Foundations of Effective Communications and Understanding

Everyone is talking, but is anyone really listening? In a world increasingly divided by walls of fear, multiple-time TED speaker Paula Stone Williams offers a powerful message of hope and connection. As a transgender woman, national leader, and former pastor, Paula draws on her unique experiences in partisan spaces, giving you the tools to truly listen to those from backgrounds different than yours.

A journey of self-discovery and empathy through sharing her own story of living as both a man and a woman, Paula sheds light on the complexities of identity and the importance of listening and understanding differences in perspective. 

In this presentation, Paula provides audiences with actionable steps for effective communications

• The problem with assumptions: Assumptions are based on our perspective, not on the truth. Be open to the possibilities of your own bias, look at the facts, and continue to educate yourself for a broader worldview. 

• It’s not about you: Recognize that humans work from different moral standards. Coming together and hearing each other’s stories, proximity and narrative, can explain those differences and narrow the divide between people and groups.

• Use words without blame and judgment, toward yourself and others: Listen with grace and understanding. Be clear with intentions. 

• Do your best: Speak with integrity, and bring your whole self to the conversation. 

Whether your audience is grappling with issues of diversity and inclusion, seeking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of communicating better across genders or generations, or simply yearning for a deeper understanding of the human experience, Paula’s message will foster empathy and better communication across lines of difference.

• Are men privileged in ways they do not understand?

• Do women have to work harder to be seen as leaders?

• Do men empower each other more than women empower each other?

As a transgender woman with a doctorate in counseling, Paula Stone Williams has a unique perspective on how the differences between men and women can affect their everyday life—not only has she counseled in this area, she’s lived it!

Based on her first TED talk (over 7 million views), Dr. Paula Stone Williams speaks about her experience living as a male and as a female, talking about how differently she is received as a woman than she was as a man. And yes, life is much harder as a woman.  

With humor and insight, Paula answers these questions and more, using scientific data, an extensive understanding of popular culture, and her experience in both genders to explore the difference between equality and equity.

Men will depart with a greater understanding of their own privilege, and the opportunities to make a difference that leverages that privilege. Women will understand the importance of standing up for themselves and working together to bring about change.

Both genders will be asked to examine how we bring our privilege with us in all of our interactions.

On the path to gender equity in the workplace, mere awareness of the uneven playing field is insufficient. One must understand how these inequalities manifest within each unique environment to actively level it through thoughtful, nontoxic dialogue.

As a follow-up to Paula Stone Williams’ most requested keynote address on her experience as a transgender woman, this talk delves deeper into the obstacles and opportunities to achieving true workplace parity.

• How can men be more attuned to the experiences of women and contribute to a more equitable environment?

• How can women collaborate effectively with men to achieve their professional goals? 

Throughout this session, Paula weaves humorous stories, personal anecdotes, and compelling data to motivate and empower both men and women to become agents of change.

Attendees will not only gain insights from Paula’s personal journey but also be invited to examine their own lives for subtle and overt instances where we internalize and perpetuate cultural messages, particularly within the workplace.

From directly addressing workplace microaggressions to fostering trust and understanding within teams, Paula’s unique insights will equip your organization with the tools to demonstrably increase gender equality.