Why Developing Leaders at All Levels Is the “Unlock” to an Enduring DEI Strategy

Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion can’t be done from a small HR team; you need to develop and unleash leaders at all levels to drive change in every corner of the organization. This session will provide you with needed inspiration and a strong business case to “keep going” in the relentless pursuit of DEI for our workplaces, equipping them with new methods to combine learning and talent management as powerful levers of change.

Outline

  • 00:00:00 - Introduction

Ben Brooks opens by introducing himself and his remote-first company, PILOT Inc, dedicated to leader development and DEI principles. He underscores his company's purpose to develop leaders at all levels conveniently and cost-effectively.

  • 00:05:00 - Leadership Development: A Part of DEI?

Brooks questions whether organizations consider leadership development an integral part of their DEI strategies. He advocates for integrating inclusive leadership practices into development rather than considering it separately.

  • 00:10:00 - Introduction to EID

Brooks introduces Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID), underlining the significance of their sequence. Leading with equity can spearhead organizational progress when combined with leader development.

  • 00:15:00 - Overview of DEI

Utilizing Nissan Motor Company's graphic, Brooks provides insight into DEI. He mentions equity as the weakest link in DEI strategies, emphasizing the necessity for a fair opportunity and workforce representation.

  • 00:20:00 - Components of DEI Strategy

Discussing DEI strategy aspects, Brooks highlights the importance of transforming workplaces to be more inclusive and equitable.

  • 00:25:00 - DEI: A Competitive Necessity

Brooks discusses enhancing products and services via DEI strategies, as implemented by companies like United Airlines and Ford Motor Company. He encourages a shift in the DEI sequence, placing emphasis on equity.

  • 00:30:00 - Promotion and Call to Action

Closing his talk, Brooks offers a free session to help organizations integrate expanded leadership definitions into their DEI strategies. He promotes a limited-time call to assess an individual's strengths and weaknesses in terms of leadership and DEI, followed by an invite to the PILOT swag store.