Dennis Green, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP’s Post

Last week, we had the honor of hosting a thought-provoking session with Dr. Philip McAdoo. His insights on Pride, allyship, intersectionality, and DEI have inspired us to reflect more deeply on how we can become a more inclusive and supportive company during Pride month and beyond: 🤝 True allyship involves advocating for and standing up for others. Balancing the role of an ally with the risk of overstepping boundaries requires a deep commitment to listening and learning. By actively listening to the experiences and needs of those we aim to support, we can better understand when to step forward and when to step back. 🎉 Pride recognizes the many ways of being and celebrating who we are. Dr. McAdoo highlighted the progress made by young people stepping into their identities and the need to address societal fractures. It's important to (help) find spaces and communities that validate who we are and boost our confidence. 📈 Focus DEI efforts on systems rather than individuals to avoid "othering" and promote inclusive problem-solving. Measure DEI efforts with both quantitative and qualitative metrics – put some 💜into it! 👊 Real, authentic support takes the form of focusing on the benefits and experiences we offer to people at the margins. It’s important to be patient and humble, understanding that change doesn’t happen overnight. People need time to process and reflect on new ideas, opening the door to growth and transformation. Inspired by Dr. McAdoo and our team, we are committed to celebrating and supporting our/the LGBTQ+ community, during and beyond Pride Month. Actions on our radar: Open dialogue: Provide our team with a space to discuss their experiences more openly and frequently. We will reframe our monthly team coffee chats to encourage these conversations. Ongoing training: Revamp and enhance our inclusion and diversity training programs, emphasizing the importance of continuous development. Our taskforce team stresses that this is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time effort! Community engagement: Actively look for ways to support the LGBTQ+ community, including supporting local businesses. Happy Pride, everyone! 🌟 #PrideMonth #Inclusion #Diversity #Allyship #DEI #CelebratePride

𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 = 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 for a 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘧𝘵? The kaleidoscope provides a vivid illustration of how changing perspectives can result in beautiful, unexpected outcomes. In the professional world, especially in healthcare, embracing a kaleidoscopic approach means being open to continual change, valuing diversity and equity, championing inclusivity, enabling belonging, and driving justice while committing to creative solutions 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭. June is a month dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community with colorful rainbow flags, parades, and marches. Pride also honors the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing fight for equal rights and justice, rooted in their rich history. As June 2024 and Pride month nears conclusion, consider this a reminder to 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 in 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 work and life. Reflect ... 1. Examine 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 values and beliefs.  2. Evaluate 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 understanding of diversity, equity, inclusivity, belonging, and justice.   3. Understand 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 ability to positively impact individuals, teams, and change in your organization and community. Action starts from within ... ↳ Embrace the beauty of others. ↳ Take the lead to drive diversity and equity. ↳ Be a champion for inclusivity to enable belonging. ↳ Take a stand for justice at work, in life, and in your community. ↳ Commit to creative solutions for all. Then, watch as new patterns of success and fulfillment for all unfold before you.

🔍 Exploring DEI: Are You Getting the Results You Want? In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), many companies measure their success through statistics and reports. But I often hear from organizations that the outcomes can vary—some find clarity, while others feel overwhelmed. It’s time we bring a different approach into DEI. DEI is about HUMANITY. It’s about ALL of us, and how we can do better within and for the sake of others & the world at large. Here’s where my approach stands out: I’m not just here to educate you about the LGBTQ experience; I’m here to dive into the universal human experience. 🌍 My method goes beyond traditional DEI training by focusing on the inner human journey that unites us all. By sharing my story and guiding you through transformative workshops, I offer insights that help your team connect on a deeper level. This approach fosters collaboration, empathy, and understanding that transcend individual experiences and resonate with everyone. Ready to elevate your DEI efforts and create meaningful connections within your team? Let’s discuss how my unique approach can help you achieve unprecedented levels of engagement and unity. Drop a comment or DM me to learn more about how we can transform your team dynamics together!

