Janine is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and expert on DE&I, conscious leadership, organizational development, psychological safety in the workplace, emotional intelligence, neurobiology, and what it takes to attract and retain world-class talent. She has had a life time of experience trying to fight the battle for equity and inclusion, starting as a community activist in Brooklyn to today and the work she does with her own consulting organization. She believes allowing people to feel included and their authentic selves is not only the right thing to do, but it benefits all of society. 

What I liked about this conversation was that we didn't just focus on the altruistic aspects of diversity and inclusion, that most of us already know are important. We tried to make it real, we tried to really dig into the challenges of this work. This even included a discussion about a time in which Janine left her work at a non-profit organization to work at a Fortune 200 company, frankly because she had bills to pay. We explored that and if it proved her ultimate goal was too idealistic. We also debated if it was even possible to expect humanity at scale to actually do the hard work necessary to reach true equality. Is it possible that our own internal baggage, fears, and insecurities are too much overcome? 

I always find it interesting to talk to people like Janine who feel so passion and driven to do this type of work. I have a deep curiosity about what is behind it and what makes them this way. Are they ultimately just virtue signaling and doing it because they think they are supposed to do it? Or are they more like Janine and from the earliest of ages felt a deep empathy to try and help those in need?