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

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.

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 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.

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.

“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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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. You can read more and even take the course for a Test Drive by filling out the form here.

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!’”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. In an era marred by politicized attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Shaun Harper, a distinguished DEI expert, sheds light on the perilous trend of business leaders adopting a “lay low” strategy.

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.

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.”

“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.”

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.

People demonstrate reduced stereotype activation when they’ve received training.