How can sustainability professionals develop their diversity, equity, and inclusion skills?

Self-awareness is the first step to personal growth, including in DEI. It takes courage to assess your intercultural competence and accept feedback. Embracing this journey of self-improvement not only benefits you but also contributes positively to a more inclusive and diverse environment.

Part of assessing your current level is also knowing where you come from. Where you were born does matter a lot for your perspective. There are companies (Disney?) where you are asked to assess your privileges in order to understand better what social capital you are given by birth, upbringing, and education.

Sustainability professionals can strengthen their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) skills by actively seeking out and embracing diverse perspectives, engaging in continuous education, and fostering inclusive environments. Participate in DEI workshops, read extensively, and listen to voices from underrepresented communities. Apply these learnings to ensure your sustainability initiatives are equitable and inclusive.

As a woman in the male-dominated pumps industry, I understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) skills in addressing urgent sustainability challenges. To develop DEI skills, sustainability professionals can start by seeking out training, workshops, and resources. They should actively listen to underrepresented voices, engage in dialogue, and foster a culture of respect. Applying DEI skills to their work means integrating diverse perspectives into decision-making processes and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities. This not only aligns with our ethical values but also provides a competitive edge by harnessing the power of varied viewpoints for more innovative and sustainable solutions. #DEI

Effort to have a better world is an ever-evolving path, and it's essential to fuse it with our unique perspectives. Sustainability isn't a one-size-fits-all concept; it's deeply personal and should resonate with our values and aspirations. To excel in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) skills within sustainability, we must embark on a voyage of self-discovery: Embrace Evolution: Embrace discomfort for growth. Embrace Learning: Value diverse backgrounds and experiences. Embrace Patience: DEI takes time, like natural evolution. Embrace Measurement: Customize metrics for unique contexts.

Expanding your DEI skills requires a proactive approach. Actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences helps break down barriers and fosters empathy. It's a journey of continuous learning that enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to promote inclusivity in sustainability and beyond.

And I would say, talk to people. If you find your social circle is not very diverse, make an effort to come into contact with a more diverse group of people. Set up some interviews to make sure you get all perspectives needed and use those as well to test assumptions. There might be a Living Library near you where you can make an appointment with someone completely different from yourself.

In order to harness the wealth of knowledge offered by diverse sources, it's crucial to be inherently curious, keeping an open mind, staying flexible in your thinking, allowing yourself to be vulnerable in the face of new ideas, and extending kindness in your interactions.

Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) skills for sustainability professionals requires a strategic and committed approach. Begin by investing in specialized training programs that delve into DEI principles, fostering a comprehensive understanding of inclusivity dynamics. Actively participate in industry conferences and networks focused on DEI, where insights from diverse voices can be gathered and applied. Embed DEI considerations into sustainability strategies, ensuring that initiatives are reflective of varied perspectives. Collaborate with DEI experts and organizations to integrate best practices into professional frameworks. Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes diversity, creating everyone feels valued and heard.

Absolutely, integrating DEI into sustainability is crucial for meaningful progress. Using tools like the SDGs framework and EJSCREEN helps ensure that our efforts benefit all, especially marginalized communities. It's not just a checkbox but a commitment to justice and inclusivity in every aspect of sustainability work.

Be also aware if the intersection between Climate issues and Social issues. More clarity is needed around Climate Justice. Where are the effects of climate change most felt? Research shows it is mostly in poor countries, poor neighbourhoods and poor people. They will not be able to prepare, metigate and pay for the changes that are needed to make our society more resilient.

I love the SDG frameworks and it validates my belief that whatever we do should be link to a social initiative/activity leading to impact that is measurable. Therefore, to practice efficiently, you need to know, be in the knowing, understand your goals, impact and focus. Change is a function of time, hence patience and growth mindset should accompany every effort.

Empowering sustainability professionals with robust diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) skills requires a deliberate and progressive approach. Initiate the journey by immersing in targeted DEI training programs, cultivating a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between sustainability and inclusivity. Actively engage in DEI-focused forums, leveraging opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and thought leaders. Infuse DEI principles into the core of sustainability practices, ensuring that strategies prioritize fairness and representation. Forge partnerships with DEI organizations to exchange insights and integrate inclusive practices. Cultivate a workplace culture that champions diversity.

Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective DEI work in sustainability. We can learn from each other, leverage diverse perspectives, and create stronger, more inclusive solutions. Organizations like IISD, WRI, and CJA play a vital role in advancing DEI, and joining forces is how we drive meaningful change.

We can't change the world alone. we need each other. Build a community of givers that can create a domino's effect in terms of positive change. Don't go too far right or left but always look for a balance.

Employee resource groups where you can get together with a diverse and interested group within your company can be of great help to discuss needs and solutions for the DEI challenges your company faces.

It is always worth checking out DEI initiatives in the workplace (if you already have a Chief Diversity Officer or DEI committee at your workplace), and checking out training courses for DEI already offered by your Learning and Development team.

Elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) skills within the realm of sustainability demands a proactive and continuous commitment. Commence by enrolling in specialized DEI training programs, fostering an in-depth understanding of the interconnectedness between sustainability and inclusivity. Actively participate in DEI-focused conferences and networks to absorb diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge base. Integrate DEI considerations seamlessly into sustainability practices, ensuring that initiatives are not only environmentally conscious but also socially equitable. Collaborate with DEI experts and organizations to stay abreast of evolving best practices and frameworks.

Look for connection you can make with social movements outside your company. They can provide you with insights and activist stories. And if you are a workplace activist make sure you take care of yourself. Personal care and building a support network will prevent you from a burn-out and helps you to keep a long term commitment for the change you want to bring.

Absolutely. I love the quote "Personal growth is not a matter of learning new information but of unlearning old limits" - Alan Cohen

DEI in sustainability is an ongoing journey. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values. As we adapt and grow, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

It is always worth checking out DEI initiatives in the workplace (if you already have a Chief Diversity Officer or DEI committee at your workplace), and checking out training courses for DEI already offered by your Learning and Development team.

Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) skills among sustainability professionals necessitates a deliberate and multifaceted strategy. Initiate this journey by immersing yourself in specialized DEI training programs, gaining profound insights into the intricate relationship between sustainability and social equity. Actively participate in DEI-focused networks and conferences to absorb diverse perspectives and foster collaborative learning. Seamlessly integrate DEI principles into sustainability initiatives, ensuring that environmental practices align with inclusive values. Forge partnerships with DEI organizations to stay informed about emerging best practices and trends.

There is no best person for the job, there is a best person for a team that needs to get a job done. Look at what you need in your team to be able to address the challenges and opportunities of the diverse markets you are serving.