Confessions of a DEI Pro – Details, episodes & analysis

In today's Episode of ‘How to become a competent DEI practitioner’, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue and her guest Trier Bryant delve into the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Trier brings a wealth of experience and insights from her background in working with top organisations such as the U.S. Air Force and having a role as Chief People Officer. Today, Trier shares valuable perspectives on the importance of having a People First mindset in leadership, the nuances between DEI and the need for competency in the DEI field. Join Ashanti and Trier as they explore the challenges and opportunities in the DEI space and discuss the role of accountability and competence in driving meaningful change. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation with Trier Bryant.

“And so if you are a true people centric people first leader, that is the root of everything that you're doing. And so your people have identities, your people are nothing but a sum of their experiences of who they are, and their life, coming into the workplace and to ignore that would be a huge mistake. And there's implications of that. And so you can create real tangible value by having a People First mindset when it comes to leadership, understanding that diversity, equity and inclusion are absolutely a part of that and they're not synonyms.”     

Episode Highlights: 

• DEI initiatives can become exclusive if not approached inclusively, which may inadvertently exclude majority groups and lead to inefficacy.

• Understanding the majority's experiences within an organization is crucial, as it helps identify areas for meaningful change and improvement in DEI efforts.

• Organizations should invest in their DEI leaders' professional development, treating it as they would for any other competency in the organization's learning and development strategy.

About Trier Bryant:

Trier Bryant is a people-first leadership & inclusion expert and the founder of TrierBryant.com, a consulting firm that advises organizations on strategies and tactics to improve their workplace culture. Trier is also the co-founder of Just Work, a company that provides coaching and workshops to create more collaborative and equitable work environments. Trier has an extensive track record spearheading DEI & Inclusion initiatives at top organizations including Goldman Sachs, Twitter, and the U.S. Air Force. She also serves on the Board for Athena SPACs and Campaign Zero. Trier has been featured as an influential voice on leadership and DEI by publications including USA Today, CNN and Fortune. You can follow Trier on LinkedIn and X.

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue

In today's episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue has a captivating conversation with Ruth Kudzi, the CEO and founder of Optimus Cage Academy. During their interview, they will dive deep into the world of coaching and the pressing need for accreditation within the industry. Exploring the significance of accreditation, how it can elevate your coaching practice, uncovering the true essence of coaching, its empowering nature, and the long-lasting impact it can have on clients. Discover the benefits of becoming an accredited coach and how it not only enhances your credibility but also contributes to a more equitable coaching landscape.  If you're curious about the future of coaching, the role of accreditation and professional growth, this episode is a must-listen.

"Coaching is about unlocking what's inside of a person, making change more sustainable, not just addressing a knowledge gap. Accreditation brings credibility, ethical practice, and the ability to charge more, ultimately elevating the coaching industry's standards and impact."

     Episode Highlights: 

• Why is there a need for more qualified coaches in the DEI industry?

• Emphasizing the importance of coaching as a non-directional, empowering, and dignifying process that unlocks answers within clients. 

• Potential for coaching to promote equity and social mobility by reaching high-potential individuals from diverse backgrounds.

About Ruth Kudzi:

Ruth Kudzi is an entrepreneur and educator: She runs a training business , Optimus Coach Academy and a coaching & mentoring business. Optimus is one of the market leader training providers in the UK providing accredited coach training with 4 different bodies. Ruth is a Master Certified Coach, Psychology & Neuroscience expert with numerous qualifications in Psychology including a BA, MA and PGCERT. She is a multiple best selling author, international speaker and podcaster: her whole mission is around supporting people to feel better and build their resilience to achieve the results they want to achieve. 

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue

In today’s enlightening episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue welcomes Davina Majeethia, the EDI Lead at Nesta, an innovation foundation and charity, providing a captivating insight into her journey and experiences in the realm of EDI work. As a second-generation immigrant with a South Asian background and neurodiversity, Davina's personal experiences have driven her passion for this critical field. She discusses her transition from consulting to an in-house role, emphasising the importance of understanding the internal dynamics and challenges faced by organisations in implementing EDI strategies. Davina delves into the essential skills required for success in this field, highlighting prioritisation and compartmentalization. She also offers valuable advice to aspiring DEI professionals, emphasising the importance of humility and finding your genuine passion within the diverse landscape of EDI. This episode serves as a powerful resource for anyone interested in the intricate world of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

“ My understanding is that most EDI practitioners come into this because of a sense of their own lived experience. I also think for a lot of people, it's actually a way of channelling trauma in quite an effective way. So you're never going to have good deep understanding and experience, as in you're unlikely to in every single aspect of EDI. So know what you can know about, but also know what you don't know about and be humble about that.”

