Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In this episode about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

1. The Lazy CEO Podcast episode features Raven Solomon, an expert in diversity and inclusion (DEI). She shares her journey and insights into the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.
2. Raven emphasizes the significance of understanding generational differences and introduces the “lead language” concept for effective leadership across age groups.
3. The episode underscores the need for organizations to develop comprehensive DEI strategies encompassing the workforce, workplace, marketplace, supplier base, and community engagement. It highlights the importance of educating leaders about the business benefits of DEI.

Here is a Glimpse of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews Raven Solomon, an expert in diversity and inclusion (DEI). Raven shares her journey into DEI, drawing from her experience managing diverse teams early in her career at PepsiCo. She highlights the importance of understanding generational differences and how leadership approaches can vary based on different age groups. Raven introduces the concept of “lead language,” where each generation has a primary way they prefer to receive leadership.

Raven discusses how Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, emphasizing their desire for organizational transparency, authenticity, and accountability. She explains the significance of developing a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy encompassing the workforce, workplace, marketplace, supplier base, and community engagement. Raven emphasizes that DE&I should be seen as a business imperative, not just a moral obligation and that educating leaders about its benefits is crucial.

The episode touches on the challenges of getting buy-in for DEI initiatives, with some leaders viewing them as threats. Raven suggests that education, awareness, and a shift in perspective can help leaders see D&I as an opportunity rather than a challenge. The conversation also explores whether D&I training should be mandatory in organizations.

Overall, the episode provides insights into the importance of DEI in today’s workplace, how it can benefit businesses, and the strategies organizations can adopt to attract, retain, and engage diverse talent effectively.

Thank you to our Guest

As a professional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Speaker, Author, Researcher & Strategist, Raven Solomon aims to help companies, associations, and institutions get future-ready by understanding generations, racial equity, and their intersection.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Raven Solomon on LinkedIn
• Jim Schleckser on LinkedIn
• The CEO Project
• Great Ceos Are Lazy: How Exceptional Ceos Do More in Less Time by Jim Schleckser

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by The CEO Project. The CEO Project is a business advisory group that brings high-caliber, accomplished CEOs together. Our team of skilled advisors comprises current and former CEOs who have run both public and private sector companies across multiple industries. With our experience and expertise, we guide hundreds of high-performing CEOs through a disciplined approach that resolves constraints and improves critical decisions. The CEO Project has helped high-performing, large enterprise CEOs with annual revenues ranging from $20M to over $2 billion to drive growth and achieve optimal outcomes. If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit www.theCEOProject.com.