Kristen Pressner-- allI can say is what power and depth you have on this matter. You have put in perspective the most contemporary situation we face as humans evolving on this planet--who do we think "they" are. It matters in every arena of life. The dimensionality you have given this issue of bias is truly sage-worthy! Thank you!
Unconscious bias is real. The sooner we acknowledge it, the sooner we can start to change and improve it for the better. I commend Kristen for her candor and courage in sharing this message.
Kristen Pressner's courage knows no bounds. For someone in her position to publicly admit to biases many (most?) people possess, but few own... and to start a conversation on the topic is profound. Her insights--and the tools she uses to bring it home to us that we, too, carry unconscious bias within us--in combination with the solutions she offers are priceless. Thank you, Kristen, for your bravery in starting this conversation!
"What if you're missing an opportunity to see the world differently?" There's so much to gain for so many, from this 'flip it to test it' idea. My favourite TED talk for a really long time! Insightful, important & implementable :)
Part of the great power of Kristen's talk, and her suggestion, is that it can be used to combat so many biases. How powerful is that? Additionally, you will begin to see how the people you surround yourself with will begin to demonstrate the influence - which Michael A. Pitcher states is the very heart of leadership! - that you have by making enlightened and honorable changes. By focusing on your own behaviors and beliefs (as also noted by Natalia Wallenberg in an early comment) rather than focusing on how others should change themselves you can make lasting differences in our world. Bravo, Kristen, for a practical path to accelerating our individual paths to a higher, more evolved level of interaction!
Thank you for "coming out" with your own bias so clearly, Kristen - we often recognise bias in others long before ourselves and don't like to accept our own biases. Yet in recognising we have them, we can make a more conscious choice to look at things differently.
Flip it to test it: love it, it's such an simple, quick way of checking our own unconscious biases and gaining some empathy at the same time! I also love how she talks of bias as something we all have and isn't necessarily intentionally malicious. It's something we all need to practice continuously to check ourselves.
Flip it to Test it - seeing the world differently is something we all need to do more of. Im one of those who Kristen refers to who likes to think I hire the right person for the job and I don't 'see' gender', 'race' or 'difference' - or perhaps I do and thats why I find Kristen's call to action so engaging . I appreciated the authenticity of Kristen Pressner!
Such a powerful topic from Kristen that so many of us believe we have no issue with today. As a female business owner, this is valuable insight for me to remember in my own hiring and promotion practices. Thank you Kristen for bringing to the public forum what was sure to have been a difficult topic for you to process through.
Unconscious bias has been talked & written about a lot in recent years, but this short, powerful and refreshingly honest talk suggests a simple but effective way to check ourselves: flip it to test it. Great stuff, Kristen Pressner - thank you!
Such a concise and powerful message. So often we see other people's biases but not our own. Great leaders, like Kristen, challenge themselves and take responsibility for getting it right. "Flip it to test it" is also a super actionable insight we can all apply. Congratulations Kristen! The world need more leaders like you.
You have to first diagnose the problem before you can fix it. By bravely owning up to her own bias, Kristen breaks the shame/blame cycle and demonstrates an surprisingly easy way in which people can find their own biases. Great talk. Thank you Kristen!
Your humility of being a woman leader and admitting your own biases is powerful and awakening. I often have said reverse the situation in my personal life, but this method should be used in business. Flip it to test it is a great practice that I will adopt. Thank you for sharing a powerful talk.
Thanks for your kind words Amanda. It’s been 5 years since I gave this talk and I am daily struck by the never ending need to flip it to test it to catch myself back into consciously deciding things
No matter how self-aware we are, we are all still products of the societies and cultures we're raised in, so none of us are immune to biased thinking. The 'flip it to test it' tactic is a great way to check ourselves, and I always encourage people to use that as a thought exercise.
Flip it to test it - a simple but powerful way to more clearly see both what we're looking at and ourselves. As a recovering HR exec and middle aged white male (no recovery there) I recognize the challenges in business and in myself. Thanks, Kristen Pressner.
Your content is of great value because it reflects the culture of a society we have lived in for years and replicate without noticing, and you are right in saying that this can be unconscious. We are biopsychosocial beings, and studying how we are from the inside out, being aware of it, aligned with the labor market is essential for both the worker and the company.
Kristen - Appreciated your TEDx talk summarized with 'flip it to test it'. You walked me into the situation, helped jigger the paradigm, and offered a valuable tool to test the view. Very helpful for reevaluating lifelong presumptions. Kudos...and thanks.
Bias was the subject of the conversation, but the scope of this presentation is expanded beyond 'bias' into the deep world of self-discovery due to two factors: first, the degree of awareness Kristen brought to the issue when she was confronted with an apparent duality, and second, the final call she makes to self-check oneself continually. A very remarkable talk here. Even the superwomen and feminists would find the self-deprecating portrayal to be a tremendous eye opener for the need to continuously examine one's own unconscious predispositions.
Kristen Pressner’s 8 minute talk is very impactful. Unconscious bias is particularly hard to uncover- her ‘flip it to test it’ concept is particularly useful to me in my work as an Exclusion Exterminator in this space.
Kristen, I was very impressed with your honest self-reflection and speech about bias against women. I have sat on your side of the table for many years and as I listened to you I reflected on several similar situations that in hindsight I likely should have handled differently. Thank you for that learning opportunity!
Thanks for your honesty and refection Uli. I can certainly say the same thing about myself and I am pleased if this short talk enables more of us to stop, flip it, and then decide.
