Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge: A Comprehensive Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Welcome to Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, a podcast for tech executives. In this episode, we have Dr. Nelva Lee, the founder and CEO of Midio Technologies, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm. Dr. Lee shares her insights on the importance of diversity in the workplace and how it can lead to better outcomes for organizations. She emphasizes the need for companies to go beyond just checking the diversity box and truly embrace the principles of equity and inclusion.

The Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Dr. Lee begins by highlighting the impact of the pandemic on mental health, particularly among young people and early adults. She shares her personal journey of overcoming depression and PTSD, which led her to write the book "Be the Superhero of Your Story: A Personal Responsibility Development Guide." Dr. Lee believes that equipping individuals with the tools to navigate life's challenges is crucial, not only for personal growth but also for creating a cohesive and engaged team in the workplace.

She explains that Midio Technologies was founded to address the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and consulting services. The company initially focused on providing medical interpreting and translating training but has since expanded to include DEI consulting. Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for advancement. She believes that a truly diverse and inclusive organization leads to increased creativity, productivity, and ultimately, improved revenue.

Moving Beyond Checking the Boxes

Dr. Lee acknowledges that many companies approach DEI as a checkbox exercise, simply aiming to meet certain diversity quotas. However, she emphasizes that true diversity goes beyond numbers. It requires a commitment to understanding the importance of diversity and its benefits for the organization. Dr. Lee explains that diversity is about having people from different backgrounds and cultures, equity is about ensuring equal opportunities for advancement, and inclusion is about giving everyone a voice and a seat at the table.

She cautions against hiring for diversity without considering qualifications and fit for the role. Dr. Lee believes that hiring solely based on meeting diversity quotas can lead to tokenism and undermine the credibility of diverse employees. Instead, she encourages companies to focus on creating a culture that values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment. This involves examining hiring practices, addressing biases, and providing training to increase awareness and understanding of different perspectives.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. She believes that individuals with high EQ are better equipped to navigate different cultures and personalities, leading to stronger teamwork and collaboration. Midio Technologies offers social mapping training to help individuals develop their EQ and understand different diverse groups. Dr. Lee believes that by increasing comfort levels and understanding, companies can create an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

Overcoming Unconscious Bias

Dr. Lee acknowledges that biases exist, even if we are not aware of them. She believes that companies need to examine their hiring processes and preconceived biases to ensure they are not inadvertently excluding qualified candidates. Midio Technologies provides comprehensive pre-assessments to help organizations identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for creating a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.

She shares an example of a company that was specifically looking to hire Indian employees, believing that they were the most qualified for the job. However, by removing identifying information from resumes and conducting blind interviews, they were able to hire a more diverse group of candidates who brought different perspectives and skills to the team. Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of looking beyond preconceived notions and hiring based on qualifications and fit for the role.

The Impact of Technology

Dr. Lee highlights the role of technology in perpetuating biases and the need for technology companies to take DEI seriously. She mentions the example of biased algorithms used in probation officer tracking apps, which can disproportionately impact certain communities. Dr. Lee believes that technology companies have a responsibility to ensure their products and services are inclusive and unbiased. This requires hiring diverse teams and considering the perspectives of different end users.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, Dr. Nelva Lee emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She encourages companies to move beyond checking the diversity box and truly embrace the principles of equity and inclusion. By creating a culture that values diversity, providing equal opportunities for advancement, and fostering an inclusive environment, organizations can reap the benefits of increased creativity, productivity, and revenue.

Dr. Lee highlights the role of emotional intelligence in navigating diverse cultures and personalities. She emphasizes the need for companies to examine their hiring processes and address unconscious biases to ensure they are not excluding qualified candidates. Dr. Lee also emphasizes the responsibility of technology companies to ensure their products and services are inclusive and unbiased.

As we move forward, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. By doing so, they can create a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also fosters innovation and success. Dr. Lee's insights and expertise provide a valuable roadmap for organizations seeking to gain the technology leadership edge through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To learn more about Dr. Nelva Lee and Mitio Technologies, visit their website at mitio.org.