The Great DEI Rebrand
Why Organizations Are Renaming Their Committees and Roles In the evolving landscape, one thing has become clear: the language of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is shifting. Across industries, organizations are reconsidering how they frame their DEI efforts, with many rebranding committee names, adjusting leadership titles, or integrating equity-focused work under broader umbrellas like “culture,”…Read More
Reading Between the Backlash Headlines: Why Your Progress Is Far From Over
The need to deliver equitable care, foster inclusive environments, and harness the transformative power of diversity is undeniable. As change leaders and advocates, our work is vital to meeting the evolving needs of our patients, communities, and organizations. Yet, this mission faces headwinds. In recent months, visible anti-DEI movements amplified in the media, paired with…Read More
Honoring Dr. King Through Service and Community: A Message from Our Founder
This is the day we pause to honor and reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was born on January 15, 1929, and stood steadfast for non-violent activism against racial discrimination. Interestingly, I share this birthday with him. Thus, with every year I celebrate, I ponder how far we as a…Read More
Leading Through Uncertainty in the Post-Election Era: 4 Critical Considerations
Over the years, we have discussed “leading change,” “managing complexity,” “transforming conflict into curiosity,” and so many other leadership principles germane to our work. In the past week, all of these accrued strengths, and many more, have been called upon to navigate an extremely polarized climate compounded by a wide range of opinions and emotions….Read More
So You’re Giving a “DEI Talk”: 5 Critical Steps to Maximize Your Impact
Congratulations! You’ve been asked to give a DEI Talk! Now what….? In the last 24 months, I have delivered over 60 lectures(!) on health equity, diversity, and/or inclusion outside of my own department. Although there was some overlap in the subject matter presented, each experience was unique in its own right. The number of requests…Read More
Debunking DEI Myths
Fellow Leaders: I have a new addition for your leadership toolboxes! Navigating this current landscape requires all of us to be well-versed in the literature, including the current body of evidence allows us to engage in critical conversations with confidence — and with compelling data. The “It’s the Right Thing to Do!” moral imperative argument…Read More
A Prediction Manifested: 5 Ways Diversity & Inclusion Help Companies Before, During, & After the Pandemic
As we gear up to celebrate some amazing milestones for ODLC, I have been going through our gigantic archive of resources. I came across a Forbes article written by Paolo Gaudiano in April of 2020, i.e. before the murder of George Floyd ignited a global movement. In this article, the author postulated that companies prioritizing…Read More
Why Some Diversity Programs Backfire (And What You Can Do About It)
In 2016, one of my favorite leadership mentors sent me an article that had been published in Harvard Business Review (HBR), entitled: “Why Diversity Programs Fail.” He wanted to know my thoughts on whether a new mandatory DEI training that was being discussed would be helpful or harmful to our constituents. The research published in…Read More
Don’t Be A Statistic: Leveraging ODLC for Your Sustainability
A recent study published in JAMA Network posed the question: “What are the experiences of leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at US academic health centers?” Through focus group interviews of senior-level DEI leaders across the country, they identied four consistent themes of complexity that jeopardized the effectiveness and sustainability of these leadership roles….Read More
Stay the Course: It’s Working!
SPOILER ALERT! Companies Are Ramping Up Investments in DEI Staying the course in leading health equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts is easier said than done. Between the political and legislative challenges, divisive rhetoric, and resultant doubt and fear, it is understandable that many question whether or not DEI work is a dying art. GOOD NEWS:…Read More