Inclusion by Design: Building Sustainable Workplace Cultures

Overview: 

In this insightful episode, LaQuenta Jacobs, a workplace culture and inclusion strategist, delves into the critical gap between what companies claim about inclusion and their actual practices. She emphasizes the importance of embedding inclusion into core organizational systems rather than treating it as a separate program. Jacobs highlights the consequences of cultural misalignment, such as market disconnection and loss of competitive edge, urging organizations to align their internal culture with their external brand to thrive in today's market.

Takeaways: 

• Cultural Alignment is Key: Organizations must align their written commitments with their cultural practices to avoid erosion and disconnection. 

• Inclusion by Design: Embedding inclusion into core systems like performance reviews and team structures is essential for sustainable change. 

• Internal Drives External: Companies with authentic internal inclusion can effectively market externally, maintaining market connection and competitive advantage. 

• Beyond Psychological Safety: Real inclusion involves transparency, accountability, and sustainable change, not just psychological safety.

• Market Impact: Misaligned cultures lead to loss of market connection and competitive edge, as seen in companies like Target and American Eagle.

• Leadership Evolution: Leaders must evolve with societal changes to embrace diverse cultures and flexible work arrangements. 

• Speak Up Culture: Organizations should foster environments where transparency is rewarded, and groupthink is challenged.

• Strategic DEI Integration: Diversity, equity, and inclusion should be integrated into all organizational functions, not treated as standalone initiatives.

• Consumer Connection: Companies must have diverse teams to authentically connect with varied consumer bases.

• Resilience and Adaptability: Change champions need resilience and adaptability to align personal and business objectives for effective transformation.

Meet Our Guest: 

LaQuenta Jacobs is the former Global Vice President of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity at Kimberly-Clark. A progressive human resources executive with over 23 years of experience, she is a certified Executive Leadership Coach and cultural diversity assessment expert. Jacobs is a recognized leader in organizational development and a champion for creating inclusive work environments