Host Bruce Morton engaged in an insightful conversation with Kim Sneeder, Managing Director of CareerCircle.

Unleashing Human Potential: A Conversation

In a recent episode of the Subject to Talent podcast, host Bruce Morton engaged in an insightful conversation with Kim Sneeder, Managing Director of CareerCircle.

Unleashing Human Potential: A Conversation with CareerCircle's Kim Sneeder on the Subject to Talent Podcast

Workforce solutions company&nbsp;<a title="" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.careercircle.com/">CareerCircle</a>&nbsp;LLC, an Allegis Group brand, has been named to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/03/19/2848526/0/en/CareerCircle-Named-to-Fast-Company-s-Annual-List-of-the-World-s-Most-Innovative-Companies-for-2024.html" rel="follow">Fast Company&rsquo;s&nbsp;prestigious list of the World&rsquo;s Most Innovative Companies for 2024.</a> Alongside the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies,&nbsp;Fast Company recognized 606 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. CareerCircle ranked number five in the Social Good sector.
<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/advocacy-in-action-what-is-the-opportunity-divide-in-the-workforce" rel="follow">On a mission to close the opportunity divide and develop the workforce of tomorrow</a>, CareerCircle has helped more than 140,000 members navigate their digital career journeys. Combining a 360-degree candidate view with 1:1 advocacy, workforce development, AI matching, an equity mindset and emphasis on representation, CareerCircle&rsquo;s impact is tangible. In recent years, that has included enrolling more than 3,500 candidates in certification programs and placing over 2,000 candidates in the tech industry. By the end of 2024, CareerCircle expects to have upskilled 10,000 members since its inception.
&ldquo;<a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91038269/careercircle-most-innovative-companies-2024" rel="follow">Dedicated to creating a better workforce, CareerCircle is reimagining what qualified means and building a hiring process driven by equity</a>,&rdquo; said Kim Sneeder, the company's Managing Director. &ldquo;We find career pathways for underserved people, support their development, and advocate for their hire in the marketplace. We&rsquo;re proud of the work we&rsquo;re doing, and we&rsquo;re honored to be recognized by&nbsp;Fast Company&nbsp;for driving results that change lives.&rdquo;
The World's Most Innovative Companies stands as&nbsp;Fast Company's hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. This year&rsquo;s list spotlights businesses shaping industry and culture through their innovations. The honorees are setting new standards and achieving remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy.
Fast Company's&nbsp;editors and writers identified the companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the world's most valuable companies.
&ldquo;Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is both a comprehensive look at the innovation economy and a snapshot of the business trends that defined the year,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list" rel="follow">said&nbsp;Fast Company&nbsp;editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan.</a> &ldquo;We saw extraordinary innovation across the board in 2023, but we also saw a handful of clear patterns: the growing footprint and impact of AI, the triumphant return of live events, and great leaps forward in climate tech. We face daunting challenges on many fronts, but the solutions we celebrate in MIC give me plenty of hope about the future.&rdquo;
Fast Company&rsquo;s Most Innovative Companies issue is available online, in app form via iTunes, and on newsstands beginning March 26. Fast Company <a href="https://events.fastcompany.com/mic-gala-2024" rel="follow">will also host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala on May 16</a>. The event will celebrate this year&rsquo;s honorees and provide an inside look at cutting-edge business trends and what it takes to innovate in 2024.

CareerCircle has been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2024.

CareerCircle Awarded Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024

CareerCircle has been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2024. CareerCircle's mission is to close the opportunity divide and develop the workforce of tomorrow by upskilling job seekers from underrepresented communities and providing DEI training for employers.