Episode Highlights: 

•Transitioning from Consulting to In-House

•Advice for aspiring DEI professionals

•Skills needed to develop in internal role prioritisation, prioritising and compartmentalising

About Davina Majeethia:

Davina is the Senior Lead for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).

She has a passion for underpinning EDI thinking with intersectionality and is keen to foster an environment of open and honest dialogue. She believes education to be the most powerful tool in moving forward the EDI agenda. Prior to Nesta, Davina worked at Accenture where she specialised in Talent & Organisation strategies. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies and NGO clients to formulate bespoke solutions to culture, talent and EDI issues.

While at Nesta, Davina is focused on delivering our EDI Strategy, ensuring it is continuously evolving so it remains relevant and effective for all.

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In today’s episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue welcomes Tina Gilbert, the Managing Director of Advisory Services at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). MLT is a distinguished organisation in the U.S. that strives to elevate African Americans, Hispanic Latinx, and Native Americans into roles that foster their growth and leadership. Tina's pivotal role is ensuring the recipient organisations have the right policies, practices, and culture in place to help these individuals thrive. In this episode, she shares valuable insights into how companies can create cultures of equity even during a recession, and the importance of strategic planning, understanding DEI practices, negotiation, communication, and influence in this process. Tune in to hear Tina discuss the importance of empathising with lived experiences and empowering others, creating a potent narrative around what makes a truly inclusive and equitable environment.

“ Especially in my role as a managing director, where I have people underneath me who are spending the day with the employers working with them, it is how are you empowering those beneath you, across from you and with you. So you are not doing this alone. This can be a very lonely job, and especially in this time of economic transition, where you might be the only one who has the formal title of D&I. And so what are you doing both formally and informally, to bring others along on this journey with you. So you are not alone, I spent a lot of time talking about the level of engagement that you need to be able to bring and have with individuals, so that you are growing kind of your force, the people that are working with you, for you and beside you. And so in these times where it might get harder and harder to get the people formally on your team, what are you doing to empower those through volunteerism, through champion through sponsorships, so you're not in this alone. ”

Episode Highlights: 

● Dig into the lived experiences of the populations you work with

● The business case for diversity, equity and inclusion

● Developing skills and competencies in the field

About Tina Gilbert:

Tina Gilbert (she / her)  is the Managing Director of Advisory Services responsible for delivery of client services and development of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion leading practices and insights.  Tina brings 10 years of DEI Leadership (4 years global), 15 years of Strategic Consulting, and 25 years of corporate experiences across six industries to this role. Throughout her career, she has led efforts to transform organizations' operating models, business processes, and employee culture to create measurable impact. As an I&D Leader over the last ten years, she has partnered with Business and HR leaders in designing strategies and metrics that align with talent strategies and desired business outcomes.

Prior to joining MLT, Tina was the Inclusion and Diversity Leader for Teva Pharmaceuticals and Accolade (Healthcare Navigation and Data). As the first I&D leader at both organizations, she guided each organizations’ evolution from diversity compliance management to recognizing its value as a business imperative. Her work at Teva was recognized in 2017 by Diversity Inc. Magazine as one of their Noteworthy Companies. More recently she was named as one of Hive Learning’s Most Influential D&I Leaders and by FindSpark as one of the 30 Must-Follow Diversity & Inclusion Thought Leaders Transforming the Workplace.

Before working as a full-time Diversity Practitioner, Tina was a Partner/Managing Director with Accenture’s Strategy Practice leading large transformation projects, business strategic planning programs, and operations/organizational design.  At Accenture, she sponsored a variety of DEI programming, recruiting and training initiatives. She holds a BS from Spelman College, an Industrial Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  She is based out of the Philadelphia, PA area.

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue delves into the intricate world of employee surveys, with a specific focus on their crucial role in fostering an inclusive work environment. Ashanti shares valuable insights from years of working with numerous organisations, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities that come with surveys related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through her firsthand experiences, she explores the resistance, anxieties, and misconceptions that leaders often exhibit towards such surveys, and how to navigate these difficult waters. She also offers her perspective on the importance of data transparency post-surveys and the need for well-researched, carefully constructed survey questions. This episode provides a unique blend of practical advice and in-depth understanding for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone keen to enhance employee experience and inclusion in their organisations. Tune in to gain a better understanding of the human elements at play when executing employee surveys and how to overcome the obstacles that may arise in the process.

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In today’s episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue interviews Tutu Popoola the lead consultant and director of Slick HR, a consultancy dedicated to building diverse teams for business success. As an industry leader, Tutu helps companies navigate through the intricacies of diversity and inclusion, acknowledging the distinct separation between DI and HR, and the need to address both in the corporate world. She sheds light on her evolution from an HR consultancy to a DEI-centric service provider, a change brought about by client needs and market trends. Tutu shares her experiences and expertise, highlighting the types of clients she works with, the challenges they face, and the progress made within industries towards inclusive workplaces and diversified leadership.

