Shinola’s Post

Thanks to Rachel Billington to joining me for this month's Good News Series Interview in collaboration with Aldgate Connect BID. Watch this space for the full article, to learn more about: - Why Equity, Diversity and Inclusion should be "Inclusion-led, not initiative-led", and how to do it! - Why Rachel says "If it feels uncomfortable, you are probably doing it right" and the tough questions you need to ask. - Why inclusion needs to include the majority too. If you want to be a part of a future Good News Series story, please be in touch.

Good article reflecting what is happening across all sectors. To accelerate growth and prosperity, we need everyone especially in the high demand sectors. Our leadership and teams should reflect our region's ethnic, gender, and international communities. One measure is the % of diverse individuals in middle/high income positions which increased from 16.3% in 2018 to 18.4% in 2022, growing but not yet reflecting the region. All In on Inclusive Opportunity. Greater Cleveland Partnership, Team NEO, Urban League of Greater Cleveland, The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development, Global Cleveland, MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network https://lnkd.in/gD_ujtah

Here's a LinkedIn post from the perspective of an industry expert: Title: The Power of Unwavering Commitment: Lessons from Senator Adrian Dickey's Flag Advocacy In a remarkable display of dedication and patriotism, Iowa Senator Adrian Dickey has been tirelessly advocating for the American flag to be flown at the Des Moines VA hospital during Pride Month. Despite facing numerous obstacles and resistance from the hospital administration, Senator Dickey's unwavering commitment to his cause serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and the values that unite us as a nation. Senator Dickey's actions highlight a growing trend in our industry: the need for leaders who are willing to take a stand and persevere in the face of adversity. In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, it is more important than ever to have individuals who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also possess the courage and determination to champion their convictions. The senator's story also underscores the significance of understanding and respecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of those we serve. As industry professionals, it is our responsibility to foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of all individuals, while also upholding the core values that define our organizations and our country. Moreover, Senator Dickey's actions serve as a catalyst for important discussions about the role of symbols in our society and the ways in which we can honor and support those who have served our nation. These conversations have far-reaching implications for our industry, as we strive to create meaningful connections with our customers, employees, and stakeholders. As we reflect on Senator Dickey's unwavering commitment to flying the American flag, let us embrace the opportunity to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue about the values that unite us and the actions we can take to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How can we, as industry leaders, emulate Senator Dickey's dedication and courage in our own work? What steps can we take to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect within our organizations? Together, let us continue to drive positive change and build a stronger, more united industry. #LeadershipLessons #Inclusion #PatriotismAtWork #IndustryInsights

Don’t miss Malia Lazu on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Boston Public Library to celebrate the launch of “From Intention to Impact: A Practical Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion". Following the murder of George Floyd, corporate America voiced its commitment to inclusivity, but real systematic change has yet to be seen. Challenged by the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, corporate DEI practices are programs are seemingly under attack and their efficacy brought into question. Malia's book delves into what's holding organizations back and provides them with a roadmap on how to create inclusive environments that are conducive to progress. This is a must-read for companies future-proofing their values beyond PR- centric actions, visit the link in our bio to pre-order your copy today and unlock your organization’s full, inclusive potential. Malia Lazu is a BII portfolio company owner, BII investment committee member, and longtime partner in our racial justice work. Pre-order today: https://buff.ly/495Kppz #FromIntentiontoImpact #IntentiontoImpact #FutureProofing

Great article by Mikhail highlighting some blind spots of organizations driven primarily by competition. Beyond external competition that exists over reputation & market share, we see frequent examples of how internal competition can be equally detrimental to organizational growth & sustainability. On the team's I've worked for, win-win-win has always been a great motivator & north star. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/er-pxXSr

Equip yourself with inclusive and welcoming board practices in Board Diversity & Inclusion: Decolonizing Practices and Navigating Power on September 25! More specifically, you will learn about the ways to develop a culture of belonging on your board, engage with strategies to balance power on boards, assess your decolonizing practices, and create an allyship plan. By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: ◆ Expand your understanding of colonization, systemic racism, and White privilege. ◆ Develop strategies to make spaces where everyone experiences a sense of belonging. ◆ Assess power dynamics in your boardroom. ◆ Evaluate your decolonizing practices and prepare a plan of action. ◆ Identify allyship values and practices. Register and secure your spot today!   https://ow.ly/z2Tz50SwfIE

Mary Kay Ash: A Legacy of Empowering Women in Sales But her journey began with rejection. How did she revolutionize sales? 4 groundbreaking strategies. 1. Empowerment Through Recognition: She understood the power of appreciation. Her unique reward system motivated countless. 2. The Power of Personal Touch: Mary Kay emphasized personalized customer service, making every client feel valued. 3. Pioneering Direct Sales: She championed the direct selling model, transforming how products are marketed and sold. 4. Fostering a Culture of Support: Creating a community where women uplift each other, breaking the competitive mold. Mary Kay Ash didn’t just sell cosmetics; she sold confidence, creating a billion-dollar empire and a legacy that redefined the sales industry. Her approach? Visionary leadership, unmatched personalization, and unwavering belief in her team’s potential. Her impact? Immeasurable, inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams with boldness and integrity. Let’s celebrate and learn from Mary Kay Ash’s extraordinary legacy. P.S. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when you lead with heart and vision.

Celebrate the strength and talent of #WomenInBusiness by supporting them in their pursuit of success. 💪🏼 Learn how: https://bit.ly/3O7MV6R

I’ve been listening to a lot of books by well-known leaders about their business journeys… Books by Black women who were founders and/or CEOs and books by white men who were the same, and with the exception of Play Nice But Win by Michael Dell, the books by white men all have something in common: The authors always knew someone who knew someone. When they were lost or stuck, or in need of information, support, resources, or brokering, they were able to pick up the phone and call a person who had exactly what they were looking for: the answer, a connection, an opportunity, informed guidance. Every career pivot was enabled by someone who made a way for them toward the next breakthrough. This is one of the inequities we don’t talk enough about. Forget skills and knowledge and experience. When you don’t have a power network, you don’t get that big job or life-changing client. You don’t get insider information. You don’t get the benefit of the doubt. You don’t get an invitation into the room where it happens. We need more bold advocacy for those who lack the sheer connectedness that changes everything. We need more bridge-building. We need more Waymakers. #wearethewaymakers #betheway #leadership #advocacy #betheway #sponsorship The Waymakers Change Group #buildingbridges (By the way, if you consider yourself a scrappy innovator who thrives on possibilities, you’ll love Dell’s book. I sure did.)

What Companies Get Wrong In Their DEI Efforts. Everyone will tell you that they believe DEI is good for business, and while that’s a great thing to say, the reality is there remains a big omission from the practice of it. It’s time we put the elephant in the middle of the room. Bias and diversity go hand in hand, and if you aren’t talking about the biases that affect the diverse teams you work so hard to build, then you’re simply doing the “PR work.” #DEI #Bias #Equity