In recent years, more organizations have been diversifying their workplace. Newer studies suggest that the more diverse the workforce is, the more productive they are. Productivity translates to profits, so it's no surprise that businesses are eager to embrace this concept.

But how truly diverse are these enterprises? The reality doesn't reflect the objective, especially for the black population.

Although 15 million workers in private employment are black, they represent less than 20% of the total workforce in the United States.

The demographic is also more likely to earn less than their peers, even in industries they dominate. Many are also working in front-line services, while only a few can climb up the ranks and reach the managerial level.

Is diversity in the workplace more of a problem than a solution against discrimination and racism?

For this episode in And the Question Is, we talked with one of the subject-matter experts in workplace diversity. Dr. Monica Cox is an equity angel specializing in and championing creating inclusive environments.

We discussed why businesses should stop playing diversity and discover strategies on how we can move forward in making it a more inclusive space for everyone, especially for our black brothers and sisters.

Guest Bio:

Monica F. Cox, Ph.D., is a disruptor, trailblazer, change agent, and leader who believes in living an authentic life even if it makes people uncomfortable. She grew up an only child in rural southeast Alabama, where she was raised by her educator parents to persist in the face of personal and professional adversity. As a coach, she guides clients in areas of career development; business strategy; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Distinguished Professor and entrepreneur, Dr. Cox's inquisitive nature contribute to her passion for educating others and sharing what she has learned via her experiences.

Website & Social Media Handles for Dr. Monica Cox

Twitter, IG & Tic Tok - @drmonicacox

Website - www.drmonicacox.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicafcox/

Topics Covered:

• Figure out what Dr. Monica Cox means by “stop playing diversity”
• Learn the effect of lack of sensitivity in the workplace and how it's hurting diversity, inclusion, and equity
• Know the value of humility in improving diversity
• Learn examples of racism in healthcare and the classroom and the power of data in improving equity
• Know why many institutions are imposters
• Put a face on the real meaning of diversity
  
  

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Time Stamps/Quotes

04:25: So I always think about retention, instead of just recruitment and the dog and pony show, as I say, I think about how institutions and just organizations, in general, cheat people because that's the issue. You know, I feel that all the backroom conversation happens with how bad an organiza