There's no denying that we all have unconscious bias after watching this and seeing the "flip" of the words and pictures - that bit really made me chuckle! This talk has really got me thinking about the subject of unconscious bias. "Awareness is the precursor to choice" - Kristen's talk has certainly raised my awareness. And that will make me more conscious about my own bias. I'll be "flipping to test" all over the place from now on! :)
I absolutely love this talk! I appreciate your ability to be so candid and honest about your own biases. The "flip it to test it" approach is genius and works in all aspects of life--on a personal level and a business level. It's so simple, but such a valuable tool. Thank you so much, Kristen!
Flip it to Test it! An effective tool that allows us to improve our self within and the approach can be applied to all forms of bias. All too often we become defensive instead of introspective of our own thoughts and actions. THANK YOU Kristen Pressner!
Kristen, I am blown away and inspired by your authenticity and willingness to be transparent. For someone in your to willingly tell one on themselves in this manner opens up a dialogue that could not have previously been possible ... it truly is an act of generosity and courage. Not since watching "My stroke of insight," from Jill Bolte Taylor have I witnessed the mesmerizing phenomenon of someone sharing what they're experiencing while they, as an expert in the subject, are also "in the thick of" the experience itself. Bravo. Thank you for the difference this makes.
Kristen and I were on the same TEDx Basel program. Her humility was inspiring to all. In many ways her talk epitomizes the person she is: excellence and integrity that is accessible to all. A generous spirit and colleague.
Remarkably simple and yet powerfully revealing to "flip it to test it"...thanks again for the opportunity and reminder when I heard you speak in person, Kristen. What I admire about you is your willingness to be vulnerable and share that with us. It takes a powerful woman to do this. Thank you for being such a wonderful role model.
What a great talk and I loved this journey of self-reflection. I can tell this person is a great leader... It's never EASY to recognize biases we all have, but our ability to influence and empower others is directly tied to our willingness to be honest with ourselves and how we see the world. Much enjoyed this presentation!
Great speech. Simple but very enlightening. Stepping back from our unconscious behaviors is really difficult, but your intervention reminds us that by being vigilant and questioning our certainties, we can be objective and fair. As leaders, we must do this. Thank you!
This is so simple, yet so effective - and truly inspirational.... It is not only highly applicable in the workplace, but also in our private lives and especially in the interaction with our kids. Our children will be setting the standard for the next generation workforce. I wish for them to encounter less bias than we must fight today. Thank you Kristen.
I loved that Kristen provided her examples in first person. But this kind of experiences and making them conscius would help to shape equality for next generations as well we are biased right now from our experiences. Great talk Kristen, I've just shared it in every network I belong.
I found this to be one of the most important TedTalks we as women should listen to (and men too). It has truly resonated with me and it’s definitely something we are all guilty of. Thank you Kristen for sharing this, it’s already made an impact on me!
As a result of Kristen's courage - to look within, to be honest, and then to share via such a public platform - she invites us all to do likewise. Her message is critical - for both women and men. If we want to change the world to make it fairer - for ALL - we cannot ignore our unconscious biases any longer!! Kudos to you, Kristen! - Katrine (Women Innovators Network in the Caribbean, WINC)
What a great example to all speakers of a thoroughly genuine, congruent delivery style. No false 'polish' or theatrical affectations. Research has shown that the three things audiences want today are authenticity, transparency and vulnerability...and Kristen nails it!
I admire the honesty of the speaker in this video. In my experience it is really unusual for people, especially those in senior leadership positions, to openly challenge themselves on how they think about bias or diversity in general. The examples given are taken from a general and stereotypical viewpoint- which is exactly the point of bias. We dont realise we do it, because we more often than not just do without thinking. The Flip and Test method is really interesting and something I am going to use with the senior leaders of my organisation to challenge them to think differently in this very different world
A simple mechanism, yet very effective, I recently used it while describing a point to my audience and to my surprise it worked perfectly .. thanks Kristen!
This is truly refreshing! At times (especially in debates with millennial men) there seems to be an unspoken assumption that men are the only ones being accused of unconscious bias. I don't see why admitting that we all have had instances where we were unconsciously biased and getting in the habit of "flipping it to test it" would not help us change the situation. As always, thank you Kristen for sharing your wisdom and offering practical advice!
Thanks for noticing Ilinca, as you nail the point. No one likes being accused of bias, but perhaps flipping it to test it enables us to each to catch ourselves (and move to discovery mode vs defensive mode), as we all do it.
Not sure how many of us would be as brave as Kristen to stand up and admit to unconscious bias (or any weakness!) to thousands of UA-cam viewers, but her point is well made. What I like about this is her simple flipping exercise to help identify whether a bias (or a prejudice) has crept into the decision-making unnoticed! A rule for life, as well as work...
Great TED talk - the honesty, humility and key messages. Those characteristics of "fragile, emotional, helpful, taking care" often lead to even bigger biases when women also choose parenthood. The bias against women intensifies when children come into the equation and it can be a mix of biases, even benevolence bias with some Managers making assumptions out of kindness - "I didn't ask as I assumed you wouldn't want to travel/be on that project with a young baby....".Having helped 100s of women manage the balance of professional and personal life, without feelings of guilt, shame & overwhelm, I realised 2 years ago that it wasn't enough! It doesn't matter how empowered, confident & ambitious you are post a parental break - the environment will soon suck it out of you (intentionally or unintentionally) if the organisation's patterns are "man = leader, provider, assertive, strong, driven". Accompanying the transition to parenthood requires a change in assumptions, beliefs, behaviour and motivations on the part of the parents concerned. The same can be said for organisations - they also need to look at what unconscious bias and limiting beliefs exist culturally; to enable them to create a system which supports true diversity. By focusing on cultural change and the transition in and out of parental leave, not simply the period of leave; plus the on-going demands in juggling parenthood and careers; organisations and individuals alike can create a thriving collaboration of these 2 worlds and reduce the attrition and stress that often results at this time.Why I am I "biased" or "taking care" of parents only which led to launching Thrive here in Switzerland? My passion - I know how important it is for myself and for many women to have their professional identify as well as being a Mum and I believe that true diversity is enabling people to have that choice. Then there are statistics....>75% of individuals become parents - it is a significant proportion of an organisation’s workforce to positively influence to stay engaged and energised at work!
