295: Baked-In Resilience: Keeping the Flame of Inclusion Alive, Quietly and Powerfully with Sona Khosla

This week on the Allyship in Action Podcast, Julie Kratz is joined by Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity. Inclusion is about having courage to keep doing good when it feels like the world's spinning the other way. And that's exactly what Sona and Julie dove into this week – this idea that even when the news is full of noise and doubt, there's a powerful current of good still flowing, quietly and persistently. It's about finding that inner strength, that "baked-in cake" resilience, and reminding ourselves that this work, this striving for inclusion and impact, it's not a trend, it's our DNA. 

Key takeaways from this conversation:

• The Quiet Persistence of Impact: Despite the noise and pushback, many companies are quietly increasing their investments in CSR and DEI initiatives, recognizing the long-term value and employee expectations.  
• Data-Driven Advocacy: The importance of leveraging data and metrics to demonstrate the ROI of inclusion and impact initiatives, moving beyond emotional appeals to tangible business benefits.
• The Long Game of Legacy: Focusing on the enduring impact and legacy of leadership, rather than short-term reactions to current pressures, emphasizing that this work is about long-term human connection and value.
• The Power of Small, Consistent Actions: Emphasizing that even small, consistent actions, like internal communication and employee listening sessions, can make a significant difference in maintaining a sense of belonging and commitment.
• Generational Values Driving Change: Highlighting the influence of millennials and Gen Z in shaping workplace values and consumer expectations, reinforcing that inclusion is not a passing trend but a fundamental shift.

Insightful Quotes:

• "It's just how it is, the nature of progress, we will progress, we'll take steps back, but we will progress. I fundamentally believe that resistance is a part of progress."
• "What's the risk of inaction and what do I know for sure that will be enduring?"
• "When you design your systems for all like you benefit all."
• "Employees want to hear the commitment right now." 

Actionable Allyship Takeaway: Start a conversation. Even if your company seems quiet on DEI, initiate a lunch-and-learn or team discussion about the data and trends shared in Sona's research. Talking about it, even in a small group, reinforces that these values matter and builds a sense of community.

You can find Sona and check out her following resources:

• Sona's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonakhosla/
• Benevity's research: https://benevity.com/impactlabs
• Benevity's resource hub: http://benevity.com/leadwithpurpose
• The Executive CSR report: https://benevity.com/the-executive-csr-report

Find Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/