June is a powerful month. Not only is it the start of summer vacation, but also the month when we recognize Juneteenth and Pride (also it's the birthday month of my only nephew and niece- proud Titi 😊). This is a crucial time for companies to step up and not just see these events as days off or to celebrate, but as opportunities to reinforce their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As we know, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also a day that should remind us all of the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. Similarly, we celebrate Pride in June to honor the LGBTQ+ community, but also should shine the light on the continued struggle for equal rights and acceptance. How Can Companies Meaningfully Recognize These Events? 1. Educate and Raise Awareness: - Host educational workshops and webinars about the history and significance of Juneteenth and Pride. - Share resources and stories that amplify Black and LGBTQ+ voices. 2. Celebrate and Show Support: - Organize virtual or in-person events to celebrate cultural and identity milestones. -Encourage employees to participate in local or virtual Pride and Juneteenth events. 3. Volunteer and Give Back: - Partner with local organizations focused on racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights for volunteer opportunities. - Offer paid volunteer days for employees to engage in community service related to these causes. 4. Foster Inclusive Work Environments: - Review and update company policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of all employees. - Establish or support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for Black and LGBTQ+ employees. 5. Continuous Improvement in DEI Practices: - Conduct regular DEI training and make it an integral part of the corporate culture.Implement mentorship programs that support underrepresented groups within the company. - Commit to diverse hiring practices and create pathways for career advancement for all employees. Recognizing Juneteenth and Pride Month is more than just a moment - so take the time to learn, do more and do better. #Juneteenth #Pride #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture #Advocacy

As someone who doesn't typically post about personal matters on LinkedIn, I find it increasingly important to bring my whole self to my professional community. I am so proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, and am happy to outwardly share my pride on this platform. My experiences in this incredible community have taught me lessons that directly shape how I show up at work. In honor of pride month, I thought I'd share a couple of them below: First, authenticity matters. Being true to ourselves fosters a sense of belonging and trust. When we bring our whole selves to work, we contribute to a more inclusive environment where others feel safe to do the same. Next, empathy fuels connection. Understanding the diverse experiences of others allows us to build stronger relationships. Empathy enables collaboration, creativity, and innovation which are essential qualities in any workplace. Finally, there's resilience in adversity. The LGBTQIA+ community has faced adversity throughout history. Our resilience teaches us to persevere, adapt, and find strength even in challenging circumstances. Not everyone has the privilege and luxury to feel safe to show up to their workplace as their authentic self. At the Ad Council, I feel unbelievably supported (and celebrated!) for my queer identity, and that's something I will never take for granted. If you're looking for ways to support the LGBTQ+ community this month (and beyond), I encourage you to check out https://lnkd.in/eFGXtUex where you can learn how to be an ally, create a more inclusive space at school and work, diversify your media, understand the impact of protection laws, and promote LGBTQ+ health through vetted resources. I hope everyone has a safe, healthy, and happy pride! ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 ✨

👯 What are you doing this August? Why not come hang out with me and Karen Heredia for the launch of our first-ever Culture Catalyst program! Join us starting August 7th for weekly 2-hour virtual sessions packed with practical, time-efficient activities tailored for early-stage founders. Together, we'll dig into the role your values play in your leadership and work together to craft culture blueprints and action plans so you're ready when it's time to hire. When we launched Next Big Thing in 2022, we weren't sure if the massive narrative shifts around the role of work in our lives would translate to IRL changes, but we felt pretty sure they would. Cut to two years later and having a healthy, human-centric workplace culture is more important than ever in today’s talent marketplace. It's not just about attracting top talent; it's about fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and a culturally relevant value proposition right from the start. Establishing a strong culture early on sets the tone for your startup’s future and helps differentiate you in the market. 💪 Culture Catalyst will help you gain confidence as a founder in implementing your cultural vision and refining your leadership principles. You'll walk away understanding how your values translate into concrete workplace policies and practices that ensure your [eventual] team thrives. To say we're proud and excited to offer this new annual program is an understatement. We're passionate about creating a new paradigm for the culture of work and believe that underrepresented founders (like us!) have a unique opportunity to positively shape the future of workplace culture. This has been in the works for a long time, so it's really fulfilling to see it come to life. If you or a founder you know wants to build a thriving, inclusive workplace culture, learn more below about Culture Catalyst and how it can benefit your startup! I hope to see you there 😊 Please spread the word! We also created a LinkedIn page specifically for this program, so you can follow along with updates, tips, tricks, and success stories.

🌈 Collectively Neurodiverse Embraces Pride All Year Round 🌈 As Pride Month closes and we move into July, it's essential to remember that our commitment to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community doesn't end here. Pride isn't just a month-long celebration—it's a year-round commitment to inclusion and equality. Here are a few ways we can continue to support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community: ✨ Educate Ourselves and Others: Learning about the history, struggles, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community helps foster understanding and empathy. Share resources, books, and stories that highlight diverse experiences. ✨ Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Whether it's in our workplaces or communities, we can push for policies that protect and empower LGBTQIA+ individuals. Advocate for equal rights, anti-discrimination measures, and inclusive environments. ✨ Support LGBTQIA+ Businesses and Creators: Amplify the voices and talents of LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. Your support can significantly impact the community's visibility and success. ✨ Create Safe Spaces: Whether virtual or physical, creating environments where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel safe, respected, and valued is crucial. Listen, learn, and be an ally. ✨ Celebrate Diversity Every Day: Embrace the diversity around you. Celebrate the unique identities and stories that make our communities vibrant and rich. Let's make sure that the spirit of Pride lives on in our actions and attitudes every day. 🌈❤️ #PrideMonth #PrideYearRound #Inclusion #Diversity #LGBTQIA #Equality #Allyship #CelebrateDiversity #CollectivelyNeurodiverse #CollectivelyND #CND

