Speaking Volumes

Keep yourself on the loop and stay updated

The Paradox of DEI Opposition: A Reflection on Privilege, Identity, and Hypocrisy

In the heated discourse surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), certain individuals have emerged as vocal critics of these initiatives. What is striking about this cohort is their own backgrounds: many hail from families that were recent immigrants to the United States, often from affluent, professional, and well-connected communities. These individuals include figures such as Christopher Rufo, JD Vance, Stephen Miller, Vivek Ramaswamy, Peter Thiel, Robby Starbuck, Elon Musk, and even public figures like Melania Trump. Their opposition to DEI is particularly ironic given their connections to multicultural, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ identities within their own families.

The Power of Diversity: McKinsey’s Latest Report Reinforces the Business Case for Inclusive Leadership

In an era where corporate social responsibility is no longer just a buzzword but a fundamental aspect of successful business strategies, McKinsey’s latest report, “Diversity Matters Even More: The Case for Holistic Impact,” underscores the undeniable link between leadership diversity and company performance. Spanning nearly a decade of research, this comprehensive analysis of 1,265 companies across 23 countries and six regions provides compelling insights into the evolving landscape of diversity in corporate boardrooms.

Microaggressions

What are microaggressions? Here's how you speak up.

Tony-award winning actor, Kecia Lewis explains what microaggressions are. “I want to explain what a microaggression is. These are subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, biases or negative assumptions about someone based on their race." Photo courtesy Getty Images

The Inclusive Leader in You

The Inclusive Leader in You offers skills you can use to develop your ability to lead with inclusion by connecting with and developing your own leadership skills from within. This masterclass comes out of a collaboration with an old friend and a true expert - Greg Gale is a seasoned executive leader and coach with over 25 years of experience.

Reflections on the Current State of Our DEI Work

I have been reflecting on where we’ve been and, most importantly, the current state of our work. I’m troubled by the growing pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion, angered by those who spread hate and misinformation about DEI and disappointed in companies that cave in the face of a few loud, hateful voices. But none of this weakens my resolve or my commitment to continue this work.

Generations

The Great Detachment: Why Employee Engagement is at Risk—Especially for Gen Z

“The Great Detachment is looming for employees, experts warn—especially for Gen Z” by Lindsay Dodgson, employee disengagement is becoming an increasingly critical issue for companies worldwide. With a staggering cost of over $8 trillion globally, the implications of a disengaged workforce are far-reaching. Amidst this landscape, the “Great Detachment” looms large, with younger employees, particularly Gen Z, leading a significant shift in workplace dynamics.

Understanding Employee Responses to DEI Initiatives: Insights and Strategies

A recent study sheds light on a previously under explored aspect of DEI training. While much focus has been placed on the facilitators, trainers and the content of DEI programs, this study examines how employees actually respond to the training.

SHRM’s Removal of “Equity” From DEI Framework: A Step Backwards Amid Growing Backlash

In a stunning step in the wrong direction, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the world’s largest HR association, has removed “Equity” from its “IE&D” framework. What message does this send, especially amid strong pushback against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts?

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs

In the midst of the evolving landscape of corporate diversity initiatives, there’s a seismic shift underway. The once-prominent acronym “DEI” – representing diversity, equity and inclusion – is notably absent from many company discussions. As explained in the article titled “DEI is getting a new name. Can it dump the political baggage?” by Taylor Telford and Julian Mark, this shift isn’t just about optics; it reflects a deeper reassessment of anti-discrimination strategies, driven by a need to navigate legal and political risks while maintaining a genuine commitment to substantive change.

A Groundbreaking New Course: Understanding the Complexity of the Asian American Pacific Islander Experience

With over two decades of experience in the educational sector, Hideko Akashi, founder and lead consultant at Liberation Consulting, has been a steadfast advocate for diversity, privilege, social justice, inclusion and equity.

The Deafening Silence of DEI Allies: A Call to Action in Troubled Times

In a recent reflection on King’s advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), it becomes evident that the core values he championed remain as relevant today as they were in his time. Yet, despite the lip service paid to DEI initiatives, a disconcerting silence pervades the corridors of power as legislative bans on DEI initiatives proliferate and corporate diversity programs face dismantlement.