Thanks for your comments and for the work you do Deborah. There is so much untapped potential in the world and much of it remains untapped in women, thanks for working to fix that!
I cant believe I found this ted talk just now. Came here from Kathy Caprino's Forbes article. 'Flip it to test it' is a useful technique. Thank you Kristen.
Kristen, thank you for sharing your own bias and giving us all a simple tip for checking ourselves. So glad you are out there helping us apply it to our daily lives. Changing systemic bias will only happen when we all become more self-aware of our own biases!
Love this! What courage to admit and bring awareness to your own bias. Thanks for making us all stop and think about our own unconscious bias. Flipping the situation is very eye-opening!
This is my go to video for any team discussion that moves towards diversity and inclusion. The more we bring unconscious bias into the light and into open discussions, the more we can overcome it.
Inspirational, powerful and brutally honest TED Talk! Kristen Pressner is a role model to women and men alike! So proud of what she's achieved and excited to continue to follow her amazing ascent. I will definitely "flip it to test it".
I am completely inspired by this talk and its a good provocation to reflect on our own biases. I was grown up by my mum to be as strong, independent and as successful as a man. I am the mother of 5 and i am bringing my boys up to be as strong, independent and successful as my girls. Change starts at home and becoming more conscious of bias can help both our girls and boys be better people.
The first step to change is awareness. The second step is acceptance as Nathaniel Branden said. Kristen took the third step to publicly talk for the things she passionately wants to change in the world and first in herself. That is the only way, isn't it? Truly inspirational.
Amazing! This takes so much strength and I admire her so much for having the courage to talk about this openly, but also to have the insight into solutions for seeing if we do also, which is the first step towards making any meaningful changes. Every women and man needs to watch this!
What amazing talk, about a subject that is so difficult to bring to discuss these days. Thank you Kristen for your openness and honesty... We all have bias and we need to keep learning ways to reflect and understand how to manage them for the better... Great video!
For me what's amazing about this talk is that it is relevant on so many levels. We can use "flip it to test it" in our marriages, and in societal issues of race, etc. as well. Kristen's approach challenges the layperson as well as the highly intellectual. Well done!!!
Thank you, Kristen, for having the courage to share such a personal revelation. We are all stronger for it, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from your example.
A thought-provoking, authentic presentation on a long-ignored topic. Flip it to test it can be applied to every area in our professional and personal life. Thank you for speaking up, Kristen!
We all come to the table with our biases tucked away in our unconscious mind filing drawers. It takes incredible mindfulness to recognise when we are being lazy and automatically default to our " filed in the drawer reactions". Kudos to you Kirsten for calling yourself out. I loved the idea of using the opposite or playing devil's advocate yourself with your own assumptions to shift your sense. You accomplished your goal of making us all stop and think. I have to admit I also have a bias against myself at times being a business person and also running a Foundation ( two very different hats) and it was not until I started saying to myself " You are the primary patron of your Foundation" ( and accepting the responsibilities of that role) was I able to start actually considering my role leading my Foundation as one not with only heart but also one with head and business acumen.
Extremely memorable talk…and I was so inspired to be there live! A simple, powerful and influential “idea worth spreading”, which I have tried to follow on many occasions. Thank you for sharing, Kirsten!
Wow, what an amazing self check. Kristen really hits home with such a simple concept. The "flip it to test it" concept can work on just about anything we do in both our personal and business lives. This really opened my eyes to how I think.
Thank you for the message of your talk - so many things resonated with me. And reminded me of the fact that we have those blind spots and biases I'm not even aware of. It's amazing how much we're driven by beliefs, conditioning and patterns. Which can be very helpful and then so harming as well. And what we don't know we can't change.
A terrific example of the importance of self awareness and openness in leadership. And 'flip it to test it' gives us a great tool to double-check ourselves and surface some of our less concious habits and shortcuts! Thanks Kristen.
Kristen's honesty is fabulous as it really is a brave to put yourself out there and tell the world that you aren't perfect, and lets face it no one is. A great idea to 'flip it to test it' and in the world of recruitment and talent this is even more so.
That is what i always say. Before giving any negative judgement, put your shoes in the person shoe and see if you can do better. It is always good to flip to test it
That flip it test was awesome!!! We all have biases and I think this can be addressed by coming up with ways to offset your bias when making decisions that affect other peoples' lives.
"Flip it to test it" is a simple and effective tool to help leaders develop awareness and create the pause needed to make better, more inclusive decisions. Decisions that can lead to some transformational changes in an organization. Thank you, Kristen, for bringing this great concept to light and inspiring action.
The "Flip it to Test it' is a tip and shortcut I often reference in my workshop. If you flip it and it feels iffy it probably is - so take another look
Cogent and always relevant - Kristen's talk is educational and inviting, and it should be essential viewing in all organizations across all levels. Thank you for sharing.
Whenever I hear Kristen speak, I'm hooked from the start. Maybe it's because she is a great role model, maybe it's because she is so humble and relatable to any women, maybe it's because what she says makes so much sense, or maybe it's that her passion to support women reach, and succeed, in leadership positions is so infectious. Whatever the reason, watch, learn and enjoy!
This is great! I salute Kristen for being so honest about her own bias and explaining the concept of unconscious bias so clearly and eloquently - and in a way that I believe the most of us can relate to. "Flip it to test it"! 2 thumbs up! ... and 2 toes up! ;-)
I am currently working on a training for professionals at university: career services and academic advising. "Flip it to test it" is going to be a powerful tool to double-check oneself! Thank you so much!