CareerCircle Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024

In a world where virtual interactions have become a staple of our daily lives, the quest for inclusivity has taken on new dimensions. Virtual meetings and events, once hailed for their convenience and reach, now spotlight the pressing need for accessibility practices that embrace everyone, especially those with disabilities.&nbsp; 
Self-descriptions are a powerful tool that bridge accessibility gaps and also nurtures a sense of belonging and inclusivity. If you're curious about crafting a self-description or seeking ways to make your virtual spaces more welcoming for individuals with disabilities, you're in the right place. We'll walk you through why self-descriptions matter, how to effectively create them, and the key considerations for ensuring your events are as inclusive as they can be. 
Unpacking the Power of Self-Descriptions 
Imagine attending a webinar blindfolded. You hear voices, but you can't see who's speaking, their expressions, or attire. This scenario, akin to the experience of blind attendees, underscores the significance of self-descriptions. By providing a verbal snapshot of themselves, speakers make virtual spaces more navigable and inclusive, allowing all attendees to "see" through words. 
Self-descriptions do more than cater to sensory disabilities; they are a declaration of inclusivity, acknowledging the diversity of experiences and needs in our digital gatherings. They send a powerful message: "We see you, we value you, and we want you here." 
Implementing Self-Descriptions in Your Virtual Events 
Start with the Why
Before diving into self-descriptions, it's crucial to understand and communicate their purpose to your audience. Emphasizing the goal of inclusivity and accessibility at the beginning of your event sets a welcoming tone and encourages participation. 
Crafting Your Self-Description:
A good self-description should include: 
Your Name and Role: Start with the basics. Who are you, and what is your role in this event? 
Physical Description: Offer a brief description of your appearance. Think of how you would describe yourself to someone who can't see you. Mention your skin tone, hair color, glasses, or any distinctive features. 
Attire: Describe what you're wearing. This detail helps create a more vivid image for the listener. 
Background Elements: If your video is on, describe any notable elements in your background. This could include anything from bookshelves to a colorful wall hanging, adding context to your physical space.
 Pronouns: Sharing your pronouns respects gender identity and promotes a culture of respect and recognition. 
Example: "Hello, I'm Alex, one of today's panelists. I have medium brown skin, short black hair, and I'm wearing red glasses. Today, I've chosen a blue shirt. Behind me is a white wall with a large painting of a sunset. My pronouns are they/them." 
Guidelines and Best Practices: 
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<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Keep It Brief: Aim for a description that's detailed yet concise, allowing listeners to form a mental image without overwhelming them with information. 
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Be Mindful of Language: Use inclusive and respectful language. Avoid assumptions about what might be considered 'normal' or 'standard.' 
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Practice: If you're new to self-descriptions, practice yours before the event. This will help you feel more comfortable and ensure your description is clear and concise. 
</li>
</ul>
Avoiding Common Pitfalls 
<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;">
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Avoid Overly Personal Details: While it's important to provide a vivid description, avoid sharing excessively personal or sensitive information.| 
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Steer Clear of Comparative Descriptions: Phrases like "normal-looking" or comparing your appearance to common stereotypes can be alienating or offensive. Focus on objective descriptions. 
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Don't Forget About Consent: If you're encouraging participants to share their self-descriptions, ensure they know this is optional. Respect people's comfort levels and privacy. 
</li>
</ul>
Fostering an Inclusive Environment 
Self-descriptions are just the beginning. Consider other accessibility practices, such as providing transcripts for audio content, ensuring your presentation slides are accessible to screen readers, and offering sign language interpretation or live captioning. These efforts collectively contribute to an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully. 
<a href="https://go.careercircle.com/virtual-career-fair-guide" rel="follow">The move towards inclusivity in virtual events</a> is not just about adhering to best practices; it's about fostering a culture that actively seeks to include and value every participant. By embracing self-descriptions and other accessibility practices, we can create digital spaces that are truly open to all, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the digital age. 
Your journey towards creating more inclusive virtual events starts with a single step: a self-description. As you integrate this and other inclusive practices into your events, remember that each effort, no matter how small, is a stride towards a more accessible and equitable digital world.

You'll learn why self-descriptions matter, how to effectively create them, and the key considerations for ensuring your events are inclusive.

Unlocking Inclusivity: The Power of Self-Descriptions in Virtual Events

Self-descriptions are a powerful tool that bridge accessibility gaps and also nurtures a sense of belonging and inclusivity. If you're curious about crafting a self-description or seeking ways to make your virtual spaces more welcoming for individuals with disabilities, you're in the right place.

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Staff Writer

139 Articles

Unleashing Human Potential: A Conversation with CareerCircle's Kim Sneeder on the Subject to Talent Podcast

CareerCircle Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024

Unlocking Inclusivity: The Power of Self-Descriptions in Virtual Events

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