In part 2 of my interview with Tayo Rockson, he shares his personal journey and how he pivoted after a life threatening car accident. Tayo then shares his professional journey and explains his work as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant. I go deep with him on the relationship between DEI vs. dismantling systems of oppression, and I draw out his nuanced reflections on identity, privilege, power structures, and far right ideologies. We discuss the framing of international political conflicts, power asymmetry, and how to develop universally principled politics. He also shares his thoughts on cross-cultural dialogue, changing hearts and minds, and not allowing bad actors to drain your emotional energy. Tayo also explains how to be a good ally and avoid the savior complex. Next, he talks about his podcast “As Told By Nomads”, shares tips for visiting his home country of Nigeria, and reflects on what travel means to him today. Tayo also shares his Top 5 Hip Hop Emcees and his Top 5 Afrobeat artists. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT www.TheMaverickShow.com
Episode #256: Visiting Nigeria, Being an Ally Not a Savior, and Dismantling Oppressive Power Structures with Tayo Rockson
Episode Summary
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About the Guest
Tayo Rockson
Tayo Rockson is a writer, speaker, consultant, podcaster, poet, and professor, who specializes in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As the son of a diplomat, Tayo grew up understanding the nuances of multicultural diversity while living on four continents. He leveraged his experiences to establish himself as an authority in communicating effectively across cultures and personal branding. He has spoken on stages around the world, ranging from TEDx to the United Nations. He is the author of the book “Use Your Difference to Make a Difference”. And, he is the host of the top rated podcast “As Told by Nomads”. In 2020, Tayo launched the national anti-racism campaign called #LetsTalkBias. In 2021, Tayo starred in the award winning movie, IMPACT, and was named one of The 100 Most Influential Remote Experts by Remote Weekly.
What You'll Learn
- Tips for visiting Tayo’s home country of Nigeria
- How to navigate our complex world of identity, privilege and power asymmetry
- How to be a good ally and avoid the savior complex
Links From the Episode
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GET TAYO’S BOOK
LISTEN TO TAYO’S PODCAST “AS TOLD BY NOMADS”
#1 BOOK THAT TAYO RECOMMENDS
#1 PERSON WITH WHOM TAYO WANTS TO HAVE DINNER
TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
TOP 5 BUCKETLIST DESTINATIONS
COUNTRY WITH THE BEST JOLLOF
TOP 5 AFROBEAT EMCEES
TOP 6 HIPHOP EMCEES
LOCATIONS WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE
OTHER ARTISTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
CONNECT WITH TAYO
Time Stamped Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
[2:59]: Tayo’s Professional Journey and Pivoting After a Car Accident
[9:02] Working as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant
[10:19] The Relationship between DEI and Dismantling Systems of Oppression
[13:18] Reflections on Identity, Privilege, Power Structures and Far Right Ideologies
[20:16] Conflict Framing and Power Asymmetry
[26:25] Developing Universally Principled Views
[30:00] Thoughts on Dialogue, Organizing and Changing Hearts and Minds
[32:59] Navigating Allyship vs. The Savior Complex
[34:55] The “As Told By Nomads” Podcast
[37:56] Tips for Visiting Nigeria
[42:40] What Travel Means to Tayo
[43:50] Lightning Round
[55:00] Follow and Connect with Tayo
