Deepa Purushothaman, co-founder of nFormation and a trailblazer for women of color in corporate America, shares her insights on institutional frictions that hinder diversity and inclusion. She challenges myths around recruitment and colorblindness, emphasizing the need to acknowledge racial differences. Deepa discusses the misconception that DEI initiatives alone can create change and advocates for a broader cultural shift. Drawing parallels between personal experiences and workplace dynamics, she highlights the necessity for diverse perspectives to foster belonging.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Airplane Design Analogy
Deepa Purushothaman discusses airplane design and how it's not inclusive.
She highlights the overhead luggage compartment as a source of stress for shorter people and parents.
insights INSIGHT
The "We Can't Find You" Delusion
The "we can't find you" delusion is often a result of biased networks.
Dave Stachowiak and Deepa Purushothaman discuss how recruiters often rely on existing networks, which lack diversity.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Diversify Your Search
To find diverse talent, hire diverse recruiters and use diverse networks.
Consider specialized recruiting firms and individuals focusing on underrepresented groups.
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Deepa Purushothaman: The First, The Few, The Only
Deepa is the co-founder of nFormation, a company which provides a brave, safe, and new space for professionals who are women of color. She spent more than twenty years at Deloitte and was a first herself: an Indian American woman and one of the youngest people to make partner in the company’s history.
In her time there, she helped grow Deloitte's Social Impact Practice, served as a National Managing Partner of Inclusion, and served as the Managing Partner of WIN—the firm’s renowned program to recruit, retain, and advance women.
Deepa speaks extensively on women and leadership. She has been featured at national conferences and in publications including Bloomberg BusinessWeek, The Huffington Post, and Harvard Business Review. She is the author of The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color can Redefine Power in Corporate America*.
Key Points
The corporate space has not fostered true equity. Often, many of us don’t see the systemic examples each day of friction.
“We can’t find you,” is an often believed delusion when companies intend to attract more women of color.
“I don’t see color,” is often a well-intended belief, but in practice often marginalizes the lives experiences of women of color.
“DEI will fix it all,” is an illusion. We all should be supporting peers in formal DEI roes to volunteer, show up, and be key partners in the work that benefits all of you.
“You got white-manned,” reflects the belief that the world has to be a zero-sum competition.
Resources Mentioned
The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color can Redefine Power in Corporate America* by Deepa Purushothaman
Interview Notes
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