We're Not Aliens. We're People - A Case for Belonging at Work with Zhou Fang

What does it mean to truly see your employees? In this episode, Brandon Laws sits down with Zhou Fang, founder of Intersectional Group LLC, to explore how an intersectional lens can transform the way leaders support their teams. Zhou draws on her experience as an immigrant, multilingual professional, and DEI consultant to unpack what most organizations get wrong about inclusion, how to hold people accountable with warmth and compassion, and why your people are your most important business decision. Whether you're leading a team of five or five hundred, this conversation will challenge you to do better and give you the tools to start! Key Timestamps 00:02 Welcome and introduction of Zhou Fang, founder of Intersectional Group LLC 00:33 How Zhou's immigrant experience, coming to the U.S. in 2010, shaped her perspective on the workplace 01:04 "Don't make us feel like an alien": What immigrant workers need from employers 02:12 Defining intersectionality and why it matters for leaders and business owners 04:16 How an intersectional lens helps turn workplace problems into opportunities 07:13 How Zhou developed her intersectional lens through lived experience in the U.S. workforce, not in the classroom 09:51 What good and bad employer experiences taught Zhou about what workplaces should look like 11:40 What most leaders miss when supporting employees on visas or non-citizens 14:32 How to start the intersectionality conversation inside your organization 16:34 The most common misunderstanding organizations make when beginning DEI work 18:34 Why deprioritizing people is a harmful business decision 20:16 Practical, low-cost steps small organizations can take to support their teams 22:06 Balancing warmth and accountability: why they are not opposites 24:52 The difference between empathy and sympathy, and why it matters for leadership 28:16 What Xenium HR does internally to build curiosity and belonging across teams 29:38 How company retreats and shared experiences build connection in remote and hybrid environments 31:12 Topics and conversations happening on Zhou's podcast, The Intersection 34:09 What Zhou is hearing across the HR landscape right now: burnout, mental wellbeing, and the need for flexible policy 36:28 Where to find Zhou and her upcoming April event in Portland A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more Connect with Brandon Laws: LinkedIn Instagram About Connect with Xenium HR: Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

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