Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice!

Diversity is a fact, Inclusion is a choice! This statement has been making the rounds for some time now, and it couldn't be truer. While diversity is an inherent characteristic of society, creating an inclusive environment requires conscious effort and a willingness to challenge our biases and assumptions.

As the world becomes more interconnected, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to reflect the diversity of their consumers. Unfortunately, many businesses are failing to do so. In the Netherlands, for example, only 0.7% of funded capital goes to female-led startups. This is not only unfair, but it is also bad business. Research has consistently shown that diverse teams outperform homogeneous teams in terms of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

It's important to note that diversity is not just about gender and race. It encompasses a broad range of characteristics, including but not limited to age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and socio-economic status. When we fail to recognize this, we risk perpetuating stereotypes and limiting the potential of our teams.

Creating an inclusive environment requires a commitment to change. This means challenging our assumptions and biases, acknowledging our privileges, and actively seeking out and valuing different perspectives. It also means creating policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusivity, such as flexible working hours and parental leave, as well as providing training and education to help team members recognize and address their biases.

To achieve true diversity and inclusion, we need to move beyond superficial changes and embrace a deeper cultural shift. We need to recognize that everyone has something unique to contribute, and that the only way to fully unlock our collective potential is by creating a culture of inclusivity and respect.

How to do that? We need to train and educate leaders and make sure they start walking the talk. We need more rolmodels and give them the right stages and audiences and we have to create more data-driven solutions.

In conclusion, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is and stays a choice. It is up to all of us to make that choice and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. By doing so, we not only create a more just and equitable society, but we also lay the groundwork for a more innovative and prosperous future.

A quick impact tip: a little effort goes a long way! Tag someone that deserves (extra) exposure in a LinkedIn message. That can be your female co-worker, your queer co-worker or your much younger co-worker for example. They need your network and exposure to get a seat a new table! Challenge your inner ally and lead by example! We need challengers to make the world a better place.