In this episode of the Training Unleashed podcast, host Evan Hackel engaged in a profound conversation with Chloé Valdary, founder of the Theory of Enchantment. This episode delves into the intricacies of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), emphasizing the importance of curiosity, compassion, and cultural fit in the workplace. Chloé shares her unique perspective on DEI training, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for organizations striving to create more inclusive environments.

Understanding the Importance of Cultural Fit

Chloé Valdary highlights the significance of cultural fit when hiring new employees. She explains that beyond qualifications and skills, aligning with a company’s culture is crucial for long-term success. Chloé suggests asking potential hires about what attracts them to the company and why they want to work there. This question helps uncover their core motivations and ensures they resonate with the company’s values. Additionally, she recommends presenting candidates with problem-solving exercises to gauge their curiosity and approach to challenges, further revealing their potential fit within the organization.

Innovative DEI Training Approaches

Valdary introduces her innovative DEI training methods, which include workshops, coaching, and digital platforms. Her workshops range from 90-minute virtual sessions, known as sprints, to full-day in-person marathons. One of her standout initiatives is the Enchanted Games League, a practice-based digital program. Over nine weeks, participants engage in daily quests that encourage self-reflection and curiosity. These quests, which take just six minutes each, prompt individuals to explore their feelings of expansiveness and defensiveness, the mindsets inherited from caregivers, and instances of perceived superiority. This approach fosters a habit of living in the question, enhancing participants’ ability to navigate conflicts with empathy and curiosity.

Embracing Self-Compassion and Lifelong Learning

Chloé Valdary emphasizes the transformative power of self-acceptance and compassion. She encourages individuals to recognize and overcome internalized negative self-judgment. By treating oneself with curiosity and love, people can project these positive attitudes onto others, reducing defensiveness and enhancing interpersonal relationships. Valdary’s advice is particularly relevant in the context of DEI, as fostering self-compassion can lead to more empathetic and effective communication within diverse teams. This practice of self-forgiveness and continuous self-improvement aligns with the philosophy of being a lifelong learner, a concept strongly advocated by both Valdary and Hackel.

About the Guest

Chloé Valdary is the founder of Theory of Enchantment, a company dedicated to providing innovative DEI training through workshops, coaching, and digital platforms. With a focus on fostering curiosity and compassion, Valdary’s methods aim to create more inclusive and empathetic workplace environments. Her approach is rooted in the belief that understanding and accepting oneself is key to understanding and accepting others. For more information about Chloé Valdary and her work, visit Theory of Enchantment or contact her team at [email protected].

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