Against all uncertainty, healthy cultures endure

I don't have good words to express how I feel right now–horror, devastation, fear.

Seeing DEI hostility writ large has made it so much harder for leaders who know an inclusive, safe, kind, accountable work environment isn't just the right thing to do, it's also the only way to ensure the longevity of an organization. Especially now, when every workplace is more diverse–in literally every way–than at any other point in history.

"Demography is destiny," wrote 19th century French philosopher, August Comte. I couldn't agree more. To deny it is foolhardy and short-sighted.

I've despaired, like many around me, as Executive Order after Executive Order has doggedly come after workplace fairness and inclusion and representation with this new U.S. presidential administration. Many of my clients have been more anxious and unsure about how to navigate this new, openly hostile landscape. I have too.

Here's the way I see it: DEI has always been about human rights.

We either believe every person has a right to participate, be respected and lead in our workplaces, or we don't. We either understand how longstanding barriers have prevented people from these rights, or we don't. We either believe in the possibility and promise of a culture of fairness for all–and work at it tirelessly–or we don't.

There's just no two ways about this–even if the language is being challenged now. The problem is, too many organizations were performing DEI, rather than integrating it into every part of the culture. It's akin to why it's easy to remove a jacket but impossible to peel off your skin. DEI done right is leadership and culture, not an add-on, but part of everything.

Me with La'Kita Williams at the one year celebration of my book, Inclusion on Purpose.

Recently, when my dear friend La'Kita Williams MSW, CPC shared the curriculum for her ground-breaking CoCreate Work's Culture Crash Course – a two-week cohort-based learning journey focused on the essentials of understanding, developing and actioning a culture that really matters – I was excited for leaders everywhere. The curriculum is absolutely action-packed, inspiring and instructive based on research and case studies. It is also a manual that we all need to navigate this uncertain time.

The Course grounds leaders in the essentials (not basics) of building a healthy culture, one which centers on co-creation and grounded in the decades of experience La'Kita and her business partner, Chloe Andersen have with leading at and with a variety of innovative organizations. Vanessa Arias is project manager.

So when La'Kita and her team asked me to come onboard as an organizing partner for this next cohort, I was so excited!

The FOURTH iteration of Culture Crash Course launches this month, which happens to be my birthday month!

More than ever, culture really, really matters. It's the foundation and the icing. It's what will help leaders navigate the now and the future. Without a healthy culture, the old adage becomes true: if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything.

We need leaders to be proactive, informed, engaged and deeply invested in creating a culture that outlasts any one moment in time.

Apart from the incredible learning, I can safely say you'll be among an amazing community. I know so many of us are wondering how to navigate these times, especially when we have teams looking to us for answers.

I hope you join us.

In solidarity,

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