Stop Playing Diversity® with Dr. Monica Cox

Originally released 10/22/2021

Confrontation and accountability—two words that can make people uncomfortable, but they’re essential if you're serious about doing meaningful diversity work. In this episode, we explore why these concepts matter and how to use them with clarity and confidence. These aren't just buzzwords—they’re tools for transformation. Don’t be afraid to name harm, challenge systems, and hold others (and yourself) accountable. If you're ready to move beyond performative gestures, this episode will help you lead with courage and conviction.

Originally released 11/19/2021

This episode extends ideas of cognitive dissonance presented in Dr. Joy DeGruy’s book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. We’re focusing on what happens when there’s a gap between the diversity words people say and the diversity work they actually do. Whether you’re a leader, practitioner, or someone simply trying to hold your organization accountable, this conversation challenges you to reflect deeply. Alignment isn’t just about intentions—it’s about action. Tune in for a necessary push toward integrity, consistency, and real impact in your equity work.  

Originally released 12/03/2021

This word is overused and an excuse many organizations use to prevent diversity efforts from succeeding. Listen to this week's episode to determine if this word is overused in your environment too.

Originally published 2/7/2022

People often ask me how much “pain” they should endure when diversity efforts fall short in their organization. It’s a hard question with no one-size-fits-all answer, but it deserves serious reflection. In this episode, I’m offering guidance on assessing your personal tolerance level for diversity-related harm in the workplace. We’ll explore what it means to protect your peace, recognize red flags, and make informed choices about when to stay—and when it might be time to go. If you’ve ever felt stuck between a paycheck and your principles, this one’s for you.

Here's a throwback episode from 2021. Many of the principles still apply.

How do you keep showing up in a workplace that chips away at your confidence, peace, or purpose—but you need that job to survive? In this episode, we’re talking about the hard reality of working in harmful organizations. Whether you’re navigating microaggressions, toxic leadership, or a culture that consistently undermines your value, this episode offers practical tips to help you protect your mental and emotional well-being while you’re still on the job.

The workplace equity journey can be daunting and filled with challenges and setbacks. This episode is for those who sometimes feel discouraged in their DEI journey. Allow these words to help you keep pushing boundaries, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change.

What does it mean to oppress, and how can we dismantle oppressive systems? This episode unpacks the mechanisms that uphold unjust systems and explores practical strategies for dismantling them. Learn actionable tips for effecting slow and methodical change and becoming agents of transformation to work toward a more equitable future one step at a time.

In the realm of workplace dynamics, it's crucial to recognize that safety isn't universal. From hiring practices to promotion policies, many processes aren't designed with inclusivity in mind, leaving vulnerable communities at risk. This episode sheds light on the systemic flaws that endanger the well-being and advancement of marginalized voices.

This episode reminds listeners to remain vigilant about remaining safe at work. It also encourages leaders to operate with a spirit of integrity as they oversee the work experiences of those they supervise.

In a climate where the anti-DEI and anti-woke movements gain traction, it's crucial to examine the narratives we're fed. This episode invites you to filter through the noise of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to engage in critical thought and question prevailing DEI assumptions. Tune in to learn how to push against DEI lies and empower listeners to embrace independent thinking in a polarized world.

This episode reminds employees of their rights and their values at work. Allow these words to empower you amid workplace storms.

Black women are dying and suffering in higher education and across industries. Today's episode presents several strategies for Black women to remain safe in spaces where they aren't always centered as priorities.

Today's episode goes back to basics with ways to demonstrate equity at work. If you've never learned how to work in ways that protect others and demonstrate equity excellence and integrity, this episode is for you.

Today's episode aims to provide comfort, understanding, and support to those who have faced harm in their pursuit of equity, reminding them that healing is a deeply personal process without a set timeline.

Today's eye-opening episode offers advice about ways to avoid being a scapegoat in the realm of equity work. As you journey toward creating more inclusive and equitable environments, learn how to recognize the complexities and potential pitfalls that come with being an equity accomplice.

This episode defines what it means to be a wishy-washy leader and why it's dangerous in workplaces. Learn how to challenge the status quo in your decision-making and change inequitable policies and practices. If you want to be a courageous leader who steps out of your comfort zone, leads with conviction, and makes a lasting impact in your organization, this episode is for you.

This episode is a continuation of practical advice I offered about being more than a diversity, equity, and inclusion ally. Equity accompliceship involves doing the real work that moves people to professional safety and to places where they can thrive at work.

Today's episode addresses the topic of work grief. Although much is known about mourning the loss of a person, what's it like to grieve the potential of your professional dreams and opportunities? Let today's episode guide you on a reflection of the ups and downs of your job.

