We recently connected with Joe Conway (he/him) and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joe, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As an African/Black American, I recognize that being the only one in the room who looks like me can present both challenges and opportunities. However, my sense of purpose and commitment to inclusion fuel my determination to navigate these situations successfully. Here are some strategies I use to ensure my effectiveness and success.
1. Leveraging my personality: I know that my wit, charisma, sense of humor, and love for people are integral to my ability to influence others positively. These traits make me likeable and approachable, creating an environment conducive to collaboration and understanding. They are part of my unique value proposition, allowing me to stand out in any setting.
2. Constant adaptation: I understand that to be effective, especially in unfamiliar or homogenous environments, I need the ability to adapt quickly. I’ve developed an intuitive understanding of the dynamics in a room and use this to calibrate my approach. This might mean changing my communication style, framing my ideas differently, or finding common ground with others.
3. Representing others: I carry with me a deep sense of responsibility. I am cognizant that I’m not only advocating for myself, but also for others who share my background or fall into the category of “other.” This sense of purpose is a powerful driving force, enabling me to persevere even in challenging situations.
4. Promoting inclusion: My aim is to create a more inclusive environment. This goal extends beyond simply getting a seat at the table—it involves reshaping the dynamics of the room to be more welcoming and beneficial for everyone. I am motivated not by selfishness, but by the desire to create a better, more diverse future.
5. Paving the way: I am aware of the legacy that my actions can create. By demonstrating my effectiveness and achieving success, I’m not just advancing my personal goals—I’m making it easier for those who come after me. Every door I open can potentially stay open for others.
I always remind myself that I, as an individual, am more than just a representative of a group. My unique experiences, insights, and contributions have immense value. I continue to leverage my skills and talents to foster change, and I never underestimate the impact that my presence in “the room” can have on others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Drum roll please….(yes I like to have a little fun, especially if there is a touch of self-deprecation involved.)
Say hello to Joseph “Joe” Conway, the vibrant champion of equity and inclusion in the buzzing city of Wilmington! He’s also the brain and heartbeat behind A.B.I.D.E., LLC, a pioneering business consultancy where tackling bias isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. Before swapping hospital hallways for city lights, Joe lent his expertise to Novant Health/New Hanover Regional Medical Center for a solid 14 years, five of which were spent at the helm of Health Equity & Human Experience for the Coastal Region.
With over a quarter of a century of leadership experience under his belt, Joe is as adept at navigating boardrooms as he is at lighting up the Wilmington community. His life’s mantra? “Cultivating an environment for YOUR success.”
Joe is a man powered by relentless optimism. In his journey, he has discovered a common dissonance—many struggle to align their purpose with actions that breathe life into it. He often poses thought-provoking questions that push the envelope: “Is the hardest task in life to find balance? Is it more rewarding to be ‘right,’ or to cultivate ‘right’ relationships?”
Our man Joe wears multiple academic hats—Church Ministries graduate, former Pastor, Music Minister, and Church Planter. His MBA in Healthcare Management is complemented by certificates in Diversity Management, Implicit Bias Training, HR Diversity & Inclusion, and a Lean-Six Sigma Black Belt Coach and Facilitator.
In the romance department, Joe’s been winning since ’91, married to his high school love, Tiffany. They share the joy of having four grown sons. Beyond his professional and family life, Joe’s interests span from absorbing the pages of a good book, diving into research, and exploring history and music, to donning a chef’s hat in the kitchen and quenching his wanderlust with frequent travels.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Self Awareness: This is perhaps the most foundational quality for personal growth and development. It involves understanding your strengths, weaknesses, desires, and emotional reactions. You can only begin to improve or make changes when you are aware of where you stand in the present.
Advice: Cultivate self-awareness by taking the time to reflect on your feelings, actions, and thoughts. Keep a journal to document your experiences and emotions. Seek feedback from those you trust (and a few that you don’t trust…balance is the key), and consider taking personality or strengths assessments for further insights. Regular mindfulness or meditation practices can also help enhance self-awareness.
2. Discovering Your Purpose (Your ‘Why’): Simon Sinek promotes the concept of ‘Start With Why,’ a powerful idea about understanding your core purpose. This ‘Why’ becomes the driving force behind what you do, and it enables you to persevere through challenges.
Advice: Start by asking yourself hard questions about what truly drives you, what values are most important to you, and what you want your impact on the world to be. It might be helpful to read books, attend workshops, or seek a mentor or coach who can guide you through this introspective process. Understand that this isn’t usually a quick process and your ‘Why’ might evolve over time.
3. Following Your Passion, Not Just What You’re Good At: While it’s easy to follow the path of what you’re good at, true fulfillment often comes from aligning what you love with what you do. This doesn’t mean ignoring your talents, but rather figuring out how to leverage them in service of what you are passionate about.
Advice: Explore different areas and try new things to identify your passions. Remember, passion often develops over time, so give yourself the chance to dive deep into a subject or skill before deciding if it’s your passion or not. Once you’ve found something you’re passionate about, see how your existing skills can be applied to this area. It’s also worth noting that it’s okay if your passion doesn’t become your career; it could be something you pursue outside of work as a hobby or volunteer activity.
Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s okay if your path looks different from someone else’s. Keep learning, stay curious, and remember to be kind to yourself throughout the process. It’s about progress, not perfection. Did I say “be kind to yourself”? I mean it!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I must tell you that “Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives” by Howard J. Ross is the absolute bee’s knees (a little corny, I know)! I mean, it is the book that explains all about those devilish biases that pop up in our minds without us even knowing it. We all have them. They are those uninvited guests that will not leave, skewing our views and making us act in ways we did not intend.
Why do I love it so much, you ask? Ross’s book is like this handy-dandy instruction manual, a kind of “how-to” guide on spotting those darn biases and then tackling them head-on. It is not about pointing fingers or laying the blame, shame, and guilt. It is all about understanding and embracing change. It is like Ross is saying, “Hey, it is natural to have biases, but you have the power to learn, to grow, and to create a positive change. You have the ability within you to mitigate your bias.” Now that has got to be pretty cool!
And that is why I do what I do! The book syncs up perfectly with my mission of “Cultivating an environment for your success.” You see when we recognize our own biases, we can start to control them. We can become better at being fair and respectful, and create a space where everyone feels welcome and accepted, just as they are.
But Ross does not stop there. He nudges us to look beyond ourselves and encourages changes at the institutional level. He is talking about companies, schools, government bodies – everyone! We can all benefit from shaking off our biases and creating an atmosphere where inclusion is not just acknowledged, but embraced.
In a nutshell, “Everyday Bias” is the fuel to my fire. It is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing the subtle variations that exist in our daily interactions with each other. By shining a light on our unconscious biases and giving us the tools to tackle them, Ross helps us move toward creating an environment where success is not just possible, it is probable. It is about making the world a place where every single one of us can flourish. And that, my friends, is something to be excited about!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abide4us.com
- Instagram: @abide4us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abide4us/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/abide4us
- Twitter: @abide4us
- Youtube: @abide4usncllc
Image Credits
Matt Ray Photography Inc. – only for photos in the tartan designed sweater vest
