Steve Pemberton is joined by Torin Ellis, an expert in DE&I, author of "Rip the Resume," host of SiriusXM's Career Mix, and the co-host of Crazy and the King.
Complacency in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Steve starts by noting that when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, many senior leaders say that they “can’t find the talent” – an all too common refrain. Torin agrees that it’s a thing many people say – but not something that’s backed up by reality. He says that the excuse of “we can’t find the talent” isn’t based on reality, and in fact, making that statement is highly disrespectful. If a company can agree to refrain from that kind of disrespect, they have plenty of ways to make changes and see a much more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Steve adds that it’s really only in DE&I where leaders just accept that things are the way they are and can’t be improved, and Torin shares how he reframes the conversation for the leaders and teams he works with.
The Importance of Accessibility
One in four people either have or at some point will have a disability, and Torin talks about how much better things could be for both disabled individuals and the professional world if companies made efforts to create opportunities and accessible work options. Steve adds that the need to navigate the world differently leads directly to innovation, and failing to create accessible environments is, at best, a failure of imagination.
Steve asks what organizations can do to be more inclusive of people with disabilities, and Torin talks about having different relationships with organizations that serve people with disabilities, having internal and external alignment with your inclusivity goals, and learning what is required to make people feel comfortable – especially in terms of undeclared disabilities.
A Time of Great Reckoning
Steve and Torin talk about how right now, across industries, it is the time to speak up and have conversations about career progression, red flags, needs, and resources. There have been far too many instances of injustice, and it is past the point where companies and leaders can pretend that they aren’t happening. Torin hopes that we see the tenor of the conversation about DE&I continue as fervently as it has over the last year, and Steve notes that that is really a prescription for how to approach the coming years.
If your organization believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, then a statement from leadership is needed. And that statement needs to be backed up by actions. Torin suggests that firms put money into Black banks so that bank can invest in the community. It’s time for less allyship and more action.
Stay Human.
Career Mix plays on SiriusXM’s Urban View Sundays at 1 p.m.
