Bree Gorman Consulting in Geelong, Victoria | Business consultant

Bree Gorman Consulting

Locality: Geelong, Victoria

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24.01.2022 These are a collection of beautiful stories that show who really lives in Melbourne's public housing. Please take the time to read to put faces to the people that are experiencing this pandemic in a different way to most of us. https://www.brihammond.com/isolation-stories-public-housing

24.01.2022 Craig Foster is an incredible Australian proactively advocating for change for refugees. You may not have his profile to make the type of change that he is making but..... you can support people like him and that matters. Read this: https://www.theroar.com.au//game-over-why-craig-fosters-r/ And throw your support behind the #gameover campaign and the people who have done nothing more than seek freedom and safety. I know I would do the same in their shoes if I had their courage.

24.01.2022 Spot the error? I would not be reading this article to get idea about Inclusive behaviours, in fact maybe it will be a good "how not to be inclusive"? It seems everyone wants to write about inclusion - but inclusion is not just about white women getting a seat at a table with white men. This imagery is awful.

23.01.2022 This is not surprising but still disappointing. If you are a man in a club that has recently started a women’s sode just remember that those women have just as much right to the facilities, coaches, training time etc even if they aren’t playing at the same level - yet!

23.01.2022 Now for some fun. If you have met Ramon, you remember him. When I first recruited Ramon into my team at Deakin he literally walked into the office and set the team on fire - in a really good way. Ramon has charisma, entertainment factor and I learnt over time he also has an incredible approach to Diversity and Inclusion work. This guy knows how to get stuff done! I learnt so much in my time working with Ramon and his approach to Diversity and Inclusion and we are both incredibly proud of the work we produced together. One of these pieces of work is the introduction of Gender Affirmation leave for staff undergoing an affirmation/transition in the workplace. We will talk about that and much more. See you Tuesday at noon on linkedin live or head to LinkedOUT here on facebook!

23.01.2022 Do you know someone or are someone who could easily get misread as a dinosaur (male, pale and stale)? I was speaking recently to a friend who has been made redundant. He is approaching 60. "Who will employ a senior man in this climate?" he said. It got me thinking. What is it that could make a senior man more employable. And of course - you guessed it - my answer is my Inclusive Leadership course. No hang on - stay with me here. Senior men looking for employment n...eed to be able to overcome the bias that they are old, pale and stale. Taking time to educate themselves about inclusive leadership and being able to speak to and demonstrate their ability to be inclusive leaders at interviews could give them the edge they need when competing against younger, more "woke" applicants. I know what you are thinking - Bree are you seriously spending time wondering about how senior white men get employment? And the answer is yes - particularly those who could make a difference by bringing with them an Inclusive Leadership lens to their next employer. So if you are in this category or know someone who is. Think outside the box when it comes to giving you an edge in the talent market. We know ~ 80% millennials would prefer to work and spend money at companies that are inclusive. So what are you waiting for: https://bit.ly/3inZ8C2

22.01.2022 Let's talk about professional dress. I recently heard someone say that leadership didn't appeal to them because of the implied (and somewhat prescriptive) dress code for leaders. I have read many articles like the attached one lately and as a queer person who doesn't feel at home in a men's or women's business suit I constantly grapple with this concept. People are more likely to accept me, listen to me and respect what I have to say if I dress professional. But guess what?... My words don't change! My experience hasn't changed. But my comfort level and authenticity has. "The problem isnt that we want to look good. Its that when we want to look our best at work, sometimes we cant look like ourselves." I have always hated getting "dressed up", partly due to gendered expectations but also due to some sensory issues. I absolutely perform my best in a hoodie and some sneakers . Dress codes are fraught with exclusion - people who have financial struggles, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, queer people and people with disability all at times struggle against traditional business attire. So casual day everyday? Seriously why not? I think this is a barrier we can smash.

22.01.2022 What does it mean to get a fair go?

22.01.2022 Finn Duff is a young queer person. Im going to ask Finn what its like being a young queer person in 2020 and what motivates them to volunteer to help other young queer people.

