What does it mean to have and be an ally? Gerhana Waty and Craig Czarny join Debjani Sarkar and Lameesa Yousuf On the Verandah for compelling conversation about allyship.
Get started by reading the session description below and watching the trailer – Gerhana recalls Craig encouraging her to speak up and own her work as a young professional.
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One hour of formal CPD on completion of the CPD questions.
See here for the Learning Objectives for the series.
Allyship
What is an ally and how can allies make a difference to individual careers? How can allyship be acquired, utilised and harnessed to counteract unconscious biases in practice and improve equity for all? This session of On the Verandah takes a close look at the value and power of allyship, with Gerhana Waty and Craig Czarny.
Why do allies matter? Allyship is an important tool for addressing bias and inequity. The data on cultural and gender pay gaps reveals significant inequity within the profession. This data indicates that people from Asia, proportionally experience more barriers rising to senior levels of the profession, and that this impacts women most strongly. These findings, while not shocking, reflect a systemic issue in the way labour is valued within practice and beyond. They point to unacceptable biases within the profession that need to be dismantled – and allyship is one tool for doing this.
Watch this fantastic discussion that beautifully demonstrates the benefits of allyship to individuals and to practices. Craig reflected on hiring Gerhana 13 years ago, and described the evolution from mentorship and allyship to sponsorship and friendship. He explained that cultivating diverse leadership in practice was simple common sense, with a flat structure and open-plan office at Hansen Partnership nurturing cultural and knowledge exchange.
The conversation moved from two-way learning and growth to succession planning, the art of delegation, and the power in turning vulnerabilities into strengths. Gerhana advised everyone to grab opportunities when they come your way but also be aware that you don’t have to do things alone. Working collaboratively and allowing others to step in, learn and take on challenges is a joy. Gerhana emphasises that allyship is a two-way street, and it’s important to acknowledge assistance and generosity given. She expressed gratitude for leadership that opened up career opportunities and spoke of the need to reciprocate such generosity to others coming up in the profession.
