When I first started working in Diversity & Inclusion, I was the only person doing this role, in a very large organisation.

It was during Covid, and while I was part of a team of people we were all working in different areas, no one was doing what I was doing, and we were located all over the world.

It. Was. Lonely.

One of the biggest problems I didn’t anticipate in running The Culture Ministry, a Diversity & Inclusion consulting business, is getting paid.

You would think this is a straightforward task.

I do the agreed work. I give the company an invoice. They pay invoice by the date specified on the invoice. Done.

Not done 😩

I remember the day well.

The day I found out the incumbent in the global Diversity & Inclusion role in my company, had resigned. Who would resign from such an amazing role? (I thought to myself.)

I applied, and secured that role. And this is where things went a bit sideways.

When I first started working in my career in human resources, which included organisational development, change management and diversity and inclusion, I was given opportunities not because I knew all the things.

I was given opportunities because I could work stuff out. I remember saying in one interview (multiple times) that no I didn't know how to do that yet but I would love to learn. I got that job.

Are you asking for permission to coach or give advice? Or just ploughing ahead anyway?

Are you taking up all the verbal space and oxygen while people’s eyes are glazing over? 

Have you forgotten how a conversation works? Or your manners? Your ethics? Your curiosity?

Inclusion is about good conversations.