[Podcast] Equitable by Design: Creating Workplaces That Value Merit With Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano

At a time when many feel overwhelmed by systemic problems, Aubrey shows how thoughtful design and small actions can create meaningful change.

Author

Hilary Callaghan
July 02, 2025

In this episode of Chasing Financial Equality, Kane Jackson speaks with Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano, founder and CEO of MathPath and Vice President of Equitable Operations at Culture Amp. Aubrey brings a refreshing honesty to conversations about workplace equity - she's not interested in feel-good initiatives that don't actually work.

Adopted at age three, Aubrey has lived both sides of privilege and disadvantage. She shares her story with remarkable openness, including her experiences with sexual assault and bipolar disorder, and how vulnerability has become a source of strength and connection.

In the conversation, Aubrey shares:

  • How she ended "culture fit" hiring at Atlassian because it was just bias dressed up

  • Why designing systems for people facing the biggest barriers helps everyone

  • Her philosophy that fighting over words wastes energy that could create real change

  • Why she focuses on people who want to help rather than trying to convert sceptics

Aubrey's approach is beautifully practical. She understands that our current systems aren't inevitable - they're human creations that can be redesigned. While diversity work faces political attacks, she offers a way forward that focuses on fairness and what actually works rather than ideology.

At a time when many feel overwhelmed by systemic problems, Aubrey shows how thoughtful design and small actions can create meaningful change.

Watch on YouTube, listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, then join the conversation on LinkedIn.

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