
The Equity Gap
Uncovering inequity. Empowering change.
Hosted by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner Shahzia Noorally, The Equity Gap is where bold conversations meet transformative action. Through candid interviews with leading experts and thought-provoking solo episodes, Shahzia explores the real-world impact of systemic inequity—centering the lived experiences of equity-deserving individuals and challenging power structures across workplaces and beyond.
From race and gender to neurodiversity and anti-fat bias, each episode tackles hard truths and invites listeners to reimagine what equity really means—on personal, organizational, and societal levels.
Whether you're a DEI professional, a leader ready to use your privilege for good, or someone seeking to deepen your social consciousness, The Equity Gap will educate, unsettle, and inspire.
Join the conversation. Close the gap.
The Equity Gap
Do you know the reference man? How this invisible force upholds white supremacy and sexism in our workplaces
Do you know the reference man? He's been the biggest and most invisible force in your life and workplaces and you likely have no idea who he is. Let me tell you more about him in this episode and walk through how our workplaces are designed to cater to the Reference Man and ultimately uphold white supremacy and sexism through commonly unquestioned ideals like professionalism and culture fit.
References from the episode:
Korn Ferry, the Reference Man
Caroline Criado-Pérez - Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
The Bias of ‘Professionalism’ Standards - Tema Okun and Keith Jones
Professionalism as a racial construct - Leah Goodridge
McKinsey Women in the Workplace - 2022
If you haven’t taken a moment, I would love for you to be a part of the conversation with me for the long term. Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast player and tune in every month for new episodes and conversations. If you’re so inclined, I would love for you to leave a review or for you to connect with me to tell me how I can be of further service to you (follow me on Instagram @theequitygap or connect with me through e-mail at shahzianoorally@gmail.com or through LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahzianoorally/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-equity-gap-podcast/).
Licensed intro music from NoMo