On Embedding D&I in Business Strategy

Wouldn’t it be valuable to have a healthier and more inclusive purpose-driven culture? To achieve the said culture, you must be willing as the leader to provide everyone with equal chances of succeeding within an organization. 

In this episode of Dreams with Deadlines, Jenny Herald interviews Vessy Tasheva, the founder of vessy.com, a Diversity & Inclusion, and Mental Health consultancy. Vessy works with clients across Europe and North America, such as Soundcloud, Reward Gateway, and Typeform, to create a healthier and more inclusive purpose-driven culture. 

Diversity & Inclusion is about creating a work environment where people feel they belong, can be productive, and can engage and learn regardless of their personal background. 

Listen in to learn the importance of including diversity as part of the overall business strategy rather than doing it as an afterthought or charity work. You will also learn about the importance of educating leaders from where they are and for them to take ownership of their own D&I journey. 

“Unfortunately, it’s rare for companies to know what they’re doing with D&I, many mess up or do it performatively.” — Vessy [7:46]

Show notes

• [1:54] Vessy on how she helps companies with their diversity and inclusion approach. 
• [2:58] Defining Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) – creating a work environment where everyone gets the same chance for success. 
• [4:08] The current state of diversity and inclusion in organizations today and the importance of having it in place.
• [9:19] The top misunderstandings that senior leaders have when it comes to executing diversity and inclusion. 
• [14:18] Vessy explains the reasons why the D&I job is so difficult to execute. 
• [19:33] How to embed D&I in the business strategy and OKRs organically and transparently to everyone. 
• [24:05] The mistakes companies and leaders make when including D&I into their strategy and what you can do to avoid these mistakes.
• [31:26] How Vessy helps companies work around KPIs and OKRs when it comes to diversity and inclusion. 
• [38:51] Vessy answers more quick-fire questions. 

Relevant links

• REPORT: 2019 Diversity in the Workplace Report
• REPORT: 2020 Diversity in the Workplace Report
• Working Paper: Does CSR foster inclusion and diversity? An exploratory study of Ibero-American countries