The Colorblindness Trap

Read. This. Article. It’s important. The Color Blindness Trap: How a civil rights ideal got hijacked Nikole Hannah-Jones is a domestic correspondent for The New York Times Magazine focusing on racial injustice. Her extensive reporting in both print and radio has earned a Pulitzer Prize, National Magazine Award, Peabody and a Polk Award. She is the creator of The 1619 Project and also teaches race and journalism at Howard University.

DEI LEAP: Empowering Leaders Through Turbulent Times

We are proud to announce the launch of a new eLearning training program, DEI LEAP: Fostering Inclusion and Building Humanity with Lisette Martinez, the Chief Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer at the National Audubon Society and one of SunShower’s distinguished experts.

The Unbearable Lightness of the “I’m Sorry if You Were Offended” Apology

Have you ever come across that non-apology apology? Dr. Derald Wing Sue, the noted microaggressions researcher, says, “When a person says something like, ‘I apologize if I offended you,’ they are not taking personal responsibility at all. They are saying, ‘I apologize for your reaction. It’s your fault!’”

“Laying Low” Is the Wrong DEI Strategy

The Evolution of DEI: A Turning Point for Positive Transformation

Now is not the time to cut back on your commitment to DEI. In fact, now is the time to show that your DEI pledges are genuine and that your commitments to workplace diversity, equity and inclusion are real. Now is the time to empower people with different backgrounds and perspectives to drive meaningful change, innovation and productivity. It would be tragic to let discouragement and backlash impede, or worse, reverse the collective progress that has been achieved. Your employees, customers and business are relying on you.

Elon Musk’s Unfounded and Dangerous Attack on DEI Initiatives

Musk’s sweeping statements on social media, with over 3.3 million views, oversimplify a complex issue and fuel the fire of his personal agenda at the expense of addressing systemic inequalities that cause great harm in the workplace.

Painful Stories: Unconscious Bias in Health Care

Many Black women express a sense of being ignored or dismissed by healthcare professionals. The repercussions of such experiences can be life-threatening for both mothers and babies. The New York Times has published a new article that takes a closer look at this issue. It’s entitled “How Unconscious Bias in Health Care Puts Pregnant Black Women at Higher Risk.”

Navigating Thanksgiving – Speak Up or Stay Silent?

Amidst the joy of the holiday—cherishing togetherness, celebrating with family and friends, and expressing gratitude— there’s a potential for discomfort as opinions are shared and points of view clash. As we gather around the table, the age-old dilemma surfaces: should I speak up or remain silent when confronted with derogatory remarks, offensive jokes, stereotypes, or divisive language?

Hidden Hurdles: How Racial Segregation and Discrimination Hinder Black Professional Networks

In the United States, racial segregation and discrimination have cast long and oppressive shadows over the lives of Black individuals. While we often discuss the many consequences of these systemic injustices, one aspect that deserves more attention is their impact on...

Confronting the Backlash: The DEI Imperative

“Three short years after their collective response to massive protests over the police murder of George Floyd, companies are reneging on their diversity pledges.”

Announcing the New SunShower App

After months of development, the new SunShower Learning learner app is now ready for prime time.

The Day I Remained Silent: Confronting Discrimination and Stereotypes

By Gina Miller ~ We all have moments in our lives that we look back on with regret, wishing we had acted differently. One such moment for me was the day I didn’t speak up in the face of discrimination and stereotypes. It’s a story I’ve carried with me, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

Brave Marketing Is Good Business When It Comes to DEI

A new report by Kantar “finds that cutting DEI out of a company’s marketing strategy can result in major losses and may already be costing U.S. businesses $5.4 trillion. Kantar’s ‘Brand Inclusion Index’ found that not only is there a financial advantage to a strong DEI strategy, but that there is still plenty of room to stand out. Only six in 10 consumers can name the best inclusive brands unaided, according to the report.”

SunShower Learning: Unconscious Bias Training That Works

“Only 10% of training programs gave attendees strategies for reducing bias. Imagine a weight-loss program that told participants to step on a scale and left it at that.” – Harvard Business Review

3 Strategies for Responding to Microaggressions

"I’m not biased against gay people. I have a gay friend." "You don't sound Black," or "How long have you lived in this country?” Have you ever overheard or been on the receiving end of a comment like this? If so, did you know how to respond? Being prepared in advance...

