34. Creating a Culture of Belonging: A Key to Thriving Organizations with Coach Colene

Crank & Boom Podcast with Toa Green

We've all heard the buzzwords of diversity, equity and inclusion, but do we really know why they are important in the business sphere? Efforts around DEI aren’t just “feel good” platitudes that companies can use to bolster their PR efforts. These ideas are real strategies and good practices that can keep your business resilient, thriving and relevant in tumultuous times.

In this episode of the Crank & Boom Podcast, you'll hear an insightful conversation between host Toa Green and our guest Coach Colene about the importance of creating inclusive cultures in organizations — and how building belonging into the structure of what you do keeps your employees happy and productive. By actively seeking diversity and inclusivity, businesses can spur innovation, enhance customer understanding, and ultimately improve business performance.

Coach Colene is an expert in the DEI space and runs her own boutique agency helping major corporations achieve more inclusive cultures.

This episode will provide you with practical strategies and valuable insights on how to foster a sense of belonging and build a culture of inclusion in your organization. Whether you're a leader or decision-maker in your organization, you’ll be inspired to take action toward creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

In this episode, you’ll gain insights to:

• Build a more inclusive workplace culture and foster an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and ideas.

• Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as a strategic advantage to attract and retain top talent.

• Learn the long-term benefits of prioritizing diversity and inclusion, including increased creativity and better problem-solving.

The key moments in this episode:

00:04:29 - DEI 101: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

00:17:33 - What Coach Colene sees as "The Blockbuster Route"

00:19:06 - Starting Small with DEI

00:21:07 - Debunking Common Misconceptions of DEI

00:32:44 - The Importance of Making an Inclusion Effort within your Organization

00:37:25 - Creating a Safe Space

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Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Read HBR’s assessment of how diversity drives success: https://hbr.org/2018/01/how-and-where-diversity-drives-financial-performance

• Learn more about the 1964 Civil Rights Act https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act

• Learn more about the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Affirmative Action at ACLU.org

• Read how loneliness poses the same health risks as smoking:

• Find about the Kentucky Human Right Commission

• Find help and resources at The Equal Opportunity Commission: www.eeoc.gov/

• Coach Colene’s other Crank & Boom episode about achieving harmony in work and life.

Quotable Moments From the Episode

Diversity is all the attributes that make us different. Equity is how we provide the right level of resources and materials for people to have success. Inclusion is a state of feeling valued, respected and supported. The purpose is to ensure that everyone that works in our organization feels valued, respected and supported.” - Coach Colene

“In the next 5 to 10 years, 52% of the population will be non white. That number should be a wake up call for a lot of organizations, because the majority sets the norms. They set the tone. It's not just what's going to be happening inside of your business. It's also who your consumer is going to be. And the more that you have people that can talk to that consumer, the better it is for your business.” - Coach Colene

“One of the things that I teach in my diversity class is that diversity starts with me. I do think that there is a role that every individual in an organization can play in creating the culture of inclusion that they want to see within that organization. So what can I do to help make sure that people feel included and feel like they belong?” - Coach Colene

“The thing that I want to convey to other small business owners out there is that a [DEI policy] does not have to be this huge, sweeping thing. It can take little changes. And then once you're aware, you just make decisions that lean towards being more equitable and more inclusive because it's like a muscle that you train.” Toa Green

Connect with Coach Colene! Coach Colene's website

Coach Colene's Facebook

Coach Colene's Instagram

Connect with Toa! C&B Podcast website

C&B Ice Cream website

C&B Podcast's Instagram

C&B Substack

*Production by Four Eyes Media*