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David G. Smith: Creating Inclusive Workplaces Together
Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that explores the stories of life and leadership from extraordinary women – and men – who are making a difference and creating a better world. Each episode features powerful conversations filled with personal stories, insights, and actionable advice to inspire you to lead, learn, and make a difference.
Show Notes:
Dr. Nancy sits down with David G. Smith, PhD, a sociologist, author, and leading expert on the benefits male allies bring to women in the workplace. Sharing his unique journey from Navy pilot alongside his wife to be to passionate advocate for male allyship and gender equity in the workplace. It was through her experiences, especially surrounding a lack of mentor and resources that transformed the way he saw gender in the workplace He discusses how his personal experiences versus hers shaped his work and led to his acclaimed books, “Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women” and “Good Guys: How Women Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace,” both of which he co-authored with W. Brad Johnson, PhD.
Dr. Smith explains the concept of systemic allyship and why it’s a leadership issue that benefits everyone. He offers practical, actionable steps for men who want to become better allies, mentors, and sponsors for women. This conversation explores how to move beyond good intentions to create real, measurable change, fostering inclusive workplaces where collaboration thrives, and everyone can reach their full potential.
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About David G. Smith, PhD:
David G. Smith, PhD, is an author, professor, and social scientist focused on gender, work, and inclusive leadership. As Co-Director of the Gender & Work Initiative at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, he leverages his research to create more equitable workplaces.
A former Navy combat pilot with over 30 years of leadership experience, Dr. Smith now dedicates his work to advancing allyship. He is the acclaimed co-author of “Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace” and “Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women.” His research and advocacy provide actionable strategies for leaders committed to fostering true meritocracies.
Timestamp:
[00:02:38] A Sociologist’s Journey from the Navy
Dr. Smith’s experience as a Navy pilot compared to his wife’s path in the military sparked his interest in gender dynamics as a systemic issue in the military and other workplaces.
[00:05:18] From Personal Experience to Systemic Issues
Dr. Smith’s front-row seat to gender integration in the military and realizing that policy alone wasn’t enough without addressing interpersonal relationships.
[00:07:20] The Problem with Women-Only Programs
Women’s leadership programs can unintentionally signal to men that they have no role in gender equity, leading to his research on how to engage men.
[00:08:13] The Evolution of Allyship and the #MeToo Movement
The progression of Dr. Smith’s work, from mentoring in Athena Rising to broader behaviors and showing up as an ally in Good Guys, and finally to systemic change in his upcoming book, Fair Share.
[00:10:51] Men Want to Help, But Don’t Know How
Discussion of the common sentiment from men who want to be allies but lack the knowledge or tools to do so effectively.
[00:13:43] Finding Your “Why” for Allyship
The first step for aspiring allies is to understand their personal motivation, whether it’s fairness to someone they care about, like Dr. Smith with his wife, or something else.
[00:17:24] Allyship as a Leadership Brand
Another “Why” could be how being an inclusive leader who values diverse contributions becomes a core part of a modern leader’s identity.
[00:18:27] The Business Case for Equity
Research shows a causal link between having women in top leadership and better organizational performance and profitability, which can be tied to your “Why.”
[00:21:11] Healthy vs. Hyper-Masculine Competition
As a sociologist, Dr. Smith distinguishes between healthy team competition and toxic, hyper-masculine “bro cultures” that undermine team success.
[00:24:10] How Men Can Learn to Be Better Allies
Dr. Smith suggests men start with self-education to develop gender or cultural awareness by reading or listening to podcasts, then engage in humble, curious conversations with trusted women colleagues.
[00:25:03] Everyone Needs to Ask for Help
Dr. Nancy highlights that both men and women struggle with vulnerability and asking for help, a key component of building alliances.
[00:27:00] The Simple Power of “How Can I Help?”
The conversation concludes that being an ally boils down to the simple acts of offering and asking for support and being allies for each other.
[00:27:32] Learn More About Workplace Allies
Dr. Smith shares his website, workplaceallies.com, as a resource for his work and information on his book, Good Guys, and his new book, to be released in June, Fair Share.