Diversity Coverage

Black professionals’ gains in management are evaporating, report says – what are they to do now?

A new McKinsey & Co. study reveals that Black professionals are no longer being elevated to managerial roles at the rates they had been between 2020 and 2022. In other words, the minimal gains made after George Floyd’s murder and the widespread corporate commitment to doing better have evaporated. For Black professionals, it’s as if the last four years never happened.

2023 business word of the year: Resilience (and may be next year’s too!)

When I think back over the last year, my nomination for business word of the year is “resilience.” From nearly every vantage point, 2023 has revolved around the emotional, psychological and physical fortitude to withstand challenges, mounting stress and traumatic events. 

Build great teams to create greater organizations – Collaboration empowers inclusive leadership

Success stories often begin with the notion of a singular heroic achievement or a brilliant lightbulb moment. While we enjoy these tales, one of the first things leaders realize is that teamwork is the true engine of organizations and the foundation of success. 

Life is now in constant warp drive – how we can cope, still implement change

Although we are all living in this era that seems like it is in constant warp drive, I have also tried to prioritize the emotional and physical health of my teammates and myself. Certainly, it’s not easy, especially with the many challenges constantly knocking at the door. Just like you, I am trying to figure out how to manage my life and abide by my own words: “live it well.” 

Balancing empathy and economics through well-being – A C-Suite guide

Senior leaders must be able to balance empathy and economics if they want to create workplace excellence internally and build brand reputation externally. And, while few executives would view well-being as a new initiative, its importance has increased with the move toward inclusive leadership. Let's take a look.

Unlocking the potential of collaboration: A leadership imperative

Editor’s note: Veteran entrepreneur and investor Donald Thompson writes a weekly column about management and leadership as well as diversity and other […]

Artificial intelligence in the C-Suite: A senior leader’s guide for maximizing AI’s potential

While I certainly don’t want to dismiss the many challenges we face if artificial intelligence implementation goes wrong, I want to explore the upside of AI. Let’s focus on some ways executives can think about and use AI to help their organizations win in the marketplace. 

Are you really leading? If so, culture change is a leadership imperative for you, your team

In this new era, inclusive leadership provides a new mental framework, prompting a profound shift in leadership paradigms. Together, executives and their teams can use inclusive leadership to create cultures that breathe resilience, authenticity and genuine empathy with each team member empowered to embrace change, adapt swiftly and innovate continuously.  Are you?

Fighting ageism, embracing experience: The midcareer workforce imperative

Leaders around the world spend countless hours thinking about talent. Here's a twist: The results of a new global survey on midcareer employees indicate that employers need to “radically rethink” how they engage with those who are age 45 and older. 

How businesses can incorporate DIB (diversity, inclusion, belonging) to be the greatest force for good

When The Diversity Movement asked TechWire columnist Grace Ueng to be a part of their “Ask the Expert” series, she synthesized her thinking into her diversity belief statement that she begins to share with us today …

Maximize your impact: How diversity and inclusion can transform your board

In today’s dynamic nonprofit landscape, the most successful boards are actively cultivating – and transforming – culture by implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as core tenets of their efforts.

AI in the C-Suite: Strategies for how CEOs can lead responsibly

Right now, CEOs are taking a deliberate approach to AI implementation, but recent studies reveal that many are uncertain of where the technology is headed or whether it can truly be trusted. Given these challenges, it is essential that senior leaders ensure that AI serves as a force for positive change and use their power wisely as the technology continues to develop and expand. 

Diversity pays dividends: The steep price of ignorance in business

No one expects their manager or boss to cancel out the noise they are hearing on social media and every time they turn on the television, but they do want to feel respected, safe, and fulfilled at work. My advice is to “show, don’t tell.”

Inclusive leader’s guide to mental well-being: Steps in mastering courageous decision making

The executives I coach, regardless of their level in their organizations, are accustomed to bearing the weight of decisions. Yet, the pace of change and toll that transformation takes means that leaders need to navigate their own mental health, both for themselves and their companies. Let's have a conversation about this.

New lawsuits target business funding, DEI efforts after affirmative action ruling

If these lawsuits follow other cases it will likely be 5 or more years before all decisions and appeals are finalized. In that time there remains the potential that government and corporate programs with similar aims will face more lawsuits and threats.

Funding for minority-owned business coming under attack

It will take time to determine the ultimate fallout as conservatives work to dismantle affirmative action and diversity initiatives through the courts. In the meantime, this is yet another burden on a population that most need support.

Destroy the glass ceiling – deliberate steps to create an equitable workplace

Veteran entrepreneur and investor Donald Thompson shares his "leadership cheat code" for creating an equitable workplace, based on his experience building The Diversity Movement into a women-led organization.

Trust: The currency of success in today’s business landscape

Want a real-time CEO gut-check? Ask yourself a simple question: “Do these people really trust me and my organization: customers, clients, suppliers, shareholders and employees?” Here's how you can gain that trust.

UNC freshmen class talks importance of diversity as school year begins

Every student WRAL spoke with ahead of this year's convocation openly discussed the importance of having unique voices and experiences on campus.

Campus diversity important factor to incoming UNC students

Every student WRAL spoke with openly discussed the importance of having unique voices and experiences on campus.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Data Journalist

How to be an inclusive leader: Four execs share their secrets to success

You have heard about inclusive leadership, but you may be wondering, “Does this shift really make a difference? Can embracing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles genuinely enhance my leadership effectiveness?” The answer is an emphatic, “Yes!” Read all about the experiences of four executives who share their successes and challenges.

Cultivating effective leadership in a diverse world: The journey to inclusive excellence 

Editor’s note: Veteran entrepreneur and investor Donald Thompson writes a weekly column about management and leadership as well as diversity and other […]

MARK MERRITT: What we learn is not limited to the classroom

Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 -- The interactions with and exposure to other students who come from different places, have different economic circumstances, have different skin colors or religions or have different political viewpoints are a big part of what makes a university great.

Why diversity is important in the veterinary field

In order to treat pets across the country, veterinary professionals are calling for their field to become more diverse. Hear from experts about why a lack of representation in vet medicine can impact the overall health of animals.

How to thrive globally: Tips for unleashing the power of cultural competence 

Global-thinking business leaders wisely see the value of business-focused DEI strategies that enable organizations to become more efficient, collaborative, innovative and profitable. Let's see how.