A new, important role has entered the lives of business owners – the role of Chief Diversity Officer. This is a role in which we, as business owners, ensure we are being inclusive in our businesses and in our communities, with greater consciousness of the messages we’re putting out into the world. It may seem like yet another hat we must wear as small, self-employed business owners, but being inclusive is equally important for the self-employed as it is for large corporations. But as usual, how we can be inclusive is different for us than it is for large corporations. To help us navigate this topic, I speak with Dr. Gena Cox, author of Leading Inclusion. In our conversation, Dr. Cox breaks down the difference between diversity and inclusion, and how inclusion is particularly relevant to small businesses and the self-employed. As Dr. Cox says, all of us can be more inclusive than we currently are. We discuss how inclusion and respect can impact many of our daily business activities (for example, even in things such as decisions about how and to whom we offer discounts). Dr. Cox also offers practical insights and solutions for increasing inclusion, such as looking for things we have in common with others who are different from us, and how having a “comfort goal” can help us be more inclusive more easily.
After a decades-long career advising leaders in some of the largest companies in America and beyond, Dr. Gena Cox concluded that the pace of workplace inclusion change was unacceptably slow. She harnessed her organizational psychology and executive coach insights, her understanding of c-suite dynamics, and her personal workplace experiences to write a book, Leading Inclusion. Her book helps leaders connect unfamiliar dots to drive inclusion from the top of their organizations. Gena asks her clients to remember one simple idea: “Inclusion tops diversity!”
And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.
Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.
Dr. Gena Cox, thank you so much for being here!
Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.
941: Mark Herschberg – Understanding the Evolution of Content Marketing
940: Kasey Compton – Finding True Joy Through Self-Awareness
939: Coaching Break – How To Make Your Customers Feel Great About Their Decision
938: Coline Monsarrat – Closing the Gap: From Imposter Syndrome to Authenticity
937: Coaching Break – Legacy: A Connection to the Past, Future, and Your Customers
936: Pat Flynn - Creating a Community of Superfans
935: Coaching Break – Beware of Mindset Gaps
934: Paul Cuneo – Navigating Your Hero's Journey
933: Coaching Break – Fighting Off Feelings of Discouragement
932: Andy Guttormsen – Crafting a Community for your Business
931: Coaching Break – The Challenge of Being Chosen
930: Jon Ostenson – The Benefits of Franchise Ownership
929: Coaching Break – How To Create an Unbreakable Bond Level of Service
928: Jim Vaselopulos – The Wisdom of Clarity
927: Regina Lawless – The Secret to a MeaningFULL Life
926: Coaching Break – Two Tips to Kickstart Your Business Growth
925: Ronak Sheth – LIT Videobooks: The Future of Books
924: Coaching Break – Two Tips for a Great New Year
923: Carlos Alvarenga – The Rules of Persuasion: From Aristotle to AI
922: Alan Stein, Jr. – Sustain Your Game: Overcoming Burnout in Self-Employment
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Organic Marketing Simplified: Master podcast marketing, fuel podcast growth, and make money podcasting!
THE GO BIZ GUY
The Sigma Femme Podcast
The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
The Money Mondays