21.01.2022 And that's a wrap - we have launched! Please get in contact if you want us to come into your workplace or if you are interested in completing our online traini...ng. Our workshop is a 1.5 hr- 2hr session where we share stories, ask you to share yours and work on creating actions to develop inclusion. It is accompanied by an online training course that delivers all the valuable nuggets about how you create inclusion in your workplace. Don't be shy, if you don't think you can convince your boss to get us in - we are pretty persuasive, pass them onto us!

21.01.2022 I was looking to engage a firm today to help me with an aspect of my business. I did the research on their approach, their testimonials, compared their prices to other firms and then decided to look at the make up of their team. It was a small business with 8 white men and 2 young white women (these two made up their administration team). Now clearly I have to walk the talk and this is a clear no from me. I'll keep looking, but I'm curious how many of you would still engag...e this firm? I did look for other signs of inclusion, some firms have made the commitment to inclusion but it hasn't yet been reflected in their staffing profile. Nope, not only were there no signs of inclusion but there were a couple of signs to suggest otherwise. But it pulls you doesn't it? You want that service, you like the price, you don't have the time to shop around, what difference will my one choice really make? a) that service can likely be provided just as well, if not better, by a firm that prioritises diversity and therefore has diversity of thought driving its products and service offerings. We saw the impact of heterogeneity in the Global Financial Crisis! b) Diversity shouldn't cost more but we also know the cheapest price ain't always the best option. c) You were born with privilege, its your responsibility to shop around. d) Once you send a message to let that firm know the reasons you have not chosen them then your choice can have an impact on how they prioritise inclusion going forward. It could be the deciding factor in their next recruitment decision.

20.01.2022 Bree interviews Jo Bangles, inclusion ambassador and LGBTIQA+ celebrity on what inclusion looks like, what it is like being queer in Regional Australia and how we can make it better.

20.01.2022 Lets talk about professional dress. I recently heard someone say that leadership didnt appeal to them because of the implied (and somewhat prescriptive) dress code for leaders. I have read many articles like the attached one lately and as a queer person who doesnt feel at home in a mens or womens business suit I constantly grapple with this concept. People are more likely to accept me, listen to me and respect what I have to say if I dress professional. But guess what?... My words dont change! My experience hasnt changed. But my comfort level and authenticity has. "The problem isnt that we want to look good. Its that when we want to look our best at work, sometimes we cant look like ourselves." I have always hated getting "dressed up", partly due to gendered expectations but also due to some sensory issues. I absolutely perform my best in a hoodie and some sneakers . Dress codes are fraught with exclusion - people who have financial struggles, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, queer people and people with disability all at times struggle against traditional business attire. So casual day everyday? Seriously why not? I think this is a barrier we can smash.

18.01.2022 Going live soon with Ramon Martinez Mendoza - jump over to LinkedOUT here on facebook or LinkedIn!

17.01.2022 Do you still listen to Michael Jackson? I grew up listening and loving his music, I went to his concert at the MCG when I was a teenager. I idolised him. But now? I'm conflicted, listening to his music doesn't benefit him anymore - he's dead right? So then comes the JK Rowling debacle. This woman has stepped over the line now. She is what people call a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) basically they believe that trans people don't exist. And now she has writ...ten a book with a transphobic plot line. So in response there have been some wonderful initiatives like people promoting trans artists and authors. And many have cleared their bookshelves of the Harry Potter series. So what do you do? I'm halfway through the series with my son. I won't buy another one, we recently got the Harry Potter edition of scrabble - but that will be the last bit of paraphernalia. I won't give her any more of my money. She is using her public platform to incite hate. This directly impacts the mental health and self harm rates of trans people of all ages. Trans people do exist and they should be valued and respected. And people like JK Rowling should take responsibility to not cause harm with their writing.

17.01.2022 Catch Jo Bangles and I as we launch LinkedOUT in the Geelong Small Business Festival #gsbf2020 There is a long history of regional LGBTIQA+ people leaving regional cities as soon as they can - escaping discrimination and seeking community and inclusion. Its time we proactively work to create inclusion in regional Australia so that queer people can make decisions regarding work and home based on the same things other Australians do - not based on whether they are welcome o...r not. All workplaces, sporting clubs, schools and community services should be places of inclusion and belonging for all Australians. So help us to deliver this message and empower organisations to be inclusive by being a part of the launch event and spreading the word!

