CCEU's: 1 Core Competencies; .5 Resource Development
Unconscious Bias: Introspection and Action
Monday, September 21, 2020
4:30pm-6:00pm
Each and every one of us is biased toward something, somebody, or some group. So, if we all have bias, what do we do about it? First, we recognize our biases (introspection) and then we decide what to do about them (action).
With recent events leading to a rise in awareness about racial injustice in America, the concept of unconscious bias is top of mind for many of us. It’s flipping the script on the paradigm that patterns of discriminatory behavior are conscious; that people who know better do the right thing, and those who don’t have bias. This leads to a “good person/bad person” paradigm: a belief that “good” people are not biased, but inclusive, and that “bad” people are the biased ones.
It’s simply not true…and it’s not simple. All humans have bias of one kind or another, and we actually need bias to survive. We go out in the world every day (well, we used to!) and make decisions about what is safe or unsafe, what is appropriate or inappropriate. These decisions are hard-wired into humans.
As coaches, being aware of what is below the surface first for ourselves and then for our clients will lead to greater insight and transformation. Creating awareness and action about unconscious bias and supporting client transformation is a critical first step for the hard work of dismantling systematic racism.
Join us for this CEC where we will discuss unconscious bias, reflect on our own biases, and discuss next steps.
Facilitators: Asila Calhoun and Debbie Laxer
Asila Calhoun, ACC, PHR, SHRM-CP
Leadership Coach & Principal
After many years of receiving feedback that she was a natural coach, Asila decided to pursue her Business Coaching Certification from NC State University.
Asila Calhoun’s business and executive coaching practice focuses on partnering with new leaders, emerging leaders, and leaders and executives who are ready for change. Asila facilitates this change during one-on-one coaching sessions with her clients and through her consulting services of delivering leadership training, team facilitation, and offering talent development assessments. Asila works with her clients to develop a customized approach for each client’s unique situation.
Asila has coached individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds, including leaders in information technology, marketing, finance, and contracts and proposal management. She has clients from several industries, including biotechnology/clinical research, healthcare, and law, as well as leaders working for non-profit organizations and business owners.
During Asila’s 25+ year career as a strategic HR business partner in the engineering, clinical research, software, and research industries, she successfully worked with senior leaders to enhance the skills, tools, and learning opportunities they need to successfully manage and support effective employee performance.
Asila earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Berkeley, and she holds PHR and SHRM-CP Human Resources certifications. She is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC).
Visit Asila's website at www.calhouncoaching.com
Debbie Laxer, MBA, SPHR, ACC
Laxer and Associates
Debbie Laxer, founder of Laxer and Associates has over 20 years of experience as a senior level coach and HR professional with firms such as The Body Shop, RDU Airport Authority, Dress for Success, Triangle Leadership, the City of Raleigh, and Genworth Financial and has partnered with many small businesses in the Triangle area in all matters of HR, strategic consulting and coaching. A graduate of Concordia university in Montreal, Canada, Debbie has an MBA and an SPHR designation.
Debbie is also a certified business coach and an International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach (ACC). Her coaching clients include leaders at all levels who are smart enough to know they want to be better. Debbie's supportive and straight forward style of coaching enables individuals to identify their inhibiting behaviors and hep them move past them to become their very best. Her consulting skills allow her to brainstorm with clients so that ideas and solutions can be quickly generated. Debbie uses assessment tools to help identify behavioral tendencies and skill gaps so that clients can then lean into making improvements that are felt throughout the organization.
On a personal front, Debbie hails from Montreal, Canada where she was a faculty member at concordia university for 12 years. Debbie is married and has 3 adult children who appreciate her both as a mom and as a coach. Debbie and her husband love to travel, hike and root for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Registration Fees:
ICF-Raleigh is pleased to offer this event at no cost, however, advance registration is required. Please note registration is limited to 20 participants. Register early to ensure your seat!
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