It’s a fact: Human beings have unconscious bias, and this bias affects all aspects of our lives, including the workplace. Exploring and taking action to undo bias is critical to creating environments where all talent can feel they truly belong. In year one of this series, we explored the places that bias exists in our agencies and offered expert advice to eliminate it. In year two, we acknowledged the personal responsibility every member of the agency team has to eliminate bias and activate belonging.

Session One: How Our Communications and Actions Affect Belonging – A Candid Discussion
February 23 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Recruiting and retaining mid-level talent – especially diverse talent – has been a long-time challenge for our agencies. This session is an opportunity to listen and learn from diverse professionals who are at that critical mid-level career point. The audience will gain insight as to what’s happening right now in our industry and walk away with knowledge of the large and small actions that need to be taken to improve the experience — and subsequently, retention and performance — of diverse talent. 

Moderated by Linda Davis, JPA Health

Panelists: Jordan Folkes, Account Supervisor, BCW; Imani Holmes, Senior AE, Edelman; Rima Masubuchi, Account Supervisor, PAN Communications; Yasmin Teymourian, Account Supervisor, GCI Health

Session Two: Creating Environments Where Everyone Can Be Their Authentic Selves
March 23 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Led by Chelsea Williams, Reimagine Talent Co.

So, you’ve made progress on agency representation by hiring Black employees, now what? Given heightened conversations on employee experience and well-being, agencies must ensure that diversity efforts don’t just stop at recruiting but expand to support fostering workplaces of belonging for all. 

The session will focus intently on the nuances of managing & leading underrepresented populations — with a lens towards Black employees. Attendees will learn “The 3 Rs”, a practical tool for leaders to foster belonging.  

Session Three: Hone Your Empathy to Deliver Inclusivity and Belonging
April 27 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Led by Shelton Davis & Theresa Ward, Empathy Lab

Empathy is the only individual human ability that drives us to succeed collectively. It’s the common denominator at the heart of all great collaboration, invention, and innovation. It’s the first step in Design Thinking, which is all about solving problems by prioritizing the needs of people. And it’s the first step we trip over, rush through or skip altogether. Why? Because we first must learn how to live empathetically. 

This workshop combines the science of human behavior, the art of human-centered design, and the sport of track-and-field into an empowering, 10-skill practice series for individuals and teams. Mastering new skills takes practice and empathy is one of them. This workshop will help you, your teams, and your organizations adopt the practice of empathy to activate belonging in your agencies and beyond. 

Session Four: The Everyday Habits of Inclusive Teams
May 18 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Led by Elfi Martinez, Jennifer Brown Consulting

Human potential is unleashed when we feel like we belong. That’s why inclusive workplaces experience higher engagement, performance, and profits. But the reality is that many people still feel unable to bring their true selves to work.

In a world where the talent pool is becoming increasingly diverse, it’s more important than ever for leaders to truly understand how to support inclusion. Drawing on years of Jennifer Brown Consulting’s work with many leading organizations, this webinar will help you gain insight on what leaders at any level can do to spark real change. This session will explore four developmental stages (Unaware, Aware, Active, and Advocate), describing the hallmarks of each stage, the behaviors and mindsets that inform them, and what leaders can do to keep progressing. Whatever your level, you’ll be inspired by the actions you can take to create new habits that drastically change the day-to-day reality for your colleagues and your organization.