Here's how you can create a diverse and inclusive professional network.

Diversity is the spice of life. The broad spectrum of quality talents that could be obtained from a diverse and inclusive team will always trump a non-diverse and non-inclusive team. Embracing diversity is the way to go, it helps foster collaboration and ignite inventions through the cross-fertilization of ideas made possible by varied experiences and cultural background.

Diversity, it’s what makes a network strong, huge even. Embrace diversity! Bring in the best from everywhere, all kinds of backgrounds. It’s smart, it’s how you build a powerhouse. We need the best, and the best comes from everywhere. You’ll have ideas, big ideas, the best ideas. It’s about making your network great, your business great. Diversity, it’s a winner!

I've learned to appreciate and celebrate the unique backgrounds and perspectives that each person brings to the table. By embracing diversity, I've opened myself up to new ideas and ways of thinking that have enriched my professional experiences.

Seek out diverse events and communities. Connect with people in different Industries. Look beyond the traditional platforms. Building Meaningful Connections: Focus on genuine connections, Become a connector, Be an advocate. Embrace Inclusion: Practice active listening, Create a safe space for open dialogue.

La diversidad es un aporte al mundo laboral, permite tener más miradas, ver perspectivas que nadie ve y generar espacios únicos. Abrazar la diversidad es una virtud. Para lograrlo, debemos estar abiertos a recibir y escuchar a personas diferentes a nosotros.

Actively seeking out connections from different industries, cultures, and backgrounds has been crucial. Attending various networking events and conferences has allowed me to broaden my horizons and connect with people I may not have encountered otherwise.

Building a diverse network starts with active listening. By providing those with different backgrounds and perspectives an opportunity to speak and grow, we open the door to new possibilities and enrich our own understanding. Everyone has something valuable to contribute or learn from.

Si quieres que te escuche, escucha. Si quieres que tu network sea diverso, debes escuchar esa diversidad. Para ser visto, debemos hacer que las personas se sientan seguras con nosotros, se sientan valoradas y se sientan vistas de igual manera.

By actively listening and showing genuine interest, I've built stronger relationships within my network based on trust and mutual respect.

By actively listening, you create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and heard. It’s a skill that not only benefits professional relationships but also enriches personal interactions. Keep practicing, and you’ll see the positive impact it has! ????

Los sesgos muchas veces vienen de una educación personal que ni siquiera vemos o estamos consientes de tener. Educarnos sobre la diversidad apoyará a que esos sesgos que se nos educaron tengan menos peso, y por ende aprendamos a ser y valorar la diversidad

Educating myself about diversity, equity, and inclusion issues has been an ongoing process. I've sought out resources, attended workshops, and engaged in self-reflection to better understand my own biases and how they might impact my interactions with others.

If you want to be diverse, listen to what they have to say. Be inclusive, be trusted, and respected. Make them feel they matter- their ideas matter.

Reflect on your own values and talents and consider what you bring to the table that you really want other people to see. Then, look for opportunities to make those contributions and be your best self - perhaps with minor modifications so that your intentions are understood across cultures. For example: If my goal is to be fair as a leader, I might talk to my team to find out what fairness looks like in each of their cultures. Based on what I learn, I might then approach fairness in a different way than in my own culture. However, I am ultimately still being true to myself.

Being real and genuinely interested in others has been key in my professional networking journey. When I take the time to connect with someone beyond just work stuff, it makes a big difference. One particular experience stands out when I took the time to truly connect with a colleague, sharing personal experiences and learning from theirs. That conversation led to a stronger connection and introduced me to new perspectives. As I have kept it real in my interactions, I have found that people respond better and our relationships get deeper. My advice to others is that don't just focus on business, value people for who they are. By being authentic, we can build a network that is diverse and enriching for everyone.

Handling disagreements authentically is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and fostering productive communication. **Seek to Understand**: Before reacting, take the time to understand the other person's perspective. Ask questions, actively listen, and avoid making assumptions. When you truly understand where they're coming from, it becomes easier to find common ground. Remember that disagreements are natural, and handling them authentically involves respecting each other's viewpoints while working toward a solution. ????

Impulsar la diversidad & inclusión es algo que va a beneficiar a todos, pero también es una responsabilidad. Podemos partir por terminar con la cultura del silencio. En la que el silencio ofende y también habla. Hace que la diversidad no se pueda generar en seguridad. Hablar cuando alguien está siendo ofendido, invitar a quien no ha sido invitado, apoyar a quien parece invisible. Así se logra impulsar una verdadera inclusión.

I've found it essential to strike a balance between nurturing existing relationships and actively seeking out new connections. By continuously evaluating and adjusting networking strategies, someone can ensure that the network reflects the commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Look for professional associations or networks that prioritise diversity and inclusion. These groups can connect you with like-minded individuals and support your efforts.