D&I TBD: Anomaly's Jezz Chung Gets Real About the Pandemic's Emotional Impact

Jezz Chung, Anomaly’s diversity and engagement lead, joins us this week for Episode 2 of Adweek’s new podcast, D&I TBD. Speaking with diversity and inclusion reporter Mary Emily O’Hara, Chung muses on how inclusive workplace goals are shifting during Covid-19 layoffs and cutbacks.

“Moments of crisis tend to reveal how people really feel and what their priorities are, and where their values lie,” Chung said, pressing the point that diversity & inclusion should be considered an essential part of any business.

This week’s podcast may hit home for many, as Chung reveals that she was placed on furlough the same week that she appeared on Adweek’s cover for the magazine’s annual Champions issue. Her position at Anomaly has since been reinstated with reduced hours, but not before the experience brought on a wave of emotions ranging from fear to a sort of survivor’s guilt.

This episode covers how diversity and inclusion initiatives pay it forward. Prior to her current role overseeing D&I, Chung was on the receiving end of programs like MAIP, AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Students Program and Adcolor Futures. O’Hara and Chung also discuss class and wealth as D&I issues, mentorship, the Asian American perspective and more.

Subscribe to D&I TBD on Spotify. Coming soon to Apple Podcasts. To learn more about the show, please contact maryemily.ohara@adweek.com.