Are you an entrepreneur who dreams of having an impactful business on society? Fueled by a desire to make a positive impact, many entrepreneurs launch businesses with a social mission in mind. However, the daily grind can easily shift focus to simply getting things done, pushing that initial purpose aside. Amid this operational frenzy, unconscious bias can creep in, further hindering the pursuit of the original social goals.  In this article, we will define unconscious bias, highlight why it matters, identify common unconscious bias traps, showcase 6 common unconscious bias traps in 6 busin ..read more

Photo by Planet Volumes on Unsplash When TUI, a leading global travel agency, faced backlash for misrepresenting Surinam* in an advertisement, it became a clear signal, not just to TUI, but to companies worldwide about the importance of cultural sensitivity.  TUI quickly apologized, yet it missed an opportunity to outline steps to publicly prevent such issues in the future. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for businesses to not only acknowledge mistakes, but also to take proactive measures to avoid repeating them. The Power and Responsibility of Communication ..read more

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is  “Inspire Inclusion ”. It prompts us to consider how we – business, government, academia, community, and society – can collaborate to effect lasting progress that gets us to gender equity within our lifetime. By examining the intersectionality of identities and how it shapes women’s experiences of inclusion, we can recognize the value of embracing diverse perspectives. This approach not only strengthens our actions directed at gender equality but also organically fosters environments where everyone feels valued and included. To drive meani ..read more

I recently had lunch with a friend, and when our server began to write down our order, I noticed she was left-handed. Since I am also, it started an interesting conversation. Though much younger than I, we had similar experiences growing up. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Sullivan, tried to change me over my mother's protests. My waitress' mother tried to change her over her grandmother's objections. We both struggled and had to adjust, learning how to write, contorting our hands to adjust to the right-handed world. Those writing surfaces attached to those small desks were on the right side, re ..read more

You've meticulously crafted the perfect DEI strategy. Executives deliver the right message with practiced ease. Diversity metrics look promising. Yet, a nagging feeling persists – something's missing. Culture change remains elusive, stuck in the realm of buzzwords and performative gestures. The missing piece? Equipping, not enabling, your executives. We often fall into the trap of becoming the DEI ventriloquists, crafting speeches, scripting talking points, and feeding executives pre-packaged narratives. While this might create an illusion of progress, it lacks the crucial spark of authenti ..read more

Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash In the episode titled "Taraji P. Henson May Quit Acting Over Pay, Treatment in the Entertainment Industry," Gayle King and her guests, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Blitz Bazawule, provide a candid look into the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, particularly Black women. The conversation serves as a stark reminder of the pay inequality that exists not only in Hollywood but across various industries and workplaces. Henson, an award-winning actress, opens up about her thoughts of quitting acting due to the emotional and fina ..read more

On Friday, 15 Dec. 2023, a CEO posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), "DEI must DIE." DEI, which stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion , has been controversial as of late. In fact, this tweet caused many within and outside of the DEI industry to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the challenges facing the field. The CEO was right when he stated, "The point was to end discrimination, not replace it with different discrimination." Replies to his Tweet included countless examples of bad DEI experiences. Nevertheless, by Monday, 18 Dec. 2023, the European Union announced that it would ..read more

Forget hoverboards, the real mind-blowing future is about to unfold in the world of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We're talking AI-powered inclusivity, global collaboration without leaving your hammock, and workplaces where "belonging" is like the air you breathe.   And it's not just a vision. It's already happening for countless members of The Society for Diversity. "The Society for Diversity is my go-to source for meeting other professionals that share my passion for helping organizations building an atmosphere where we can all feel safe to bring our true s ..read more

So, you've dipped your toes in the DEI pool, hosted a potluck with "cultural" dishes, and slapped some diversity stickers on your conference room walls. Cool.   But let's be honest, building a truly inclusive workplace takes more than a sprinkle of quinoa in the cafeteria and a mandatory unconscious bias training video that's about as engaging as watching paint dry. We're talking about systemic change, baby! Cracking open the monoculture and letting in the sunshine of representation, equity, and belonging.   But don't worry, you're not alone in this crusade. The Society for Diversit ..read more

Mental health stigma and discrimination exist in many forms and produce negative effects on people with mental health conditions. Learn ways to change this and find resources that can help.  Key Takeaways Stigma around mental health is decreasing around depression but remains widespread for other disorders Consequences associated with mental health stigma are serious and potentially harmful There are ways to promote positive change and reduce the shame associated with mental illness The demand for mental health is increasing. The number of individuals seeking help through traditional an ..read more