From Engineering to Empathy: Dr. Nicole Price's Journey in DEI Leadership

Nika White • July 30, 2024

In this week's Intentional Conversations Vodcast, Dr. Nika White spoke with Dr. Nicole Price, a dynamic leader who has remarkably transitioned from chemical engineering to DEI leadership. Her unique perspective and deep-rooted commitment to empathy have made her a powerful voice in the field.

 

Reflections on Juneteenth

Dr. Price began the conversation by reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth, inspired by a recent encounter with Dr. Opal Lee, the "grandmother of Juneteenth." Dr. Price shared how Dr. Lee's unwavering commitment to commemorating the end of slavery, even at 97 years old, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of systemic issues. She emphasized the importance of long-term perspective and sustained effort in addressing complex challenges like racial equity. Dr. Price highlighted the need to maintain hope and focus on creating a better future for all, even when faced with setbacks and discouragement.

 

Transitioning from Engineering to DEI Leadership

Dr. Price’s unique journey from chemical engineering to DEI leadership is rooted in her personal experiences and a keen observation of systemic challenges. Growing up in a large family, she learned firsthand the importance of navigating differences and collaboration. This early exposure to diversity, coupled with her later experiences as a minority woman in a male-dominated engineering field, ignited her passion for creating more inclusive environments. Dr. Price’s engineering background has equipped her with a problem-solving mindset, enabling her to approach DEI challenges with a structured and data-driven approach. She emphasizes the need for foundational knowledge and preparation before diving into complex DEI discussions, drawing a compelling analogy to the importance of prerequisites in education.

 

Discussion on Empathy and Inclusivity in the Workplace

Dr. Price challenged the common misconception that emotional empathy alone is sufficient for creating a just society. She argued that while emotional connection is essential, cognitive empathy—understanding another person's perspective without necessarily sharing feelings—is crucial for addressing systemic issues. Drawing on her engineering background, Dr. Price emphasized the importance of understanding the "system" to improve it. She introduced the concept of "tactical empathy," suggesting that a strategic approach to understanding different perspectives can be more effective than solely relying on emotional connection when working towards a more inclusive workplace.

 

Reimagining Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Dr. Price shared her journey and challenges in the DEI space, candidly admitting to feeling overwhelmed by the negative connotations associated with the acronym. She emphasized redefining DEI to focus on core principles like fairness, inclusivity, and valuing differences. Dr. Price highlighted the shift in societal attitudes towards DEI, from a post-racial society in 2016 to a heightened awareness following recent events. She underscored the systemic nature of inequality and the need for intentional efforts to dismantle it, advocating for a focus on individual differences rather than relying solely on the DEI acronym.

 

Inclusive Design and Liberatory Approach

Dr. Price also highlighted the often-overlooked power of administrative professionals. She emphasized that these individuals often have unique insights into organizational dynamics and can be powerful advocates for change. For example, she cited the recent opening of all-gender restrooms at the Kansas City International Airport. An administrative assistant's suggestion to consider the needs of parents with young children and elderly dependents expanded the conversation around inclusivity, demonstrating how a small but impactful contribution can lead to more inclusive design and policy. Dr. Price encouraged administrative professionals to use their voices and influence to create more equitable workplaces and communities.

 

Discussion on the Impact of Fiction on Empathy and Learning

Dr. Price also shared a surprising revelation about the power of fiction in building empathy. Despite a demanding career focused on nonfiction, she discovered the transformative impact of immersing herself in fictional narratives. Through books like Mad Honey, which delves into the experiences of a trans person, Dr. Price gained a profound understanding of the challenges marginalized communities face. This newfound empathy, cultivated through fiction, has significantly enhanced her ability to connect with and support her clients, highlighting the often-overlooked role of storytelling in fostering inclusivity and understanding.

 

Strategies for Addressing Shame and Discomfort

Dr. Price also delved into practical strategies for addressing the often uncomfortable emotions that arise in DEI discussions. She emphasized the importance of pre-work to help participants process their feelings before engaging in challenging conversations. Dr. Price shared an innovative approach to privilege discussions, suggesting participants watch a video demonstration of the exercise beforehand to mitigate potential shame and discomfort. By creating a safe space for exploration and learning, practitioners can facilitate more productive and impactful DEI training sessions.

 

Understanding Empathy and Its Types

Dr. Price delved deep into the complexities of empathy, offering a nuanced perspective that challenged traditional understandings. She introduced the concept of somatic empathy, emphasizing the physical and emotional connection we often share with others' experiences. Distinguishing between emotional, mental, and affective empathy, Dr. Price shed light on the challenges caretakers and frontline workers face. Moreover, she coined the term "radical empathy," highlighting the importance of extending compassion to those significantly different from us. Dr. Price provided a framework for understanding and cultivating this essential human quality by identifying five distinct types of empathy.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Price's journey is a testament to the power of personal experience and a commitment to creating a more equitable world. Her insights on empathy, inclusivity, and the importance of long-term vision offer valuable guidance for individuals and organizations seeking to build a more just and inclusive future.



Intentional Conversations is a weekly vodcast/podcast brought to you by Nika White Consulting that intersects dialogue of diversity, equity, and inclusion with leadership and business. Click here to register to attend the live sessions each Friday, 11 am to 12 noon EST. You may also search archives to view replays of past episodes, or you can listen to the Intentional Conversations Podcast on your favorite platform.


Read more from The Human Shift on Substack, where I share long-form essays on leadership, culture, and how we work and live.

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