The Human Side of Unconscious Bias
Monday, January 27, 2025, 13:00 - 14:00 ET
Are issues like these causing stress, conflict and confusion in the workplace?
- Emily is 30 years old. This role involves a lot of travel — should she promoted? What if she decides to have children?
- Manuel has such a strong accent that I’m just not sure if he’s a good cultural fit for our organization.
- As an ambitious white male, I am the minority these days! I can’t check any of the boxes. Will I be passed over for this promotion yet again? I’m ready to quit.
- Should Morton really lead the charge of the IT department? He just seems ancient to me.
First impressions, positive or negative, are made in seven seconds or less. We all make quick assessments of others without even realizing it. We are not born with bias. Biases are formed by past situations, experiences, background and culture. Unconscious biases typically exist towards gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability (both physical and mental) and weight. Most of us will say “I see people for who they are” but do we? Unconscious biases affect and impact decision making both professionally and personally with real impact. Recognizing, managing and mitigating unconscious bias promotes diversity and inclusion; diversity and inclusion drives innovation, increases productivity and stimulates creativity while promoting a healthy, happy and engaging workplace culture.
Speaker
Tina Varughese
Cross-Cultural Communication and Diversity Expert
Tina Varughese
Cross-Cultural Communication and Diversity Expert
An Indo-Canadian daughter of first-generation parents, Varughese says her cultural background allows her to find “the best of both worlds” and shed light, knowledge, and, most importantly, universal humour into the changing workplace. Her highly entertaining, interactive and practical keynotes leave attendees inspired to think, behave, act and communicate with intention.
For 15 years, Varughese worked with immigrants in her roles with the Province of Alberta’s immigration office. She also ran her own successful relocation and settlement firm. Varughese draws from her experiences as an entrepreneur, mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend when delivering keynotes on diversity and inclusion — topics that resonate with her both professionally and personally.
Varughese has been named one of “Canada’s Top 10 Notable Speakers” by Ignite Magazine for her ability to break down barriers and create a comfortable, inclusive and fun space for attendees. She was the face of diversity, literally, having been chosen to participate in Dove’s campaign for Real Beauty, representing beauty in diversity.
The past-president of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (Calgary), Varughese is a contributing writer for the Human Resource Institute of Alberta’s Network magazine, Calgary Real Estate News and Home to Home magazine. She was also profiled in Alberta’s Venture Magazine.