Many companies are reducing their efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), even though research shows that these efforts help businesses grow and perform better. A report from McKinsey & Co. in 2023 confirms that companies with diverse leadership tend to have better financial success and happier employees. This means businesses that welcome different perspectives gain an advantage over those that do not.
Black leaders in the tech industry have seen how diversity benefits both people and companies. Christopher Kunney, a digital expert, believes that when people from different backgrounds work together, they come up with better ideas and solutions. He explains that if only one type of person makes decisions, ideas can become too similar. But when a team is diverse, they can explore different angles and find stronger solutions. He also points out that technology affects everyone, so companies must understand different communities to create products that work for all.
Christopher Lafayette, a technology expert and humanitarian, agrees. He believes that a workplace with many different voices leads to better ideas. He explains that having a mix of people in a company creates a mix of ideas, which results in better products and solutions. He also says that diverse teams make artificial intelligence (AI) more effective. If AI systems are only trained with one type of perspective, they won’t work well for everyone. That’s why it’s important to include many different viewpoints when developing new technology.
Lafayette points to companies like Apple, which has made diversity a key part of its success. He explains that Apple knows it is working with a global audience and includes different voices in its process. This helps Apple create products that connect with people worldwide and improve their lives.
Keith McIntosh, a university CIO, takes a broad approach to diversity. Instead of focusing only on DEI programs, he practices inclusive leadership. He uses a model called the “”””Diversity Wheel”””” to understand different aspects of identity when hiring and leading teams. When he joined a new company, he found out that many women on his team felt unheard. He introduced changes that made sure everyone felt valued. Over time, he noticed an improvement in teamwork and morale. He also started discussions on important social issues, helping employees understand different perspectives and grow as individuals.
Ibrahim Jackson, a leader working to increase Black representation in tech, shares a story about a company’s AI-driven learning platform. The platform originally featured only avatars of middle-aged white men. Since the development team looked the same way, they did not realize they were leaving out other groups. Once diversity was introduced into the process, the product became more inclusive and appealing to more people. Jackson also recalls speaking at an event where a man admitted he had no interest in DEI discussions at first. But after learning more, he realized that understanding different perspectives opened his mind.
Robert Scott, another leader in the industry, explains that diversity is not just about race, gender, or background—it is also about bringing in different ways of thinking. He believes that diverse teams perform better in business, creativity, and innovation. But simply having diversity is not enough; people also need fair opportunities and a sense of belonging. Scott mentored a Black woman who worked hard but did not realize that building connections and gaining visibility were also key to career growth. With guidance, she became a CIO. He emphasizes that mentoring and sponsorship are critical because many people from underrepresented backgrounds do not naturally have access to the same opportunities.
Scott calls this idea “”””inclusive excellence.”””” He works with companies to help them remove barriers that prevent people from advancing. When businesses create an environment where all employees feel valued and included, they improve individual careers and make the company stronger.
The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion goes beyond business success. It also helps create a fairer and more equal society. When people from all backgrounds have access to opportunities, they can contribute their unique skills and ideas. This benefits not only the companies they work for but also the communities around them.
Many successful companies recognize that diversity brings fresh ideas and perspectives. They know that when employees feel valued, they work harder and perform better. Inclusive teams also create products and services that meet the needs of a wider range of customers. In contrast, companies that do not focus on diversity may struggle to connect with different communities and miss out on valuable opportunities.
There are many ways companies can promote diversity and inclusion. One way is by making sure hiring processes are fair and open to people from all backgrounds. Another way is by offering mentorship programs to help employees from underrepresented groups advance in their careers. Businesses can also create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives.
When companies actively support diversity, they create workplaces where all employees can succeed. Employees who feel respected and included are more likely to stay with a company, reducing turnover and increasing productivity. In turn, this helps businesses grow and become more successful.
Inclusive leadership is another important factor in creating diverse workplaces. Leaders who embrace inclusivity make sure that all team members have a voice. They encourage open discussions and create an environment where different perspectives are valued. This helps teams solve problems more effectively and come up with innovative solutions.
Diversity is also important in technology development. Many products and services are used by people from different backgrounds. If the people creating these products come from only one background, they might overlook important factors. For example, AI systems need diverse datasets to work well for everyone. Without inclusive input, these systems might be biased and less effective.
Diversity also leads to better decision-making. When a team includes different perspectives, they can identify potential problems and find solutions faster. They are also more likely to consider the needs of all users, making their products and services more effective.
Companies that embrace diversity gain a competitive advantage. They can attract top talent from different backgrounds, build stronger teams, and create better products. They also improve their reputation and attract more customers who value inclusivity.
In contrast, companies that ignore diversity may face challenges. They might struggle to innovate, lose talented employees, or fail to connect with a diverse customer base. This can lead to missed opportunities and lower success in the long run.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for both individual and business success. Companies that create inclusive environments not only help their employees grow but also strengthen their organizations. When everyone has a fair chance to succeed, businesses and communities thrive. The benefits of diversity go beyond financial success—they help build a world where everyone feels valued and included.