Mission Impossible, Jack Reacher and Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts?

Information is the death of emotion What do SunShower Learning courses have in common with Christopher McQuarrie’s famous films, including Mission Impossible and Jack Reacher? Well, when McQuarrie says, “Information is the death of emotion,” we know what he’s talking...

When Barbie Meets AI

What happened when artificial Intelligence (AI) was used to imagine Barbie dolls in cultures around the world? Probably not what you'd expect for a brand that has gained a massive following for breaking down barriers and, more recently, advocating for social and...

Introducing SunShower Learning’s Captivating New Branding: Unveiling a Fresh Chapter

SunShower Learning is proud to announce the launch of our vibrant new branding, marking a significant milestone in our company's evolution. This represents our unwavering commitment to our values and vision and the growth of our community of experts and...

Overcoming Racism in Healthcare

In an era where diversity and inclusivity are championed, it is disheartening to acknowledge that racism continues to persist in many, if not most, industries, including healthcare. Black doctors and other healthcare providers, who dedicate their lives to providing compassionate care and expertise, often face the harsh sting of racial bias.

Honored by These Kind Words From a SunShower Reviewer

We were delighted to see the comments from Melissa Milloway, Education and Communications Manager at Amazon, on LinkedIn regarding her experience with SunShower Learning’s courses…

The Launch of SunShower Learning’s New Webinar Series, DEI Discussions

SunShower Learning is thrilled to announce the launch of our new webinar series, DEI Discussions, which is designed to provide insightful, action-oriented sessions on a variety of DEI topics. Our first webinar, “Want to Succeed? Stop Hiring People Like You!”, took...

Joel Lesko, Filmmaker and Founder of SunShower Learning, Will Speak at the 2023 International Peace Conference

Joel Lesko will be a speaker at the 2023 International Peace Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 5 – 6, 2023. The event is being hosted by Rotary International District 6860 (North and Central Alabama) in partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Institute of Human Rights at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The theme is “Imagine Peace. Build Peace.”

What’s Going On in There?

“One of the most enduring puzzles of the human brain is that when we look inward, we see what feels like a complete picture. We perceive our feelings, remember memories and make plans for the future. Over the last several decades, however, psychologists have shown that significant portions of our minds are in fact hidden from us. They operate outside or below the spotlight of conscious awareness.”

Bias

Hidden Hurdles: How Racial Segregation and Discrimination Hinder Black Professional Networks

You Can’t See Me

Examples of racial double standards in sports abound. Athletes of different races are frequently treated differently based on their race, and the recent NCAA women’s basketball national championship laid this bare. Near the end of a game, LSU’s Angel Reese moved her open hand in front of her face as she approached Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.

Reclaiming the Water

When we follow threads back through history, appalling origins or explanations for certain contemporary social issues / racial matters are often discovered.

Chances Are Your Hiring Process Is Riddled With Bias

Inclusive hiring is the practice of minimizing bias and creating an equitable recruitment, application, interview, selection and offer process for a diverse set of candidates.

DEI Leaders are Burning Out

A recent article in Human Resources Director highlights something that we’ve been hearing a lot about – diversity fatigue. It’s a term from the 90s, but it’s back now and the reasons require serious consideration.

The Day the National Guard Raided an HBCU Dorm

Our nation’s schools have an incredible responsibility when it comes to honoring Black History Month. All too often, they use a “heroes and holidays” approach. While this may be well intended, it has the effect of making Black students feel othered, as though they exist outside of the actual curriculum. A better approach would be to incorporate Black stories and voices into the year-round curriculum – and to incorporate Black students into the everyday classroom.

Embodying Ethical Leadership

In an age when faith in our institutions—academic, corporate and government—is at an all-time low, it behooves leaders to “do the right thing.” Paraphrasing Charlamagne, “Right action is better than knowledge, but in order to do what is right, we must know what is right.” But how do we know what is right?

Right Where She Belongs

How Lisette Martinez creates an inclusive culture and a world of opportunity as Jefferson Health’s Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

AI is all the rage, but what about the baked-in bias?