17.01.2022 Join me as I discuss Gender Stereotypes with Michael Ray, author, speaker, blogger and advocate for equality and change.

16.01.2022 This made my blood boil. I truly believe I have seen more TV shows that depict woman as the lying, thieving party just out for promotion, money or revenge. The reality is that this is rarely the case. This episode again played that line and missed an opportunity to help dispel myths. In fact it reinforces stereotypes which could have an effect on the continued distrust of women who are assaulted in the workplace. This article articulates it nicely.

16.01.2022 Ok running sheet done, shirt ironed, ready to launch - is that all we need Jo Bangles? If you havent registered yet cmon, weve got some stories to share!

16.01.2022 "Inclusion is not a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our societies: it is about transforming those systems and structures to make it better for everyone. Inclusion is about making a better world for everyone" - Diane Richler, Past President, Inclusion International I would take this quote and replace the words "transforming those" with "creating". Inclusion starts with design, whether you are designing a physical space or a process o...r a program - you must design for everyone. Get it right from the beginning so we don't have to fit square pegs into round holes down the track. Designers have so much power when it comes to inclusion so let's make sure they know how to put on an inclusive lens when getting to work. Come and hear @AinsleeHooperConsulting and I talk this very issue - for free as part of Geelong Design Week. Enrol by clicking the link below.

15.01.2022 I often talk about the need for visible diversity in workplaces, particularly when it comes to marketing material and leadership. But what are the messages our kids are receiving at school? I know this year put a stop to the use of readers for my kids but the books that used to come home were overwhelmingly white, straight and outdated. As a teacher when you are selecting texts to read with the kids, resources to buy, videos to use in the classroom (in person or remote le...arning) do you consider how balanced these resources are from a race perspective? Or are your kids (diverse or not) constantly being bombarded with white hero's, white lead characters, stories etc.. Exposure to diversity is so important to create inclusive leaders from toddlers up to adults. And not only that but it's important for the kids who are culturally diverse to be able to see themselves, their cultures and their families represented in the resources that are being used. Here is an audit tool that Navanita Bhattacharya, a Diversity and Inclusion Senior Adviser, developed for educators to tackle this specific issue. Use it, share it (with acknowledgement of course) and let's create better representation in our school systems (and our homes).

15.01.2022 People often ask me why I use Bisexual and not Pansexual. For those who don't know, Pansexual is a term used to describe people who are attracted to people of all genders. And yes that is me. But Bisexual is also used in that fashion. Most, but not all, Bisexuals follow the definition shown in the image. That's what resonates for me and I happily use either term. I think the labels we use to describe our sexuality and gender need to be flexible as this space is constantly evolving. The key though is to remember that it is not your job to question someone's sexuality or gender identity, it's your job to respect that they know what fits for them. And ultimately what's really important is that we all get to live our lives as our authentic selves - whatever label we use.

15.01.2022 Workplace Inclusion. This is a strong message but a good one. No one says you cant hold your own beliefs about something. But you know what? Keep them to yourself. Someones identity as a trans person does not in anyway threaten you or your existence. If you dont agree, leave them be! Dont incite hate or discrimination. There is a group of people called TERFs, trans exclusionary radical feminists. There views are held by JK Rowling and that was what that whole debacle wi...th her was about. Be a feminist by all means, I am one. But being a feminist to me means recognising and valuing equality for everyone, and that definitely includes trans people. And for those that are concerned or confused, trans people are real - its not made up, science has proven the existence of trans people. But even if it hadnt who cares. People are people and deserve to have their knowledge of themselves respected regardless of their gender or sex or sexuality.

14.01.2022 Finn Duff is a young queer person who volunteers with Minus18. I'm going to ask Finn what it's like being a young queer person in 2020 and what motivates them to volunteer to help other young queer people.

14.01.2022 Join me as I talk to Christina Ryan about how we increase the number of people with disability who hold Leadership roles in our organisations.

14.01.2022 Amazing event last night and so excited to be a part of it. LGBTQ inclusion in sport is so important and benefits everyone. What do we need to change? More awareness, more action and more visible champions!

