The Real Power Behind DEI  

“Diversity is having a seat at the table. Inclusion is having a voice. Belonging is having that voice be heard.”  

– Liz Fosslien, Author  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is no longer just a checkbox or an annual campaign – it’s becoming a core value.  

🎯 Recruitment: More Than Just a Seat at the Table  

Whether it’s writing job descriptions that actually sound human or building interview panels that reflect different perspectives, hiring isn’t just about filling roles.  

It’s about shaping the kind of place people want to join, contribute to, and stick around in.  

Because it’s not just about who gets a seat at the table – It’s about how that table is built in the first place.  

💡 From Culture Fit to Culture Add  

Remember your first day at work?  

You’re figuring out the coffee situation or debating how many exclamation marks are too many in an email.  

You’re soaking it all in – how people talk, how they laugh, how they listen.  

But here’s the twist: The moment you walk in, you start shaping things too.  

The goal isn’t to “fit in” – it’s to add something new that makes the whole team better.  

🦸 From Team Player to Momentary Mentor (Cape Optional)  

Not everyone has “mentor” in their title – but we all have moments when we can be one.  

It’s when people take time to help others thrive.   

Sometimes, being inclusive is about:  

• Encouraging someone who’s still finding their voice  

• Noticing who hasn’t spoken yet and saying, “What do you think?”  

• Offering a bit of context someone might’ve missed  

These might seem like small gestures – but they build trust, confidence, and a real sense of belonging.  

🛠️ It’s Not Just a Vibe – It’s Something We Build  

A strong team environment doesn’t just happen. It’s built – piece by piece, day by day.  

Think of it like building a house:  

Start with a foundation of trust and respect. Add walls made of shared values, windows that let in fresh perspectives, and doors that stay open to new ideas and people.  

And like any good house, it needs maintenance. A little fixing. A little repainting. Everyone is doing their part to keep it standing strong.  

🧩 So Who’s In Charge of All This?  

We all are.  

Every email we send.  

Every teammate we welcome.  

Every time we speak up, step in, listen closely, or make space — it all counts.  

We don’t need to be perfect.  

We just need to show up, stay curious, and care.  

Because that’s the real power behind DEI.