An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Anxiety and OCD can make social interactions daunting. I found solace in online forums where I could engage at my own pace. Communities can replicate this by offering various modes of participation, ensuring that those who might be overwhelmed by in-person events still have a voice.
In a world where diversity is often acknowledged but not always celebrated, we are taking a step forward to highlight the importance of inclusivity in building strong, vibrant communities. This series aims to explore the various facets of diversity — be it racial, cultural, gender-based, or within the differently-abled community — and understand how embracing these differences strengthens our social fabric. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing J. Edwards Holt.
J. Edwards Holt is a bestselling American author renowned for his fantasy novels and children’s books. Transitioning from education to writing, Holt has captivated audiences with his Barrenworld Trilogy and the award-winning “The Jealous Little Ogre.” As an ordained minister, he integrates his Christian faith into his works, promoting messages of hope. One of his most celebrated stories, “The Crossing: A Wayfarer’s Chronicles,” continues to enchant readers with its rich storytelling. Committed to community service, Holt’s contributions extend beyond literature, impacting lives through advocacy and service.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about celebrating diversity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I’ve always had an interest in writing and telling stories, and it’s been my lifelong dream to be an author so that I can tell my stories to others. I never dreamed I would actually become an author, but one day I decided to go ahead and write my first book and I’ve been writing ever since. A lot.
Can you share an interesting or hopeful story where spending time with someone who did not look like you or who was different from you taught you something that has been useful to you?
In my early days as a writer, I attended a workshop designed for individuals with various disabilities. I was nervous, my Tourette’s tics more pronounced due to my anxiety. Among the attendees was a woman who was deaf. Our communication barriers seemed insurmountable at first, but as we were paired up for an exercise, we found a way to bridge the gap.
We used a mix of handwritten notes, gestures, and expressions to share our thoughts. She taught me sign language for words like ‘story’ and ‘imagination.’ I learned that storytelling transcends spoken language and that there’s a profound connection to be found in silent communication. Her perspective on the world was visual and vibrant, and it challenged me to think about my own narratives in a more dynamic way.
This experience was invaluable. It taught me that patience and willingness to adapt are key to understanding and that our differences can lead to a deeper connection than we might expect. This lesson has been incredibly useful in my writing, allowing me to craft stories that are more inclusive and representative of the diverse world we live in.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Reflecting on my journey as an author with Tourette’s, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD, I believe the three character traits that were most instrumental to my success are resilience, creativity, and empathy.
Resilience has been my cornerstone, allowing me to navigate the unpredictable waves of Tourette’s. There were days when my tics were so severe that even holding a pen was a battle. Yet, I persisted, typing with one finger on my laptop, determined to share my story. This perseverance led to the publication of my first book, a testament to the power of my determination.
Creativity has been my outlet, transforming the chaos of ADHD into a wellspring of ideas. My mind often races with thoughts, but through writing, I channel them into stories and articles. One particularly memorable piece was a narrative that paralleled the erratic journey of a leaf in the wind with my own scattered thoughts — a piece that resonated deeply with classmates.
Empathy has been my guide, shaped by the depths of my own struggles with anxiety and OCD. Understanding the pain of being misunderstood, I’ve strived to create characters in past works that embody the complexities of mental health challenges.
These traits have not only fueled my success but have also allowed me to connect with others, fostering a sense of community and understanding through the written word.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story that highlights the impact of diversity and inclusivity in your life or career?
Once, I was invited to speak at a community event about the power of storytelling. The audience was diverse, comprising people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Among them was a young man with autism, who approached me after my talk. He shared his dream of becoming a writer but was worried his condition would make it impossible.
I saw so much of my younger self in him — the same fears and doubts that had once held me back. I told her about the times when my OCD would trap me in endless loops of revision, or when my ADHD would scatter my thoughts so far I couldn’t piece them back together. But I also shared how these challenges pushed me to develop unique writing techniques and a distinctive voice.
We talked about embracing our differences and using them as a source of creativity. I encouraged him to write his own story, not despite his autism, but including it as a vital part of his narrative. A few years later, he sent me an email saying that he was writing articles online full time.
His success was a good reminder of the impact inclusivity can have. It reinforced my belief that when we support and celebrate diversity, we unlock a wellspring of creativity and potential that can change lives, including our own.
How do you approach and manage the challenges that arise when working towards creating more inclusive communities?
Creating more inclusive communities is a dynamic and ongoing effort that requires a thoughtful and empathetic approach.
Active listening is fundamental, as it allows for a deep understanding of the experiences and needs of community members, particularly those from marginalized groups.
Collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community leaders, organizations, and individuals, is essential to gain a broad perspective and develop comprehensive solutions.
Adaptability is also key; strategies must evolve based on feedback and the changing needs of the community.
Education and sensitivity training can play a significant role in reducing biases and misconceptions, while the development and enforcement of policies that promote inclusivity and protect against discrimination are crucial for overcoming challenges.
Effective conflict resolution mechanisms are necessary to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment.
Lastly, recognizing and celebrating the small victories along the way can provide motivation and momentum for continued efforts towards building a community that welcomes and values all its members.
What innovative strategies or initiatives have you implemented or observed that effectively promote the importance of diversity and inclusivity?