13.01.2022 Have you booked yet? Going to be fun and educational - what more could you ask for?

13.01.2022 Ramon makes me laugh so hard and yet also has such important stories to tell and is so good at what he does. Check it out if you missed it live: https://bit.ly/2HgRk7D

13.01.2022 So enjoying these conversations and the positive change we are making. Contact us today to chat or to book your session!

12.01.2022 I usually describe this as intent vs impact. But Charles M. Blow has articulated this in a much more graceful way. However you say it, getting defensive when confronted with your own privilege is never ok. Finding empathy when you do not know what it is like to be in someone else's shoes is hard. Often the only way to find the empathy and understanding is by listening and accepting the truth from the person who owns the shoes. So if someone tells you that they feel excluded, that they are faced with barriers, that perhaps you have contributed to that. Don't tell them what they should be thinking or feeling, listen, validate and ask then how you can do better.

12.01.2022 Happy Wear it Purple day! Check out my thoughts and support our youth to feel safe and supported celebrated! https://youtu.be/iNYY-lnKxeA

12.01.2022 This Thursday I am part of a great line up of presenters discussing our business journey's through the pandemic. I'm going to talk about the process of building an online course. I know many people have been contemplating taking this path, I can't say I am an expert at all but I have learnt some things along the way that may help someone else! So check out the rest of the presenter's and if you want to come along register at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/adapting-to-chan...ge-tickets- #gsbf Eco Dev Geelong @jon pendlebury

12.01.2022 Join Bree as she chats to Rebecca Hunt, Diversity and Inclusivity Program Manager at Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation about being queer and Aboriginal.

12.01.2022 What strategies do you have in place to recruit refugees? Many overlook refugees when designing their Diversity and Inclusion strategy. Highly skilled migrants can be a diversity of thought, skills and experience to any workplace yet in Australia barriers exist to their employment. Join us as we talk refugee employment.

11.01.2022 These are a collection of beautiful stories that show who really lives in Melbournes public housing. Please take the time to read to put faces to the people that are experiencing this pandemic in a different way to most of us. https://www.brihammond.com/isolation-stories-public-housing

11.01.2022 OK I've written a new blog post for Small and Medium businesses thinking perhaps they should do something about this Diversity and Inclusion thing. Share with the business owners you know, they might pick up an easy tip or two!

11.01.2022 Have trouble keeping your cool when experiencing backlash or just endless barriers to your Diversity and Inclusion work? Check out my approach in my latest blog article. #gender #diversityandinclusion #inclusion #inclusiveleadership https://bit.ly/3iNwDOQ

10.01.2022 Important read to reflect on ableism. The statistics surrounding discrimination on the basis of disability are horrific and yet totally underestimating the issue. Thanks for highlighting this article for me Ainslee Hooper Consulting.

10.01.2022 And thats a wrap - we have launched! Please get in contact if you want us to come into your workplace or if you are interested in completing our online traini...ng. Our workshop is a 1.5 hr- 2hr session where we share stories, ask you to share yours and work on creating actions to develop inclusion. It is accompanied by an online training course that delivers all the valuable nuggets about how you create inclusion in your workplace. Dont be shy, if you dont think you can convince your boss to get us in - we are pretty persuasive, pass them onto us!

10.01.2022 This was worth the wait. Finn Duff is a 19 year old trans man and he has a lot to say about inclusion, importance of community and what he wants to see happen for LGBTIQA+ youth. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/ZSjjnj3pSCo

10.01.2022 This looks great, thanks for the share Ruby Susan. Misty is amazing! https://facebook.com/events/s/bye-bye-binaries-binary-bustin/612129946117429/?ti=icl

10.01.2022 nrolments are open again and I have an earlybird discount for you! But get in quick because it ends on the 17th February. Use Insiders25 at the checkout. The current participants have been providing feedback here's what they said: Who should do this course? ... "EVERYONE!!!" Why should people enrol in this course? "As I was going through the course, I thought I understood a lot about diversity and inclusion but have realised my ignorance with so much, such a great learning environment." "Networking, information sharing, ability to ask questions in a safe environment" So jump onto the website and enrol now! www.breegorman.com.au/elearning

09.01.2022 Calling all small and medium business owners. Have you stopped to think about the messages you are sending in your digital marketing around inclusion? Is there a big piece of the market you are missing out on because you haven't considered inclusion? Are you reinforcing stereotypes with your imagery and content? Then as the saying goes - this is for you! I love doing these for businesses because sometimes it's the easy fixes that can make a huge impact. Click the link and book in your audit today.

