On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I had the privilege of engaging with Delphia Howes, an esteemed leader in human resources, diversity, and inclusion. With over two decades of experience, Delphia has built a remarkable career and is also the author of "Including You: Leading Inclusion from Where You Are." We delved into the transformative power of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in organizational settings and how understanding these concepts is crucial for building successful teams and fostering an optimal workplace culture.

Throughout our conversation, she emphasized that true inclusion begins with individuals taking personal responsibility, actively embracing underrepresented voices, and recognizing the wealth of experiences that diversity brings.

As we navigated the core values of inclusion, Delphia eloquently articulated how each person's sense of belonging correlates to organizational success. She explained the difference between diversity and inclusion, emphasizing that having diversity without inclusion renders the former ineffective. Inclusion ensures that individuals feel valued and that their unique contributions are recognized and welcomed. Her insights highlighted the detrimental effects of exclusion on workplace morale, productivity, and retention. We discussed how innovation stems from a mosaic of experiences and how a homogeneous workforce limits an organization's potential for problem-solving and growth.

Furthermore, we addressed the often misunderstood nuances of unconscious bias, with Delphia encouraging listeners to confront their biases openly. Leaders are responsible for fostering vulnerability and open dialogue, cultivating trust and deepening team members' relationships.

Delphia's success and advocacy serve as a beacon for those eager to create authentic, customer-centric cultures that lead to magical experiences. The insights shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the true essence of D&I and how to implement these strategies effectively in their organizations.

Delphia's Contact Information:

LinkedIn: Delphia Howze

Website: DHowze Solutions

Book Link: Including You

Tacey's Contact Information:

Website: taceyatkinson.com

LinkedIn: TaceyAtkinson

Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future.

Remember:

Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences.

Now Go, Create the Magic!