A Better Approach to Mentorship: Bridging the Talent Divide
Based on CJ's highly acclaimed Harvard Business Review article 'A Better Approach to Mentorship' which highlights the benefits of cross-cultural mentorship, this session will explore real-life examples, practical insights, and strategies to implement an inclusive mentorship program that celebrates diversity and leads to a more equitable and empowered workplace. Participants will gain insights into leveraging AI tools like chatbots, virtual mentors, and data-driven matching algorithms to create an inclusive and empowering mentorship experience.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the advantages of cross-cultural mentorship and its impact on workplace diversity and equitable succession planning.
- Learn practical strategies for designing and implementing an inclusive mentorship program that promotes diversity and bridges the talent divide.
- Explore the role of AI tools, such as chatbots, virtual mentors, and data-driven matching algorithms, in creating an inclusive and empowering mentorship environment.
- Overcome challenges in creating an equitable workplace through infusing mentorship in internship programs to expand and diversify the hiring pipeline.
- Gain insights from successful examples of organizations that have implemented inclusive mentorship programs and learn best practices for achieving a more equitable and empowered workplace.
Christopher CJ Gross

Christopher “CJ” Gross is the author of the best-selling book What's Your Zip Code Story? Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace and the highly acclaimed Harvard Business Review article, A Better Approach to Mentorship. He is a TEDx Speaker and founder of Ascension Worldwide, a firm dedicated to DEI and cultural transformation 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 DEI transformation. CJ is a certified Social + Emotional Intelligence coach, trainer, Keirsey Temperament professional, and Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Administrator.
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