HR Works Podcast: Deconstructing Inclusion—Creating a Sense of Belonging

Welcome back to HR Works, and our ongoing 'Deconstructing DEIB' series. Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren't just buzzwords anymore—they're battlegrounds. We're seeing them play out in boardrooms and on the news, and it's leaving HR leaders wondering, 'How do we navigate this?' Today, we're cutting through the confusion with Amira Berger, a leading DEI expert and MSNBC Contributor. Amira reminds us that 'DEI is not a trend, it's a necessity,' and that now's not the time for half-measures, performative actions or fluffy initiatives that don't move the needle, telling us, 'Employee trust is currency.' So, what can HR leaders do? How can they build genuine belonging when the stakes are so high? Per my guest, the first step is to get smart about it. Listen in as we dive into how to reframe DEI as business resilience and risk mitigation, moving beyond defense to build for the future. As Berger emphasizes, 'Employees expect their companies and leaders to stand firm and not back pedal.' We'll learn how HR leaders can tell their teams, 'We’re not here to play defense, we’re here to build workplaces where everyone thrives, not just because it’s trendy, but because it’s good business and good for the humans that are entrusted for care.'

In the latest episode of HR Works, Liz Almeida, Chief Human Resources Officer at Panasonic Corporation of North America, joins. Almeida isn't just managing HR; she's orchestrating a symphony of potential. Driven by a passion to 'unlock potential,' her approach transcends conventional HR practices, creating an environment where employees truly thrive. Listen in as we explore her unique insights on building engagement, fostering trust through vulnerability, and navigating the rapid changes in technology and the workplace. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the strategies that can transform your workplace from a source of routine to a hub of innovation and human potential.

Welcome back to our ‘Deconstructing DEIB” series. DEI is under disruption like never before. The question is, what can HR leaders do about it? What do they tell their teams? That's why the HR Works podcast has rolled out "Deconstructing DEIB," a series designed to cut through the confusion. In this series, we take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), going beyond the buzzwords, exploring the nuances of each element and examining how they intersect to truly impact the employee experience. In the third part of our four-part series, we're Deconstructing Inclusion. Inclusion is more than just representation. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard. But how do we get there? This episode of HR Works explores what inclusion truly means in practice. Kristine Santa-Coloma Rohls, Chief People Officer and Chief Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Officer at Slalom Consulting, shares her invaluable insights.

Karen Guzicki, HCI Faculty Member, shares how her passion for HR is driven by helping professionals solve impactful challenges using effective tools and strategies. In a world where employee engagement is essential, leaders must be authentic, curious, and growth-oriented.

DEI. It’s a hot topic, but it’s also a complex one—and it’s under disruption like never before. We’re seeing a lot of confusion, and frankly, some backsliding when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The question is, what can HR leaders do about it? What do they tell their teams? That’s why the HR Works podcast has rolled out “Deconstructing DEIB,” a series designed to cut through the confusion. In this series, we’ll take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), going beyond the buzzwords, exploring the nuances of each element and examining how they intersect to truly impact the employee experience. In the second episode of our four-part series, we deconstruct equity, which often gets misunderstood. What does it really mean in the workplace? How can HR leaders move beyond good intentions and create a truly level playing field? Jennifer Martinez, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Partner at Hanson Bridgett joins to discuss. Jennifer leads the firm’s DEI consulting practice to assist other businesses with DEI initiatives, helping them navigate how to continue to promote and support equality efforts in the current climate.

Keisha Nakwa, Director of Talent and Culture at KeyBridge Compliance, and Randy Lytes, Assistant Director of Equity & Compliance at Michigan State University, join HR Work Break to share practical insights to tackle recruiting challenges and strengthen compliance frameworks in their organizations.

DEI is under disruption like never before. The question is, what can HR leaders do about it? What do they tell their teams? That's why the HR Works podcast is rolling out "Deconstructing DEIB," a series designed to cut through the confusion. In this series, we'll take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). We're going beyond the buzzwords, exploring the nuances of each element and examining how they intersect to truly impact the employee experience. Through insightful conversations with industry experts and thought leaders, we'll unpack what DEIB really means and uncover practical strategies for creating a truly inclusive workplace so HR can lead the way in building truly inclusive workplaces. In the first episode of our four-part series, we challenge traditional notions of diversity and explore how the focus on the concept can sometimes unintentionally exclude or alienate employees. Cynthia McEwen, Head of DE&I and VP of People at Progyny, joins to discuss how a broader understanding of diversity, recognizing that "difference" exists in all of us, can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone. We'll dive into the interconnectedness of employee engagement, DEI initiatives, and overall company culture, and discuss how HR leaders can foster a truly inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and respected.

As we embark on a new year, the imperative to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace remains stronger than ever. DEI has evolved from a buzzword to an indispensable strategy for employers who prioritize the work. In this episode of HR Works podcast, Antoine Andrews, Chief Diversity & Social Impact Officer at SurveyMonkey, joins to discuss the core principles of DEI, dispel common misconceptions and explore its transformative power. We’ll also examine the critical role of curiosity and open-mindedness to drive meaningful change in the workplace.

This week’s HR Works podcast is a powerful clip from HR Daily Advisor’s webinar, “How the New Labor Secretary Will shape HR.” Our expert panelists Rachel Ullrich, partner at FordHarrison, and Nicholas Kowalczyk, Vice President, Chief Risk, Compliance, & Privacy Officer at Kelly Services, discussed critical legal and regulatory changes impacting HR leaders in 2025 including independent contractor law, unionization trends, immigration regulations, and more. This conversation is a must-listen and essential for any HR professional seeking the knowledge to navigate these challenges and ensure your organization remains compliant and successful. Listen to the full webinar here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4782498/BD00E1C823944B3C97CCCF473F2448D5?partnerref=DASiteListing

As we navigate the challenges of 2025, building a resilient workforce is crucial. This throwback episode of HR Works podcast emphasizes the enduring value and power of organizational effectiveness. Learn how to build a thriving workforce that can adapt and succeed in any environment. Simon Taylor, a globally recognized organizational leadership thought leader and Head of Organizational Effectiveness at Gap Inc., joins to discuss the importance of maintaining a dedicated workforce strategy built to withstand challenges and ultimately lead to long-term success.