Lily Zheng emphasizes the need for organizations to focus on measurable outcomes in DEI initiatives to ensure genuine progress and inclusion.
Zheng advocates for collective action among employees to address systemic issues, fostering solidarity and impactful change in workplace culture.
Deep dives
Lily Zhang's Journey in DEI
Lily Zhang shares her extensive background in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), highlighting a shift from basic education to fostering substantial organizational change over a decade. Initially focused on raising awareness through educational roles, her work now emphasizes practical applications that drive equity and inclusion within workplaces. Zhang's approach includes utilizing organizational design and effective leadership to dismantle discriminatory practices and establish environments where everyone can thrive. This evolution reflects her commitment to not just introduce DEI concepts, but to ensure lasting and tangible improvements in workplace culture.
Navigating the Current Landscape of DEI
Zhang discusses the ongoing backlash against DEI efforts, particularly following the increased attention to social justice movements after the murder of George Floyd. She frames current challenges as part of a historical cycle in DEI work, where progress often meets resistance. Rather than succumbing to the reactive mindset prevalent among some leaders, Zhang advocates for a proactive strategy to future-proof DEI initiatives. By encouraging companies to analyze and adapt their programs, she promotes resilience against potential pushbacks and urges organizations to maintain commitment to their DEI goals.
Impact Over Performative Efforts
Zhang emphasizes the need for organizations to focus on measurable outcomes rather than merely counting DEI programs and activities. She points out that a shift to outcome-based evaluation can reveal whether initiatives are genuinely fostering inclusion and belonging or simply serving as performative gestures. By encouraging leaders to ask what truly benefits their organizations and employees, Zhang aims to redirect attention from popularity to measurable impact. This critical re-evaluation can help organizations identify effective practices that contribute to real change instead of continuing ineffective, window-dressing initiatives.
Empowering Individuals Through Collective Action
Zhang stresses the importance of collective action in improving workplace experiences for those who feel marginalized. She encourages individuals to organize and find solidarity with colleagues who share similar feelings of exclusion or lack of respect, rather than suffering in silence. By understanding common challenges and working together, employees can advocate for impactful change and create a supportive environment. Zhang believes that individual actions are meaningful, but real progress emerges when people come together to address systemic issues collectively.
Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change.
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
