Most people agree that workplaces should be diverse. Inclusive. But it doesn’t happen just through good intention. Biases in tools, ‘gut feelings’, even the way a job ad is written or where it’s placed – could all be hindering the development of a diverse and inclusive workplace, and the benefits that come with it. This is a critically important and infinitely insightful episode that will show you how simple recruitment processes we all follow are leaving people out and businesses behind.
Special guest, Sabrina Maddock, CEO, Avanti Search, looks at the biases present in traditional recruitment systems and the significance of making workplaces more accommodating for diverse needs – especially people with a disability. Whilst Sabrina and her firm recruit for any office professional role in any industry, it’s their approach that is stand out.
Sabrina’s work emphasises the value of seeing beyond the CV, recognising the potential in each individual, and the benefits of a diverse workforce. She has been actively involved in government committees and panels, such as the City of Sydney’s Disability Inclusion Panel, advocating for inclusivity and continues to consult to the Australian Museum on the same topic.
Don’t be distracted by her colourful bio. She was a contestant on ‘The Apprentice’ with Mark Bouris. She authored a book that landed on a prime ministerial reading list. She’s even a former beauty queen! But the true beauty of Sabrina is her deeply human and super intelligent approach to finding the right talent without unconscious bias and therefore, without restriction. And the social and organisational benefit of that, is nothing short of outstanding.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Sabrina’s journey from beauty queen to recruitment star.
- Personal experiences with racism and bias in the recruitment process.
- The value of inclusive and diverse workplaces.
- Inclusive recruitment by design – things every business can do.
- The problem with leaders and how their own networks can create wrong “gut feels”.
- And more!