How to Build Truly Inclusive Cultures (Even If You're Not a Big Company)—Delphia Howze | Ep 121

In this episode, I sit down with Delphia Howze—CEO of D. Howze Solutions, author of "Including You," and a seasoned inclusion strategist with over two decades of HR and leadership experience. Together, we dive deep into why inclusion is far more than a corporate buzzword, how it impacts every business (large or small), and real-world steps to practice inclusion with intention. Delphia shares actionable stories from her career, reveals practical ways to spot and solve hidden exclusion, and makes the case for why inclusion is a growth lever you can't ignore. Listen in to rethink how culture, strategy, and personal leadership intersect to drive sustainable success.Connect with Delphia HouseWebsite: https://dhowzesolutions.comJoin the Wisdom Journey NewsletterWant more insights, experiments, and real-time lessons on building your online business? Join my free newsletter for fresh ideas and practical tools every week.https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/Timestamp Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wisdom Journey and Guest Delphia House00:46 From Personal Values to Professional Inclusion02:26 How a Career in Banking Sparked Inclusion Insights05:04 What Happens When Inclusion Is Missing in Organizations06:48 Does Culture or Strategy Matter More?09:02 How Culture Is Shaped and Why It’s Not Just Top-Down10:02 Why Small Businesses Must Care About Inclusion12:37 The Real Costs of Ignoring Culture and Unintentional Exclusion15:10 Is Inclusion Black and White, or Is There a Middle Ground?17:41 Inclusion Complexity: How Rules Can Unintentionally Exclude20:01 Rethinking Parental Leave—Lessons in Inclusive Policy22:59 Inclusion Beyond Business: Lessons from Parenting and Parties25:24 Inspiration Behind "Including You" and Making the World Better27:15 Are People Waiting for Permission to Lead Differently?29:47 Moving from Performative Inclusion to Real Accountability32:53 What Internal Work Leaders Must Do for External Inclusion34:54 Embracing Mistakes and Mindset Shifts in Inclusion Leadership36:38 Where to Connect with Delphia House and Get the Book38:14 Closing Thoughts and How to Stay Connected