This is excellent. She not only explains and shows how unconscious bias operates but gives easy and simple tools to help us catch ourselves. Very useful! Wish all US voters had seen this before the election!!
Thanks a lot for your comment Joan, I am so pleased you found it useful! Might be too late for the US election, but there will be more, so feel free to spread the word !
So impressed with this talk on many levels: asking the question that very few dare to, Am I biased? Naming it in a way that is transparent, exploring and producing a clear test that will display what we are doing. #flipittotestit
Incredibly brave to admit to your biases but I think if we don't nothing changes. More Leaders should do this. Great video and Kristen it was great to hear your thoughts on this in person last week. I better start flipping to test it right away! Thanks!
I would echo all the positive comments made so far and I would also say that When a leader like Kristen chooses to adopt a transparent and open culture within their organisation, I am sure that sends a powerful and positive message to the wider group.
Great talk! The simple exercise can help reveal unconscious bias. The willingness to admit there may be a bias is a powerful trait of a respected leader - one who never stops looking for ways to improve. Kudos!
Another amazing inspiring talk of Kristen Pressner. Thanks so much for sharing this and for the useful tip to help us identify our unconscious bias. It is extremely important we all spend some time getting to know ourselves and see how we act-react and what are bias are.
Congrats Kristen Pressner! I was lucky enough to watch your talk live and it was one of those moments when you instantly realize that you’re witnessing a mind-changing idea. I hope enough people watch this so this idea can inspire a different behavior in the workplace and everywhere. #flipittotestit
A fascinating and focused message that is highly relevant across workplaces and cultural contexts. It speaks to the gendered dynamics to our assumptions about leaders, thinkers, problem solvers, etc that reflect deeply-held cultural ideas. The last line "what if you are missing a way to see the world differently" is highly resonant.
Going deeper. Isn't it a bias to think supportive, emotional, helpful, sensitive, fragile is worse than leader, provider, assertive, strong, driven?
Kristen Pressner-- allI can say is what power and depth you have on this matter. You have put in perspective the most contemporary situation we face as humans evolving on this planet--who do we think "they" are. It matters in every arena of life. The dimensionality you have given this issue of bias is truly sage-worthy! Thank you!
Wow, Maureen, thanks for the kind words!
Unconscious bias is real. The sooner we acknowledge it, the sooner we can start to change and improve it for the better. I commend Kristen for her candor and courage in sharing this message.
Thank you Tracy!
Kristen Pressner's courage knows no bounds. For someone in her position to publicly admit to biases many (most?) people possess, but few own... and to start a conversation on the topic is profound. Her insights--and the tools she uses to bring it home to us that we, too, carry unconscious bias within us--in combination with the solutions she offers are priceless. Thank you, Kristen, for your bravery in starting this conversation!
Thanks for the kind words Suzanne. I truly think there's a lot of value to gain if we all #FlipItToTestIt!
"What if you're missing an opportunity to see the world differently?" There's so much to gain for so many, from this 'flip it to test it' idea.
My favourite TED talk for a really long time!
Insightful, important & implementable :)
Thank you Simon!
Part of the great power of Kristen's talk, and her suggestion, is that it can be used to combat so many biases. How powerful is that? Additionally, you will begin to see how the people you surround yourself with will begin to demonstrate the influence - which Michael A. Pitcher states is the very heart of leadership! - that you have by making enlightened and honorable changes. By focusing on your own behaviors and beliefs (as also noted by Natalia Wallenberg in an early comment) rather than focusing on how others should change themselves you can make lasting differences in our world. Bravo, Kristen, for a practical path to accelerating our individual paths to a higher, more evolved level of interaction!
Thank you for "coming out" with your own bias so clearly, Kristen - we often recognise bias in others long before ourselves and don't like to accept our own biases. Yet in recognising we have them, we can make a more conscious choice to look at things differently.
Thanks Kirstin
Flip it to test it: love it, it's such an simple, quick way of checking our own unconscious biases and gaining some empathy at the same time! I also love how she talks of bias as something we all have and isn't necessarily intentionally malicious. It's something we all need to practice continuously to check ourselves.
Thank you Helen, you hit on my desire: move each of us from defensive to discovery mode. #FlipItToTestIt!
Flip it to Test it - seeing the world differently is something we all need to do more of. Im one of those who Kristen refers to who likes to think I hire the right person for the job and I don't 'see' gender', 'race' or 'difference' - or perhaps I do and thats why I find Kristen's call to action so engaging . I appreciated the authenticity of Kristen Pressner!
Thanks for your comment Johnathon, it takes a highly aware person to see yourself in the description and be committed to change. Thanks!
We all have biases, but if we recognize them and do something about them we can avoid to be limited by them! Amazing talk
Tijana Catenazzi well said and thanks
Point well taken and made. Thank you kindly.
who do you harbor biases against?
Who's to say that we are necessarily limited by them?
"We all have biases"-that's what social engineers want you to believe, so you will behave according to their idea of what is right.
Such a powerful topic from Kristen that so many of us believe we have no issue with today. As a female business owner, this is valuable insight for me to remember in my own hiring and promotion practices. Thank you Kristen for bringing to the public forum what was sure to have been a difficult topic for you to process through.
Thanks Jennifer, keen insights!
Encouragement to thoughtfully grow and become intentionally better. Eloquent openness and self-aware honesty.
Unconscious bias has been talked & written about a lot in recent years, but this short, powerful and refreshingly honest talk suggests a simple but effective way to check ourselves: flip it to test it. Great stuff, Kristen Pressner - thank you!
