Gale Daikoku

DEI is not dead—it’s evolving. Latraviette D. Smith-Wilson's piece in Ad Age is a powerful reminder of the critical role Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plays, not only in advancing humanity but in driving business success. As she aptly states: "DEI belongs to a lineage of transformative efforts that have challenged a flawed status quo to uphold the highest values of democracy and humanity." The article underscores what many of us already know: "Inclusive companies perform better, with Gartner research showing highly inclusive organizations generate 2.3 times more cash flow per employee, 1.4 times more revenue and are 120% more capable of meeting financial targets. Similarly, companies with above-average diversity on their management teams report innovation revenue 19% higher than companies with below-average leadership diversity." These aren't just stats. They're a testament to the power of inclusion as a strategic advantage. But beyond the numbers, DEI is about fairness, opportunity, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. In a time when fear and misinformation threaten progress, it’s vital to stand firm and recognize DEI for what it truly is: a business imperative, a driver of innovation, and a cornerstone of equitable growth. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gv6cwahE #DEI #Inclusion #Leadership #Diversity #Innovation #BusinessGrowth

14

2 Comments

In honor of Earth Day, I spoke with Patrick Flynn, climate change expert and former head of global sustainability at Salesforce, to learn how he embodies conscious leadership. Patrick leads with his values—love, impact, and responsibility. The snippet below shows how his commitment to serving our planet ties directly into all three. Watch the full video (link in comments below) to hear Patrick’s take on “leading from within, not from the front” and how he maximizes impact through INFLUENCE. Patrick shares how he persuaded Salesforce to install the blackwater recycling system in the Salesforce Tower of San Francisco - the largest of its kind in North America. Important Takeaways: 🔸 How Patrick leads through his values 🔹 The importance of speaking other people’s language 🔸 How to influence cognitively | emotionally | somatically 🔹 A specific approach Patrick takes to influencing others: fear (risk averse) + pride (reward) 🔸 How Patrick gets on other people’s wavelength 🔹 How Patrick applies his gut / spidey sense 🔸 A concrete action you can take to engage and contribute to climate change. 🔹 How to leverage your corporate purchasing power to make a difference in sustainability My favorite takeaway: “When you are trying to get people to take action, cover the enthusiasts as well as the risk-averse in the same breath.” What’s your favorite takeaway or next step? #earthday2024 #sustainability #climatechange #servantleadership Patrick’s Recommended Must-Read: Paul Hawken’s commencement address to the University of Portland class of 2009 (link is in the comments). 

33

6 Comments

The very like-minded Elena Verna shares her perspective on another form of flexible work for executives different from #Fractional Work: Interim Engagements. I liken Interim to casually dating a role and, if there's chemistry, maybe entering into a permanent relationship, or as Elena says, Trying before Buying, with Optionality on both sides of the relationship. #InterimExecutive #FutureOfWork

5

3 Comments

This episode delves into the multifaceted world of internal communications. Jay Woodard, Sian Horn, Jen Bryan and I discuss our diverse experiences and common issues, new learning tips, and seasonal productivity shifts. Segment 1: Hosts' Experiences with Internal Communications - Sian talks about the balance between using email for a paper trail and the need for tone and advocates for a blend of face-to-face and software-based communication. - Jay shares insights from working in both large and small companies, discussing the use of different platforms like Discord and WhatsApp. He advises keeping client communications separate from personal apps. - Judie mentions a survey conducted during an internal comms project to determine preferred communication modes, finding an even split among options. - Jen emphasises the importance of clear, concise communication and introduces the AI note-taking tool, Supernormal, used in her meetings for better clarity and record-keeping. Segment 2: Problems With Internal Comms - The hosts discuss various issues like the impersonality of emails and the misuse of communication tools in workplaces, sharing personal anecdotes and observations. - Jen highlights a part from the book ‘A World Without Email’ by Cal Newport, discussing how reliance on email affects workplace dynamics and personal interactions. Segment 3: Teach Me Something New - The discussion shifts to setting personal and professional boundaries to manage communication effectively. Tools like Loom are mentioned for adapting communication to individual needs. Segment 4: Are You More or Less Productive In The Summer? - A quick roundtable reveals that most hosts find themselves more productive during the summer, although Judie notes an increase in hours that sometimes leads to fatigue. Links & Mentions Supernormal https://supernormal.com/ A World Without Email https://lnkd.in/eYeUf5pu... Springboard Communications https://lnkd.in/evpbpyEf Loom https://www.loom.com/ Adam Alaksic - Instagram  / etymologynerd  Special thanks to Ezara Ahern Easter for her input and to Aoife McNamara our producer and editor for all of her hard work behind the scenes. To sponsor this podcast, please DM one of the hosts for more information. https://lnkd.in/ea_nDKqa

19

From Deepa Purushothaman of the the re.write, on the article she co-authored with Lisa Kaplowitz and Colleen Tolan, PhD: "We found that men and women describe feeling powerful at work very differently: Men feel powerful when they are put in charge of others Women feel powerful when they have freedom This has huge implications for how we advance women in workplaces!! If we really want to advance women, we need to listen to what they want: Freedom to lead in ways that suit us, especially in collaborative ways Freedom to be who we are as we rise Freedom over our careers, especially how we define our ambitions. Freedom to change the cultures around us." #womensleadership #Csuite #CorporateCulture https://lnkd.in/g4scvUtN

