Why I Focus my Thought Leadership on Inclusion, Intersectionality (Diversity), & Equity

I often get asked why I focus my thought leadership on Inclusion, Intersectionality (Diversity), & Equity ??

My journey began in the United States Army, where I proudly served as a trauma medic during the Gulf War and other conflicts. On my first day of basic training, I was paired with a "battle buddy" – a person who becomes your responsibility, and vice versa. The unique aspect is that you don't get to choose your buddy; it's a random assignment without considerations for diversity quotas, job alignments, or skill testing.

Allow me to introduce Parish, my battle buddy. An 18-year-old from the deep south of Alabama, she held a GED, while I was college-bound. Her MOS was in the "motor pool," and mine trauma medic, her height 6’1” me 5’3”, her not so athletically inclined and me, I trained hard prior to basic for the physical training test. Despite our differences in height, athleticism, and other aspects, we quickly realized that our differences could be transformed into strengths.

Parish was responsible for me graduating and I her. This became a fast realization we were both doing pushups within the first 2 minutes of formation (one of us did something frowned upon – like wearing red sparking nail polish too formation, leaving us both to do pushups).?

For us both to graduate (and graduate in the top 10%) we quickly saw our differences as strengths.? I am dyslexic, Parish helped me study; we dug a foxhole for her 6’1” heights and cut in a step that worked for my 5’4” (so the foxhole was 5’7’ deep except for my step at 5’); Parish threw and shot as expected so we spent off duty time working on her arm and aim. I could tell story after story about those days; however, I think you’re starting to understand. ?

To date battle buddies, is the lens I take into the business world. A few lessons learned in basic training:

·???????? Differences (diversity) are strengths and celebrating these strengths.

·???????? Differences (diversity) are opportunities.

·???????? Diversity in the workplace without inclusion leads to an “us versus them” workforce.

·???????? The world is about intersectionality not diversity, as we are all different from each other.

·???????? Inclusion does not just happen; we must have conviction in our intent. ???

·???????? Everyone deserves respect and both equality and equity as they are not the same.

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I think battle buddies are the Army’s way to strategic inclusion. However, for me, it was a gateway to over 20 years of education and leadership success.

The concept of battle buddies has shaped my perspective in the business world, emphasizing strategic inclusion. Over my 20 years of leadership success, I've come to understand that it's not just about having a diverse workplace; it's about cultivating a culture of inclusion where intersectionality can flourish – whether at the team or organizational level. ?

So, why do I focus my thought leadership on Inclusion, Intersectionality (Diversity), & Equity? Inclusion, Intersectionality & Equity are part of my core values.? They are how I drive successful business and relationships.

To this day, Parish and I remain best friends, a testament to the enduring impact of embracing intersectionality and fostering inclusion.

(C) 2024 Dr. Lauran Star