If statements are not followed up with behavior changes…companies risk moving from malignantly apathetic to actively being seen as racial and cultural obstructionists.
There is a Black man in the breakroom
When your diversity efforts result in exclusion A friend and colleague called me a few years ago to discuss his brewing problem. I have since asked him if I could share this story because his experience could help highlight the shortcomings of poorly thought-out DEI initiatives. ” Hey Cheryl, let’s have breakfast; I want to… Continue reading There is a Black man in the breakroom
Placing DEI initiatives on broken cultures: Slow your roll!
I am a big LinkedIn user. I usually check in every couple of days or so to do a little research, look at the boards I’m subscribed to, and to dig through the job boards for DEI positions. I run my own DEI research and consulting firm, so I am admittedly fascinated by the DEI… Continue reading Placing DEI initiatives on broken cultures: Slow your roll!
Black women and cross cultural communication: The April Ryan effect
Admittedly I cannot stop thinking about the challenges we have with cross-cultural communication. I am especially obsessed with how Black women are interpreted in corporate culture. I am spending so much brain power on this because 1) my dissertation focuses on Black women coping with racial-gendered bias; 2) my company specifically works with women of… Continue reading Black women and cross cultural communication: The April Ryan effect
The Redwoods: Ancient, diverse leaders
There I was, standing at the base of the widest, tallest, oldest tree I’d ever seen in my life, and all I could muster was a quiet “Wow.” I am one of the millions of people who have had an opportunity to go to the northwestern United States to commune with the giant redwoods, and… Continue reading The Redwoods: Ancient, diverse leaders
Strong or Wise?
I am a fan of both the words strong and wise. We all identify with strength, and it is rated highly as an attribute. But what happens when strong becomes a burden you don’t have the strength to bear? Trust me, it can happen. Black women, in particular, have identified or have been identified with… Continue reading Strong or Wise?
“What I said, what they heard”: Culture and Communication
I talk with my hands when I am excited. My deep voice resonates as my eyes seek to draw in everyone and get them as excited and engaged in the conversation as I am! Because much of my professional life has been committed to engaging people in the mission of whatever nonprofit I was heading… Continue reading “What I said, what they heard”: Culture and Communication
Walking: From hot coals to cool confidence
I am walking with purpose, cranking up the miles and cleaning out the clutter storing up in my brain. Yes, the walking is partially because I need to lose a few pounds, but it is what I am gaining in this process that is a lot more important. Peace, solitude, creativity, relaxation, empathy, and forgiveness.… Continue reading Walking: From hot coals to cool confidence
Moving from black girls to wise black women: mitigating the impact of stereotyping
Not only have the gloves been removed when handling black girls, acid has been placed on hands that should be nurturing them.
Why Diversity Matters
“New research makes it increasingly clear that companies with more diverse workforces perform better financially.” http://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/why-diversity-matters
BW3: Black Women, Wise Women LLC 