If you’ve been working in tech for long enough, you’ve probably heard of the acronym “DEI”; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
It’s been a focus for great companies, and for good reason. Studies show that diverse teams drive innovation, creativity, and profits.
This is nothing new or groundbreaking, the stats below are from a study done by BCG in 2017.
Yet, in many organizations, the DEI initiatives feel forced and superficial.
Why? Because too often, diversity is prioritized without establishing the inclusion needed to make that diversity meaningful.
Inclusion is more than bringing people together. The real meaning of it is to create a space where every person feels valued, safe, and able to share ideas openly.
When companies understand this and place inclusion before diversity, they set the stage for impactful, lasting change.
In this article, I share my thoughts on why inclusion should come first in DEI, how to create an inclusive culture, and t…