Questions that cut to the heart of the matter!

So, recently I was invited to speak about my personal development and my journey to inspire a group of high-impact women. One of the questions posed was- in my experience of having worked in India and the UK & EU what have my learnings been about D & I?

I have to say, I was glad to hear this question. It was not a question that I expected however a question that got to the heart of the matter. A question that flashed all my experiences and learnings in a 10-sec reel. Here are my learnings from organisations and amazing leaders I worked with,

Diversity & Inclusion begins from the top. The commitment of the CEO and the Leadership drives diverse actions and an inclusive culture. This includes representation within the Leadership team that acts as a beacon of hope to individuals from diverse backgrounds; Role modeling, living, and ensuring inclusivity in actions and initiatives at the top flow to the teams and over a period of time are embedded in the organisation.

The culture of the organisation must support Diversity & Inclusion. Any amount of actions will not be of any help, if the culture of the organisation, its ways of working, collective beliefs do not support diversity & inclusion- The values and ways of working are like pillars on which inclusivity sits and attracts and builds diversity.

And finally, education. Any amount of actions and commitment fail in absence of education. Education increases awareness and propels and builds commitment to actions. Whether it is the education of new hires or refreshers, we all need to be reminded from time to time what inclusiveness means and what diversity brings to the organisation.

Having said each of us must step back and question how developed is our own definition of diversity??.... Here's where I must draw attention to the pic below!