07.01.2022 Have you signed up to my mailing list yet and got your free guide? It's for anyone looking to engage their Senior Executives with Diversity and Inclusion. Visit https://bit.ly/3nl0WhA to sign up now!

07.01.2022 OK Victorians, things just got rough again. And many of you are now back at home, some working, some not. So if you are at home and have extra time on your hands why not do something positive with your time? My Inclusive Leadership course teaches you the skills and the mindset required to truly be inclusive of your co-workers, family, friends and team members. It allows you to connect with other individuals who are seeking to be more inclusive, to create positive change. T...he live sessions have been the most popular part of the course by far. In these sessions we have been sharing stories, analysing case studies and helping each other enact change or work through challenging and difficult situations. The participants have enjoyed this so much that we had an extra live session! So whether you have an interest in inclusion, know you can do more for those less privileged than yourself, manage a team, volunteer at a sporting club or aspire to work in the Diversity and Inclusion space - this course is for you! If we educate ourselves then we can do better, be better allies and create better change. For more information visit: www.breegorman.com.au/elearning

06.01.2022 Ash Beckham nails it in this video. Stop using "its so gay" unless you are talking about happiness or people who are gay!!

05.01.2022 This Thursday I am part of a great line up of presenters discussing our business journeys through the pandemic. Im going to talk about the process of building an online course. I know many people have been contemplating taking this path, I cant say I am an expert at all but I have learnt some things along the way that may help someone else! So check out the rest of the presenters and if you want to come along register at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/adapting-to-chan...ge-tickets- #gsbf Eco Dev Geelong @jon pendlebury

04.01.2022 Finn Duff is a young queer person who volunteers with Minus18. Im going to ask Finn what its like being a young queer person in 2020 and what motivates them to volunteer to help other young queer people.

04.01.2022 In this video you get birds, beautiful scenery and even me with water spilt down my front. What more could you want? Oh maybe a discussion about the lack of diversity in local webinars!!

03.01.2022 Finn Duff is a young queer person. I'm going to ask Finn what it's like being a young queer person in 2020 and what motivates them to volunteer to help other young queer people.

02.01.2022 Ok this is exciting! Jo Bangles and I decided it was time there was an LGBTIQA+ inclusion program that was for regional people delivered by regional people. We also believe in the power of stories and lived experience to help allies understand what they can do to create inclusion and belonging for people who identify as LGBTIQA+ So we built it! LinkedOUT has two elements, a live zoom workshop centred around story telling and interactive case studies and an online training... program to cover off all the basics. If you are in a regional organisation and it's time you stepped up to create inclusion for your employees, members, clients, customers, etc... then reach out to us! For more information and enquiries visit www.breegorman.com.au/linkedout Jo and I are hosting a taster for the Geelong Small Business Festival on September 7th at 11am. So bring your friends, colleagues, family, clients along and let's have a conversation about LGBTIQA+ inclusion that goes beyond rainbow flags (although they are still cool too ). Register through the eventbrite link in the event, places are limited. https://www.facebook.com/events/987230235083626/ Eco Dev Geelong #gsbf2020

01.01.2022 Let me know your thoughts, whats on your bookshelf?

01.01.2022 People often ask me why I use Bisexual and not Pansexual. For those who dont know, Pansexual is a term used to describe people who are attracted to people of all genders. And yes that is me. But Bisexual is also used in that fashion. Most, but not all, Bisexuals follow the definition shown in the image. Thats what resonates for me and I happily use either term. I think the labels we use to describe our sexuality and gender need to be flexible as this space is constantly evolving. The key though is to remember that it is not your job to question someones sexuality or gender identity, its your job to respect that they know what fits for them. And ultimately whats really important is that we all get to live our lives as our authentic selves - whatever label we use.