265: Blended DEI in the Workplace Not Just The Smart Thing To Do, But The Right Thing To Do
It\u2019s episode 20 of Blended: I\u2019m joined by another fantastic panel of guests and we\u2019re talking about the business benefits of DEI. Previously on the show, we\u2019ve talked to underrepresented groups and specific communities \u2013 whether it be women, people of color, trans folks \u2013 and, as part of our discussions, we\u2019ve heard them passionately share their stories and illustrate why, of course, they\u2019re such an integral part of successful teams. So we thought it was time to really put a focus on that and dedicate a whole show to the importance of embracing DEI in your business.
Today, our guests will be exploring what DEI means to them; sharing their own personal experiences; reflecting on issues such as creating safe spaces, ongoing education and authenticity; and discussing the importance of supplier diversity.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:\xa0
[00.49] Introductions to our Blended panelists.
\u201cDEI encompasses the relationship, philosophy and culture of acknowledging, embracing, supporting and accepting those of all racial, sexual, gender, religious and socio-economic backgrounds (among other differentiators).\u201d Gennifer
- Shay \u2013 Senior Event Manager at S&P Global
- Asheley \u2013 Director of Customer Success at Flowspace
- Gennifer \u2013 Founder/Executive Director at TransNewYork
- Amani \u2013 Director Of Operations at Malao Logistics
[06.41] The group discusses DEI: what it means; why it\u2019s important; the challenges; and real-life examples of who\u2019s doing it right and who\u2019s doing it wrong.
\u201cCompanies that adapt their strategies and their policies around the different groups of people they have working in their organization and don\u2019t treat it just like a blanket initiative, and really get down into the details of who their people are and what challenges they face... that\u2019s when you can really look at whether your environment is inclusive or not.\u201d Shay
- Creating the right environment and culture
- Accepting people for who they are
- Representation
- Burden of tokenism
- Impact of Gen Z
- Education and training
- Budgets and investment
- Advocacy and mentorship
- Creating safe spaces
- Celebrating awareness days and months, and finding the right balance
- Intention and authenticity
- Consistency
\u201cIt\u2019s not about just the [awareness] month \u2013 because I\u2019m going to be black every single day, not just in February!\u201d Asheley
[01.10.21] The panel takes a closer look at both the obstacles and benefits of supplier diversity.
- Increasing customer demand for diversity
- Barriers for small businesses, eg extended payment terms, expensive tables at events etc
- Making it equitable
[01.20.19] The group sum-up their learnings from today\u2019s discussion.
\u201cIt\u2019s a way of living, it\u2019s a collective thing. If I want people to know my culture, I also need to show my culture\u2026 if I know my team isn\u2019t super aware, it\u2019s also my job to educate.\u201d Amani
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RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:\xa0
You can connect with Shay, Asheley, Gennifer and Amani over on LinkedIn.
If you found this episode interesting, you might enjoy Episode 1,What\u2019s In A Word or Episode 7, Equality vs Diversity: What\u2019s The Difference?.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.