Published on Medium.com and in Authority Magazine | 6 min read
Step 1: Intentionally diversify our business teams, including executive-level positions and Boards of Directors. Embrace that we have much more collectively to gain as a society with inclusivity and active participation. As a business leader, the more intentional inclusion by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, etc. — the better my services meet the demands of a global economy.
Dr. Denise Anderson is a Public Health Practitioner and Social Scientist. She is the Founding CEO and President of Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) — a public health and healthcare consultancy firm. DA&A provides organizational assessments with precision, followed by tailor-made solutions in the form of organizational capacity development, curriculum design and facilitation, and research — with the discretion of a trusted thought partner.
Of course, I grew up in Newark, New Jersey. I was fortunate to grow up in a middle-class household with two loving parents who moved up north from South Carolina to provide a better life for our family.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Yes, “Up from Slavery” by Booker T. Washington. This autobiography was so inspiring. His journey from enslavement to freedom was only the beginning; he dedicated himself almost single-handedly to providing educational opportunities for African Americans who had previously been denied them due to oppressive societal structures. Perhaps most remarkable is his unshakable commitment toward advancing not just his own plight but that of other discriminated against members of society.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
Yes! “Growth and comfort cannot co-exist.” I have so many stories! I will focus on my decision to work full-time in my business. I did not have six months of bill payments in my savings account and was a bit nauseous at not receiving a direct deposit every two weeks in my bank account. However, I decided to bet on myself! I could not be comfortable and grow at the same time.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership is leading by example. It is the difference between dictating and influencing. Leadership is supporting and encouraging your team, and leadership supports teams in reaching their full potential individually and collectively. I have not left a position where a colleague has not asked me to keep them in mind because they would love to work with me again. That is leadership.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. In the summer of 2020, the United States faced a very important self-reckoning about race, diversity, equality and inclusion. This is of course a huge topic. But briefly, can you share your view on what made the events of 2020 different from racial reckonings in the past?
In the past, we read stories, viewed pictures, and eventually graduated to video recordings of a person after a police assault. In the summer of 2020, the world witnessed on a live recording a police officer, whose job is to serve and protect, taking George Floyd’s life for nine and a half minutes. This was a reckoning for all who minimized or blatantly denied police brutality in the Black community.
Can you tell our readers a bit about your experience working with initiatives to promote Diversity and Inclusion? Can you share a story with us?
As a Black female, I have advocated for diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice in my 20 years in the workforce. I experience life through those two demographics, and my instinct is to promote these principles unapologetically. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I established the first-ever rapid mobile response team at the New Jersey Department of Health. We brought the pandemic response to vulnerable communities — COVID testing and vaccines. The team was diverse, representing the communities we served. We were inclusive because we responded to residents who could not access these services independently. And finally, we were equitable by offering choice — carrying all three available COVID vaccinations.
This may be obvious to you, but it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you articulate to our readers a few reasons why it is so important for a business or organization to have a diverse executive team?
First, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are imperative in competing in a global economy as a business owner. The world’s population is not monolithic. How do you capture the wants and needs of global consumers without representation in your business? Representation in your business leads to the second component of my response, which is the importance of representation throughout the entire organizational structure, including executive positions and boards of directors. This higher-level representation is essential because the power and authority reside within the higher organizational structures to champion DEI and ensure that representation is reflected in a business’s ultimate products and service offerings. Lastly, DEI and more supportive work environments offer a potential solution to employee recruitment, engagement, and retention.
Ok. Here is the main question of our discussion. You are an influential business leader. Can you please share your “5 Steps We Must Take To Truly Create An Inclusive, Representative, and Equitable Society”? Kindly share a story or example for each.
- Step 1: Intentionally diversify our business teams, including executive-level positions and Boards of Directors. Embrace that we have much more collectively to gain as a society with inclusivity and active participation. As a business leader, the more intentional inclusion by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, etc. — the better my services meet the demands of a global economy.
- Step 2: Recognize that diversification within our businesses is a call to action to be intentional about hiring qualified, representative candidates. Business success is all about relationships and trust, and it is time to level up if you do not have representation in your social and cultural networks.
- Step 3: Engage in, champion, and do the work to transform your business. This is not the work of HR departments alone. This is also not the work of an isolated DEI position without the power, authority, and resources to truly transform an organization versus check a box.
- Step 4: once engaging and monitoring representative hiring processes, businesses must focus on equitable work environments and supportive policies that will retain employees through quiet quitting and the great resignation
- Step 5: DEI demands a change in the psychology of an organization — a cultural shift. George Floyd was the reason; however, there are no seasons, and DEI requires a lifetime commitment to continuous quality improvement.
We are going through a rough period now. What makes you optimistic about the future of the US? Can you please explain?
I am optimistic about the future of the U.S. because this is my home, and there is no other place I want to be. I believe in our potential. Martin Luther King said, “We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.” This rough period is not how the U.S. story has to end, and I remain hopeful.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Ooh! This is a toss-up between President Obama and former First Lady of The United States, Michelle Obama. Can they both join me for breakfast as a couple? (laughter). If I chose, it would be Mrs. Michelle Obama. We have similar healthcare backgrounds, and I admire how she maintained grace under pressure.
How can our readers follow you online?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daathoughtpartner/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
