Building more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces is an ongoing challenge for many organizations. There is still a disconnect between the amount of noise generated around DE&I and the results achieved. So how can employers do better, and what lessons can be learned from other organizations?

My guest this week is Bruce Jackson, Associate General Counsel & Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships at Microsoft. Bruce has just published a new book, "Never Far From Home", which documents his personal journey from a housing project in Manhattan to becoming a lawyer who represented Pete Rock and LL Cool J and ultimately worked for the President of Microsoft. In our conversation, he shares his insights into the developing DE&I strategies at Microsoft, and the role employers can play in improving social mobility.

In the interview, we discuss:

• Bruce's journey and dealing with obstacles

• The overwhelming influence the environment you grew up in has on your prospects.

• What should employers do to improve diversity and inclusion?

• Practical incentives to help law firms be more diverse

• Improving evaluation and accountability

• The role employers can play in improving social mobility

• Cybersecurity programs in community colleges

• The critical importance of not losing another generation of great brave minds.

Listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.