🚀 Exciting News! We’ve Launched Culture Catalyst! This new program is dedicated to equipping underrepresented founders of pre-seed and early-stage startups with values-driven practices, policies, and structures to foster healthy, competitive workplace cultures. We understand that budgets are tight (and sometimes nonexistent) for early-stage companies, so our annual program is set at a sliding scale. No scale? No problem! We won't turn anyone away for lack of funds. 💡 Why Culture Catalyst? Today’s talent marketplace demands a radically different approach to culture, and we’ve designed Culture Catalyst to meet these evolving needs. This initiative directly reflects feedback from founders and VCs that support early-stage companies, emphasizing the importance of workplace culture in attracting top talent and driving sustainable growth. 📝 What You’ll Get Out of Culture Catalyst: Culture Blueprint: Develop a compelling workplace culture blueprint that differentiates your startup in the market. Inclusive Strategies: Learn actionable strategies for creating an inclusive, human-centric organization. Vision Implementation: Gain confidence in implementing your cultural vision with clarity and purpose. Leadership Principles: Refine your leadership principles to align with your cultural goals. Supportive Network: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and build a supportive community. 💚 Why It Matters: Recent statistics show that 86% of startup leaders believe a strong company culture is crucial for growth and investment attraction, and 92% of today's talent prioritizes working for companies that consider their team's overall well-being as people, but there are few resources available to help early-stage founders better understand how to build a healthy, human-first culture. With Culture Catalyst, we aim to provide the tools and strategies necessary to future-proof your workplace culture and turn it into your competitive advantage. ➕ Follow the Culture Catalyst Program on LinkedIn: We'll keep posting about healthy future of work trends and resources here on our main page, but give the Culture Catalyst Program Page a follow to stay updated with exclusive insights, resources, and success stories tailored to building a thriving startup culture as an early-stage founder. Click below, sign up, and let’s create the future of work, together! #CultureCatalyst #StartupCulture #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #FutureOfWork

🌈 June is Pride month 🌈 Pride month is all about acceptance, equality and celebrating the work of LGBTQIA+ people. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ history and educate people LGBTQIA+ topics.   For the most marginalised groups in the LGBTQIA+ community, we are seeing backwards trends to progress. The trans community are facing laws being passed across the world to make inclusion and transition an even more difficult topic and process than it already is.   There are also rising numbers of trans murders and violence. Those who are part of the ‘silent letters’ groups within the community (including non-binary, agender, gender queer) also face discrimination, harassment, and erasure.   Although a key symbolic symbol, Pride month isn’t just about rainbow flags because LGBTQIA+ inclusion should take place 365 days of the year. This is why Lifetime Group has our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy in place to make sure we’re always considering the rights and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community when decisions are being made, and to avoid any kind of ‘performative allyship’.

Pride Season is here—a time when we come together to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. But how do we share these values with those young around us? At (BUM), we believe it’s never too early to start the conversation about inclusivity and kindness. Here’s how you can help the discussion of Pride with the next generation. Why It's Important: Teaching children about Pride helps foster empathy and understanding from a young age. It prepares them to respect others' differences and embrace everyone’s unique identity. How to Start the Conversation: 🏳️🌈 Story Time: Use books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Titles like “A Tale of Two Princes”, "And Tango Makes Three" and "A Day In the Life of Marlon Bundo" offer wonderful stories of diversity and acceptance. 🏳️🌈 Celebrate Together: Participate in local Pride events or watch parades and documentaries about the history and significance of Pride. 🏳️🌈 Art and Expression: Encourage children to express what love and inclusivity mean to them through drawings, paintings, or crafts. Family Fun Activities: 🏳️🌈 Craft a Rainbow Flag: Teach them what each color stands for while crafting a flag together. 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Heroes: Share stories of LGBTQ+ advocates and heroes who have championed equality and justice. 🏳️🌈 Questions and Answers: Let them ask questions, and guide them through the answers in a simple, understandable way. Join Us in Supporting LGBTQ+ Families At (BUM), we are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ families. A portion of every purchase from our products, no matter the time of year, go to organizations that make it easier for those in the queer space to become parents. From our family, to your family, for more families, Pat & Carlos Founders, (BUM) Bottoms Up Movement