Three Strategies to Cultivate and Capitalize on Diverse Talent
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In today's world, diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords—it's something that companies strive to do, but they aren't sure how to operationalize it. The truth is, DEI is far more than just adding a few minorities and women to your team. It's about considering the context in which candidates were raised and the experiences they've had so far. In this presentation, participants will learn how to approach DEI from a more holistic perspective and the importance of intercultural education and its intersection with intracultural competencies.
Based on quantitative and qualitative data from CJ Gross’s book, What's Your Zip Code Story? Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace, participants will learn the 3 C’s strategies that enable professionals to move from discussions around DEI and into actualizing diverse company leaders.
C1. Cultivating a mentorship workplace culture: it's almost impossible to be what you can't see or what you have not witnessed. research shows top leaders in companies have all experienced some form of mentorship, most informal.
C2. Character and cultural development experiences: future company leaders need experiences that grow their intercultural development and leadership acumen.
C3. Credentials, credentials, credentials: the credentials we're talking about are not just formal education.
CEO of Ascension Worldwide and Master DEI Faculty at the University of Maryland Baltimore County will highlight the impact that the 3 C's have had on the careers of top corporate leaders as well as his own career trajectory.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how the 3 C’s can be used to develop corporate programs and initiatives.
- Understand the business case for the 3 C’s.
- Discuss how the 3 C’s applies to the participant's own career experience.
Christopher CJ Gross
Christopher “CJ” Gross is a dynamic voice in Cultural Transformation, renowned for his infectious energy, captivating engagement, and thought-provoking insights. With expertise in deciphering the power of culture to drive innovation and success, CJ draws from diverse fields such as sales, non-profit, engineering, and change management. His unique ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for sharing thoughts and experiences sets him apart, leaving audiences with practical strategies and actionable takeaways.
CJ's significant impact as a speaker spans various industries, guiding organizations through the complexities of cultural change. Whether addressing small teams or large conferences, his memorable presence and storytelling resonate with all privileged to hear him speak.
CJ is a TEDx Speaker and founder of Ascension Worldwide, a firm dedicated to Cultural Integration and Transformation training and consulting based in the Washington, D.C. area. CJ has 20-years of experience as an international organizational development consultant specializing in leadership development and Cultural Integration and Transformation. CJ is a certified Social + Emotional Intelligence coach, trainer, Keirsey Temperament professional, and Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Administrator, with additional expertise in organizational mediation. CJ is also an adjunct professor at Saint Bonaventure University in the School of Business.