A Note from our Founder
In the last few years of the post-George Floyd era of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), I’ve met so many well-intentioned leaders eager to do their part in moving the needle on equity within their sphere of influence. As their equity consultant, I’ve struggled alongside them to identify and address the inequities that exist within and that are perpetuated by their organizations.
Through these experiences, I’ve gained invaluable insights about how organizations show up and navigate transformational change based on where they are on their equity journey, which key leadership styles are needed in organizations to champion and dismantle systemic racism, and how to center the needs and elevate the voices of those that are often ignored or excluded to fuel innovation.
According to a 2020 survey by the Harvard Business Review, 84% of respondents believed their organization was committed to diversity, yet only 42% felt that their organization was doing enough to create an inclusive culture. I founded The Solution Consulting Co. to help mission-driven organizations move from performative DEI to transformative DEI.
The hardest lesson that I’ve learned on this journey though is that it’s not enough to envision and strategically plan for a new world where:
- Underrepresented staff don’t report having a statistically significant less satisfying experience, less access to promotions, and higher turnover than their colleagues
- The community can see people who look like them in the leadership seats of the organizations that serve them, not just in the customer-facing positions
- Staff of color can authentically show up because and do not live in fear of retaliation and job loss for sharing their truth
- Programming and funding allocation is driven by the needs of the populations served, not just the strategic priorities of organizations’ leaders and/or fundersÂ
Change can be difficult, especially when it involves deeply ingrained beliefs and practices. In a study by Deloitte, 67% of respondents said they faced resistance when trying to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives. If we want to BE different, we actually have to DO different things.
Core Values
PRODUCTIVE STRUGGLE
Everyone has a role to play to eliminate racial inequity.
COMMITMENT TO ACTION
Bold action focused on sustained and continuous change is needed at work and society.
Empathy
Listening to understand and accept what another is experiencing is vital.
EQUITY
Changing policies, practices, systems & structures ensure equity for all.
Love
Equity work must be carried out with an inherent love and respect for all people.
Humanity
Racial inequity negates the inherent humanity and value of each person and must be addressed.
Solution Co. is a network of reckless optimists who teach organizations actionable strategies for DEI. We know that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company is more innovative and successful. Our team embraces diversity of background, perspective, culture, and lived experience to uncover and overcome inequity in all its forms. We're here to help your business thrive by building a more inclusive culture.
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