The Imperative of all Leaders: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in a Divided World

In today's increasingly polarized climate, where immigrant communities, non-white races, and women face growing hostility, the need for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) has never been more urgent. This isn’t just a talking point or a checkbox exercise for companies. It’s a call to action—a moral, social, and economic imperative for the survival of our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and indeed, our world.

In my over 25 years of research, training, teaching and leading leaders in the DEIB arena, I am finding myself compelled to speak out. Recently, I’ve had more invitations than ever to teach and share with leaders of all backgrounds the basics of how our brains work, and the danger of leading on automatic versus understanding the neuroscience of bias, of passivity versus self-awareness and purposeful leadership. Leaders must now do more than manage; they must stand for something greater than themselves. DEIB is not about silencing anyone; it’s about amplifying the voices that have been too often muted. It’s about acknowledging that "othering"—the practice of alienating those who don’t look, think, or live like us—destroys the very fabric of humanity.

The Dangers of "Othering"

To “other” someone is to dehumanize them. History shows us what happens when we allow this behavior to persist unchecked: division, oppression, and eventually, violence. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. warned, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” When we allow the rhetoric of fear to marginalize any group, we are not just harming them; we are setting the stage for broader societal decay.

Research confirms this. According to the Harvard Business Review, diverse teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets than non-diverse teams. Yet, more than half of Black workers and one-third of Latino workers report experiencing discrimination in the workplace. When we marginalize groups, we aren’t just denying them opportunity—we are denying innovation, creativity, and growth.

As Andrés Tapia writes, "Diversity is the mix, but inclusion is making the mix work." It is not enough to have different faces around the table; we must ensure every voice is heard and valued. In failing to do so, we allow “othering” to poison our relationships and our workplaces.

The Power of DEIB in Leadership

True leadership calls for courage. Brené Brown, a renowned voice on vulnerability and leadership, teaches us that "vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome." This vulnerability is required when leading with DEIB. Leaders must be willing to challenge the status quo, face discomfort, and be held accountable for the cultures they create.

Tony Robbins often speaks about transformation through truth, and the truth is that inclusion isn't just a feel-good concept; it’s a business imperative. Companies with diverse leadership teams report 53% higher returns on equity and are 33% more likely to outperform competitors on profitability, according to McKinsey & Company.

But numbers alone don't convey the full picture. What’s equally important is how inclusion reshapes the human spirit. Inclusion heals. It allows us to acknowledge the sacredness of every individual, not just for what they can contribute to the economy but for who they are.

DEIB: Not to Fear, but to Embrace

For too long, DEIB has been framed as a threat by those who fear losing their power or privilege. But this fear is unfounded. In embracing DEIB, we don’t lose; we gain. The Bible teaches us, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This ancient truth is a call to action for equality. It reminds us that in God’s eyes, we are all equal, and so we should be in each other's eyes as well.

The Qur'an shares a similar sentiment: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another" (49:13). We are called not to division, but to connection. We are meant to learn from each other, to enrich each other’s lives through understanding and cooperation.

And as the philosopher Khalil Gibran once said, “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” What kind of world are we sending our children into? One filled with fear and division, or one rich with understanding, compassion, and equity?

The Call for Peace, Justice, and Truth

Peace cannot exist without justice. And justice cannot exist without truth. The truth is this: diversity makes us stronger. Equity ensures that everyone has a fair shot. Inclusion fosters innovation. And belonging—the sense that each of us has a place in this world—transforms lives.

As leaders, we must examine not only our overt actions but our passive inactions. Are we allowing discriminatory jokes to pass unchallenged in the workplace? Are we making assumptions about someone’s abilities based on their appearance or background? The time has come for leaders to not only manage their teams but to lead with intention and purpose. To be an ally is to be an upstander, not a bystander.

We need leaders who are willing to stand up, even when it’s uncomfortable, to create spaces where everyone belongs. As Maya Angelou once said, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.”

What Action Will You Take?

So, I leave you with this question: What action will you take today to make your workplace, your community, and your world one of equity and belonging? Will you be a bystander or an upstander? The choice is yours, but remember—each choice shapes not only your future but the future of those you lead.

Let’s commit today to creating a world where every person, regardless of race, gender, or background, knows they belong.

As a LEADER, I ask you to please share your best practices in this current climate. Let’s help each other do more to be more to get more and leave a legacy that makes this world a better place for all.