Abi Adamson: Breaking Down Barriers in the People Business

Abi Adamson: Breaking Down Barriers in the People Business

53:53 Jun 27, 2025
About this episode
#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Abi Adamson, founder of the Culture Partnership, shares her journey from a working-class background in London to becoming a leading voice in workplace culture and inclusion. Abby discusses her experiences with bias and elitism in hiring practices, the impact of name bias on job opportunities, and the importance of empathy in addressing workplace challenges. She emphasizes the need for organizational change and the role of psychological safety in fostering inclusive environments. Abi shares her experiences with classism and racism in the workplace, detailing her journey from working in corporate environments to starting her own business. She discusses the challenges women of color face in HR dynamics, the importance of psychological safety in organizations, and the need for an authentic company culture. The conversation also highlights positive changes in workplace culture and Abi's aspirations for the future, including her desire to engage in more speaking opportunities and share her insights on culture and inclusion.Takeaways Abby's background shaped her perspective on workplace culture.Experiences of bias can drive individuals to seek change.Name bias significantly affects job opportunities for people of color.Elitism in hiring practices limits diversity in organizations.Challenging the status quo requires strategic navigation.Organizational change often starts with small, incremental steps.Toxic work environments can be identified through early red flags.Empathy and awareness are crucial in addressing biases.Diversity in the workplace enhances creativity and innovation.Personal experiences can fuel professional passion and purpose. Classism can be as damaging as racism in the workplace.Starting a business was a response to negative experiences in corporate settings.Women of color often face unique challenges in HR dynamics.Psychological safety is crucial for employee well-being.Authenticity in company culture is essential for true inc
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