Thank you Tove-#FlipItToTestIt!
Such a concise and powerful message. So often we see other people's biases but not our own. Great leaders, like Kristen, challenge themselves and take responsibility for getting it right. "Flip it to test it" is also a super actionable insight we can all apply. Congratulations Kristen! The world need more leaders like you.
Declic International, honored by your words. They are especially meaningful coming from a passionate D&I leader like yourself. Thank you
You have to first diagnose the problem before you can fix it. By bravely owning up to her own bias, Kristen breaks the shame/blame cycle and demonstrates an surprisingly easy way in which people can find their own biases. Great talk. Thank you Kristen!
Thanks for that Nandita!
Your humility of being a woman leader and admitting your own biases is powerful and awakening. I often have said reverse the situation in my personal life, but this method should be used in business. Flip it to test it is a great practice that I will adopt. Thank you for sharing a powerful talk.
Thanks for your kind words Amanda. It’s been 5 years since I gave this talk and I am daily struck by the never ending need to flip it to test it to catch myself back into consciously deciding things
No matter how self-aware we are, we are all still products of the societies and cultures we're raised in, so none of us are immune to biased thinking. The 'flip it to test it' tactic is a great way to check ourselves, and I always encourage people to use that as a thought exercise.
Thanks Saira--#FlipItToTestIt!
Flip it to test it - a simple but powerful way to more clearly see both what we're looking at and ourselves. As a recovering HR exec and middle aged white male (no recovery there) I recognize the challenges in business and in myself. Thanks, Kristen Pressner.
Thank you Chris, so glad to hear you found it impactful!
Your content is of great value because it reflects the culture of a society we have lived in for years and replicate without noticing, and you are right in saying that this can be unconscious. We are biopsychosocial beings, and studying how we are from the inside out, being aware of it, aligned with the labor market is essential for both the worker and the company.
❤ thanks Juliana
What an amazing Ted talk. A must see for everyone working in human resources.
Thanks Tiina 👊🏼
Kristen -
Appreciated your TEDx talk summarized with 'flip it to test it'. You walked me into the situation, helped jigger the paradigm, and offered a valuable tool to test the view. Very helpful for reevaluating lifelong presumptions. Kudos...and thanks.
Love that description! Thanks Tom
Bias was the subject of the conversation, but the scope of this presentation is expanded beyond 'bias' into the deep world of self-discovery due to two factors: first, the degree of awareness Kristen brought to the issue when she was confronted with an apparent duality, and second, the final call she makes to self-check oneself continually. A very remarkable talk here. Even the superwomen and feminists would find the self-deprecating portrayal to be a tremendous eye opener for the need to continuously examine one's own unconscious predispositions.
Chanshi, you are too kind. Thanks and flip it to test it 👊🏼👊🏼
Kristen Pressner’s 8 minute talk is very impactful. Unconscious bias is particularly hard to uncover- her ‘flip it to test it’ concept is particularly useful to me in my work as an Exclusion Exterminator in this space.
Kristen, I was very impressed with your honest self-reflection and speech about bias against women. I have sat on your side of the table for many years and as I listened to you I reflected on several similar situations that in hindsight I likely should have handled differently. Thank you for that learning opportunity!
Thanks for your honesty and refection Uli. I can certainly say the same thing about myself and I am pleased if this short talk enables more of us to stop, flip it, and then decide.
You know, after watching this talk about five times, AND spending time with the speaker, IT'S STILL GREAT and resonates!
Big thanks Bret! Thanks for your talk, making the double bass funny a d accessible!
There's no denying that we all have unconscious bias after watching this and seeing the "flip" of the words and pictures - that bit really made me chuckle! This talk has really got me thinking about the subject of unconscious bias. "Awareness is the precursor to choice" - Kristen's talk has certainly raised my awareness. And that will make me more conscious about my own bias. I'll be "flipping to test" all over the place from now on! :)
Thanks Amanda!
I absolutely love this talk! I appreciate your ability to be so candid and honest about your own biases. The "flip it to test it" approach is genius and works in all aspects of life--on a personal level and a business level. It's so simple, but such a valuable tool. Thank you so much, Kristen!
Thanks for the feedback Kylee
Flip it to Test it! An effective tool that allows us to improve our self within and the approach can be applied to all forms of bias. All too often we become defensive instead of introspective of our own thoughts and actions. THANK YOU Kristen Pressner!
Thanks for your kind words Mark, my hope was indeed to put people in discovery mode vs defensive mode. #FlipItToTestIt!
Kristen,
I am blown away and inspired by your authenticity and willingness to be transparent. For someone in your to willingly tell one on themselves in this manner opens up a dialogue that could not have previously been possible ... it truly is an act of generosity and courage. Not since watching "My stroke of insight," from Jill Bolte Taylor have I witnessed the mesmerizing phenomenon of someone sharing what they're experiencing while they, as an expert in the subject, are also "in the thick of" the experience itself. Bravo. Thank you for the difference this makes.
Cheryl, these words blow me away, and honestly, mean so very much from an experienced and impactful TEDx speaker such as yourself. THANK you. Truly
Spot on Cheryl! I hope Kristen's willingness to be courageously vulnerable and her call to change is contagious among male and female leaders alike.
Kristen and I were on the same TEDx Basel program. Her humility was inspiring to all. In many ways her talk epitomizes the person she is: excellence and integrity that is accessible to all. A generous spirit and colleague.
Thanks for your kind words Allison and Bret. I've been thrilled by the response! #FlipItToTestIt!
Could not agree more! Cheryl, your words are absolutely spot on!
Kristen, your flip it to test it is so powerful because it is so simple and practical. I use it regularly. Thanks for all that you do.
Unleash the Power of Diversity thank you!
