What can BDSM teach us about explicit consent in the workplace? | Megan Bloomer | TEDxSanJuanIsland

Can you hold space for "no"?

Megan Bloomer, Ph.D., explores how the explicit communication framework of the BDSM community provides valuable insights for workplace communication and consent. Megan Bloomer is the founder of RAMSHEAD Inc, a leadership consultancy that specializes in teaching and developing consent frameworks within corporate environments. Megan demonstrates how we violate consent everyday on the smallest levels.

Megan successfully combines over a decade of corporate leadership with a deep academic and practical understanding of the nuances of explicit consent. Academically, Megan applied these two aspects in her doctorate dissertation, Exploring the Framework of Consent and Negotiation in the BDSM Community for Broader Application within Corporate Environments. As for the practical application, Megan has spent more than 15 years in the BDSM, kink, and leather communities as a practitioner, facilitator, and educator. This unique blend of experiences allows Megan to transcend the taboo reputations of BDSM and illustrate exactly how consent can work for executives in traditional corporate settings.

Megan has made her career in social justice and sustainability. She has worked across various industries from Fortune 500 companies to NGOs and governmental agencies, both domestically and internationally. Megan has a BS in Environmental Studies, an MS in Environmental Policy, an MBA in Sustainable Marketing, and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx