Ep309: White Supremacy Culture from a White Man’s Perspective, with Jeff Akin

Changing Lenses: Diversify Your Perspectives

If you were emotionally OK enough with the episode title to click on the link, thanks for making it this far! I’m only partly kidding. The words “white supremacy culture” are definitely triggering, and not just for white people. What that phrase even means is hard to explain.

So when fellow podcaster and white American male Jeff Akin told me he was (gently) raising awareness about white supremacy culture (“WSC”) at his workplace – and he works for the government – and he’s a high-level executive – I was super curious to know how he felt about WSC.

Besides being an executive leader, Jeff also teaches about leadership in his podcast, The Starfleet Leadership Academy. I admit, I had preconceived notions about what yet another white man would have to say. But Jeff changed my lens when he shared his own learning journey and struggles with WSC, to now being a champion against it.

Join me in hearing this high school educated, ex-Navy, pro-wrestling-TV-broadcaster-turned-executive-leader share how he’s helping dismantle white supremacy culture!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Ways white supremacy culture manifests in Western workplaces
• How Jeff gradually changed in response and understanding of white supremacy culture
• The difference between white supremacy culture and a white supremacist
• Jeff’s primary weapon against white supremacy culture
• How to speak up on controversial issues when you can’t speak freely

Link to episode transcript here.

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Guest Bio and References/Links

About Jeff Akin:

Jeff Akin is a 20-year veteran of the public and private sectors. He has extensive experience in both media and entertainment, as well as over two decades in management and leadership. Jeff specializes in listening to others, helping them unleash their true potential, and giving feedback that is authentic yet kind.
This pro wrestling TV broadcaster turned executive leader is never afraid to get his hands dirty when it comes to improving lives!

Find Jeff on:

Website: https://www.jeffakin.com
Podcast on Apple (or wherever you listen): The Starfleet Leadership Academy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jefftakin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jefftakin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jefftakin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftakin/

References and resources in this episode:

https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/, curated by Tema Okun and other anti-racism educators.

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