Remarkably simple and yet powerfully revealing to "flip it to test it"...thanks again for the opportunity and reminder when I heard you speak in person, Kristen. What I admire about you is your willingness to be vulnerable and share that with us. It takes a powerful woman to do this. Thank you for being such a wonderful role model.
Thank you Cindy.
Wow, I admire her honesty, not letting pride get in the way of recognizing & changing for the better. That's what it's all about! #Yayhumanity!
Thanks Positive Gal!
What a great talk and I loved this journey of self-reflection. I can tell this person is a great leader... It's never EASY to recognize biases we all have, but our ability to influence and empower others is directly tied to our willingness to be honest with ourselves and how we see the world. Much enjoyed this presentation!
Great speech. Simple but very enlightening. Stepping back from our unconscious behaviors is really difficult, but your intervention reminds us that by being vigilant and questioning our certainties, we can be objective and fair. As leaders, we must do this.
Thank you!
Well said, thanks!
A lesson worth learning and a message worth spreading. The most difficult change starts from within.
Ineta Buivydaite well said, true change on something so complex starts within each of us
This is so simple, yet so effective - and truly inspirational.... It is not only highly applicable in the workplace, but also in our private lives and especially in the interaction with our kids. Our children will be setting the standard for the next generation workforce. I wish for them to encounter less bias than we must fight today. Thank you Kristen.
What about when all this sanitation of language can end up as a distraction from larger problems...
I loved that Kristen provided her examples in first person. But this kind of experiences and making them conscius would help to shape equality for next generations as well we are biased right now from our experiences. Great talk Kristen, I've just shared it in every network I belong.
Thanks so much for your comment and clear passion for what a real difference it could make if more people tried to #FlipItToTestIt Sergio
thx for calling these out Kristen! I hope most of us (men) dont feel attacked when we start to talk about it.. (otherwise it will be hard to fight it)
I found this to be one of the most important TedTalks we as women should listen to (and men too). It has truly resonated with me and it’s definitely something we are all guilty of. Thank you Kristen for sharing this, it’s already made an impact on me!
As a result of Kristen's courage - to look within, to be honest, and then to share via such a public platform - she invites us all to do likewise. Her message is critical - for both women and men. If we want to change the world to make it fairer - for ALL - we cannot ignore our unconscious biases any longer!! Kudos to you, Kristen!
- Katrine (Women Innovators Network in the Caribbean, WINC)
So touched and honored by your words Katrine. Thank you. #FlipItToTestIt!
You're more than welcome!!
What a great example to all speakers of a thoroughly genuine, congruent delivery style. No false 'polish' or theatrical affectations. Research has shown that the three things audiences want today are authenticity, transparency and vulnerability...and Kristen nails it!
Kevin Ryan thanks so much for the kind words
This is THE most concrete, best value and easiest to implement D&I advice I have ever received. I do it at work, but also with my kids. ❤
Honesty is the best policy, and your story is an example that hits home. The kind that you don't forget about. Thank you for this.
Thanks Sahar, for your kind words
I admire the honesty of the speaker in this video. In my experience it is really unusual for people, especially those in senior leadership positions, to openly challenge themselves on how they think about bias or diversity in general. The examples given are taken from a general and stereotypical viewpoint- which is exactly the point of bias. We dont realise we do it, because we more often than not just do without thinking. The Flip and Test method is really interesting and something I am going to use with the senior leaders of my organisation to challenge them to think differently in this very different world
Thanks Chris
A simple mechanism, yet very effective, I recently used it while describing a point to my audience and to my surprise it worked perfectly .. thanks Kristen!
Tareq Alsahsah , great to hear! It’s shockingly simple AND shockingly effective!
This is truly refreshing! At times (especially in debates with millennial men) there seems to be an unspoken assumption that men are the only ones being accused of unconscious bias. I don't see why admitting that we all have had instances where we were unconsciously biased and getting in the habit of "flipping it to test it" would not help us change the situation. As always, thank you Kristen for sharing your wisdom and offering practical advice!
Thanks for noticing Ilinca, as you nail the point. No one likes being accused of bias, but perhaps flipping it to test it enables us to each to catch ourselves (and move to discovery mode vs defensive mode), as we all do it.
Not sure how many of us would be as brave as Kristen to stand up and admit to unconscious bias (or any weakness!) to thousands of UA-cam viewers, but her point is well made. What I like about this is her simple flipping exercise to help identify whether a bias (or a prejudice) has crept into the decision-making unnoticed! A rule for life, as well as work...
Thanks so much for your comment Gerry, I am so happy you found it so useful!
Great TED talk - the honesty, humility and key messages. Those characteristics of "fragile, emotional, helpful, taking care" often lead to even bigger biases when women also choose parenthood. The bias against women intensifies when children come into the equation and it can be a mix of biases, even benevolence bias with some Managers making assumptions out of kindness - "I didn't ask as I assumed you wouldn't want to travel/be on that project with a young baby....".Having helped 100s of women manage the balance of professional and personal life, without feelings of guilt, shame & overwhelm, I realised 2 years ago that it wasn't enough! It doesn't matter how empowered, confident & ambitious you are post a parental break - the environment will soon suck it out of you (intentionally or unintentionally) if the organisation's patterns are "man = leader, provider, assertive, strong, driven". Accompanying the transition to parenthood requires a change in assumptions, beliefs, behaviour and motivations on the part of the parents concerned. The same can be said for organisations - they also need to look at what unconscious bias and limiting beliefs exist culturally; to enable them to create a system which supports true diversity. By focusing on cultural change and the transition in and out of parental leave, not simply the period of leave; plus the on-going demands in juggling parenthood and careers; organisations and individuals alike can create a thriving collaboration of these 2 worlds and reduce the attrition and stress that often results at this time.Why I am I "biased" or "taking care" of parents only which led to launching Thrive here in Switzerland? My passion - I know how important it is for myself and for many women to have their professional identify as well as being a Mum and I believe that true diversity is enabling people to have that choice. Then there are statistics....>75% of individuals become parents - it is a significant proportion of an organisation’s workforce to positively influence to stay engaged and energised at work!
