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Embracing Diversity: on complicity and inclusion
Fostering collaboration across cultures, genders, and generations
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In her enlightening keynote on complicity & inclusion – cultures, genders, generations, Julie Brown draws upon her extensive experience in polar expeditions to illuminate the transformative power of diversity in achieving collective success.
Cultural complicity lies at the heart of thriving polar expedition teams, where collaboration with local populations is vital for logistical support. Julie emphasizes that true success is achieved only when all team members, both core expedition members and external support teams, feel engaged and included in the journey toward a common goal. Diversity, she contends, is not only inherent to polar expeditions but is also essential in fostering healthy and ambitious teams in any organizational context.
As genders and generations become increasingly diverse, Julie advocates for the value of learning to collaborate across a spectrum of human experiences. Through patience and respect, cultivated in compassionate ways, teams create a safe environment conducive to bold action and innovation.
Join Julie Brown as she explores the profound benefits of embracing diversity, inspiring audiences to foster inclusive cultures where every individual's unique perspective and contribution is valued.
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Julie Brown, born in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is a founding partner and managing director of Polar Circles/Polar Experience expedition activities since 1999. With extensive experience in polar exploration, she serves as a project manager and communications director for her team of polar guides. In addition to expedition management, Julie specializes in developing and delivering corporate activities, including keynote presentations and inspiring motivational speeches to diverse audiences.
Fluent in English as her native language, Julie is also proficient in Flemish/Dutch as her second language and conversational in French. Her unique ability to translate the rich metaphors from ambitious polar expeditions into relevant lessons for the business world adds an unexpected spark to any event. With over 20 years of public speaking experience, Julie excels in connecting with live audiences, particularly during spontaneous Q&A sessions, where she shares real anecdotes and visual stimulation from polar expeditions.
Julie's journey into polar exploration began under the guidance of Dixie Dansercoer (1962 – 2021) during her first polar expedition to Antarctica in 2000, which included a Mount Vinson ascent. Since then, she has served as the project coordinator for various expeditions, such as the Bering Strait Odyssey in 2005, In the Wake of the Belgica in 2007-2008, Antarctic ICE in 2011-2012, and Greenland ICE in 2014.
Beyond expedition management, Julie has also contributed to polar expedition cruises as a lecturer and guide in regions including the Antarctic Peninsula, Greenland, Svalbard, and Norway. Collaborating with Dixie, she has led corporate ICE Campaigns in Iceland, Spitsbergen, and Switzerland.
Julie is not only an experienced explorer but also a prolific writer, having published several expedition-related accounts since 1998. In 2014, she co-authored "Surpassing Sastrugi," a book that draws relevant parallels for corporate audiences. Julie also maintains the Polar Experience blog, sharing insights and experiences from her expeditions.
Julie was married to Dixie Dansercoer for 22 years until his passing in June 2021. Together, they have four children: Jasper, Evelien, Thijs, and Robin. Recently, they welcomed their first grandchild, Ender Dixie Dansercoer, into their family.
Polar expedition coordinator and captivating storyteller, illuminating the parallels between polar expeditions and corporate challenges
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