Allyship in Action: Creating Inclusive Environments with Eva Medilek

Kivo Daily Staff

The landscape of leadership and personal development is evolving rapidly. Eva Medilek, a certified high-performance coach, author, and speaker, is at the forefront of this transformation. With a profound commitment to creating inclusive environments, Eva brings a unique perspective to the realm of communication, leadership, and high-performance. This article delves into her journey, challenges, achievements, and the essential message she conveys to CEOs, leaders, managers, and educators.

A Journey of Transformation

Eva Medilek’s journey into the world of high-performance coaching and inclusive leadership began after 30 years as a dental hygienist. Her career took an unexpected turn when she was downsized on her 50th birthday, leaving her with the realization that a traditional nine-to-five job would not afford her the freedom to fulfill her dream of spending summers in Europe.

Determined to carve her own path, Eva ventured into entrepreneurship by starting a real estate investment company. However, the weight of juggling her roles as a full-time employee, a business owner, a wife, a mother, and a homemaker started taking a toll on her health and relationships. She discovered that being a high-achiever didn’t necessarily equate to being a high-performer. This pivotal moment drove Eva to explore personal development and eventually led her to become a certified high-performance coach.

Eva’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping individuals optimize their lives to achieve success in all aspects without sacrificing health, well-being, and relationships. Her message is clear: personal development is the cornerstone of true achievement.

The Catalyst for Change: A Call for Inclusivity

Eva’s transformational journey took an even more profound turn during the tumultuous events of 2020 when George Floyd’s tragic murder ignited a global outcry for racial justice and equality. She recognized that traditional business practices were no longer sufficient in a world grappling with division and inequity. Eva knew it was time to step up and make a difference.

In response to these urgent societal demands, Eva shifted her focus. She resolved to help individuals, especially leaders, understand the importance of creating inclusive environments as an integral part of communication, leadership, and high-performance. She believes that inclusivity is not a performative checkbox but a vital skill that enriches lives and fosters true progress. This marks a significant departure from conventional approaches, emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding.

“Conversation is the currency of inclusion, and progress in this area requires having tough conversations. Tough conversations are uncomfortable but we can have them anyway with a clear intention and framework for safety.” – Eva

Allyship in Action: Creating Inclusive Environments with Eva Medilek

Photo Credit To: pamperrypr/eva

Overcoming Challenges with Unwavering Determination

Eva Medilek’s journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges. She often grappled with self-doubt, particularly in her ability to engage individuals of privilege in diversity and inclusion work. To overcome this hurdle, she focused on expanding her knowledge and skill set, ensuring that her approach stood out from the typical performative diversity training. Her commitment to the cause comes from acknowledging the sacrifices of her ancestors, who fought for inclusion and justice. Reading the Equal Justice Initiative’s daily newsletter on racial injustice history provided a constant source of motivation.

Photo Credit To: pamperrypr/eva

Eva’s determination and commitment have driven her to develop a unique and inclusive approach to leadership and communication, setting her apart in the industry. Her approach centers on collaboration and the idea that people support what they create. She advocates against top-down, command-and-control methods, instead encouraging open dialogue and understanding. Eva’s perspective is a powerful reminder that inclusivity starts with listening and embracing different perspectives.

Notable Achievements

Eva’s journey has been marked by significant milestones and recognitions. She was selected as one of the 500 individuals featured on the Brainz 500 Global list in both 2020 and 2021, an accomplishment that attests to her impact in the field of high-performance coaching. Additionally, she has authored an Amazon #1 best-selling book, solidifying her expertise in leadership and personal development. Her efforts have also earned her the Evolutionary Business Council Bronze Mentorship Award, a testament to her dedication to empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Personal Anecdotes: Navigating Unconscious Bias

Eva Medilek brings a personal touch to the conversation about inclusivity and unconscious bias. As an educated Black woman, she has often encountered comments about being “articulate.” While this may seem like a compliment, it carries an underlying assumption. Eva recalls a significant incident during her first pregnancy when she overheard doctors describing her as an “intelligent Black female.” This experience made her question whether a white woman would have been similarly described based on her race. Today, Eva is armed with the tools to address these situations, advocating for open conversations to promote understanding and awareness, rather than casting blame or guilt.

The Future: A Global Vision of Inclusivity

Looking ahead, Eva envisions herself as a global speaker on cultural inclusivity and conducting inclusive leadership workshops across the world. Her dreams and aspirations are rooted in fostering a world where diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of society, leading to greater understanding and unity.

Photo Credit To: pamperrypr/eva

Eva Medilek’s journey from dental hygienist to certified high-performance coach and inclusive leadership advocate is a testament to the transformative power of personal development. Her message of inclusivity and communication is essential for CEOs, leaders, managers, and educators, highlighting the importance of creating environments that welcome and embrace diversity. Eva’s unique approach stands out in a world that is increasingly recognizing the value of understanding and empathy, making her a true thought leader in her field.

For further insights into Eva Medilek’s work, you can explore her content pieces, including “Distinguishing High Achievement from High Performance” published on Eva Medilek’s website and “Oppression Is Not a Competition“. These articles provide valuable context and deeper understanding of her mission in the realms of high performance and inclusivity.