In This Moment - A New Perspective on DEI

OverviewIn this episode, Khalil and Janet engage with leadership expert Valeria Lasseter to explore the evolving challenges leaders face in uncertain times. They discuss the importance of adaptive capacity, the power framework, and the necessity of perspective taking in leadership. Valeria emphasizes the need for leaders to own their development, revisit organizational values, and create conditions for meaningful relationships. The conversation also touches on the significance of strategic action over reactive responses and the importance of understanding when to transition in one's career.Key PointsLeaders must navigate uncertainty by building adaptive capacity.The power framework consists of five key elements essential for effective leadership.Perspective taking is crucial for understanding behavior and making informed decisions.Leaders often undervalue the importance of slowing down to reflect and take perspective.Organizational values should be revisited regularly to ensure alignment with current realities.Effective leadership requires creating conditions for others to thrive and make choices.Resistance should be embraced as valuable data for growth and understanding.Journaling can be a powerful tool for leaders to reflect and gain perspective.Leaders must differentiate between approval and true buy-in from their teams.Career transitions can be made without drama, focusing on personal growth and development.

Join hosts Khalil and Janet as they dive into the future of workplace excellence. They discuss the shift from reactive to proactive strategies in DEI, emphasizing the importance of harnessing human potential. The core belief is that people are an organization's greatest asset. Expect engaging insights from visionary leaders and a focus on strategic foresight. The hosts outline their new approach and expanded team, aiming to create a thriving community around these critical topics.

In this lively discussion, two experts delve into the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore the emotional toll of this important work and the delicate balance of personal well-being. A fascinating argument emerges about how businesses can drive substantial social change. The hosts emphasize the need for clear definitions of DEI and its alignment with organizational goals. They candidly share signs of burnout and when it's time to move on, all while encouraging listeners to pursue meaningful impact with purpose.

In this episode of 'In This Moment', Janet Stovall speaks with Dr. Ella Washington, an organizational psychologist and author, about the complexities of inclusion in the workplace. They discuss the unspoken rules that often govern corporate culture, the dual nature of inclusion as both an action and a feeling, and the importance of authenticity in navigating less inclusive environments. Dr. Washington emphasizes the need for individuals and organizations to actively engage in creating inclusive cultures, especially in the current climate where diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are under scrutiny. The conversation highlights practical strategies for fostering belonging and understanding the hidden dynamics that can hinder progress in workplace inclusion.

Khalil and Janet dive into the importance of identity months, proposing 'Black Hindsight Month' to link historical contributions with present actions. They stress the need for relevance in celebrations, pushing organizations to engage employees and make celebrations impactful. The Depth Model is introduced as a framework for authentic celebrations, encouraging deliberate and continuous efforts beyond mere token gestures. They emphasize creating a community spirit while also addressing structural changes within organizations to foster true inclusivity.

The discussion tackles burnout in DEI work, highlighting how recent political climate shifts have heightened fear and uncertainty. Different groups experience DEI fatigue in unique ways, impacting productivity and well-being. The conversation stresses the importance of diverse narratives and a data-driven approach to highlight the business value of DEI initiatives. Self-care strategies and prioritizing high-leverage actions are advised to combat burnout and sustain efforts. Ultimately, integrating DEI into business practices is crucial for long-term success.

Janet and Khalil dive into the power of language in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. They critique the term 'belonging' and introduce 'inclusilliance' as a more actionable alternative. The discussion emphasizes prioritizing measurable inclusion over vague concepts. They highlight the evolution of DEI language and stress the importance of aligning terms with an organization's values. Additionally, they suggest customizing DEI strategies rather than adopting universal best practices, ensuring that efforts truly reflect corporate purpose.

Hosts Khalil and Janet dive into the turbulent landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in major corporations. They discuss recent rollbacks by companies like Meta and Amazon, emphasizing the necessity of integrating DEI into core strategies. The conversation categorizes firms into groups based on their DEI journeys and examines the influence of leadership on commitment. Listeners gain actionable advice on advocating for change in their organizations, all while underscoring the business imperative for a diverse and inclusive culture.

Janet and Khalil dive into the pressing challenges and opportunities in the DEI landscape. They highlight the prevailing mood of threat and how workplaces can be pivotal in fostering genuine diversity and inclusion. The discussion reframes equity as a disruption to an otherwise inequitable world, emphasizing that acknowledging inequity is the first step toward meaningful change. Humor also plays a role in navigating these conversations. Listeners can look forward to pragmatic advice and fresh, honest dialogues on DEI.