Here's how you can promote inclusion and diversity to drive innovation in your innovation career.

Empathy is a key attribute of leadership.When leaders demonstrate empathy they genuinely care about their team members personal and professional growth. It starts by being an active listener to your teams needs, as you are likely to lead a team of people with different cultural backgrounds. The team members have their own views and biases about diversity and inclusion, that they will bring to the table. Be open minded, create a safe space for each person to feel free to share, without being judgemental. Do allow, the free flow of thoughts , create a sense of belonging as it will enrich the discussion. Provide support, recognize each person's contributions and achievements as that will boost employee engagement and talent retention.

Create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and included. Encourage open communication, actively listen to diverse perspectives, and celebrate the unique contributions of every team member.

Embracing empathy has been a big help in my career for sparking new ideas and teamwork. When I really listen to my teammates and understand where they are coming from, we come up with better solutions together. Making sure everyone feels respected and heard has made a big difference. Personally, I have found that having one on one conversations with colleagues helps me understand their perspectives better. By caring about each other's experiences, we make our work more diverse and successful.

Lead by example. Don't just speak about wanting a diverse team or an inclusive team. Be the person on the team you want to see and work with. You have to keep in mind everyone does not have empathy so build your skill set so you have a diversity of ways to connect to people.

Recognize the power of diversity in driving innovation. Encourage collaboration among individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. Embrace varied viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving, as they can lead to more creative solutions. Ensure that opportunities for growth, development, and advancement are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or identity. Implement inclusive hiring practices and provide training and support to help underrepresented groups thrive in their roles.

If you are a leader or influencer in your field, demonstrate your commitment to inclusion and diversity through your actions and decisions. Champion diversity initiatives, advocate for marginalized voices, and hold yourself and others accountable for fostering an inclusive workplace culture.