In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo welcomes Denise Hamilton, a leading DEI practitioner and author of Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future. Denise shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a sought-after DEI consultant, emphasising the importance of practical application and the human side of diversity, equity, and inclusion work. They discuss her innovative approach to DEI, the necessity of evolving language and practices, and how to navigate the discomfort that comes with challenging long-held beliefs. Denise also delves into her impactful charity initiative, Good Givers, which redefines how we think about giving and supporting communities in need.
Highlights:
Denise's Journey: From her extensive career in corporate America to becoming a DEI expert, Denise Hamilton shares her unique path and the experiences that shaped her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Empathy and Integrity in DEI: Discover how Denise emphasises the need for empathy and integrity in DEI work, highlighting the importance of understanding human experiences and aligning actions with core values.
Impact of High Expectations: Denise discusses the pressures faced by white men due to societal expectations, contributing to high suicide rates, and the broader implications of these inequities on society.
Reimagining DEI: Learn about Denise's innovative approach to DEI, advocating for a shift from inclusion to being indivisible, and how evolving language and concepts can lead to more effective strategies.
Thoughtful Charity: Feel inspired by Denise's Good Givers initiative, which redefines how we think about charity by centering the dignity and needs of recipients, allowing parents to be the heroes in their children's lives.
Addressing Bias and Building Consensus: Denise highlights the importance of confronting biases, both personal and systemic, and building consensus on shared values and goals to ensure successful DEI implementation.
Key Takeaways
Denise Hamilton’s DEI strategies focus on practical implementation and evolving language and practices:
Her approach integrates real-world experiences with strategic DEI efforts to create lasting impact within organisations.
She emphasises the importance of empathy, integrity, and continuous evolution in DEI work.
Navigating DEI challenges requires a compassionate and proactive approach:
Leaders must address discomfort and biases head-on, fostering a culture of inclusion and fairness.
Practical initiatives like Good Givers demonstrate how thoughtful, community-centred approaches can redefine charity and support.
Guest Bio
Denise Hamilton is a renowned DEI practitioner and author of Indivisible. She is the Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform for professional women, and All Hands Group, a workplace culture consultancy. With over 25 years of experience in corporate America, Denise has navigated and addressed numerous challenges as one of the few black women in executive roles. Her practical approach to DEI, combined with her lived experiences, has made her a sought-after consultant and speaker. Denise is also the Founder of Good Givers, an innovative charity initiative aimed at supporting families in need with dignity and respect.
Links
Denise Hamilton LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamiltondenise/
Denise Hamilton Website:https://denisehamilton.co/
Purchase “Indivisible”
Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices
