5 Things / Code Switching

---

Listen to this episode:

---

We have a new consulting client that’s a law school. Our kickoff meeting was recently, and in advance, I was asked to swap out any language that sounded too “corporate.” Consultants became partners. Employees became faculty and staff. They wanted to de-emphasize our corporate work so we would have more credibility with the academics in the room.

The kickoff went great! As we were walking out, our contact thanked me for being able to speak to the audience in that way. I replied “My pleasure! I know how to code-switch.”

It’s a silly story, but these are the skills we build when we’re members of underrepresented groups. And they can come in very handy in leadership roles…great leadership qualities are born from oppression. I actually have a keynote on just that topic called Born This Way. Reply if you’d like to learn more about it!

This Week’s Good Vibes:

1. Racial Diversity Leaders to Higher Box Office ROI

   • The latest Hollywood Diversity Report from UCLA reveals that movies with casts reflecting real-world racial diversity saw the highest return on investment (ROI) in 2023. Films with 41-50% BIPOC casts led to the highest median ROI, while less diverse movies yielded lower returns. Proportionately representative films also made bank with Barbie leading at $1.4 billion. Despite audience diversity, film industry employment lacks parity, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity behind the camera to mirror the diverse audience in front of it.

2. Tyson to Hire 42,000 Migrants

   • Amidst a surge in asylum seekers, Tyson Foods Inc. partners with Tent Partnership for Refugees to hire migrants. With plans to employ an additional 42,000 immigrants, Tyson's move not only fills jobs but also offers opportunities for these folks who traveled thousands of miles to get here for a better life. But what I particularly love here is Tyson's investment in retention, including legal aid and citizenship assistance, and that reflects a commitment to inclusion and workforce stability.

3. It's OK to Say Gay

   • In Florida, a settlement over the "Don't Say Gay" law means LGBTQ topics can still be discussed in classrooms. A resolution has been added clarifying that the law doesn't prohibit LGBTQ references or anti-bullying measures. This is a big win for students' rights and inclusion and essentially nullifies the law. The settlement sets a precedent for similar cases nationwide, impacting students and teachers beyond Florida.

4. Inclusive Bridal Dresses

   • Designers like Brides by Nona and Alonuko are leading a shift towards inclusive wedding attire, offering diverse skin tone options without extra charges. Thankfully, because in the bridal industry, women of color often encounter challenges finding wedding attire that accommodates their skin tones. There are systemic issues where the default "nude" often caters to lighter skin tones, leaving darker-skinned brides feeling marginalized and overlooked.

5. Walmart Teaches Compassion

   • Walmart’s Manager Academy instills compassionate leadership among store managers, emphasizing worker well-being and community engagement. With Walmart’s status as the largest US private employer, the ways it trains its managers impact millions of workers. With a focus on fostering a supportive culture, the training emphasizes the importance of compassion in driving employee satisfaction and overall business success. This sets a precedent for the retail industry, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding in creating a positive work environment.

This Week’s Call to Action:

It’s Women’s History Month! Learn about some amazing women by exploring the inductees of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. The 2024 class has its first trans woman, Sandy Stone.

5 Things / Outside of HR

Listen to this episode:

---

---

Last year we had a client choose not to renew their contract with us because DEI lived in Human Resources, had no protected budget, and they “had to prioritize employee salaries.” Well, when you put it that way…

I recently caught up with someone I’ve known for years now. Six months into their new role as VP of DEI, they were positively giddy about the amount of support they had. They report to the CDO who reports to the CEO. While they have to take baby steps, they’re accomplishing a lot.

As this person shared with me, it’s a huge advantage when DEI is not part of Human Resources. Not only is their budget protected, but they’re able to think strategically about the way DEI fits into other business objectives. With a near direct line to the CEO, they’re in a position to keep forward momentum.

That’s how you do it (and ICYMI my book and our DEI consulting methodology is called Inclusive 360 for that very reason!)

This Week’s Good Vibes:

1. Charlotte Tilbury Promotes Women in Motorsports

   • Charlotte Tilbury makes history as the first female-founded beauty brand to sponsor the 2024 F1 Academy, aiming to empower female drivers. Through this alliance, Tilbury pledges to elevate the careers of 15 young women drivers, breaking barriers in a heavily male-dominated field, and fostering awareness and opportunities for women in sports. There’s even a Charlotte Tilbury car: it’s branded night crimson and rose gold, symbolizing the fusion of glamour and racing.

