123 | How to Avoid Culture-Killing DEI Blunders | Aleksandar Damchevski & Christiane Bisanzio

How does the saying go? Is the glass half full, or is it half empty? Now, apply this to DEI in the workplace, and you'll see our guests, Christiane Bisanzio and Aleksandar Damchevski, challenge this very notion. In this episode, Aleks and Christi delve into the evolving landscape of DEI, highlighting the progress made and the work that still needs to be done. This episode revolves around their insightful book, The Other 364 Days, and the profound idea that DEI should not be merely a day-long celebration but a year-round commitment in every workplace. Throughout the discussion, we hear how organisations prioritise external appearances over internal actions, the responsibility of leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion, and the crucial part of setting precise and measurable inclusion goals. Aleks and Christi also reflect on common oversights made during event celebrations like Pride Week and International Women's Day. Key discussions include: The glass half full: A reflection on the progression of DEI Are workplaces becoming more divided or more diverse? Risk VS Opportunity: The two approaches to DEI Who is responsible for driving diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces? The importance of understanding and addressing internal biases and behaviours to create a more inclusive culture Key pitfalls hindering the success of organisational DEI Initiatives How authenticity can create more hope and drive change Is unconscious bias training ineffective? The flourishing link between DEI and ESG The one simple change that will transform your workplace "DEI is never a destination. It's always a journey. So this is never ending, it never stops, you have new trends, new topics, new themes coming up, but the overall importance of DEI remains." - Christiane Bisanzio. ABOUT CHRISTIANE BISANZIO AND ALEKSANDAR DAMCHEVSKI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianebisanzio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleks-damchevski-he-she-they-b5589b20/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/OTHER-364-DAYS-DIVERSITY-INCLUSION/dp/2839939290 ABOUT SCOTT McINNES:  Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here.  ABOUT WORKVIVO:   If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it!  This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com