43 | Dr. Vijay Pendakur Gets a Haircut: How Real Inclusion Gets Built, One System at a Time

Dr. Vijay Pendakur has advised CEOs, served as the Dean of Students at Cornell University, and led diversity efforts at some of the most prominent institutions in the country, but he didn’t come from a life of privilege. In this episode, we talk about how growing up in a working-class immigrant family shaped Dr. Vijay Pendakur’s approach to DEI—one that goes beyond surface-level gestures and focuses on real systems of inclusion.Most organizations miss the mark by treating DEI like PR or politics. Dr. Vijay Pendakur lays out a smarter, more human path. We talk about building systems that actually include people, what real equity looks like inside power structures, and why good intentions aren’t enough. This isn’t diversity theatre. It’s how real inclusion actually gets built.We also dive into his book, “The Alchemy of Talent: Leading Teams to Peak Performance” and how the stories and frameworks in it challenge the way most leaders approach diversity work. From lived experience to operational excellence, Dr. Vijay Pendakur shares what it means to lead with strategy and soul.Welcome to Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman, the live video podcast where captivating conversations happen behind the chair. As a master hairstylist, Tab combines his passion for cutting hair with his love for deep, thought-provoking discussions. Step into a one-of-a-kind experience as Tab chats with fascinating guests while giving them a haircut, creating a relaxed and intimate setting for candid conversations. With no topic off limits, we dive deep into the hairdressing experience and beyond, exploring the stories, struggles, and triumphs that make us who we are.To purchase Dr. Vijay Pendakur's BookThe Alchemy of Talent: Leading Teams to Peak Performancehttps://amzn.to/4kC6VfRhttps://www.vijaypendakur.com