298: Male Allyship: Building Inclusive Actions at Work with Shawn Andrews and Michael O'Brien

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Dr. Shawn Andrews and Michael O'Brien, co-authors of The 5 Levels of Male Allyship: A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion. Together, they explore how allyship can help create more inclusive workplace cultures and stronger professional relationships. Drawing on their research and experiences, Shawn and Michael discuss why many men want to be allies but often struggle to know where to begin. They explain the five levels of allyship, the importance of awareness and courage, and how individuals can move from good intentions to meaningful action. The conversation also examines the differences between allies, mentors, and sponsors, the role leaders can play in fostering cultures of inclusion, and the challenges created by workplace dynamics such as "bro culture." Shawn and Michael share practical tools from their book that help individuals assess their allyship and identify potential advocates within their organizations. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how allyship benefits everyone, strengthens workplace culture, and creates opportunities for people to thrive together. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: • The definition of allyship and why it matters • The five levels of male allyship • Why awareness is the foundation of allyship • The role of courage in supporting others • How allyship differs from mentorship and sponsorship • The impact of workplace culture on inclusion • Common barriers that prevent men from becoming allies • The influence of "bro culture" in organizations • Practical tools for identifying and developing allies • Why allyship benefits both individuals and organizations  Learn more about Michael and Shawn: • Read: The 5 Levels of Male Allyship: A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion (https://amzn.to/3SnLBlb) • Take the assessment: 5 Levels of Allyship Assessment (https://5levelsofallyship.scoreapp.com/)    • Visit drshawnandrews.com/5levelsofallyship (http://drshawnandrews.com/5levelsofal...) • Follow Shawn Andrews on LinkedIn (  / drshawnandrews  ) • Visit michaelobrienshift.com/ (https://michaelobrienshift.com/) • Follow Michael O’Brien on Linkedin (  / michaelobrienpelotoncoaching  ) Stay Connected: • Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn (  / tammygoolerloeb  ) • Buy Me A Coffee (https://buymeacoffee.com/tammygl) • Work From The Inside Out Website (https://www.tammygoolerloeb.com/) • Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tammygoolerloeb.kit.com/b3905...) • Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb (https://youtube.com/@tammygoolerloeb?...)