Hair Today, Hired Tomorrow? How Workplace Bias Affects Black Women with Gloria Tabi (Australia)

Send us Fan MailWhat if everything we think we know about workplace racism is missing the mark? Gloria Tabi, a Sydney-based organizational justice specialist, challenges our understanding with a powerful insight: "Be gentle on people and harsh on the systems."Through her work helping organizations cultivate cultures of inclusion, Gloria Tabi reveals how racism operates primarily through structures rather than individuals. Drawing from her experiences across 13 countries on multiple continents, she explains that no matter how kind people are, structural barriers will continue disadvantaging certain groups unless we address the systems themselves.Gloria Tabi unpacks four interconnected types of racism—structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internalised—explaining why most workplace initiatives focus narrowly on interpersonal issues while leaving the underlying structures untouched. With compelling examples like hair discrimination against Black women (who research shows are less likely to be employed or promoted when wearing their natural hair), she demonstrates how these aren't merely individual biases but systemic barriers embedded in professional norms.The business case for inclusion goes beyond morality. With declining birth rates globally, companies excluding diverse talent limit their access to innovation, fresh perspectives, and emerging markets like Africa with its young, growing population. As Tabi emphasises, "Being an inclusive organisation is for your innovation and to future-proof your business."Rather than conducting one-off training sessions that burden employees, Gloria advises leaders to engage knowledgeable consultants, commit to ongoing conversations about inclusion, and focus first on examining organizational systems and practices. By understanding how exclusion operates systematically, businesses can create meaningful change that benefits everyone.Ready to transform how your organization approaches inclusion? Connect with Gloria Tabi on LinkedIn or learn about her work addressing hair stigma through Enable Women Africa foundation at [email protected], lyrics, guitar and singing by Dr Ariel Rosita KingTeach me to live one day at a timewith courage love and a sense of pride.Giving me the ability to love and accept myselfso I can go and give it to someone else.Teach me to live one day at a time.....Support the showThe Business of LifeDr Ariella (Ariel) Rosita KingOriginal Song, "Teach Me to Live one Day At A Time"written, guitar and vocals by Dr. Ariel Rosita KingDr King Solutions (USA Office)1629 K St, NW #300, Washington, DC 20006, USA, +[email protected]