2. Walmart Creates a Pipeline for AI Talent

   • Walmart is aiming to fast-track employees into 100,000 well-paying AI and tech jobs in three years by shifting education perks to expand short-form certificates to over 50. They’re reducing their degree program to allow for the certificate program expansion, but employees want it – and this offers the potential for quicker career advancement for non-degreed workers. This benefit is for frontline employees, too, many of whom are BIPOC.

3. Unilever Hires People With Disabilities Behind the Camera

   • Last year, Unilever launched its "Believe in Talent" initiative, mandating disability representation behind the camera, and addressing a longstanding lack of diversity in advertising. With only 1% of ads featuring disabled individuals, Unilever's move aims to reshape industry norms by committing to hiring people with disabilities behind the camera on every ad over $107k. Unilever also developed an open-source toolkit for creating inclusive production spaces. It’s all part of Unilever's broader "Act 2 Unstereotype" initiative, driving structural changes in marketing to combat prejudice and promote diversity.

4. Historic Donation to Albert Einstein College of Medicine

   • A landmark $1 billion donation to Albert Einstein College of Medicine, located in one of the poorest parts of NYC, abolishes tuition fees, providing life-changing opportunities for under-supported students. The donation was made by Ruth Gottesman. With an average medical school debt of $202,453, this donation reshapes medical education, offering hope and access to diverse, aspiring doctors. This is a huge win when there’s a physician shortage. I’m blown away by the power of wealth in fostering equity.

5. New Jersey to Recognize LGBTQ+ Businesses

   • The State of New Jersey will soon recognize LGBTQ+ business certification, alongside women, people of color, and veterans. NJ will only be the third state to recognize LGBTQ businesses in supplier diversity spending in procurement. Supplier diversity is a significant step towards equity and economic inclusion for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs…and btw, Equality Institute is a certified LGBTBE.

This Week’s Call to Action:

Learn about Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teen in Oklahoma who was bullied and beaten by classmates and later died. Oklahoma legislators are currently considering 54 anti-LGBTQ bills. It’s a really tough time to be a young trans person.

5 Things / Connection Matters

---

Listen to the Full Episode Here:

---

My son turns 13 this week, and one thing I've learned in parenting him is that as long as I actively listen to him and engage in his various interests, let him control Spotify in the car, and give him plenty of space, he's great. Sassy at times, pushing boundaries, of course, but ultimately great. This means that most of our conversations are about Roblox, YouTubers, and anime. He has a lot of thoughts on those topics and says things like, "What other questions do you have about One Piece?"

It deeply matters to him that I ask informed questions and can engage in these conversations. After a bit, I can ask about things like school and friends, the stuff I really want to know about. Connection before content.

I've written about "connection before content" before as a simple lesson for managers. I think it bears repeating to remember to create intentional space for connection before content when the people on our team could be deeply affected by many things, including the Israel-Hamas war. Active listening, genuine curiosity, and empathy go a long way to establishing trust.

Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:

1. Walmart's Nationwide Doula Coverage to Tackle Healthcare Disparities

   • Walmart is rolling out doula coverage nationwide to address racial healthcare disparities and improve maternal outcomes. I previously wrote about this program when it was in a pilot phase in several states. I continue to celebrate wins for doula benefits because over 5.6 million women lack adequate maternity care, and Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues. Doulas can reduce the rate of C-sections by 50% and shorten labor time by 25%. Like many retailers, a significant number of Walmart's customer-facing employees are low-income and BIPOC individuals, making them the ones who will benefit the most from this program.

2. California Enacts Groundbreaking Law for Diversity in Venture Capital

   • California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 54 into law, requiring venture capital firms in the state to annually report the diversity of the founders they support. This is the first legislation in the US aimed at increasing diversity in venture capital. The law, which won't go into effect until March 1, 2025, mandates that VC firms collect and release diversity data on the founders they back. Black entrepreneurs typically receive less than 2% of all VC dollars each year. Transparency is critical so that we can identify these gaps and hold leaders accountable for creating more equity in venture capital funding.

3. Charlottesville's Robert E. Lee Statue Transformed into Unity Art Piece

   • Charlottesville's controversial Robert E. Lee statue is being melted down to create a new, inclusive art piece. 68% of Americans now support removing Confederate statues, which have largely ended up in museums or storage. This project, "Swords into Plowshares," is special because it's about transforming a divisive symbol into one that unites the community. This could serve as a blueprint for other communities, turning divisive historical monuments into catalysts for dialogue, reconciliation, and a more inclusive public space.

