Allyship in Action: A Conversation with Antoine Burrell As part of our ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive and supportive community at Cloudera, we’re excited to share the latest installment of our Allyship series. This time around, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Antoine Burrell, Senior Director of Technical Services, to discuss his thoughts on allyship in the workplace. Q: What does allyship mean to you, and how do you practice it in your daily work? A: For me, being an ally means using my privilege to amplify the voices and experiences of underrepresented groups. It’s about recognizing that my presence can make a difference, whether it’s by speaking up for someone who’s facing discrimination or simply being a supportive colleague. Q: Can you give us some examples of how you’ve demonstrated allyship in your role at Cloudera? A: Sure thing! One way I’ve done this is by being an active listener and advocate for our employees from diverse backgrounds. Whether it’s helping someone navigate company processes or providing guidance on professional development, I believe my role is to empower others to succeed. Q: What advice would you give to colleagues who are looking to become better allies? A: First and foremost, recognize that allyship is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s an opportunity to learn and improve. Q: What changes would you like to see in our workplace culture to better support underrepresented groups? A: I think we’ve made great progress, but there’s always more work to be done. One area that I’d love to see us focus on is creating more opportunities for employees to share their experiences and perspectives. By doing so, we can build a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Q: Finally, what do you hope our audience takes away from this conversation? A: My hope is that people will leave with a sense of empowerment – knowing that they have the power to make a positive impact in their own way. Allyship isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s often the small, everyday actions that can have a profound effect. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a workplace culture that is truly inclusive and supportive. Thanks for joining us, Antoine – your insights are invaluable!