This week, Carrie Fox sits down with Jonathan Howard, Associate Partner at Edgility Consulting, about the importance of building equitable hiring practices to create a truly inclusive workplace. "Our goal is to create the expectation and the conditions for collective responsibility for equity in our search process. So it's on us as facilitators of the process, but it's also on the committee and the organization."
Carrie and Jonathan dive into how to write thoughtful, inclusive job descriptions. They discuss removing coded language that may deter certain groups from applying. For example, describing the workplace as "competitive" and "fast-paced" can imply a male-dominated culture. Jonathan emphasizes carefully considering the words used in postings to make them as equitable as possible.
According to Jonathan, effective succession planning is crucial for identifying and developing a diverse pipeline of future leaders. He advises organizations to proactively assess internal candidates, nurture leadership potential, and fill skill gaps well in advance of transitions. "I would just really encourage folks to think about succession planning. If you're talking to me or if you're talking to Edgility about a key leadership role when the need is imminent, I would call it imminent, like you need somebody in the next six months or I could even argue a year, it's too late."
What’s clear is that building an equitable, inclusive workplace takes continuous, intentional effort across all talent management processes. But as Jonathan emphasizes, organizations genuinely committed to equity can achieve meaningful progress through thoughtful, disciplined hiring practices. His passion shines through as he shares hard-won best practices in equitable recruiting. Our thanks to Jonathan and Edgility Consulting for making this conversation a reality.
- (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward
- (02:12) - Introducing Jonathan Howard
- (13:48) - Coded Language
- (27:20) - SPONSOR: Edgility Consulting • https://edgilityconsulting.com
Today's show is brought to you by Edgility Consulting, your compass for building equitable organizations where all staff thrive. Their talent management experts empower you to break free from traditional hiring, compensation, and talent management norms that often perpetuate inequality and prevent you from hiring and retaining great staff.
Put your values to work, act on equity, visit
Edgility Consulting and talk to a consultant about upgrading your talent systems to attract and retain top talent and ensure equity at your organization today.
What is Mission Forward with Carrie Fox?
Mission Forward: An award-winning podcast for communicators on a mission.
Hosted by social impact expert and B Corp leader Carrie Fox, each episode of Mission Forward explores the power of communications. With just the right mix of practical and thought-provoking content, we take on the issues that matter to you, and that support your work as a communicator for change.
Together, we talk through topics that you’re likely experiencing right now: from how to tackle tough conversations; to how to best challenge stereotypes; to how we can build bridges across the issues that divide us. If you’re working to become a more inclusive and thoughtful communicator, there’s nothing holding you back—except you.
About Season 10
What does it mean to lead with purpose in a world that feels increasingly divided? How do we stay true to our values while navigating uncertainty? And what if the most pressing questions of our time have answers hidden in the wisdom of those already pushing for change?
Welcome to Mission Forward, where each week Carrie Fox brings you into conversation with the thinkers, builders, and changemakers reshaping the way we lead.
This season, we explore the deeper questions of leadership—the kind that don’t come with easy answers. We’ll challenge the idea that leadership is about what we achieve, rather than what we give. We’ll ask what tomorrow’s historians might say about the choices we make today. We’ll break down the dangers of working in silos and why collaboration is the key to progress. And we’ll examine why listening—truly listening—is one of the most powerful tools a leader can wield.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of responsibility as a leader, if you’ve ever wondered how to turn intention into impact—this is your show. Because leadership isn’t meant to be a solo act.
New episodes drop starting March 13. Subscribe now, and let’s move forward—together.
* About the Host (https://www.missionforward.us/about-carrie)
* Listen to Past Episodes (https://www.missionforward.us/episodes)