What I Learned About Diversity & Inclusion From My Lyft Driver (True Story)

A few weeks ago, I took a Lyft ride from the airport to a conference I was attending. My driver’s name was “Paul.” I told Paul that I was to speak on “Diversity and Inclusion” and would love his input. So, I asked- “Paul, what’s your perspective on the topic?”

Paul nodded and without hesitation he said he was half African American and half Thai. He went on to say that he has three teenagers, two of whom are outspoken, the other being more quiet, like him. 

Paul proceeded to tell me that he was born in Vietnam and moved to the US when he was 16. He said he never really understood the topic until he moved here because where he came from, people were treated the same and he didn’t personally feel excluded. His upbringing had everything to do with his perspective, whether you agree with him or don't.

We kept talking and both of us agreed that as a whole, we’ve come further than ever- there’s more education and awareness than ever before in history. However, it’s easy to feel like we’ve stepped backwards when a hate crime makes the news, a politician/famous person says something stupid or when a disgusting video is posted to some social media platform. 

Paul said everyone has a right to believe in what they want as long as it doesn’t cause harm to someone. He went on to say that some people like chocolate, some like vanilla- it doesn’t matter what race you are, your gender, sexual orientation or economic status. Each of us has a belief.  

As we approached my destination, I asked Paul about his recommendations for my audience on the topic. In Paul’s words: 

• Don’t be intimidated or afraid of your beliefs - speak up and share them 
• Enable those who are afraid to speak – encourage them to take risks 
• Listen and seek to understand - be tolerant of other’s opinions and beliefs
• Don’t be a sellout- be firm of your convictions!

As we arrived, I asked him, “How would we know if we’ve been successful at diversity and inclusion?”

Paul said, “We’re successful when we recognize only one race- the human race.   And when that happens, the issue boils down to one topic – the topic of good vs. evil. Until then, we have a lot of education and awareness to do.”  

Thank you, Paul.