Artificial Intelligence would tell us that crimes are always committed by men with dark skin. Women are rarely doctors, lawyers or judges, and women with dark skin flip burgers.

The Accessibility Journey

Accessibility is typically about providing the ability to access a building, a vehicle or a service. In our world of online eLearning courses, accessibility means enabling all learners to engage with a course in the way they need and prefer in order to gain the insights and skills presented.

The 21-Day Plan for Disarming Microaggressions Wins Two More Awards

The Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA) has recognized The 21-Day Plan for Disarming Microaggressions as a 2022 Davey Awards Silver Winner in the category of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

New! SunShower Now Offers the Most Modern and Flexible Formats To Meet Your Training Needs

Today, we’re marking the passing of yet another technology – DVDs and USBs are obsolete. We are joining the modern age to say, long live online resources. And with that, we’re excited to announce a new era of choice and fulfillment: Choose the format that meets your training needs: A. Self-paced online eLearning or B. use our videos, slide decks and handouts to conduct your own instructor-led training – we call this the Do-it-Yourself Trainer’s Toolbox.

Maslow’s Hierarchy and the Scientific Connection Between Belonging and Health

Humans have an innate need to belong. In fact, “love and belonging” are featured prominently in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This central model in psychology asserts that people are motivated by five basic categories of needs, and “belonging” (that is, the need to affiliate with and be accepted by members of a group) is right up there near things as fundamental as food and water.

Diversity Is the Lifeblood for All Companies, but Is Diversity Enough?

“It’s hard to imagine an economy driven by Latino and Latina growth when leadership at the board level and in the C-suite is far less than 5% Latino and Latina. That gap – between the face of leadership and the face of the economy to come – is a vast strategic issue for corporations”.

Microaggressions… We have a lot to Learn

By addressing our mistakes and remaining open to learning, we broaden our understanding, increase our empathy and build our capacity to do better the next time. Such is the case with microaggressions.

Cristela Alonzo Reminds You That Your Microaggressions Were Never Okay

“I can’t say anything anymore”. That was the complaint from a participant in an online workshop on microaggressions.

Focus on DEIB to Thrive During the “Great Resignation”

The “Great Resignation” continues along its historic path with 47.8 million workers quitting their jobs in 2021, which represented a record-setting average of nearly 4 million each month.

How To Be an Ally in the Workplace

Diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces are the goal more often than the reality. One inhibitor may be that employees underestimate the importance of active allyship in driving meaningful change.

The 21-Day Plan for Disarming Microaggressions Wins the IMA Best in Class Award for Advocacy

I’m delighted to announce that The 21-Day Plan for Disarming Microaggressions has won the Interactive Media Awards (IMA) Best in Class Award in two categories, “Advocacy” and “Training”. The Best in Class Award is the highest honor bestowed by IMA and represents the...

SunShower is a Communicator Award winner

The 21-Day Plan for Disarming Microaggressions with Dr. Derald Wing Sue has been selected by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts to be recognized as a Communicator Award winner! It’s a wonderful honor and we’re thrilled that this online...

Lack of diversity in AI development results in predictable problems, yet they persist

There are articles every day about software programs that have embedded biases. How does this happen? It shouldn’t be a surprise when the teams that write the code are mainly white men. Unless those teams are working to disrupt their unconscious bias and include...

Toxic behavior that affects morale and retention

I came across an article in Fast Company (LINK) by Melinda Briana Epler, the author of How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier, Workplace. Melinda makes many excellent points about microaggressions and non-verbal bullying. She writes about the...

Allyship: Key to Inclusion?

"Remember to look for opportunities to be an upstander or ally.” You’ll often hear words like this at the end of a diversity workshop. In fact, I’ve emphasized the importance of being an ally in many of the courses I’ve produced. Dr. Derald Wing Sue, in Disarming...

Wait, was that a microaggression?

I just discovered a new online encyclopedia of microaggressions. It lists specific examples of microaggressions and debriefs why they are harmful. Check out Micropedia here. I found it to be very interesting and useful. Micropedia lists microaggressions pertaining to...

