Abi Adamson: Breaking Down Barriers in the People Business
My guest on #thePOZCAST is Abi Adamson, a bold voice reshaping the way we think about workplace culture. She is the Founder of The Culture Partnership, a consultancy at the forefront of inclusion, belonging, and organizational transformation. Recognized by The New York Times as one of the “Stars of LinkedIn,” Abi has become a trusted advisor to global brands like Spotify, Sony Music, and British Airways—helping them build cultures where people don’t just fit in, but truly belong. With a sharp focus on psychological safety and inclusive leadership, Abi equips leaders with the tools to navigate the tough conversations that matter most. She regularly contributes to top publications like The Metro, People Management, and HR Zone, known for turning big ideas into actionable strategies. Whether she’s guiding executives or sparking change through storytelling, Abi brings heart, honesty, and impact to every room she enters. Learn More: https://www.theculturepartnership.com/ Connect with Abi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abiadamson/
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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 inclusion.
- Positive changes in workplace culture are happening, but more is needed.
- Organizations must be open and honest about their cultural challenges.
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives should be genuine, not performative.
- Career advice: The magic is within you, and you are the MVP.
- If there's no seat at the table, build your own table.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Abby Adamson and Her Work
03:08 Abby's Journey into the People Business
05:59 Experiences of Bias in the Workplace
08:59 The Impact of Name Bias on Job Opportunities
11:57 Challenging Elitism in Hiring Practices
14:58 Navigating Organizational Change
17:48 Experiences in a Toxic Work Environment
24:53 Confronting Classism and Racism in the Workplace
25:56 The Decision to Start a Business
29:57 Experiences with HR and Workplace Dynamics
34:04 Creating Psychological Safety in Organizations
37:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Company Culture
44:00 Positive Changes in Workplace Culture
49:02 Future Aspirations and Career Advice
