The Perfectly Imperfect Journey: Episode Summary – "Know Justice Know Peace with Dr. Deborah Egerton"

Release Date: April 27, 2022
Hosts: Anne Roby and Sherry Essig
Guest: Dr. Deborah Egerton

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "The Perfectly Imperfect Journey," hosts Anne Roby and Sherry Essig engage in an in-depth conversation with Dr. Deborah Egerton, an internationally respected psychologist, creative thought leader, executive coach, and corporate facilitator. Dr. Egerton brings a wealth of experience in diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism work, having collaborated with major organizations across both private and public sectors.

Anne Roby introduces Dr. Egerton with enthusiasm, highlighting her magnetic personality, intellectual prowess, and mastery in facilitating tough conversations. "Deborah is like magnetic and generous, wicked smart, and has a laugh that can light up a room," Roby remarks at [00:23].

Dr. Deborah Egerton's Early Life and Modeling Career

Dr. Egerton opens up about her formative years, detailing her early career as a child model in New York City. "I was selected because I am fair-skinned and green-eyed," she explains at [02:04], reflecting on the responsibilities she felt even as a young girl in the public eye. This sense of responsibility stemmed from her Enneagram Type One personality, emphasizing a strong moral compass and a desire to set a positive example for others.

Move to El Paso, Texas and Establishing a Runaway Shelter

Transitioning from New York, Dr. Egerton recounts her move to El Paso, Texas, a significant cultural shift from the urban landscape she was accustomed to. Upon arrival, she was deeply moved by the plight of young girls crossing the border seeking work and stable lives. "I made that an actual sort of mission to get a runaway center," she shares at [08:40]. Demonstrating her adaptability and commitment, she successfully established a runaway shelter in the 1980s, providing a much-needed safe haven for young individuals in crisis.

Personal Challenges and Loss

Dr. Egerton candidly discusses the personal toll her relentless dedication took on her life. Balancing her professional commitments with raising three children, she faced immense stress, culminating in a miscarriage. "It was dicey that I was going to be able to have a child at all," she reveals at [13:58]. This period of profound personal loss led her to reassess her approach, ultimately finding solace in faith and culminating in the birth of her son, Blake, on Valentine's Day—a serendipitous and meaningful event she describes at [17:08].

Transition to Germany and Teaching

A pivotal moment arose when Dr. Egerton and her family relocated to Germany. Tasked with teaching high school psychology and managing the Cooperative Work Experience program, she navigated cultural nuances and racial dynamics. Her ability to identify and embrace her cultural heritage played a crucial role in overcoming potential barriers. "I walk into spaces like I belong there because I believe I do," she asserts at [19:50], emphasizing confidence and self-assuredness as key to her success abroad.

Experiences with Racism and Diversity Work

Dr. Egerton delves into her experiences with racism and the importance of anti-racism work. She highlights the concept of othering, explaining it as marginalizing those who do not fit the dominant societal norms—typically a "white cisgendered male" in the United States. "Othering is when you look from outside of what is the dominant norm and the people that don't fit into that are others," she defines at [36:03]. She underscores the pervasive impact of racism, sharing personal anecdotes about her husband's challenges in securing accommodations due to their race, which fueled her passion for diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Integration of Enneagram and Anti-Racism

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Dr. Egerton's integration of the Enneagram with her anti-racism work. She credits the Enneagram with providing profound self-awareness and highlighting areas where her zealotry in doing the right thing had become counterproductive. "The Enneagram strips us down to bare nakedness," she explains at [41:08], illustrating how understanding one's personality archetype can foster empathy and reduce prejudiced behaviors. This integration enables her to facilitate meaningful dialogues within organizations, promoting inclusivity by recognizing shared human experiences beyond racial and cultural differences.

Book Discussion: "No Justice Know Peace in Your Heart"

Dr. Egerton introduces her upcoming book, "No Justice Know Peace in Your Heart," scheduled for release in September. The book explores the deep-seated roots of racism and bigotry, attributing them to ego-driven behaviors. She emphasizes that understanding and addressing one's ego is crucial for fostering justice and peace. "Why racism, bigotry, all of these things that are so harmful, why they exist, it's all ego stuff," she asserts at [39:43]. The book aims to provide readers with tools to navigate and dismantle systemic injustices through personal and collective transformation.

Closing: Advice to Younger Self and Future Endeavors

In a heartfelt conclusion, Dr. Egerton reflects on her journey and offers wisdom to her younger self. "I would tell her to relax. I would tell her to recognize that God's got you and God's got this. It's not yours to fix. Just let love be your guide," she advises at [45:35]. This encapsulates her overarching message of embracing one's authentic self and fostering genuine connections with others.

Looking ahead, Dr. Egerton shares upcoming opportunities to engage with her work, including teaching at Esalen and further promoting her book. Listeners are encouraged to connect with her through her website, debraegerton.com, and subscribe to her weekly newsletter for resources on anti-racism, inclusion, diversity, and equity.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Deborah Egerton: "The Enneagram will be the best and the worst thing that ever happened to you in your life. If you're willing to do the work. It is amazing what comes out on the other side, but you're gonna get your butt kicked along the way." [34:06]

• Dr. Deborah Egerton: "Othering is when you look from outside of what is the dominant norm and the people that don't fit into that are others." [36:03]

• Sherry Essig: "It's like magic. It's like magic. Because it does give this window into all the things that, that make you powerful and unique and impactful are the same things that without awareness, are the double-edged sword." [35:26]

• Dr. Deborah Egerton: "What you need in order to feel like you're in your comfort zone or you're being your best self. I actually have circles that I operate inside organizations. I call them candle circles. Where people come together and they talk about themselves and their types." [42:25]

Conclusion

This episode of "The Perfectly Imperfect Journey" offers a profound exploration of Dr. Deborah Egerton's life, intertwining her personal experiences with her professional expertise in diversity, inclusion, and the Enneagram. Through her narrative, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of navigating systemic injustices, the importance of self-awareness, and the transformative power of empathy and authentic connections. Dr. Egerton's journey underscores the essence of the podcast's mission: embracing life's imperfections to achieve fulfillment and meaningful growth.