How To Take D&I Out Of Boxes And Into The Real World

Angela Solomon • June 10, 2019

The current model for D&I is best summed up in the idea of ‘checking boxes.’ Woman? Check. African American? Check. Veteran? Check, and so on. This is a flawed system that unfortunately most companies currently use as the standard by which they are succeeded or failing when it comes to diversity. But this is not the right way to build authentic, sustainable diversity and inclusion initiatives. In fact, this is the totally opposite way to do it, and can prove damaging to a company trying to attract and retain diverse talent, both of which ultimately affect the company brand and profitability. 


Instead, here are 3 steps to ensure your company is making a meaningful effort towards real change.


Value not Numbers - Let's stop getting caught up in the metrics and pay more attention to building and hiring value that is diverse, and creating workspaces that are accepting of the complexities of difference. In “I'm every employer's dream ‘diversity hire’ and it's the worst,” Jori Ford chronicles her experiences as a recruiter's dream hire as a Black, Korean, Lesbian Tech worker. Definitely a quadruple threat and the poster child for multiple diverse representation, but here's the problem: in what is considered to be the best diverse hire and in the midst of all the excitement to anxiously check those EEOC boxes all sincerity towards the recruiting and hiring process goes completely out the window. Ford states: “companies interested in moving beyond checking boxes need to weave values and processes that foster diversity and inclusion throughout their cultures.” I wholeheartedly agree. Companies must create corporate cultures that take into consideration sustainable value-based recruiting, hiring and onboarding strategies and methodologies.


Zeal of the Challenge - See diversity & initiatives as a marathon. It's not an instant sprint to the finish line but rather it takes time and conditioning of the mind and body. For D&I you have to figure out what works and what doesn't. That challenge lies in figuring out the rights and overcoming the wrongs. New task challenges always reinvigorate the mind, body and soul. Challenges for a good cause are a win win, as they not only work towards the good of the firm and society as a whole, but can also feel great along the way. It goes way beyond doing it just because it’s ‘the right thing’; arguably all richness, innovation, and real joy in life come from challenging yourself in the right ways, and watching yourself rise to the challenge and grow from it. Approach D&I initiatives with that zeal of the challenge approach, and you will be successful!


Niche Recruiting Agency Use is a Must – “Specialized recruiting services outside resources can offer a fresh set of eyes when thinking about workplace diversity. It’s hard to change what you can’t fully see, let along change it well (that’s how unconscious bias works, after all)." Yes, I own a diversity search firm that specializes in race and gender equality. Yes, I am an African American woman, who recruits from a fresh perspective because I'm always trying to identify quality candidates who look like me. Ford is 100% correct saying this because the outside recruiting lens is not bogged down in your company's internal politics and culture. Therefore, niche agencies like mine can provide candidates you may not traditionally give a second look to.


Diversity and inclusion is about celebrating and appreciating the differences in people, not checking boxes. If your company is currently taking the ‘checking boxes’ approach, nothing good or new will come out of it. In order to create authentic, sustainable diversity & inclusion you must understand the nuances involved, then be a part of the marathon to create multiple representation.


We are better together!


I AM someone who sees incredible potential in places most  people don't think to look. As an owner of a diversity staffing boutique, my team and I walk alongside our Clients in creating professional environments that are truly for ALL. I believe in our interconnectedness as a human race and strive every day to use my gifts to empower the workplace’s invisible and powerless. I rarely bet on certainty and always root for the underdog because, after all, those are the best stories to tell.