4. Che Flores: Breaking Barriers as the NBA's First Nonbinary Referee

   • Che Flores has made history as the NBA's first openly nonbinary and transgender referee. Entering their second season as a staff referee, Flores revealed their identity in a recent GQ article. With a decade of experience, including working major events in the G League and WNBA, Flores is breaking barriers. I appreciate stories that involve authenticity and representation. We need more diverse role models for younger generations, and that's exactly why Flores came out. The sports world is gradually becoming more inclusive.

5. Morgan's Wonderland: A $6 Million Investment in Accessibility and Joy

   • Morgan's Wonderland, the fully accessible theme park in San Antonio, is about to get even better. They're investing $6 million to add awesome features, such as a 4-seat zip line for wheelchair users and riders who require respiratory equipment or other gear, along with a 4D cinema ride that simulates a roller coaster. The park has already welcomed 2.7 million guests from all over the globe and will be reopening in the spring. I love this story because joy should be accessible to everyone.

Call to Action:

Read Levi Baer’s tips for “the subtle art of checking in” with the people on your team.

5 Things / Authenticity

---

Listen to the Full Episode Here:

---

Some of you may know that years ago, I used to be a wedding planner specializing in LGBTQ weddings. It was my first business. I had a love-hate relationship with the work and in hindsight, I know that part of the reason is that I seldom felt like my authentic self – I didn’t even know who that was. The truth is that I never really cared about weddings. I was in it for the advocacy for my clients and other LGBTQ+ couples. I wasn’t passionate about flowers, linens, letterpress stationery, etc, that my peers obsessed about and my clients splurged on. The result is that I spent a lot of time in my head. I was more stiff, much less playful. 

I completely lacked authenticity, which ultimately caused burnout (it was exhausting to be fake) and I’m sure somehow contributed to my divorce. Authenticity seems like a buzzword but I’ve now learned that it’s the key to happiness. That sounds cliche but authenticity requires letting others in, letting them see our good, bad, and ugly, which in turn, builds connection. Connecting with others makes us more fulfilled and helps us live longer!

In this week’s 5 Things in 15 Minutes, I’ll be joined by my good friend, speaker, leadership coach, and writer, the incredibly authentic Charlene Wheeless. She wrote the fabulous book You Are Enough! Reclaiming Your Career and Your Life with Purpose, Passion, and Unapologetic Authenticity. We’ll talk about how to be more authentic and how that contributes to a more cohesive and productive workplace culture. It’s a choice, not a chance. Charlene is one of my sheroes and I hope you’ll join us. 

This Week’s Good Vibes:

1. Walmart Scraps Degree Requirements for Some Corporate Jobs

   • Walmart is rewriting job descriptions for many corporate roles to remove degree requirements if the candidate has the necessary skills through prior experience or alternative learning. This shift towards "skills-based hiring" is very much welcome because folks from traditionally marginalized backgrounds are less likely to have degrees, yet can bring an incredible amount of value to the workforce. Thankfully this is an evolving trend with other companies like IBM, Accenture, and Google making similar shifts for positions in fields like cybersecurity and data analytics. 

2. Lincoln Park Zoo Announces First-Ever Zoo-Based Memory Enrichment Program

   • Lincoln Park Zoo launched Memory Enrichment, a groundbreaking monthly program for individuals with dementia, creating a welcoming space for connection with wildlife and community building. It’s the first-of-its-kind program at a zoo and combines community building with education, multi-sensory experiences, and low-impact physical activity, mirroring common practices found in memory cafes. The zoo also offers various accessibility programs, including Sensory-Friendly Hours, ASL interpretation, and sensory bags. It’s been my absolute delight to share these types of stories with increasing frequency.

3. Laphonza Butler Sworn in as California’s Newest Senator and First Openly Black Lesbian to Join Congress

   • Newly appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler is the first openly Black lesbian to join Congress and the sole Black woman in the Senate here in the U.S. Appointed to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein's vacant seat, she becomes the third Black woman to serve as a U.S. senator and will remain until a special election is held. Representation matters, my friends! I don’t often celebrate firsts but I love this one! She is a possibility model for young Black, queer women, and the world needs more of it.