Joel interviewed on the Learning UNLOCKED podcast

As a director, I’m most comfortable behind the camera. I enjoy interviewing people, asking questions and drawing out their stories. So, it was with a good deal of anxiety that I accepted the invitation to be interviewed on the Learning Unlocked podcast, sponsored by...

25 Stories About Racial Microaggressions At School

BuzzFeed asked its readers to share stories of racial microaggressions when they were in school. The response is published in the article, People Of Color Are Sharing Their Experiences With Racial Microaggressions In School, And Honestly, None Of These Stories Should...

Training is a Terrible Word

The other day I was speaking with a client about the training courses that SunShower offers. I heard myself say, “but training is just a terrible word, isn’t it?” She laughed and agreed. We joked that training is for dogs and maybe some cats. It was funny, and, as I...

Colin in Black and White

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for the next great show. Well, look no further than Colin in Black and White, the Netflix limited series. Ava DuVernay has woven together the inspiring and emotional story of how young Colin Kaepernick not only became a...

Book Review – Americanah

In our work with organizations and especially in our Workshops Via Zoom, we always suggest strategies, skills and concrete actions that people can use to counter any automatic judgments or biases that come up. Because of how our brains categorize people and...

Ava DuVernay on Microaggressions

Netflix is out with a new show on Colin Kaepernick’s early life, produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay. She explains what motivated her to do a story about a famous person, which is, in her own words, “not my thing”. She discusses how she got...

Shrill

You don’t have to be a keen observer of culture to notice that certain words and descriptions have become code-words to criticize and marginalize women and dismiss their ideas. To monitor how your own unconscious biases may be at play in your communications, you’ll...

“I congratulate you and your people”

In a Congressional hearing to confirm President Biden’s nominee to the 9th US Circuit of Appeals, US Senator Grassley welcomed the Honorable Lucy H. Koh by saying, “If I’ve learned anything from Korean people, it’s a hard work ethic. And how you can make a lot out of...

Inclusive Hiring Practices

These days, organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit, hire and retain employees. The pandemic has shifted the goalposts for millions of people, if not relocated them to entirely new playing fields (sorry to stretch the metaphors). That’s why...

When Unconscious Bias Training Does More Harm Than Good

When I talk about our unconscious bias Workshops via Zoom or Defeating Unconscious Bias, our online e-Learning course, I always emphasize that our approach starts with raising awareness and then adds skills that everyone can practice to interrupt bias. So it was...

Microaggressions

Death by a Thousand Cuts

What are the historical roots of microaggressions against Asian Americans? In this important article, published in “Health Matters,” psychiatrist Dr. Warren Ng lays out what microaggressions are and what its history is. The article is, unfortunately, timely because...

14 things people think are fine to say at work — but are actually racist, sexist, or offensive

A recent article at Business Insider uses recent news from Salesforce to highlight the microaggressions that so many American workers face everyday. “In less than one more, two employees have publicly resigned from Salesforce, citing discrimination and a culture of...

The Business Case for DEI: Why Organizations Fall Short

It seems like there are new articles everyday announcing an organizations’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. You can see the statements on their websites. “We stand for….” or “Our commitment is to…”Many believe that creating a more diverse and inclusive...

14 Microaggressions LGBTQ People Deal With All The Time

If I step on your toe, even if it was unintentional, it still hurts. This is a key point as we consider the challenge of microaggressions. Intention is only part of the story, and it’s not the most important part - impact is where we need to look. "When you’re an...

Dr. Sue’s article in Training Magazine!

Training Magazine has published Dr. Sue’s article, Disarming Workplace Microaggressions through Microinterventions. READ HERE. In the article, Dr. Sue defines microaggressions as the everyday slights, put-downs, insults and indignities that marginalized group members...

Verbal Jujitsu, Disarming and Other Tips for Dealing with Microaggressions

Here’s an excellent article in the LA Times that features Dr. Derald Wing Sue and his tactics for disarming and dismantling microaggressions. The article draws on the experiences of a US Olympic figure skater, a Vietnamese-American medical student and a Punjabi Sikh...

Remote Learning and Microaggressions

In these COVID-19 pandemic times, we are facing a new area of concern with regard to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion—the remote learning environment. With so many children out of their physical classrooms and engaging in classes via online learning, many parents are...

