Allyship, power, and feeling seen at work

Conversations about equity and inclusion are increasingly common in today’s workplaces. But allyship is often misunderstood and treated as a label rather than a set of ongoing actions shaped by power, identity, and accountability. In this episode of Dialogue with the Dean, Julian Birkinshaw is joined by Barnini Bhattacharyya, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Ivey Business School, to explore what effective allyship actually looks like in practice. Drawing on her research, Bhattacharyya examines how women of colour experience allyship at work, why good intentions can still miss the mark, and how power dynamics shape whether support is meaningful or performative. The conversation also explores the idea of invisibility in the workplace, including how being overlooked or unheard affects belonging, performance, and career progression, and what leaders and colleagues can do to create environments where people feel genuinely seen and supported. Thoughtful and practical, this episode offers clear insights for leaders, managers, and teams seeking to move beyond rhetoric and build more inclusive workplaces. In this episode::00: Not all allies are created equal12:38: Do you see me – exploring invisibility in the workplace19:36: How can workplaces make informed decisions25:16: Applying research to the classroom