On Wednesday, November 17th, we hosted #StartupChats to talk about Diversity and Inclusion Strategies for Startups.
We were joined by a great panel of experts;
Lauren Hicks, Startup Canada
Nunzio Presta, BuyAndSellABiz.com
Anthony Martiniello, Dell Technologies
LaToya Collins-Jones, Dell Technologies
Colin Christensen, THNQ
We began the conversation by asking;
What does diversity mean?
A1: Excellence. The foundation of excellence is diversity. Our approach from day 1 has always been focused on people and bringing the best out of them. To do that we are always evolving as an org to reflect the world we live in. #StartupChats
— BuyAndSellABusiness.com (@buyandsellabiz) November 17, 2021
A1: Power. We believe that diversity is power. Our focus has been on taking critical steps to live who we are – a diverse company with unique perspectives – at our deepest level. #StartupChat
— Dell Technologies Partners (@DellTechPartner) November 17, 2021
A1:Diversity @Dell is more than what meets the eyes. There’s many dimensions to everyone & it makes all diverse. Our strength is in our differences. It’s important to make sure that all voices are at the table are heard & valued. Diversity is a business imperative! #StartupChats
— LaToya Collins-Jones (@LaToyaCJones1) November 17, 2021
What should be acknowledged when working with diverse teams?
A4: Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Despite the differences, you can work together. These weaknesses can be filled up with everyone’s strengths. They also have different values and beliefs so respect is a must. #StartupChats
— VirtuDesk (@virtudeskcom) November 17, 2021
A4 Diversity of experience leads to diversity of thought and action! D&I is not just about being nice humans – it directly leads to innovation and disruption. #StartupChats
— Lauren Hicks (@Hix21Lauren) November 17, 2021
How do you know when you need to increase your diversity and inclusion?
A5. I don’t think it’s about knowing when to start – it should be a default #StartupChats
— LYNDON [THINK DIFFERENTLY] JOHNSON (@THINK_Lyndon) November 17, 2021
A5: If you see innovation and creativity on a decline, it’s most likely D&I. New innovative opportunities are born when you go against intuition and fight the status quo. It’s hard to do that when everyone is the same and agreeable. You must avoid social cohesion. #StartupChats
— BuyAndSellABusiness.com (@buyandsellabiz) November 17, 2021
A5: Most people rely on just what they see. The question I like to ask leaders: “Whose voice is missing in the room?”. Who & where are your customers? Listen & examine feedback internally and externally. It can be an indicator of where you need to do better. #StartupChats
— LaToya Collins-Jones (@LaToyaCJones1) November 17, 2021
Want to continue learning? View the rest of the conversation.