Chloé Valdary on The Theory of Enchantment

The Human Risk Podcast

How can watching Disney movies, help create more inclusive environments? The answer is in the word Enchantment.
On this episode, I'm speaking to Chloé Valdary, the founder of an organisation called The Theory of Enchantment, to explore her unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) training. If you're someone for whom DE&I conjures up negative thoughts, then you're going to want to hear this. Because Chloé's approach is nothing like traditional DE&I.
This episode is the third in a mini-series looking at the subject — you'll find links to the other episodes below.
In a fascinating discussion, Chloé shares how her program blends philosophy, psychology, and culture to create environments of belonging and compassion. Together, we examine why many traditional DEI programs fall short and how her methodology seeks to address deeper human dynamics in workplaces.
We discuss the power of enchantment—a term Chloé uses to describe the balance between light and shadow in every individual—and how recognizing this balance allows us to foster more meaningful connections.
With references to popular culture, including Disney films like Beauty and the Beast, Chloé offers a compelling case for why empathy and self-reflection are essential tools in any organization’s toolkit.
You'll hear how The Theory of Enchantment can be used to address conflict, enhance collaboration, and ultimately create more innovative and inclusive spaces. Whether you’re a leader, manager, or simply curious about human behavior, this conversation offers practical insights that go beyond the traditional DEI framework.
Guest Biography
Chloé Valdary is the founder of Theory of Enchantment, an innovative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion that blends philosophy, psychology, and popular culture to help organizations foster belonging.
Since its founding in 2018, Theory of Enchantment has been deployed in various organizations to build trust, compassion, and connection among employees.With a background in international studies and a concentration in conflict and diplomacy, Chloé has a unique perspective on building inclusive environments.
She draws on sources ranging from Carl Jung to Disney films to guide her transformative work. Chloé is also a writer and cultural critic, exploring how love and compassion can serve as the foundation for solving societal challenges.
Timestamped AI-generated Summary of Key Points
[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and overview of the mini-series on diversity and inclusion.
[00:01:00] Background on previous episodes and why traditional DEI approaches need rethinking.
[00:02:00] Introduction of Chloé Valdary and the Theory of Enchantment.
[00:03:00] What "enchantment" means in the context of DEI training.
[00:04:00] Exploring the balance between light and shadow in human behavior.
[00:06:00] How popular culture, like Disney films, reflects deeper human truths.
[00:09:00] Using self-reflection to build trust and navigate conflict in the workplace.
[00:11:00] How diversity leads to innovation through self-understanding.
[00:15:00] The need to address insecurities and biases to build inclusive teams.
[00:18:00] Criticizing to uplift and empower, not to tear down.
[00:22:00] How recognizing insecurities can resolve conflict and build trust.
[00:25:00] The importance of creating space for emotional vulnerability at work.
[00:30:00] Theory of Enchantment’s practical application in organizations.
[00:33:00] Using design thinking to develop tailored DEI solutions.
[00:36:00] The three core principles of Theory of Enchantment. [00:42:00] Historical examples of reconciliation and conflict resolution.
[00:49:00] Chloé’s background and inspiration for the Theory of Enchantment.
[01:03:00] Closing thoughts and how to learn more about Chloé’s work.
Relevant Links:
The Theory of Enchantment - https://www.theoryofenchantment.com/
The Atlantic article 'Can Chloé Valdary sell skecptics on DEI?' - https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/can-chloe-valdary-sell-skeptics-dei/617875/
The previous episodes of the mini-series:
Chloé Valdary, Morgan Hamel & Peter Stein on De-Polarized Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/chloevaldary-morganhamel-peterstein-on-diversity-equity-inclusion/
Morgan Hamel on Moral Polarization - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/morgan-hamel-on-moral-polarization/