“So how can I work to influence people in a certain way, and also understand that I will not necessarily own the outcome of whatever work I do with them. So I had to be okay with that. If my work involves consulting with them, pointing them in the right direction, guiding them gently, sometimes giving them a bit of a push, and saying, Oh, no, this has to definitely happen. But also understanding that it's not about me, when you're doing this work, you have to separate your personal ego from the work that you're doing. It can't be led by the ego level as well. And really listening to people in terms of what they're saying, and what they're not saying, I think is really important. And also when you listen, then you question when somebody makes a comment or a statement. And then you can say what do you mean by that? I need you to tell me what your understanding of that situation is.. ”

Episode Highlights: 

● Improving the talent pipeline and retention of talent

● Recruitment is a sticking point in diversity and inclusion

● How to become a Ggi practitioner

About Tutu Popoola :

Bio:

Tutu Popoola is the Managing Director of Sleek HR, an outsourced consultancy enabling organisations to create HR & DEI solutions for business success.

She recognises from her background in HR that applying employment law principles alone was not enough to create diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces and will not bring about the advancements that forward thinking organisations are craving for. She supports organisations through DEI Audits, Data Collection & Analysis, Strategy Planning and Implementation and has partnered with clients across industries such as Public Relations and Communications, Energy, Logistics and Retail.

She loves nature and the outdoors, especially in the summer months.

Links:

www.sleekhr.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tutu-popoola/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sleek-hr/

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue delves into the traits that set successful HR directors and CEOs apart. Pulling from a trove of hands-on experience and case studies, illuminating what makes some leaders stand out in facilitating effective organisational changes. The importance of working closely with HR and other key stakeholders within the company's structure is explored, emphasising the power of unity and synergistic effort. This episode gives valuable insights into the significance of trust, respect, and shared expertise. Ashanti discusses how these elements pave the way for smooth, result-oriented interventions, even when faced with challenges and resistance within the organisation. Listen in as Ashanti highlights the necessity of fostering a mutual understanding, allowing both the external consultants and the in-house team to offer their unique perspectives and solve problems together. This episode is a goldmine for anyone seeking to enhance their skills in building rapport, navigating company dynamics, and becoming a trusted strategic advisor within an organisation. Prepare to reevaluate your approach to organisational change and DEI implementation.

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

Stay Connected with Ashanti: 

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In today’s episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue interviews Maria Morukian, an inspiring leader with nearly two decades of experience in the realm of organisational development, with a keen focus on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and intercultural competence. With a relentless drive to build bridges across the landscape of our differences, Maria shares insights into the systemic challenges and barriers often obstructing the path to DEI in organisations.

“But really my drive, my focus, my purpose is to build connections with individuals and groups, especially across the landscape of our differences so that we are better equipped to be able to address the systemic challenges and barriers that so often get in the way and are perpetuated when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Episode Highlights: 

● The importance of diversifying influences and content

● The importance of self-work in training and talent development

● The importance of listening to multiple perspectives

About Maria Morukian:

Maria Morukian is a recognized organisational development practitioner specialising in training, coaching, and facilitation with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Maria is the President of MSM Global Consulting, and an adjunct faculty member at American University’s School of International Service. She previously served in leadership and organisational development positions at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute and the U.S. Department of State. She has also served in leadership positions at Management Concepts and the National MultiCultural Institute. 

Maria has trained and coached thousands of individuals around the world to build practices for better communication, foster competent and respectful workplaces, and navigate conflict for meaningful culture change. She has worked with such diverse clients as PBS Distribution, the National Park Service, National Institutes of Health, the World Bank, and the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Maria is a sought after speaker and has presented at numerous events, including TEDx, the Forum on Workplace Inclusion, the Association for Talent Development, Blacks in Government, and Ellevate Women’s Network. Her work has been published in Forbes, the Association for Talent Development’s Public Manager, and she is author of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace (ATD, 2022).  

Maria is host of the podcast Culture Stew, which focuses on the multidimensionality of identity and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Maria earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Organisational Studies and Spanish, and a Master’s Degree from American University in International Communication. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters. She is an avid runner, dancer, reader, traveller, and lover of theatre.  

