Diversity and Innovation Upside Down: Cultivating an Inclusive Culture

Studies show that diverse organizations are more innovative—but what if this was also true in reverse—that by intentionally hosting innovation efforts, you can proactively support diversity and foster an inclusive culture? The presenters will demonstrate how a structured ideation session models inclusive practices and activates more of the expertise within a diverse organization. Working on a real-life scenario, participants will collaborate using an innovation tool and see how it can help create new relationships and establish trust, suspend barriers and assumptions, encourage active listening and respect for different perspectives, leverage diverse strengths, and create a sense of community.

Outcomes: Identify core elements of an inclusive culture that overlap with innovation best practices * Experience a structured ideation session and reflect on how it modeled inclusive behavior * Commit to one action you will take to actively promote diversity and innovation in your own organization