For 25 years, I have been teaching communication. Some people call me a communication expert. I still feel slightly uncomfortable with that phrase. If expert means someone who has devoted decades to testing, refining, failing at, and rebuilding approaches to communication across cultures and industries, then perhaps it applies. If it means someone who does…
People often wonder why a white woman has committed her life to DEI. It’s time for me to tell my story. As many of you know, I help leaders who are committed to creating inclusive cultures build teams that trust each other, collaborate effectively, and unleash their collective intelligence. My commitment to this work began…
Representation matters. It always has. Looking at who is present in an organization, and especially who moves into leadership, tells us something important about access, opportunity, and patterns of advancement. Representation data can reveal where systems are working equitably and where they are not. It helps us notice trends that would otherwise remain invisible. But…
Businesses are strained. I speak with leaders who describe the stress of budget cuts, mass layoffs, shifting priorities, and more. Under strain, leaders often focus on fixing processes. They convene stakeholders to adjust strategy or make quick decisions to stabilize the business. But one of the most important leadership priorities often gets overlooked: repairing and…
Diversity, equity, and inclusion work is often misunderstood—sometimes willfully, sometimes because we haven’t done enough to clarify the why behind it. One of the most common misconceptions I hear is this: “DEI means hiring someone just because they’re [fill in the blank].” “We don’t want to lower the bar.” “That sounds like a quota.” Let’s…
The headlines are loud. The rules keep changing. And leaders are left asking: How do we protect our people? How do we keep our culture strong? How do we adapt—without getting pulled into a polarizing debate? It starts by focusing less on slogans and more on outcomes. Not just what people are talking about—but what…
In today’s evolving work environment, creating an inclusive culture isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic advantage. According to Harvard Business Review, high-belonging workplace cultures are associated with a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a 75% decrease in sick days. For a company with 10,000 employees,…
How do student-athletes balance speaking out with staying in the game? In this episode, we explore the delicate tension between advocacy and career security for college athletes—where using your voice can come with both purpose and risk. DaWon Baker joins us for our final live audience podcast at the Museum of Boulder for a powerful…
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy at the Museum of Boulder, surrounded by the living history of Black resilience and brilliance. Against this backdrop, Amy shares her deeply personal journey—navigating the tensions between authentic leadership and the performative demands often placed on DEI professionals. With vulnerability and clarity, Amy reflects on…
Live from the Museum of Boulder, filmmaker Katrina Miller (“This Is Not Who We Are”) joins us for a powerful conversation on DEI in today’s turbulent political climate. We tackle the myths surrounding DEI, including the idea of reverse discrimination, and explore how historical context shapes these debates. Katrina highlights the importance of open dialogue,…
