a masterpiece. This overwhelming need for everything to be perfect came from being terrified of messing up.

The big problem with perfectionism? It stops you dead in your tracks. It wasn’t even about actually saying what I wanted to say anymore, it was all about making something completely flawless, which, let’s be real, is impossible.

As I got older, finally, I woke up and realized how much this was hurting my writing. The whole reason I loved writing in the first place, that awesome feeling of building stories, was buried under a mountain of self-criticism. It hit me: good writing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about getting better and just putting your true voice out there, even if it means messing up sometimes.

I try to remain focused on just enjoying the process, that cool feeling of putting words together to make something new.

Let me tell you, it’s a constant battle. That voice in my head still wants to rewrite everything a million times. But with every story I write, I chip away at that perfectionist inside me a little more. I’ve learned that the most powerful stories don’t come from being flawless, they come from being brave enough to be a little vulnerable and share your voice, even with all its imperfections.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Oh, that’s a good one question. There are so many things! But for me, the most rewarding part is that feeling of taking something from nothing. You start with this blank canvas, a lump of clay, an empty page – just this potential. And then, through some weird alchemy of your imagination and your hands, you turn it into something real. It can be anything – a funny song, a painting that makes you stop and think, a story that transports you to another world. But that moment when you see your creation come to life, that’s pure magic.

It’s also amazing to connect with people through your art. Sometimes someone will tell you how your work made them feel something, or how it helped them through a tough time. That’s incredibly humbling and rewarding. You realize that what you create can have a real impact on people’s lives, even if it’s just in a small way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dressingroom8.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressing_room_8/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr8fashion
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashamnurse/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dressingroom8
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dressingroom8
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dressingroom8 Swellcast: https://www.swellcast.com/dressingroom8 Glamour, Giggles, and Goals Podcast: https://dressingroom8.substack.com/podcast Subscribe to Dressing Room 8 on Substack: https://dressingroom8.substack.com/ Dressing Room 8 on vidzing: https://www.vidzing.tv/dressing-room-8 Connect on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/52036631-natasha-nurse