In the pursuit of fostering an environment where diversity and inclusivity are not just buzzwords but lived values, several innovative strategies have been put into practice. These include inclusive leadership training, which equips leaders with the skills to recognize and mitigate biases, creating a team culture where every member feels valued and empowered. Encouraging a diversity of discussion within teams and decision-making processes ensures that a multitude of perspectives are heard, enriching the conversation and leading to more innovative outcomes.
Additionally, adopting flexible mandatory holidays allows individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds to celebrate their important dates, further cementing a sense of belonging and respect within the organization. These initiatives are crucial in building a workplace that not only acknowledges but celebrates the differences among its members, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique contributions each person brings to the table.
In your opinion, what are the key elements that make a community truly inclusive, and how can these be fostered on a larger scale?
In my view, the key elements that make a community truly inclusive involve:
- Diverse Representation: Ensuring that all groups, especially those that are often marginalized, have representation in decision-making processes.
- Accessibility: Creating environments that are physically, socially, and digitally accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability.
- Equitable Opportunities: Providing equal chances for education, employment, and participation in community life.
- Open Communication: Encouraging dialogue that allows for the expression of different perspectives in a respectful manner.
- Continuous Education: Promoting learning about different cultures, identities, and experiences to foster empathy and understanding.
To foster these elements on a larger scale, communities can:
- Implement policies that actively protect against discrimination and bias.
- Invest in infrastructure that is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
- Create programs that support the professional and personal development of underrepresented groups.
- Encourage community events that celebrate diversity and provide platforms for minority voices.
- Partner with educational institutions to integrate inclusivity into curricula from an early age.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways We Can Build Inclusive Communities”?
1 . Promote Understanding and Awareness
Growing up with Tourette’s, I often faced stares and whispers in public spaces. To foster inclusivity, I started a local initiative where I shared my experiences through workshops, helping others understand the challenges and resilience that come with neurological conditions. This not only educated the community but also created a safe space for others to share their stories.
2 . Create Accessible Environments
Dealing with ADHD made it difficult for me to concentrate in cluttered and noisy environments. By advocating for quiet zones and organized spaces in community centers, we can ensure that individuals with similar challenges feel comfortable and included in public gatherings.
3 . Encourage Participation and Engagement
Anxiety and OCD can make social interactions daunting. I found solace in online forums where I could engage at my own pace. Communities can replicate this by offering various modes of participation, ensuring that those who might be overwhelmed by in-person events still have a voice.
4 . Celebrate Diversity
My school once held a ‘Diversity Day’, where students showcased their unique backgrounds and abilities. This celebration of differences taught us to appreciate the richness that each person brings to the community, making it a more welcoming place for all.
5 . Support and Empathy
On days when my symptoms were particularly challenging, the kindness of friends who offered a listening ear made a world of difference. Communities should cultivate support networks where empathy is the norm, not the exception, allowing everyone to feel seen and heard.
How do you measure the impact and success of diversity and inclusion efforts, and what changes have you seen as a result of these initiatives?
Measuring the impact and success of diversity and inclusion efforts can be approached through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Here are some ways to assess these initiatives:
- Surveys and Feedback: Regularly conducting anonymous surveys to gauge employee sentiments and experiences regarding inclusivity can provide valuable insights.
- Representation Metrics: Tracking diversity metrics within the organization, such as the representation of different groups at various levels, can show progress over time.
- Retention and Promotion Rates: Analyzing retention and promotion rates among diverse employees can indicate the effectiveness of inclusive practices.
- Inclusion Indexes: Some organizations use standardized inclusion indexes to measure how inclusive their culture is perceived to be by their employees.
- Program Participation: Monitoring participation rates in diversity and inclusion programs can help assess engagement and interest levels.
Changes observed as a result of these initiatives often include:
- Improved Employee Engagement: A more inclusive environment typically leads to higher job satisfaction and engagement.
- Broader Talent Pool: Companies that prioritize diversity attract talent from a wider range of backgrounds.
- Innovation and Creativity: Diverse teams bring different perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and innovations.
- Better Decision-Making: Inclusive teams are better at decision-making due to the variety of viewpoints considered.
These measures and observed changes highlight the tangible benefits of committing to diversity and inclusion within communities and organizations. They not only create a more equitable environment but also contribute to the overall success and competitiveness of the group.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
As I’ve said before, I would like to do something that would promote literacy and a love for reading worldwide, with a particular emphasis on underprivileged communities and regions with low literacy rates. Something that seeks to break down barriers to literacy, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to read, learn, and grow. Such a movement would have the potential to improve the lives of millions of people and promote a more educated and inclusive society.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Readers can always do a Google search for J. Edwards Holt or visit my website: www.jedwardsholt.com to learn more about me. Information about and links to my books can be found on my website, and my books are available with most book retailers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and more. I have several books on the market (hopefully with more on the way) and I believe there’s something in the J. Edwards Holt catalogue for everyone to enjoy! I love talking about my books and telling my story to inspire others, so if anyone reading is interested in interviewing or featuring me in any kind of media they can email me at [email protected].
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Celebrating Diversity: Author J Edwards Holt On How To Build Inclusive Communities was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.