34: Vernon Johnson and Maria Caceres - Diversity as a Mindset

What does diversity mean to you? Our guests this episode are leaders inside their organizations on diversity and inclusion.  They describe diversity as a mindset – being open to others' ideas, listening, and asking questions. D (diversity) is the mix & I (inclusion) is making the mix work.  As Vernon describes, that means having diverse interview slates, leaders as advocates for diversity, diversity initiatives at all levels of the organization, diversity and inclusion scorecards, career maps, and leadership diversity goal plans for starters.  Maria offers questions to our listeners to engage as an ally: -          What do you need? -          What do you like?  Not like? -          What is it like to be you? -          How can I help? Park the fear and do it afraid.  It is okay to not say the "right" thing.  Be curious to learn and be vulnerable to ask questions you do not know the answers to.  That's what allies do. Follow Maria at https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-caceres/ and at https://www.regions.com/.   Follow Vernon at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonlj/.   Follow us @nextpivotpoint on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and connect with us 1:1 at www.NextPivotPoint.com.  We post daily about leadership, equality, and career development on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekratz/.