Episode 3 Unconscious Bias
Bryght Podcast Episode: “How Does Unconscious Bias Impact Us?”
With Empowering Affirmations to Improve Your Perspective
Welcome back to the Bryght Podcast—your space for empowered living and leading with purpose. I’m your host Wilhelmina Stöcker, and today we’re exploring a topic that’s both challenging and transformational: unconscious bias. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply navigating daily life, understanding how bias shapes your thoughts and actions is a powerful step toward deeper connection, inclusivity, and growth. Throughout today’s episode, I’ll also share affirmations to help you shift your mindset and anchor into greater awareness.
Topics of Discussion:
What Is Unconscious Bias?
How Bias Shows Up in Real Life
7 Steps to Improve Your Perspective & Mitigate Bias
Bryght Podcast Episode: “How Does Unconscious Bias Impact Us?”
With Empowering Affirmations to Improve Your Perspective
Welcome back to the Bryght Podcast—your space for empowered living and leading with purpose. I’m your host Wilhelmina Stöcker, and today we’re exploring a topic that’s both challenging and transformational: unconscious bias.
Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply navigating daily life, understanding how bias shapes your thoughts and actions is a powerful step toward deeper connection, inclusivity, and growth.
Throughout today’s episode, I’ll also share affirmations to help you shift your mindset and anchor into greater awareness.
What Is Unconscious Bias?
Unconscious bias refers to the automatic, often unexamined judgments we make about others based on factors like race, gender, appearance, or background. These snap judgments are shaped by years of conditioning—and they often operate silently.
The truth is, we all have biases. And acknowledging that doesn’t make us bad—it makes us human. But as conscious leaders, it’s our responsibility to recognize them, question them, and evolve.
Affirmation:
“I am open to seeing beyond my assumptions. I choose to lead with awareness and intention.”
How Bias Shows Up in Real Life
Biases impact more than we realize.
In hiring, we may favor someone who “feels like a good fit”—but often, that just means they resemble us. In meetings, we may unconsciously listen more attentively to certain voices and dismiss others.
Even in our social circles, we often gravitate toward those who feel familiar, creating echo chambers that limit our growth.
And for marginalized individuals, this can feel like constantly hitting invisible walls: feeling and being overlooked, underestimated, or excluded. That’s why it matters.
Even our internal dialogue is affected. Our biases can prevent us from fully understanding others—or even ourselves—because we’re operating from incomplete or inaccurate stories.
Affirmation:
“I release the need to judge. I make space for every voice to be heard and valued.”
7 Steps to Improve Your Perspective & Mitigate Bias
Let’s explore practical ways you can begin to shift your perspective and reduce bias in everyday life.
- Increase Self-Awareness
Notice your gut reactions. Ask: Why did I think that? What belief is behind this feeling?
Enroll in Bryght’s course The Power of Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence – a great self-help course I fully recommend – not being bias LOL
Affirmation:
“I am willing to look inward. Growth begins with honest reflection.”
- Seek Diverse Experiences
Diversity expands empathy. Step into new environments. Read authors from different cultures or show, movies from different cultures/countries and observe objectively. Watch stories that challenge your thinking.
Affirmation:
“Every experience is an opportunity to learn something new. I welcome different perspectives.”
- Practice Mindful Listening
Listen not to respond, but to understand. Let people tell their stories without interruption or judgment.
Affirmation:
“I listen with curiosity. I am present with others without needing to be right.”
- Challenge Stereotypes
When you notice a biased thought—pause. Ask: Is this based on fact or fear? What’s a more accurate, compassionate view?
Affirmation:
“I release limiting beliefs. I choose to see people as individuals, not assumptions.”
- Foster Inclusive Environments
If you’re in leadership, explore inclusive practices like blind hiring or mentorship programs for underrepresented groups.
Notice who’s being excluded—and invite them in.
Affirmation:
“I use my influence to create belonging. I am a catalyst for inclusion.”
- Educate Yourself
Keep learning. Attend trainings. Read. Reflect. Growth doesn’t stop with awareness—it deepens with action.
Affirmation:
“I am a lifelong learner. Each day brings new opportunities to grow in understanding.”
- Commit to Lifelong Growth
Unlearning bias is ongoing. Revisit your beliefs regularly. Stay humble. Stay open.
Affirmation:
“I am committed to growth. I evolve with compassion and courage.”
Addressing bias isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a doorway to greater connection, innovation, and equity.
Personally, you’ll become more open, grounded, and authentic.
Professionally, you’ll build stronger teams, foster trust, and unlock the power of diverse thinking.
And socially, you’ll contribute to a world that values every person’s full humanity.
Affirmation:
“I am part of a greater change. My awareness shapes a more just and inclusive world.”
Today, we explored how unconscious bias shows up in our lives—and how we can begin to shift our mindset through awareness, empathy, and intentional action.
Remember, progress doesn’t require perfection. It requires practice.
If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to reflect on just one step you can take today. Share this episode with a friend or team member, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Bryght Podcast for more insights that support empowered, conscious living.
Until next time—stay open, stay aware, and keep shining your Bryght light.
