A multi-part series that grounds participants in the fundamentals of DEI as they begin learning how to increase inclusion, belongingness, and equity by improving workplace culture and communication. This series focuses on a deep exploration of self, others, and one’s own role in a polarized society, as well as how to effectively bridge cultural differences.

This multi-part learning experience for people leaders focuses on building the mindset, skillset and heartset to become equitable justice-centered leaders. To effectively plan and lead equity-centered organizational changes, participants will find their individual and organizational “why,” align, and vision-set as a leadership team, and develop a plan for implementing change and managing resistance.

The Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification 1.0 is a 3-day experience that certifies and licenses participants to deliver our content on how to have meaningful conversations across differences. Typical attendees include in-house facilitators, internal DEI and L&D practitioners, external consultants who want to be able to support clients with DEI content, and anyone who wants to learn how to effectively start and engage in difficult conversations at work.

This learning journey will explore why it is so difficult to have conversations around polarizing topics, highlight the benefits of developing this skill and introduce key skills for having inclusive conversations. This foundation can be followed up with optional “demographic-specific” sessions offered to equip learners with knowledge and inclusive language surrounding intersectional identities.  

Inspired by The Winters Group team’s NEW book Racial Justice at Work: Practical Solutions for Systemic Change, this multi-part series unpacks the history of white supremacy and how race-based inequities continue to impede our goal of creating just and equitable work environments. It invites learners to consider within their own industries and organizational contexts: what would need to change in order for race to no longer be a predictor of outcome? Participants will leave with actions that they can apply to take collective responsibility for dismantling racism in the context of their workplaces and beyond.

The work of diversity, equity, and inclusion is becoming increasingly difficult as social justice issues continue to be politicized. Practitioners in many organizations that have committed to equity and justice must deal with constant change and resistance to the work, all while continuing to advance organizational DEI strategies. This institute is designed to support practitioners in effectively advancing the work in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environment. This long-term learning journey will begin with foundational concepts and language needed to understand and drive justice work. Next, over several sessions, it will equip learners with skills for recognizing, managing, and disrupting resistance to this work. Finally, it will conclude with a capstone project through which learners gain hands-on experience bringing a justice lens to their everyday work and decision-making.