Ariel Investments’ Post

On behalf of Independence Business Alliance, it was an honor to partner with Beacon Networking for Life, producing today's Business Value of DEI: a Panel Discussion. It was an honor to join Dr. Kirk Adams, former President of the American Foundation for the Blind; Monica Diaz, Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant; and Diane Hettinger, CEO of Enabling Ability. BIG TAKEAWAY: Embracing diversity is an increasingly reliable strategy for improving a business or organization's productivity, efficiency, and profits.  https://lnkd.in/eie6sGWF #diversityequityinclusion #businessstrategy

The InvestmentNews DEI editorial board examines how diversity, equity, and inclusion can enhance business growth for advisors. Despite political divisions, industry efforts continue to focus on the benefits of DEI. Explore the insights from the panel of DEI experts. https://hubs.la/Q02z0ljD0

Jamillah Bowman Williams research speaks to where we should be focusing the conversation for DEI. Looking forward to her findings!

As an #Ambassador of the Diversity Project - Investment Industry, I really value the #thought leadership, #data and #research that members of the group develop. Another great reminder 👇👇👇 by Helena Morrissey of the #businesscase for #cognitive #diversity and #inclusion of all. #diversity #inclusion #financialservices #performance #dei #equity

Brilliant insights into why a focus on equity benefits organizations. Most people strive for fairness--providing opportunities to qualified candidates and listening to people who have good ideas. But biases often stand in the way of achieving our aims of fairness. Equity provides a focus for diagnosing barriers and providing more equitable pathways. A focus on equity enables organizations to continually improve processes--formal and informal-- to weed out biases with transparency and accountability. Who doesn't want that? Article by Profs. Enrica Ruggs and Oscar Holmes IV, with insights by Stacy Blake-Beard, Chris Cardona, Tiffany Galvin Green, Ph.D., Stella Nkomo, Orlando Richard, and Lumumba Seegars. Published in Harvard Business Review. #equity #peopleprocesses #humancapital

As companies face increasing backlash around DEI efforts it becomes more and more important to remember why equity and inclusion is critical work, and no, it isn't because it'll make you more money. Check out these 5 trends from Shereen Daniels and her team and how your company can navigate them.

Thanks Helena Morrissey for always questioning and never assuming. And for being humble enough (despite your investment in Diversity Project - Investment Industry) to ask afresh "Is there a business case for diversity?" Two statements from the op-ed stand out to me most. I agree with both: "Shouting from opposite corners of a boxing ring doesn’t get anyone anywhere. Those of us who believe in the benefits of DEI (done right) should start back at the beginning, with a robust re-examination of the business case. If it transpires there is no business case, there is still a moral argument to open opportunities to under-represented people, but the issues would not be confused. And if there is a strong business case, backed up by academically rigorous, replicable research, that gives us both an opportunity and an imperative to reset how people perceive DEI." And bravely, Helena states that "The specialist DEI industry that sprung up partly has itself to blame a) by becoming an industry, b) by often excluding or blaming powerful majority groups, c) by not engaging with the challengers, and d) by focusing too much on identity." #diversitymatters BUT so does #inclusion #allyship #engagement #buildingbridges

Governance Imperatives: Charting the Course for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Prepare to explore the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the 2024 Global DEI Conference, taking place from Tuesday, May 28, through Thursday, May 30. This hybrid event seamlessly blends in-person interaction with the extensive, inclusive reach of virtual technology, promising an unparalleled DEI experience. With the theme "Fostering Equity for Success," the Global DEI Conference welcomes change-makers, organizations, and allies from across the globe to participate in an essential dialogue. Our aim is to establish a platform where diversity is honored, inclusion is a core principle, and equity is at the heart of every conversation. The 2024 Global DEI Conference ensures high levels of interaction, connection, and knowledge exchange. This is an opportunity to broaden your perspectives, learn from global thought leaders, and actively contribute to a conversation shaping our world. As part of the 2024 Global DEI Conference, a virtual session titled "Governance Imperatives: Charting the Course for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" will be held on May 28 from 11:00 am to 11:30 am US ET. This session will feature Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman, Americas at JLL. Bulls will share his insights on the critical role of governance in advancing DEI initiatives within organizations. Join us in making a difference. Be part of the 2024 Global DEI Conference to discover, learn, and shape the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let’s embark on this journey together to foster global equity in our interconnected world. https://lnkd.in/d2mjaSN2 #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #EquityForSuccess #ChangeMakers

A useful article by Professor Stephanie Creary from HBS and Wharton on addressing DEI for sustainable progress. I would add that companies need to be consistent. We need to learn and try new things but stay true to the company’s culture and values and not flip flop based on political factors. The board needs to ask questions on this, and offer support to the CEO and team. #boardofdirectors #corporategovernance Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB) WomenExecs on Boards Exceptional Women Alliance The DCRO Institute

I join Lori Nishiura Mackenzie wisdom to discuss the importance of the Equity piece. I strongly invite you to read the paper below. Without this, the gap will not be bridged. I still observe this failing pattern on an organisational level worldwide. The work I do as an interculturalist and NDEIB help me notice trends, the force of speed, and the exponential future navigating in the direction where all move faster, and biases increase. Hold your horses, as a great Japanese Kendo master taught me and other international leaders during our study of this martial art to serve a bigger purpose. Remember: slow down and keep the accountability system in place. Slow down and measure the E! This is the path for holding the space where people feel they belong to a community. More to come on this topic.