Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive Dissonance addresses the conflict that leaders often face when acknowledging systemic racism within their organisations. Understand that this struggle stems from the disparity between the personal narratives leaders construct about their achievements and the realisation that systemic advantages may have contributed to their success. This realisation challenges their self-perception as solely responsible for their accomplishments, creating cognitive dissonance. The video discusses how accepting the reality of systemic racism requires acknowledging that societal structures might disproportionately favour certain groups, and perhaps yourself - this can be uncomfortable for those who feel they have overcome adversity independently. This dissonance often results in resistance to recognizing and addressing racism, hindering progress towards equity. In this video Shereen calls for a deeper examination of these internal conflicts to effectively confront and mitigate systemic racism within leadership and organisational cultures. ​

Who's It For?

Essential viewing for people grappling with the realities of systemic racism within their organisations. It explores cognitive dissonance—the psychological conflict arising from conflicting beliefs and behaviours—helping you understand why acknowledging systemic racism is challenging but necessary for true change and leadership development.