On Microaggressions and Their Impact

As SunShower launches our new course, Disarming Microaggressions with Derald Wing Sue Ph.D., we’re grateful to see microaggressions gaining wider attention in the media. Michelle Singletary explores common misconceptions about race and inequality in her 10-part series...

SunShower has just released a new course based on Dr. Derald Wing Sue’s Work – Disarming Microaggressions

SunShower’s latest e-Learning course, Disarming Microaggressions, is based on Dr. Sue’s work. You can preview it by filling out the form here. When he reviewed the course, Dr. Sue wrote, “Joel Lesko and SunShower Learning have produced the gold standard of...

Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’

On this January 18, 2021, as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday since 1986, it feels even more important to reflect on Dr. King's life and what he continues to stand for. For SunShower Learning, diversity, equity and inclusion is more than a...

Unconscious Bias: Our Filter Bubbles Shape Our Worldview

Filter bubble is a new term for the internet age. It was coined by internet activist Eli Pariser to describe a state of intellectual isolation that can result from internet searches that are personalized for you based on, for example, a Google algorithm that guesses...

Inclusivity and High Performance Begins with Psychological Safety

Inclusivity and High Performance Begins with Psychological Safety "A workplace where employees believe they can speak up candidly with ideas, questions, and concerns, and even make mistakes without fear of reprisal or adverse repercussions, contributes to inclusivity...

Our response to the Executive Order

The Trump Administration has issued a flawed and racist executive order that is not in alignment with SunShower Learning’s core values. We stand for equity and inclusion, acknowledging and learning from what history and current research shows us, and working together...

Creating a Welcoming Workplace by Putting Inclusion into Action

Over the years, here at SunShower, we've focused on important topics with a narrow scope, with courses designed to help people practice speaking up against stereotypes, use tools to uncover and then disrupt unconscious biases. In the last few months, we've released a...

Strategies to Manage Your Own Unconscious Bias When You’re Making Decisions

Can unconscious bias influence your decisions? Uh, yeah. And it's something you are choice whether to take action on. Good article in Forbes from their Expert Panel listing some strategies for managers to be conscious during their decision-making. Some of the...

On Being Consciously Inclusive

Rhodes Perry, in his book, "Belonging At Work" outlines everyday actions you can take to cultivate an inclusive organization. He writes, "An inclusive leader communicates the feeling of belonging by offering their stakeholders a sense of purpose. They have the ability...

How to Drive Inclusive Culture in the Digital Workplace

With all the changes brought by COVID-19, employees that have implemented remote work policies are scrambling to ensure employees feel engaged. Jenna Eastman, head of customer success at Beekeeper, shares her top tips for digital workplaces that want to create a more...

Addressing Unconscious Biases in the Virtual Workplace

"At RingCentral we understand the importance of conducting regular unconscious bias training and offer such training regularly as part of our Learning and Development initiatives." The article, posted on LinkedIn regarding the creation of inclusion culture, continues...

SunShower awarded Silver Telly Award for Within Our Power to Prevent and Address Sexual Harassment

The 2020 Telly Awards have recognized SunShower Learning's newest program, Within Our Power, with the Silver Telly, in the category of Corporate Training. Within Our Power: Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment Together is a breakthrough program that outlines...

Moving Beyond Diversity Toward Racial Equity

Ben Hecht has posted an excellent article in HBR. "As anti-racism protests sweep the United States, it’s clear that returning to “business as usual” will not be good for business. And yet while it’s clear current corporate diversity efforts are lacking, business...

Making a company truly inclusive

As you know, I enjoy using this blog to point to articles that align with our values here at SunShower. This article deserves special note. Written by Elias Torres, the co-founder of the innovative company, Drift, for Fast Co. Magazine. (PS - I use Drift on my website...

Five Kinds of Organizational Bias That Could be Ruining Your Remote Meetings

Excellent article regarding kinds of organizational bias by Ernie Smith in Associations Now Leaders should keep a close eye on the subtle ways that they—or their employees—might be introducing biases to the way they approach remote calls. Lots of different behaviors...

Continuing the DEI Journey: Adapting for Meaningful Impact

Diversity Is a Reality, Inclusion Is the Opportunity

Are you feeling the tension between generations?

