Episode 155: Answering the Tricky Questions and Critics about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In this episode, we are continuing the conversation from our DEI Microsimulation at the DRJ Spring 2023 conference and addressing some lingering questions from the audience. Vanessa is joined by Lisa Jones, the BC general manager at Control Risks, and James Green, the co-founder of Illuminate Advisory. Together, Lisa and James are co-founders of the Resilience Think Tank Advisory. 

Some of the key takeaways include: 

• If you feel like management is just “checking the box” when it comes to DE&I initiatives, address it with them strategically. Have conversations with them about what retention and recruiting look like without a diverse applicant pool and how it will affect the organization.

• DE&I can become a very emotional and heated discussion, so consider the emotional intelligence of everyone involved before entering the conversation. Consider the ideas and perceptions that everyone is coming to the table with and use those to remove the barriers to entry.

• Some folks may have disabilities they’ve chosen not to disclose. Create a culture of trust where people feel comfortable asking for things like being camera off on a zoom call, working from home on a particular day, etc.

Resources mentioned:

• Listen to Episode 146:  Human Resources Strategies for Building Culture and Acquiring Talent with Marie Mann

Disaster Recovery Journal:

• Register for DRJ’s weekly (Wednesday) webinar series

• Register for DRJ Fall 2023: Focus on Resiliency

Asfalis Advisors:

• Apply to be a guest on the podcast

• Download the 5 Step Crisis Strategy

Connect with the podcast!

• Email us: podcast@drj.com

• Website

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• LinkedIn

• YouTube

Vanessa Mathews, host

Vanessa Mathews is the founder and chief resilience officer of Asfalis Advisors, where they are focused on protecting the legacy of the leaders they serve through business resilience. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Mathews developed global crisis management and business continuity programs for government and private sector organizations to include Lowe’s Companies, Gulfstream Aerospace, and the Department of Homeland Security.

• Book Mathews as a speaker 

Jon Seals, producer

Jon Seals is the editor in chief at Disaster Recovery Journal, the leading magazine/event in business continuity. Seals is an award-winning journalist with a background in publication design, business media, content management, sports journalism, social media, and podcasting.

KEYWORDS: Diversity, equity, inclusion, DE&I, brand reputation, talent acquisition, employee retention, company culture