7

Hallelujah for this! Strategic planning does need a reboot. The idea that execs should commit 12% of their week to goals and strategic planning seems so obvious (as proposed in this article from Fast Company,) but we are all familiar with the death by a thousand meetings that happens day in day out. Where's the time to think in that scenario? My constant and consistent piece of advice to founders and leaders is build a strategic plan BEFORE you start to execute. I get it, tactics make people feel like they are doing something and that allays our anxiety, gives us things to point to during BOD meetings and at all-hands. But what's the point in doing something if you don't understand the following: 1) Where it's supposed to take you? 2) How you'll know when you've arrived at that point? 3) What type of vehicle (strategy) is going to help you get there faster? I find myself asking this rhetorical question often: "Do you just get in a car and start driving, and then two hours later ask yourself, wait, where am I going?" Typically we have a clear purpose and plan when we get behind the wheel. Steering a company is no different. Have a strategy. Create your plan and then hop behind the wheel. This will turn your 🚗 into a 🚀. #startuplife

18

3 Comments

It’s #worldmentalhealthday today, and I want to reflect on something we probably don’t talk about enough: mental health in leadership. Living with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), I’ve learned first-hand how challenging the colder, wetter, darker months can be. During the pandemic, I often started calls by sharing how I genuinely felt, only to be met with offhand suggestions like, “Have you got a lamp?” or “Just turn the heating up.” The truth is, mental health isn’t something you can brush off. We need to do better than quick fixes or generic resilience tips when it comes to understanding and supporting ourselves as well as those around us. I’ve gone through CBT twice, navigating postpartum depression, cultural conflicts, mum guilt, and the demands of both career and family. These experiences shaped me not only as a mother but as a leader. The idea that leaders must always project unwavering strength and positivity is rather outdated. Real leadership is about creating an environment where it’s safe to acknowledge struggles - where vulnerability is seen as a strength, not a weakness. If I can’t show up as my true self, how can I expect those I lead to do the same? We often say, “It’s okay to not be okay,” but when leaders show up as ‘not okay’, it’s often viewed very differently. It’s an irony. My commitment is to continue breaking barriers, not just for women and mothers, but for anyone navigating mental health challenges. Leadership isn’t about pretending to be invincible; it’s about creating space for people to be human, and to reach their potential - without fear. Because real strength lies in authenticity. It’s time that we change the conversation. Not just for the people around us, but for ourselves. Not just on days like today, but as a part of how we show up every day. #mentalhealth #authenticity #breakingbarriers #leadership #change #endthestigma #strength

22

1 Comment

We’re more than halfway through 2024, and it’s a good time to remember that leadership — and by extension, the workplace — is changing for the better. It’s also a good time to remember that leadership skills that support DEI are more essential than ever. The ability to look into the future, be agile, and be empathetic are all key skills leaders need to keep developing. In fact, according to the Word Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2023 report, qualities associated with emotional intelligence such as resilience and empathy are still highly revered by employees. #DEI #skillsdevelopment #leadership #emotionalintelligence

14

As marketers it's time we go beyond representation in creative. The next step is to ensure representation, resonance and relevance while showing up to support communities. This is how we can authentically center historically underserved communities. #InclusiveMarketing

47

2 Comments

We need Melinda's influence now more than ever. Women are at a pivot point in our society and globally. I am hopeful her 25 years of philanthropy experience will improve all women's lives. "Decades of research on economics, well-being, and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone. We know that economies with women’s full participation have more room to grow. That women’s political participation is associated with decreased corruption. That peace agreements are more durable when women are involved in writing them. That reducing the time women spend in poor health could add as much as $1 trillion to the global economy by 2040." #Leadership #WomensRights

7

4 Comments

Executive coach Katia Verresen wants people to "understand, feel, and embody the truth of their creative power.” She teaches an Inner Power framework that comprises four pillars of energy, based on her experience with psychology, somatics and neurolinguistics. In this fascinating interview for Fast Company, she shares the neuroscience-based tools she uses to help leaders wire their brains to see, create and operate in a world of greater possibilities. https://lnkd.in/gG3Yv-Fn

5

I am thrilled to share my recent contribution to an insightful article for #Chief: "DEI Without the E: Why Some Companies Are Abandoning Equity and What It Means for Women Leaders." As a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, I firmly believe that equity is a cornerstone of creating a truly inclusive workplace. The article dives deep into the troubling trend of some organizations sidelining equity and underscores the critical impact this has, especially on women leaders. In my experience, equity is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity. It ensures that every individual, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities, resources, and support to thrive. Deprioritizing #equity undermines the progress we have made towards a fair and just workplace. Moreover, we must not forget about Belonging, Justice, or Accessibility. These elements are critical and equally important in our pursuit of a truly inclusive environment. Belonging ensures everyone feels accepted, justice addresses systemic inequities, and accessibility guarantees that all individuals can fully participate. 🔗 Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eXjMhkFS Let's continue to champion DEIBJA in its entirety—because without equity, belonging, justice, and accessibility, we cannot achieve true #inclusion. Thank you to Chief and Cristina Cala for giving me a platform to share my perspective. SHRM, Do Better. #ShameOnSHRM #DEIBJA #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #Justice #Accessibility #WomenLeaders #Leadership #HR #PeopleStrategy

