20 Jan 25
ME AND THE WORLD: Positive Leadership and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Dear Readers,
As we conclude our first-quarter theme, “Empathy, Creativity, and Innovation for Diversity and Inclusion,” this month, we delve into the transformative role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in leadership. Positive leadership flourishes when it harnesses the richness of diversity, actively dismantles systemic inequities, and cultivates inclusive spaces where everyone can succeed.
Diversity as a Driver of Creativity and Performance
Numerous studies affirm that diverse teams are more innovative, resilient, and capable of making better decisions. Yet diversity doesn’t emerge in isolation—it must be nurtured with purpose and vision. Fred Swaniker , founder of the African Leadership Academy , has the bold goal of nurturing 3 million African leaders by 2035 exemplifies how investing in diverse talent can address systemic challenges. His leadership academies equip young people with the tools to tackle Africa’s most pressing issues—from healthcare to governance—while instilling a sense of shared purpose. This approach illustrates how diversity, when paired with visionary leadership, can generate profound societal impact.
Developing the next generation of African leaders (with Fred Swaniker)Embedding DEI into Organizational Culture
Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance—it demands deliberate action. Former Minister Élisabeth Moreno , who played a pivotal role in shaping inclusion laws in France, reminds us that true inclusion is about unlocking the full potential of every individual. For leaders, this means building trust, amplifying underrepresented voices, and setting measurable equity goals.
[FR] Réaliser l'impossible (avec Élisabeth Moreno)Kathleen Hogan , Microsoft ’s Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, highlights the critical need for authenticity in addressing diversity and inclusion. She emphasizes that diversity cannot be performative; actions must follow words to create real impact. As she puts it, “You don't get permission to do more if you haven't addressed it within your own organization first.”
Still on the Positive Leadership Podcast, Paul Polman also underscored the importance of embedding DEI into an organization’s mission. He explained:
Paul’s leadership at Unilever demonstrated that inclusion isn’t just an ethical choice—it’s a strategic one. By integrating DEI into the core of an organization, leaders not only drive innovation but also build trust and resilience in the face of global challenges.
Becoming a courageous leader (with Paul Polman, ex-Unilever CEO and IMAGINE Co-Founder)Mentorship: A Path to Empowerment
Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to create pathways for growth, particularly for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Angeline Murimirwa , a champion for women’s empowerment in Africa, shared on the podcast how mentorship can unlock human potential and create a ripple effect of opportunity.
Her story highlights how mentoring isn’t just about guidance—it’s about breaking barriers, fostering confidence, and enabling individuals to reach heights they might not have thought possible.
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Bringing It All Together
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than ideals—they are imperatives for building a thriving, innovative, and sustainable future. As leaders, we are called to:
- Celebrate diversity as a strength, not a challenge.
- Deliver equity by addressing systemic barriers.
- Ingrain inclusion as a cornerstone of culture and strategy.
Your Leadership Actions Today
To make DEI a cornerstone of your leadership, consider the following actions:
- Assess and Act: Measure and ensure team diversity and equity. Identify gaps and implement targeted initiatives to address them. And never compromise on talents quality!
- Create Safe Spaces: Ensure psychological safety in your workplace by encouraging open dialogue and valuing all perspectives.
- Mentor for Impact: Actively mentor individuals from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to lead and innovate.
- Embrace Intersectionality to capture market opportunities: Reflect market diversity in DE&I efforts to meet diverse customer needs, creating resonant products and gaining a competitive advantage.
Looking Ahead
As you embark on 2025, embrace DE&I as a strategic business advantage. It is not a destination but a journey—a commitment to creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Together, we can lead with purpose and make inclusion an integral part of our collective success.
Warm regards,
Jean-Philippe