Today's episode exposes the tentacles of the patriarchy at work and its harmful impact on organizations. Learn how to push against silence to uplift others, create more inclusive futures, and be on the right side of history.

Sometimes good intentions aren't enough when you engage in DEI efforts. Today's episode offers examples of how DEI can be weaponizing and what it looks like to protect people against attacks that can harm one's career and reputation.

Never be so connected to your job that you can't separate your identity. Today's episode offers guidance about how to remain whole and bold beyond the duration of your employment.

Humanity is the core of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. Today's episode reminds you about how understanding and sharing stories move diversity, equity, and inclusion forward.

Professionalism is a social construct that often penalizes people who don't fit a mold. Today's episode offers examples of ways that professionalism is weaponized in oppressive systems and spaces and presents tips to open our minds about differences in the workplace.

Today's episode delves into a fear that many marginalized people have about sharing their thoughts and views on social media. While it may not be the workplace, virtual spaces can be just as unforgiving as brick-and-mortar environments when it comes to penalizing those who express their opinions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the often-choppy waters of expressing oneself virtually in today's world.

This episode talks about the importance of being honest and upfront in organizations to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. We need to call out organizations' DEI limitations and have candid conversations about the harm they cause. While it can be uncomfortable, we need to learn how to take feedback without getting defensive. Truthtelling is essential to make real change happen and to create a culture that values authentic diversity and inclusivity.

Many organizations say they have advanced their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts when marginalized people sit at the proverbial table. Even if someone has a seat and a voice at that table, actions are required to enact real DEI change. Learn what that means in today's episode. 

When an organization doesn't respond to DEI as you expect, believe that organization. Be literal as you notice the policies and how people move. Here's to trusting your DEI instincts as you grow in this work. 

Today's episode offers strategies to stay focused as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is being politicized. No anti-DEI law can squash and delay this work.  Listen to these encouraging words as you move on a path that ensures all environments are equitable and safe. 

As diversity, equity, and inclusion wars intensify across the U.S. and world, marginalized people have the option to remain silent or call oppression out. Today's episode shares thoughts about having the option to extend grace toward people who oppress others. 

Today's episode offers practical lessons about inclusion and what it looks like in the workplace. Pick up your notebook and learn how to remove the fear of bringing everyone and their perspective to an organization's table. 

Today's episode is an in-your-face lesson about how silence is destroying organizations and the people in it. Learn the consequences of silence and why you can't move forward if you refuse to speak up against injustices and oppression at work. 

Today I'm sharing a practice that moves people toward authentic diversity efforts. Directness is a key feature in reducing misunderstandings and ensuring that the workplace is healthy for everyone. 

Trust is expected when you work in an organization. There are times, however, when employees must rely on their instincts despite what people in the organization might say or do. Learn how employees and employers should work to foster trust at work. 

This is my real story of harassment and how it impacted me. I'm pushing my listeners to use the tools available to them when bad things happen in the workplace. It's not enough to take diversity training. When bad things happen, put your training in place to protect yourself and those around you. 

Today's episode offers solid suggestions for moving beyond performative diversity. Like football, you have to get in the game once you've trained. It's time to execute what you know so you can get DEI work done. 

Today's episode pushes against systems and offers Stop Playing Diversity reminders that will make any environment better. 

Once you say you're a DEI advocate, it's important to own your DEI brand. That means walking the walk that you talk. Today's episode presents a reflection on what this looks like as you grow in the DEI space. 

Doing diversity, equity, and inclusion work is more than having good intentions. Sometimes you need someone in your corner promoting and protecting you as you take hits that will come your way. Learn the power of these two P's as you move beyond hopes and wishes for effective DEI outcomes. 

Anyone who does DEI work is going to experience resistance. Today's episode helps you reflect on ways to move beyond the DEI pushback so you can fulfill your purpose without fear and with no regrets. 

Seven years after Dr. Cox entered her organization, she shared her workplace trauma story. This episode reveals the power of owning and sharing your story and the healing that comes with that storytelling.

Sometimes diversity is more than how we traditionally define it. This includes caregiving and working in a pandemic. Today's episode highlights ways diversity isn't so straightforward but is still needed. It's time to think out of the box. 

It's hiring season and time for organizations to recruit candidates who will bring diversity to the workplace. Dr.  Cox offers a quick reflection about signs that you might be a token hire for an organization.

Lessons of Dr. Monica's childhood are front and center in today's episode. She encourages listeners to return to their core as they reflect on how they want and need to be treated in the workplace. 

Many people know about the patriarchy and its impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in organizations. Today's episode discusses the toxic "Daddy Complex," which is prevalent in organizations and hinders true DEI efforts.