In this episode of FARSIGHT Chats, host Farah Bala discusses the intricacies of intersectional Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) with guests Stephanie Galera, Simone Harvey, Eshani Parikh, and Tammy Tran. Recorded in Spring 2021, the conversation explores the challenges and opportunities within BRGs, including how to be an effective ally and upstander, fostering inclusive leadership, and leveraging BRGs for organizational growth. The discussion also delves into the emotional toll of the pandemic, the importance of mental health, and the need for systemic change to support genuinely inclusive workplaces. Various perspectives, challenges, and strategies are shared on how to evolve these groups to be strategic partners within their organizations, reflecting on both personal experiences and professional insights.| KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED |Mental Health & ResiliencePandemic trauma impacted everyone differently.BRGs provided safe spaces for emotional support.Importance of therapy, rest, and community connection.True safe spaces are rare; progress often requires discomfort and risk.BRGs act as brave spaces for candid dialogue, healing, and systemic challenge.Allyship & SolidarityTrue allyship includes advocating for other ERGs and showing up consistently.Ally fatigue is real; must overcome individualistic systems to build collective power.Structural BarriersProfessional growth is often hindered by lack of visibility, mentorship, or leadership pathways.BRG leaders highlight the need for pipeline-building and role modeling.Leadership & RepresentationExecutive sponsorship is vital—but it must include allies outside the group (e.g., a white male exec sponsoring an API group).Leaders must support ERG/BRG leaders professionally and structurally.Tactical CollaborationERGs can share resources, coordinate events, and amplify each other’s efforts.This cross-ERG support increases visibility and collective impact.Best Practices & TakeawaysNormalize therapy and mental health discussions at work.Create shared ERG resources (e.g., directories, campaigns).Develop ERG leaders with succession planning and mentorship.Frame ERGs as business-critical contributors, not extracurricular groups.Leadership must actively participate and listen—not just observe.| SHOW NOTES | 00:00 Introduction to Far Sight Chats01:53 Meet the Esteemed Guests04:26 The Importance of Intersectional Solidarity07:02 Personal Reflections on a Challenging Year16:44 The Evolution of BRGs and ERGs24:28 Challenges and Opportunities in BRG Leadership34:18 The Importance of Allyship in Diverse Workforces35:16 Challenges and Discomfort in Learning and Growth35:45 Addressing Systemic Oppression and Supremacist Structures36:39 Ally Fatigue and Grassroots Community Building38:05 Sharing Power and Servant Leadership38:46 Tactical Support and Collaboration39:36 Historical Struggles and Shared Interests42:17 Disruption and Agility in Leadership46:04 Career Growth and Systemic Blocks51:40 Representation and Dismantling Nepotism53:31 Intersectionality and Broader Societal Impact58:01 Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing01:06:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future ConversationsConnect with our guests:

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