4. United Airlines Looks To Improve Travel For Those With Disabilities

   • United Airlines will become the first airline to allow passengers with disabilities to filter flights based on wheelchair accessibility. Starting next year, travelers can input their wheelchair's dimensions, and the website will prioritize flights with cargo holds large enough to accommodate the chair. The move comes after a complaint from a passenger whose wheelchair was damaged during a flight. United will also refund the price difference for passengers who must choose more expensive flights due to wheelchair size and offer better accommodations for damaged or delayed wheelchairs. It’s about time, and I can only imagine this will pressure other airlines to follow. 

5. Some Minnesota Hospitals Now Offer Culturally Appropriate Hair- And Skin-Care Products

   1. Minnesota hospitals are taking steps to provide culturally appropriate hair- and skin-care products to patients, including those with textured hair or who wear hijabs. These efforts reflect a growing recognition in healthcare of the importance of culturally competent care to reduce racial and ethnic healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes. Offering such products can contribute to a sense of safety and normalcy for patients, particularly those from Black and brown communities, in an otherwise unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable hospital environment.

Call to Action:

Subscribe to the Fortune raceAhead newsletter. It’s one of my sources of inspiration and news for 5 Things. Definitely a worthy read.

5 Things / Low Key

---

Listen to the Full Episode Here:

---

I recently had a conversation with a tech company looking for a low-key DEI partner (their words, not mine). A firm that can offer a lighter lift. The last DEI partner had high expectations from the company’s senior leadership team in terms of time and commitment. That partner wouldn’t provide one-off workshops as a matter of principle. I get it. 

The company already has a DEI strategy statement, pillars, and some employee resource groups. There’s some solid structure and a genuine sense of purpose. Given recent layoffs, they don’t have much capacity to implement.

Low key DEI? We’re here for that.

The reason is that momentum is everything. Yet it’s delicate. It’s incredibly easy to lose. Whether it’s building on momentum after Pride month, or a recent internal win, it’s key to celebrate DEI progress and keep going. You can always count on us for a light lift.

Good Vibes:

1. Rikkie Valerie Kollé has become the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands, The 22-year-old will represent the Netherlands in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. If Kollé wins, she will become the first trans woman to do so. Kollé, of Dutch and Indigenous Moluccan descent, is a role model for young women and queer people, and she embraces this by sharing her story and offering support. When trans people are increasingly under attack, this is good vibes indeed. 

2. Expedited Transport Agency (ETA), a logistics company in Birmingham, Alabama, is creating a supportive work environment for employees in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Over 60% of ETA's workforce is in recovery, including the company's co-founder, Tim Cross. The company offers second chances, internal advancement opportunities, and resources for employees' recovery journeys. There are 22 million people in the U.S. in recovery, and programs like this reduce stigma and give these folks a chance to thrive. I love this story because it showcases the benefits of a culture of empathy and compassion – and I hope inspires some other employers. Admittedly, not many 5 Things stories come from Alabama. 

3. Cordillera Chocolates has launched a sustainability initiative called 'ATENEA' to support the long-term transformation of female cocoa farmers in Colombia. ATENEA = Women Who Transcend. The program launched with 115 women and uplifts the role of female farmers in the cocoa sector by providing them with training and connections to strategic partners for apprenticeships and financing. The importance of female farmers in the cocoa industry has been increasingly recognized worldwide. By empowering and investing in these women, the initiative aims to drive positive change and promote gender equality in the cocoa-growing community.

4. Walmart is implementing modifications in its stores to create a more welcoming environment for people with sensory disabilities. To make back-to-school shopping more accessible for customers with sensory issues (5-15% of school-aged kids), Walmart will offer sensory-friendly hours on Saturdays until the end of August or September, depending on the region. During those hours, they’ll reduce overhead lights, turn off radios, and use static images on televisions to create a quieter and less stimulating atmosphere. I love this and it’s easy for other retailers to do. 

5. Esther Vergeer and Rick Draney will become the sixth and seventh wheelchair tennis inductees in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Vergeer, a 21-time Grand Slam singles champion in wheelchair tennis from the Netherlands, expressed her disbelief and gratitude, stating that it is the biggest honor of her career. Wheelchair tennis is integrated more into the International Tennis Federation than many other sports are within their own federations. I love the joy of play and everyone deserves to have that experience – Vergeer is a wonderful possibility model for other wheelchair athletes. 

Call to Action and Update:

New podcast alert! My friend LaToyna Wilkins, who wrote Leading Below the Surface: How to Build Real (and Psychologically Safe) Relationships with People Who Are Different from You has a new podcast of the same name. You can check it out here, too. (yes, I realize I gave her a shout-out last week, too)