Taras Kobernyk is humble, professional, and articulate. That’s what makes his intriguing situation and actions much more believable. After being fired by Google for questioning some of their policies on diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, Taras found it quite difficult to find another job.
When asked why he wrote his now-famous document “Questions about Google’s anti-racism actions,” he says he just wanted to start a conversation, just wanted to point out some contradictory, hypocritical behaviors and sentiments that Google leadership was pushing on its employees, particularly on software engineers like himself. Google’s continued refusal (or inability) to address these points has not wavered since the document was released and began a very public media blitz on the subject.
Join me as we talk to Taras about his experiences– from his excitement about moving to the U.S. from Ukraine, getting hired by such a massive tech giant, and the subsequent disintegration of his time there, leading to his being fired for questioning Google leadership on some tough topics.
Discussion Points
Resources
The Anti-Racist Allyship Starter Pack
Robin DiAngelo – White Fragility Book
The Culture of Things Podcast Website
The Culture of Things LinkedIn
The Culture of Things Facebook Page
Mike Goldman is a well-known Australian personality. He’s an actor, voice-over artist, and presenter. He is most widely known as the host of and...
Julie Watson is the General Manager & Founder of ‘Stronger Than My Excuses’. She is a successful Central Coast businesswoman for over 30 years...
“If leaders don’t understand how the human brain works and how people perceive information, they’ll struggle.” That’s a quote from today’s guest, Phill Agnew. ...