Demystifying Diversity: A Simple Guide To Inclusion [Interview with Gamiel Yafai] Part 1

This is the first part of a special two part show where I speak with Gamiel Yafai. Gamiel is a 17-year veteran of the Diversity and Inclusion industry and the author of two books: Yemen Proud and Demystifying Diversity.

Gamiel is an award winning Diversity & Inclusion Strategist with a wealth of knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with him so that he could share the benefit of his considerable experience with us.

In the first part of the show we discuss several things including:

  • A little known secret of the organisations that win Diversity & Inclusion awards
  • How Gamiel uses his heritage culture to influence his work
  • The 3 primary roles of Diversity Champions and much, much more

Here’s some of the wisdom that Gamiel shared:

The importance of Self Leadership

Gamiel explains why it is important for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and influence their own behaviour before they are able to influence those around them:

“You have to lead yourself before you can lead others”

True Champions Emerge

Gamiel explains that some of the best diversity champions are individuals who the organisation would not have chosen, he says that organisations have difficulty identifying these special individuals:

“You can’t advertise for them, they just appear”

An Expensive Myth

Gamiel suggests that many organisations incorrectly believe that effective diversity and inclusion initiatives must be expensive.

“Our problem is trying to change complex mind sets that think that you have to pay a fortune to introduce a brilliant programme”

If you want a quick snapshot of what the episode is about I’ve created some slides that you may find interesting

THE KEY TAKEAWAY

Accountability cuts across everything!

Show notes

Here are some selected links to for the resources and reports I discuss in the episode.

Yemen Proud

Demystifying Diversity

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The Elements of Inclusion #4

Leaders must collaborate innovatively to leverage cultural expertise and drive business performance.

  • Why inclusive outcomes are driven by innovation
  • How developing a business case for diversity and inclusion specific to your organisation is a competitive advantage
  • Why novelty is at the heart of your inclusion journey

The Elements of Inclusion #3

Leaders must establish systems to ensure that everyone shares the same advantages and benefits. These processes will create incentives for inclusive behaviours.

  • How to augment your team with the tools and insights they need to prevent structural disadvantage
  • Why reinforcing generative norms ensures everyone belongs in the organisation
  • How inclusive representations can be embedded to promote an inclusive culture

The Elements of Inclusion #2

Leaders must redefine career development relationships to support inclusive performance.
  • Why traditional mentor relationships must be revised for an inclusive workplace
  • How leaders must embrace networks of developmental relationships for individual growth
  • Why established workplace norms must evolve for inclusion in the modern workplace

The Elements of Inclusion #1

Leaders must properly socialise people and socialise inclusive ideas by providing an environment for the cultural learning needed for an active role in an inclusive organisation

  • How your socialisation processes must evolve to encourage the sustainable cultivation of inclusive competencies
  • Why Leaders must consistently negotiate the line between organisational commitment and personal authenticity to promote performance
  • How developing intersectional self awareness can help leaders to leverage individual employee experiences