Socials:

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-morukian

https://www.linkedin.com/company/msm-global-consulting

Instagram:

mariamorukian

msm_global

Facebook:

Maria Morukian

MSM Global Consulting

Twitter:

@MariaMorukian

@GlobalMsm

Podcast: Culture Stew is on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Libsyn, and Audible

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

Stay Connected with Ashanti: 

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue delves into the myriad of facets in the world of leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. After a brief hiatus, Ashanti returns with a candid discussion, revealing the recent whirlwind of personal and professional challenges and changes that have kept her away from the mic. This episode invites you into an intimate journey of personal growth, mindset shifts, and professional evolution that has fundamentally transformed how she shows up as a human being, a leader, and a DEI practitioner. Discover how her instinctive methods of operation as revealed by the Colby Index have influenced her evidence-based approach in the DEI sphere. Listen on to uncover the vital importance of the clarity stage, her self-created framework to foster meaningful change, and learn why she staunchly disagrees with relying solely on lived experiences to form organisational strategies. Ashanti’s refreshing honesty in sharing her experiences is a testament to her commitment to thought leadership, promising a podcast episode that is as personal as it is profound.

“We need to get people to be thinking deeper than just we need to do this as an organisation, or that's what's expected of us, or that seems to be the right answer. We need to go deeper than that. So that the interventions, the supposed solutions that we are recommending are actually going to be fit for purpose, are actually going to shift culture and are actually going to create transformation in some way or another in that organisation. It's so important.”

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In today’s episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue and Rohini Anand a strategic senior DEI advisor who holds key positions on numerous external diversity advisory boards delve into her personal journey, from her roots in Mumbai, India, to her migration to the United States, which provides a unique lens to her work in DEI. Rohini brings a wealth of global perspective to their conversation as she talks about her experiences in navigating between majority and minority spaces, and how this informs her perspective on diversity and inclusion. 

“Ultimately this global work is very complex, and it's very dynamic in nature. So there's no quick sort of checklist or playbook. And even best practices are really not enough. So the principles that I have, these five principles are simple, but they're very disruptive. And they don't provide sort of standards, or plug and play templates, based on what's worked in one country or one location. And I think that's been the foundational mistake in doing this work is replicating what's worked in one part of the world elsewhere, it can be sort of adapted to apply with sensitivity to any country and empowers global leaders to kind of develop their own solutions without mimicking a solution.”

Episode Highlights: 

● Cultivating a global mindset as chief diversity officers

● Advice for aspiring diversity and inclusion professionals

● How to keep developing and nurturing skills

About Rohini Anand:

DR. ROHINI ANAND, Founder and CEO, Rohini Anand LLC

 rohinianand1121@gmail.com 

Web site: https://www.rohinianand.com; 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohinianand

Dr. Rohini Anand is Founder and CEO of Rohini Anand LLC providing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) advisory services to clients in the public and private sectors. She is a strategic business leader and trusted board member who has successfully transformed cultures and built an iconic brand with an enduring reputation, resulting in accelerating new business creation. With expertise that spans executive leadership, human capital, global corporate responsibility, wellness and diversity equity and inclusion, Rohini brings a unique perspective on the critical alignment of the business culture and the triple bottom line to drive exceptional performance. Rohini is recognized as a pioneer in the DEI field and is a sought- after expert by leaders around the world. Her global experience, cultural dexterity, extensive network and ability to influence leaders result in a reputation for judgment, integrity, and accountability.  

Rohini Anand is a thought leader and a published author. Her book, Leading Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations, has been endorsed by luminaries like Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo, Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO Chobani and Tent, Michel Landel, Danone S.A Board member and former CEO, Sodexo, amongst others. It is available on Amazon here and Bookshop.org and on bookdepository here  for international orders.

Most recently Rohini was SVP Corporate Responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer for Sodexo. She reported to the Global CEO and was a member of Sodexo’s North America Executive Committee. Rohini successfully positioned Sodexo as a global thought leader in DEI and Corporate Responsibility. Sodexo’s remarkable global culture change, led by diversity and inclusion, is featured in a Harvard Business School case study entitled Shifting the Diversity Climate: the Sodexo Solution . 

Rohini has been featured in several articles in CNBC, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and the Washington Post. Rohini has appeared on CNN, Bloomberg and CNN Money as well on National Public Radio. She is the recipient of many accolades including the Mosaic Woman Leadership Award, the Women’s Foodservice Forum Trailblazer Award, Webster University’s Women of Influence Award and the Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Award (WWAAC), amongst others. 

Dr. Anand received her PhD from the University of Michigan. She serves on the boards of several organizations including WomenLift Health a Gates Foundation initiative, Aspen Institute’s Family Prosperity Initiative, Tent Partnership for Refugees and Galt Foundation. She also serves on the external diversity advisory boards for Sanofi and for Charter Communications and chaired the Catalyst Board of Advisors. Rohini is a Senior Fellow with the Conference Board and is on the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Center for Inclusive Governance’s Advisory Council. 

If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

Stay Connected with Ashanti: 

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue