Across every platform I manage and in every role I take on, two phrases are the keystone to all the work I do: “Inclusion Matters” and “Empathy Matters.” People often ask me why these words are so central to my work. The answer isn’t necessarily straightforward, but to me, it’s clear. Inclusion is what we should all strive for—a state not of mere tolerance but of genuine belonging. It’s more than just offering a seat at the table; it’s about breaking down barriers and building new tables that feel welcoming to all. True inclusion is a journey, and I don’t believe I’ll ever “master” it. Instead, it’s an ongoing commitment to listen, to learn, and to honor the unique experiences of others. My hope is that this pursuit of inclusion resonates with others, inspiring them to do the same. ❤️ Then there’s empathy. In interviews, when asked about my best skill, I often say empathy—not because it’s easy, but because it’s essential. There’s a quote I love that speaks to the distinction between compassion and empathy: while compassion recognizes others’ struggles, empathy goes a step further… Empathy demands understanding, action, and a readiness to stand alongside those who suffer, not merely to feel sadness from afar. Empathy is dynamic; it asks us to listen to others’ experiences directly, to be moved by their struggle, and to act in ways that lessen their burdens. Empathy is more than emotion; it’s a call to action that goes beyond words. Inclusion and empathy are the cornerstones of my work because, together, they form a foundation where people feel valued, seen, and uplifted. They require us to listen deeply, to care actively, and to create spaces where everyone belongs and is supported in tangible, meaningful ways. And it’s something I strive to do every day—not only in my work but in my life. What are the cornerstones to your life?
Kris R.’s Post
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My approach to Inclusion work changed when I realised most people are guessing. And so I decided to help you to make your own mind up. This means not leading you astray. People twisted the Business Case for Diversity. It hasn’t been proved in the way it’s implied. So I tell you. People inflate the value of Unconscious Bias Training. It hasn’t been shown to be a reliable intervention. So I tell you. People tell you to have parties and panel events. It hasn’t been effective in creating measurable change. So I tell you. People resort to these practices when they're guessing. Others do it because they've been led astray. My goal is to help you change what you need…. for yourself. I encourage you to think critically. More importantly. I encourage you to make your own mind up. Evidence Based Inclusion reduces guesswork. It protects you from being led astray. It means you make your own mind up. That's what I want for you in your work. PS. Share this with your friend who is guessing.
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I've been thinking a lot lately about Allyship and what it means to be an Ally. In reflecting on that, I see a number of similarities in the ambiguity that often happens in the inclusion space on "support" vs "inclusion." How often are we active in the inclusion and allyship spaces to build truly diverse and high-performing teams vs. being more passive and looking the other way when we see things that are not quite right? I've also observed another parallel in situations where allyship and inclusion are done very well vs. less well around where the onus to speak up lays. Teams who do well on allyship and inclusion give everyone a voice to speak up (even if they are not in the directly-affected group), whereas teams who do less well expect everything is fine unless members of the affected group speak up. As we close out 2024 and head into 2025, here is a challenge I am going to give myself, and would ask others in my network to reflect on as well (particularly the men in my network): Where are you going to use your voice to speak up? Even if your platform is limited, where can you find even small spaces to be active in your support of others? I believe there are more people out there struggling than we realize, and assuming you have a true belief in the power of inclusive and diverse teams to deliver the best results, where can you use YOUR voice to be part of calling out the things that need to be called out for that change to happen? I will continue to work on this myself and looks for spaces, even if they are cracks, where I can do more to be an active and vocal ally.
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A recent reflection shared by a professional in the field highlights a challenge many experience on their journey toward self-growth and inclusivity. Despite a commitment to understanding others, examining biases, and consistently showing kindness, they’ve found themselves feeling isolated. Even while making sincere efforts to engage authentically and support those around them, they’ve noticed that their values and beliefs are often assumed to align perfectly with others—and when they don’t, they’re left feeling judged or excluded. For them, true inclusion means making space for diverse perspectives without assumptions or labels. Inclusivity, in their view, should embrace differences without requiring individuals to fit a specific mold of “right” or “good.” Their goal is to foster a world where mutual respect is foundational, where people can engage in open, honest conversations without imposed expectations. Their reflection serves as a powerful reminder: inclusion is not about uniformity; it’s about honoring each person’s unique path and genuinely listening to understand.
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Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility, but let’s be honest: shared responsibility often feels like no one’s responsibility. Inclusion asks something of us that’s deeply human, it requires us to notice, to care, and to act, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s not just about policies or statements; it’s about those everyday moments that define belonging. Who gets invited into the conversation? Whose ideas are heard? And perhaps most importantly, whose silence goes unnoticed? The difficulty is this: when inclusion is everyone’s job, it’s easy to assume someone else will take care of it. But inclusion is deeply relational. It’s built in how we show up for each other, by questioning our assumptions, challenging exclusionary behaviours, and being willing to hold space for perspectives that differ from our own. So, how do we begin? 1️⃣ Practice curiosity. Instead of assuming, ask: What am I missing? Whose voice needs to be heard? 2️⃣ Engage with discomfort. Inclusion often means stepping into conversations that challenge our own comfort zones. 3️⃣ Make it personal. Inclusion isn’t just a workplace value, it’s a daily practice. Reflect on how you create connection and belonging in all areas of your life. Here’s my question to you: What is your intention when it comes to inclusion? And how will you hold yourself accountable to it, not just today, but every day? Because inclusion isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing conversation that starts with each of us. #Inclusion #DEI #futureofwork #leadership #culture
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How everyone thinks you should talk about Diversity - Start with why you’re passionate about it - Talk about your friends who are “diverse” - Motivate people using platitudes - Emphasise your status This doesn’t work for long. Instead, I encourage you to - Define what “DEI” means in your organisation - Talk about why it’s relevant in your business - Gather evidence from multiple sources - Implement sustainable processes - Focus on measurable outcomes - Avoid trends and fads The first path leads to diversity fatigue. The other leads to measurable inclusion progress. Choose wisely. PS. I’m here if you want to talk.
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Today, I encountered a situation that made me reflect deeply on the true essence of inclusion. During an introduction, I was told I should be ashamed of my previous workplace due to perceived conflicting values. They knew nothing about my experiences or contributions, just my former employer. Instead of creating a moment of connection, a wall was built. This incident got me thinking: what does inclusion really mean? To me, it's about recognizing and valuing each individual's unique journey, rather than judging them based on the organization they were part of. Our professional paths are shaped by many factors, and where we've worked is just one piece of our broader story. I'm proud of my career journey and the lessons I've learned along the way. These experiences have given me the empathy and insight to advocate for true inclusion and empowerment. Now I'm curious. How do we create inclusion in our everyday small interactions? How do we move beyond assumptions to embrace diverse perspectives and stories? Share your thoughts and experiences. Let's learn from each other and build a truly inclusive environment together. #Inclusion #Empowerment #Diversity #Respect #WorkplaceCulture
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Recruiting a neurodivergent person (speaking from experience as an employer and candidate) means re-thinking inclusion. It's more than a DEI statement on a job ad. It's about the person believing it's ok to ask about possible adjustments, up front and without prejudice. This is important! It's the difference between going through the motions and making real movement.
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Inclusion is more than just having someone in the room—it’s about truly understanding and anticipating their needs. It means recognizing that what might seem small to us can feel monumental to someone else. For him, the daily effort to engage involves managing physical challenges that require a level of perseverance most of us take for granted. From navigating muscle stiffness and fatigue to the unpredictability of his body’s responses, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about pushing through, even when his body isn’t fully cooperating. There are invisible barriers that he faces every day, and it’s not enough to wait for someone to ask for help; real inclusion happens when we create environments where they never need to. His journey involves daily physical challenges that might go unnoticed at first glance. Whether it’s managing stiffness, fatigue, or simply facing the unpredictability of his body, just showing up takes effort and courage. Anticipating these needs and making space for his unique experience is what true inclusion looks like. He has so much to offer—but unless we create environments that genuinely support his needs, you’ll miss it. It’s not just about making space; it’s about creating a space where he can truly thrive, where his potential can shine through without barriers holding him back. And that’s when you realize the real impact of inclusion.
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One of the most powerful inclusive principles to practice: be an ally, support allies, and be receptive to allies. Here is a quick guide from Inclusive Employers
Being an ally isn’t just about intention; it’s about action. Inclusion starts with understanding the barriers others face and advocating for change. In our guide: What is allyship?, we explore the different types of allyship - from being an upstander to practicing intersectional awareness - and why it’s vital for creating a more inclusive workplace culture. Here are a few ways allies can take meaningful action: 🔴 Share opportunities with colleagues from under-represented groups 🔴 Call out inappropriate behaviours, like microaggressions 🔴 Learn and use inclusive language 🔴 Build trust by being consistent in your allyship Why does this matter? Allyship doesn’t just support individuals - it strengthens organisational culture and creates safer, more equitable spaces for everyone. 📖 Read the full guide to explore the nuances of allyship, discover actionable steps, and reflect on how you can make a difference: https://hubs.ly/Q02-Hp7N0 Looking to empower your team? Our Inclusion Allies training programme offers live sessions, workshops, and practical tools to help your organisation lead with inclusion. Find out more about that here: https://hubs.ly/Q02-HpKb0 #Inclusion #Allyship #WorkplaceCulture Image shows: Carousel infographic with alternating red and black cards with tips on. Captions read: How an ally can act and advocate for others. 1. Sharing opportunities with and giving your space at events to under-represented colleagues 2. Listening to feedback and not viewing it as a personal attack 3. Self-reflecting on own behaviours 4. Calling out inappropriate behaviours such as microaggressions and banter (even if the person did not mean it) 5. Encouraging peers to join inclusion and diversity initiatives 6. Invite under-represented group representatives to attend decision-making meetings 7. Build trust by being consistent with your allyship. To gain further insights, talk to us about our: Inclusion Allies training programme. https://hubs.ly/Q02-Hnc90
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