Ep 204 The Ageism Movement is Catching Fire with Maureen Wiley Clough

In episode 204, Maureen Wiley Clough, host of the "It Gets Late Early" podcast and a passionate advocate against ageism in the tech industry returns to the Midlife Fulfilled podcast. We discussed the pervasive issue of age discrimination, also known as ageism, particularly in hiring practices, and we discussed actionable steps toward fostering an age-inclusive work environment.

Here are the three key discussion points from our conversation:

1️⃣ Ageism in Hiring Practices: We discussed an anecdote involving a hiring manager's preference for a candidate with "more runway," or younger candidates. The tech sector was highlighted for having a high number of age discrimination lawsuits, surpassing those related to gender or race. Our discussion suggests the need for education on age bias within organizations.

2️⃣ The Impact of Societal Perceptions & Media: Maureen shed light on how societal perceptions influence ageism, including a recent ageist horror movie titled "The Substance" featuring Demi Moore. She emphasized the need to shift societal narratives by showcasing successful older individuals and hosting candid discussions about aging and ageism across platforms.

3️⃣ Advocacy and Growing Awareness: Despite the challenges Maureen shares a hopeful perspective on changing the ageism narrative. Increased discussions and awareness are being noted, with more leaders and organizations beginning to include ageism under their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Maureen's experience with a viral LinkedIn post about an offending ageist career guide by Indeed exemplifies how social media can accelerate change.

Main Takeaway: The fight against ageism in the workplace is in its early stages but gaining momentum. Collective effort from leaders, HR professionals, and advocates like Maureen is crucial in reshaping policies and perceptions. By continuing this vital conversation and championing inclusive practices, we can pave the way for a more equitable professional landscape for all ages.

Check out episode 134 to hear more about Maureen Wiley Clough's personal journey with age discrimination.

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