The GenShift eLearning Course Wins Vega Award!

Gen Zers in Your Workplace

Eddie Bright Jr. on the Chris Cuomo show about Gen Z

The Inclusive Leader in You webinar with Greg Gale

“Laying Low” Is the Wrong DEI Strategy

What does "on time" mean these days? Gen Z vs. Millennials

What workforce diversity means for Gen Z

The Paradox of DEI Opposition: A Reflection on Privilege, Identity, and Hypocrisy

The Power of Diversity: McKinsey’s Latest Report Reinforces the Business Case for Inclusive Leadership

What are microaggressions? Here's how you speak up.

The Inclusive Leader in You

Reflections on the Current State of Our DEI Work

The Great Detachment: Why Employee Engagement is at Risk—Especially for Gen Z

Understanding Employee Responses to DEI Initiatives: Insights and Strategies

SHRM’s Removal of “Equity” From DEI Framework: A Step Backwards Amid Growing Backlash

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs

A Groundbreaking New Course: Understanding the Complexity of the Asian American Pacific Islander Experience

The Deafening Silence of DEI Allies: A Call to Action in Troubled Times

The Colorblindness Trap

DEI LEAP: Empowering Leaders Through Turbulent Times

The Unbearable Lightness of the “I’m Sorry if You Were Offended” Apology

“Laying Low” Is the Wrong DEI Strategy

The Evolution of DEI: A Turning Point for Positive Transformation

Elon Musk’s Unfounded and Dangerous Attack on DEI Initiatives

Painful Stories: Unconscious Bias in Health Care

Navigating Thanksgiving – Speak Up or Stay Silent?

Hidden Hurdles: How Racial Segregation and Discrimination Hinder Black Professional Networks

Confronting the Backlash: The DEI Imperative

Announcing the New SunShower App

The Day I Remained Silent: Confronting Discrimination and Stereotypes

Brave Marketing Is Good Business When It Comes to DEI

SunShower Learning: Unconscious Bias Training That Works

3 Strategies for Responding to Microaggressions

Mission Impossible, Jack Reacher and Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts?

When Barbie Meets AI

Introducing SunShower Learning’s Captivating New Branding: Unveiling a Fresh Chapter

Overcoming Racism in Healthcare

Honored by These Kind Words From a SunShower Reviewer

The Launch of SunShower Learning’s New Webinar Series, DEI Discussions

Joel Lesko, Filmmaker and Founder of SunShower Learning, Will Speak at the 2023 International Peace Conference

What’s Going On in There?

Hidden Hurdles: How Racial Segregation and Discrimination Hinder Black Professional Networks

You Can’t See Me

Reclaiming the Water

Chances Are Your Hiring Process Is Riddled With Bias

DEI Leaders are Burning Out

The Day the National Guard Raided an HBCU Dorm

Embodying Ethical Leadership

Right Where She Belongs

AI is all the rage, but what about the baked-in bias?

The Accessibility Journey

The 21-Day Plan for Disarming Microaggressions Wins Two More Awards

New! SunShower Now Offers the Most Modern and Flexible Formats To Meet Your Training Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy and the Scientific Connection Between Belonging and Health

Diversity Is the Lifeblood for All Companies, but Is Diversity Enough?

Microaggressions… We have a lot to Learn

Cristela Alonzo Reminds You That Your Microaggressions Were Never Okay

Focus on DEIB to Thrive During the “Great Resignation”

How To Be an Ally in the Workplace

The 21-Day Plan for Disarming Microaggressions Wins the IMA Best in Class Award for Advocacy

SunShower is a Communicator Award winner

Lack of diversity in AI development results in predictable problems, yet they persist

Toxic behavior that affects morale and retention

Allyship: Key to Inclusion?

Wait, was that a microaggression?

Joel interviewed on the Learning UNLOCKED podcast

25 Stories About Racial Microaggressions At School

Training is a Terrible Word

Colin in Black and White

Book Review – Americanah

Ava DuVernay on Microaggressions

Shrill

“I congratulate you and your people”

Inclusive Hiring Practices

When Unconscious Bias Training Does More Harm Than Good

Death by a Thousand Cuts

14 things people think are fine to say at work — but are actually racist, sexist, or offensive