Thanks for your comments and for the work you do Deborah. There is so much untapped potential in the world and much of it remains untapped in women, thanks for working to fix that!
I cant believe I found this ted talk just now. Came here from Kathy Caprino's Forbes article. 'Flip it to test it' is a useful technique. Thank you Kristen.
Kristen, thank you for sharing your own bias and giving us all a simple tip for checking ourselves. So glad you are out there helping us apply it to our daily lives. Changing systemic bias will only happen when we all become more self-aware of our own biases!
thank you Liz. And...fabulous pop-up talk!
This is the absolute best presentation about Implicit bias that I've seen - and I've seen a lot. Thank you!
nice! are thereany particular races. or genders you harbor biases towards?
Love this! What courage to admit and bring awareness to your own bias. Thanks for making us all stop and think about our own unconscious bias. Flipping the situation is very eye-opening!
Thanks for your kind words Michaelann! #FlipItToTestIt!
This is my go to video for any team discussion that moves towards diversity and inclusion. The more we bring unconscious bias into the light and into open discussions, the more we can overcome it.
Thanks Jennifer
Inspirational, powerful and brutally honest TED Talk! Kristen Pressner is a role model to women and men alike! So proud of what she's achieved and excited to continue to follow her amazing ascent. I will definitely "flip it to test it".
Thank you Carmen :)
I am completely inspired by this talk and its a good provocation to reflect on our own biases. I was grown up by my mum to be as strong, independent and as successful as a man. I am the mother of 5 and i am bringing my boys up to be as strong, independent and successful as my girls. Change starts at home and becoming more conscious of bias can help both our girls and boys be better people.
Thanks for your kind words Charlotte! #FlipItToTestIt!
The first step to change is awareness. The second step is acceptance as Nathaniel Branden said. Kristen took the third step to publicly talk for the things she passionately wants to change in the world and first in herself. That is the only way, isn't it? Truly inspirational.
Thank you for the kind words Maria
one of the best talks about women biast I have heard. Sobering
Thank you Sophie!
Inspired by your honesty, Kristen, and thank you for helping bring awareness to a topic we hate to admit is everywhere.
This is one of the best talks on gender bias in the workplace. Love this vulnerable message, so brave!
Pivot Point thank you! Great to hear!
Amazing! This takes so much strength and I admire her so much for having the courage to talk about this openly, but also to have the insight into solutions for seeing if we do also, which is the first step towards making any meaningful changes. Every women and man needs to watch this!
Thanks Pozentivity!
I noticed a bias towards gorgeous women and treating 6 better 🎉
What amazing talk, about a subject that is so difficult to bring to discuss these days. Thank you Kristen for your openness and honesty... We all have bias and we need to keep learning ways to reflect and understand how to manage them for the better... Great video!
For me what's amazing about this talk is that it is relevant on so many levels. We can use "flip it to test it" in our marriages, and in societal issues of race, etc. as well. Kristen's approach challenges the layperson as well as the highly intellectual. Well done!!!
thanks Bret!
Thank you, Kristen, for having the courage to share such a personal revelation. We are all stronger for it, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from your example.
Thank you Heather!
Definitely worth watching. Food for thought - unconscious bias remains that way until we talk about it and we need to talk about more
Thanks Ruth, couldn't agree more!
A thought-provoking, authentic presentation on a long-ignored topic. Flip it to test it can be applied to every area in our professional and personal life. Thank you for speaking up, Kristen!
Thanks for your kind words Natalie, I am so glad you found the #FlipItToTestIt idea useful!
Great Ted Talk on unconscious bias. The use of “Flip it to Test it” is helpful in many situations. Great job!
Thank you Caleb!
We all come to the table with our biases tucked away in our unconscious mind filing drawers. It takes incredible mindfulness to recognise when we are being lazy and automatically default to our " filed in the drawer reactions". Kudos to you Kirsten for calling yourself out. I loved the idea of using the opposite or playing devil's advocate yourself with your own assumptions to shift your sense. You accomplished your goal of making us all stop and think. I have to admit I also have a bias against myself at times being a business person and also running a Foundation ( two very different hats) and it was not until I started saying to myself " You are the primary patron of your Foundation" ( and accepting the responsibilities of that role) was I able to start actually considering my role leading my Foundation as one not with only heart but also one with head and business acumen.
Thanks Sallyann, great insights
Yes, the "Flip it to test it" is an easy and very effective way to test your biases. Well done Kristen.
Thank you Mike! Means a lot coming from you.
Extremely memorable talk…and I was so inspired to be there live! A simple, powerful and influential “idea worth spreading”, which I have tried to follow on many occasions. Thank you for sharing, Kirsten!
shoutout to the people that comment yall helping me with my homework rn lmaooo yall the reason i’m not gonna drop out thanks
😂
Pressed 'Like' the video at around the commencement; wish to click an 'adore' button at 5.21
Wow, what an amazing self check. Kristen really hits home with such a simple concept. The "flip it to test it" concept can work on just about anything we do in both our personal and business lives. This really opened my eyes to how I think.
Thanks Michael
Thank you for the message of your talk - so many things resonated with me. And reminded me of the fact that we have those blind spots and biases I'm not even aware of. It's amazing how much we're driven by beliefs, conditioning and patterns. Which can be very helpful and then so harming as well. And what we don't know we can't change.