87

9 Comments

Do you agree with Bill Ackman’s articulation? “So when you look at Pershing Square today, a very high percentage of our employees came from, I would say, quite a modest economic background. We have enormous diversity in terms of political views, like, who should be president, things like this. And we occasionally discuss these things. But people respect each other, and they share different points of view. And they come from, some are, you know, our investment team is comprised of, you know, a Muslim from Pakistan, a Hindu from India, a refugee from Iran, a Mexican whose grandmother picked cotton in California, a Canadian, whose family had a private business. But we selected them not because of their particular backgrounds, but we selected them for their excellence. And the fact that they came from different backgrounds has made us a more successful kind of organization. That, in my mind, is a very appealing way to think about diversity. As opposed to saying, let’s look at the percentage of various groups of different ethnic groups in the country, and then let's force design and organization so we match that collection.” https://lnkd.in/eMkwMJ_W via Network Capital

9

Life's work underway with inventor-entreprenuer teams: So all of my life has prepared me to do this work but this is massive #collaborative work requiring all kinds of people and disciplines to come together. The intention is to bring primary education, wellness ,consciousness, LLMs and humanised tech play together. Reach out if you are: -A wellness practitioner -A psychiatrist and/or counsellor -A data scientist -A person with a neuro-divergent brain -A person with a different orientation than the defined -A teacher -A inventor-entreprenuer -AI use case developer -A curious caper:) Long game of going beyond the #statusquo of siloed understanding of #wellness More : #steiner #vedanta #east #freud #dsm5 #education #ai #dpi #public #infrastructure #health #inside #out

3

Did you know that children under 12 make up 12% of the U.S. population? This cohort, known as #GenAlpha, is rapidly becoming a powerhouse of cultural influence and consumer engagement. Learn about the impact of this emerging generation in our upcoming webinar: Anticipating Alphas: Understanding the Next Wave of American Youth. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights into the trends and behaviors that will shape tomorrow's market. Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/gm5aPiTh

5

Such great insights from Pete Crosby Pete was my coach for a number of years, and is a true advocate of diversity. He really “walks the walk”… This podcast is worth a listen, as there’s some great advice for companies and managers who want to drive diversity and change in their sales orgs. #softwaresales #womeninsales #saas #b2bsales

25

2 Comments

Experiences shape us in profound ways, often unconsciously, and our past guides how we evolve. In my career, I’ve transitioned from HR to design, and now into marketing. Each pivot taught me valuable lessons about people, creativity, and strategy. These experiences aren’t isolated; I carry them to blend empathy and leadership from HR, creativity from design, and strategic thinking from marketing. At the end of the day, where I’ve been matters less than where I'm headed. By embracing my journey, I’ve built a personal brand that reflects who I’ve become and where I'm going. The beauty of reinvention lies in using my past not as a fixed identity but as a roadmap for the future. 🛣 🚗 🎯 Every person has a personal brand, whether you intentionally shape it or not. Are you actively shaping yours? If not, it may be time to realign your brand strategy. #brand #brandstrategy #personalbrand #marketing #executive #csuite

15

1 Comment

Are avatars the new identity? Stephanie Hirschmiller and I set down to explore how virtual beauty and fashion reshape self-expression in the digital age. Three Key Takeaways: 1/ Digital Identity as the New Frontier Stephanie unpacks why the next generation views their virtual presence as an essential part of their identity, with many prioritizing digital self-expression as much as physical appearance. This shift signals a new era where our online personas hold as much social value as our real-world selves. 2/ Brand Engagement in Virtual Worlds Major beauty and fashion brands are meeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha where they are—on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, where virtual beauty and fashion become tools for social connection. As brands dive into these spaces, they’re pioneering creative ways to make virtual fashion as impactful as traditional campaigns. 3/ The Future of Hyper-Personalization As technology advances, the potential for personalized beauty products in the virtual space grows, allowing individuals to experiment and express themselves in previously impossible ways. With avatars acting as blank canvases, hyper-personalized virtual products may soon drive online and offline trends. #metaverse #digitalfashion #roblox #fortnite #zepeto #identity #gaming https://lnkd.in/gQh3peQz

8

Came across a great resource Seramount has put out! With the current state of DEI it’s vital we all commit to sharing accessible resources for those who are still supporting or fighting for this work to be done. We can and will propel forward together! It’s easy to become discouraged or frustrated with every new headline. I want to encourage you to look past the headlines, there is still great work being done every day in DEI. Furthermore, there’s still great work that needs to done, by equipping ourselves with transcendable strategies will get there!! Share the resources, take the courses, and ask the questions!! Educate!! Only way to combat misinformation is to educate properly. #DEI #Workplace #Futureofwork #Datadriven #Allyship

15

3 Comments