Claudia Hesse well said, and thanks
A terrific example of the importance of self awareness and openness in leadership. And 'flip it to test it' gives us a great tool to double-check ourselves and surface some of our less concious habits and shortcuts! Thanks Kristen.
Thanks Catherine!
Kristen's honesty is fabulous as it really is a brave to put yourself out there and tell the world that you aren't perfect, and lets face it no one is. A great idea to 'flip it to test it' and in the world of recruitment and talent this is even more so.
Thank you so much! reducing bias is ESPECIALLY important for recruiters!
That is what i always say. Before giving any negative judgement, put your shoes in the person shoe and see if you can do better. It is always good to flip to test it
"Flip it to test it". Brilliant idea, and brilliant presentation, Kristen! You were the perfect person to deliver this message. Well done!
Thanks Andy!
Kristen's willness to share her personal "AHA" moment illuminates unconscious bias and provides practical "flip test" to check ourselves. Bravo.
Heartfelt thanks Colleen!
That flip it test was awesome!!! We all have biases and I think this can be addressed by coming up with ways to offset your bias when making decisions that affect other peoples' lives.
sessahme thanks, amazing what can happen when we are in discovery mode rather than defensive mode
"Flip it to test it" is a simple and effective tool to help leaders develop awareness and create the pause needed to make better, more inclusive decisions. Decisions that can lead to some transformational changes in an organization. Thank you, Kristen, for bringing this great concept to light and inspiring action.
Nick Tobey thanks, great to see the big impact of a simple idea
The "Flip it to Test it' is a tip and shortcut I often reference in my workshop. If you flip it and it feels iffy it probably is - so take another look
I love this because Kristen is so courageous - it takes so much courage for a hr leader to admit her learnings . What a great role model
Evrim Erdem Asma thank you
Appreciate the honesty - and simplicity in how unconscious bias is articulated, plus useful technique to help identify your bias - thanks Kristen!
Thanks Gavin!
Unconscious bias is a real problem and I quite like the #FlipItToTestIt method: easy, accessible and immediately revealing! Loved this talk!
Thanks Jennifer, I am so glad you agree. I find it eye opening every time! :)
Cogent and always relevant - Kristen's talk is educational and inviting, and it should be essential viewing in all organizations across all levels. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Mona!
Whenever I hear Kristen speak, I'm hooked from the start. Maybe it's because she is a great role model, maybe it's because she is so humble and relatable to any women, maybe it's because what she says makes so much sense, or maybe it's that her passion to support women reach, and succeed, in leadership positions is so infectious. Whatever the reason, watch, learn and enjoy!
Thanks so much for the kind words Cara!
This is great! I salute Kristen for being so honest about her own bias and explaining the concept of unconscious bias so clearly and eloquently - and in a way that I believe the most of us can relate to. "Flip it to test it"! 2 thumbs up! ... and 2 toes up! ;-)
Heartfelt thanks Irene, means a lot coming from someone so passionate about diversity
I am currently working on a training for professionals at university: career services and academic advising. "Flip it to test it" is going to be a powerful tool to double-check oneself!
Thank you so much!
That's cool to hear Tiburcio, thanks for sharing and #FlipItToTestIt!
This is excellent. She not only explains and shows how unconscious bias operates but gives easy and simple tools to help us catch ourselves. Very useful! Wish all US voters had seen this before the election!!
Thanks a lot for your comment Joan, I am so pleased you found it useful! Might be too late for the US election, but there will be more, so feel free to spread the word !
So impressed with this talk on many levels: asking the question that very few dare to, Am I biased? Naming it in a way that is transparent, exploring and producing a clear test that will display what we are doing. #flipittotestit
Thanks for your kind words Catherine! #FlipItToTestIt!
Flipping the script helps everyone to become conscious about unconscious bias! #feelthelove
Thank you Susie!
Incredibly brave to admit to your biases but I think if we don't nothing changes. More Leaders should do this. Great video and Kristen it was great to hear your thoughts on this in person last week. I better start flipping to test it right away! Thanks!
Thanks Mike, couldn't agree more! #FlipItToTestIt!
I would echo all the positive comments made so far and I would also say that When a leader like Kristen chooses to adopt a transparent and open culture within their organisation, I am sure that sends a powerful and positive message to the wider group.
Thanks a lot Sean!
Great talk! The simple exercise can help reveal unconscious bias. The willingness to admit there may be a bias is a powerful trait of a respected leader - one who never stops looking for ways to improve. Kudos!
Thanks Chris!
This is my favourite TED talk of the year - thank you Kristen for giving us such a simple way to check our own bias!
WOW, thanks Kay, that's quite an endorsement. I am so glad you found it impactful
Another amazing inspiring talk of Kristen Pressner.
Thanks so much for sharing this and for the useful tip to help us identify our unconscious bias. It is extremely important we all spend some time getting to know ourselves and see how we act-react and what are bias are.
Thanks Sofi!
Congrats Kristen Pressner!
I was lucky enough to watch your talk live and it was one of those moments when you instantly realize that you’re witnessing a mind-changing idea. I hope enough people watch this so this idea can inspire a different behavior in the workplace and everywhere. #flipittotestit
Wow thank you Filipe, that's the ultimate compliment!
This talk is a must see for all men and women focusing on leadership growth!
Helena Demuynck thank you. The idea is so simple yet so impactful. And the best part: we can each start with ourselves and our own awareness
YES
A fascinating and focused message that is highly relevant across workplaces and cultural contexts. It speaks to the gendered dynamics to our assumptions about leaders, thinkers, problem solvers, etc that reflect deeply-held cultural ideas. The last line "what if you are missing a way to see the world differently" is highly resonant.
Thanks Nitin!