Hi there! Thanks for reading! Follow Angela Solomon on her social profiles! | LinkedIn: /ASolomonRecruits | Facebook: @ASolomonRecruits | Instagram: @A.SolomonRecruits | Twitter: @AS_Recruits | Pinterest: @AS_Recruits

The Evolving Landscape of Corporate DEI: Key Insights from Recent Reports

By Angela Solomon • October 10, 2024
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From Stale Bread to Fresh Ideas: The DNA of Today's Thriving Professional

By Angela Solomon • September 26, 2024
As a career coach and self-proclaimed lifelong learner, I’m always telling my clients, “If you’re not growing, you’re going stale—and let’s face it, nobody likes stale bread.” In today’s fast-changing workforce, it’s not enough to just show up anymore. Success now means adapting, learning, and constantly evolving with the world around you. The DNA of today’s working professional is in constant motion, and if you’re still running on yesterday’s playbook, you might just miss out on what’s ahead. Today’s workforce looks nothing like it did a decade ago. Tech is transforming every industry, and there’s a bigger focus on values like flexibility, inclusivity, and personal growth. People want more from their careers—they want purpose, not just a paycheck. The DNA of today’s working professional is all about adaptability, self-motivation, and being comfortable with change. So, let’s dive into how today’s professional DNA stacks up against the past: 1. Adaptability vs. Stability Today : Flexibility is everything. Whether it’s technology, business practices, or job roles, change is constant. Professionals need to be able to pivot and pick up new skills quickly. If you're not evolving, you're likely being left behind. Yesterday : Stability was the goal. You stayed in one job or industry, building deep expertise in a specific area. Specialization was the key to success, and change was something you tried to avoid. 2. Continuous Learning vs. Credential-Driven Success Today : Learning never stops. Whether it’s through online courses, certifications, or simply staying on top of industry trends, professionals are expected to keep their skills fresh. It's not just about what you learned in school—it's about what you keep learning. Yesterday : A degree, especially from a well-known school, was often enough to get you through your career. Once you had the right credentials, continuous learning wasn’t a huge focus. 3. Agility in Technology vs. Traditional Tools Today : Being tech-savvy isn’t optional. From automation to collaboration tools, technology is part of almost every job. You’ve got to be able to use these tools to stay relevant. Yesterday : Tools like spreadsheets and email were enough for most roles. Technology was there, but it wasn’t deeply integrated into non-tech jobs the way it is today. 4. Values-Driven Work vs. Hierarchical Loyalty Today : People want purpose, not just a paycheck. Employees are looking for work that aligns with their values, and companies that support things like work-life balance and mental health. It’s not just about loyalty anymore—it’s about feeling good about where you work. Yesterday : Loyalty to a company was a major factor. You worked hard, stayed loyal, and didn’t necessarily expect the company to care about your personal values. The focus was on putting in the time and doing the work. 5. Diversity & Inclusion as a Key Focus vs. Homogeneous Workplaces Today : Diversity and inclusion aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. Today’s professionals expect their workplaces to reflect a wide range of perspectives, genders, and experiences. Everyone wants to feel seen and valued. Yesterday : Diversity wasn’t as much of a priority. Many workplaces were homogenous, and inclusion wasn’t discussed the way it is today. 6. Agile Leadership vs. Command-and-Control Management Today : Leadership is about collaboration and empathy. Today’s leaders are facilitators, mentors, and motivators. They encourage open communication and care about the people, not just the tasks. Yesterday : Leadership was more about control. It was top-down, with leaders making decisions and everyone else following orders. The focus was on managing tasks, not people. 7. Freelancing & Flexibility vs. Full-Time, Traditional Employment Today : Flexibility is the name of the game. Freelancing, contracting, and remote work are all becoming more popular as professionals look for control over their schedules and projects. Yesterday : Full-time employment with a single company was the norm. People worked their way up the corporate ladder and stuck around for the long haul. 8. Networking & Personal Branding vs. Quiet Expertise Today : Building a personal brand is important. It’s not enough to do great work—you need to make sure people know you’re doing great work. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn has become a key part of staying visible in your industry. Yesterday : You could quietly focus on your expertise. Long-term relationships and internal company networks were often enough to advance your career. 9. Emphasis on Soft Skills vs. Technical Mastery Alone Today : Emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration are highly valued. You’ve got to be able to work well with others and adapt to different working styles. Yesterday : Technical skills were often enough to get by. Soft skills mattered, but they didn’t get the same level of attention as they do now. 10. Entrepreneurial Mindset vs. Following the Corporate Playbook Today : Whether or not you’re starting your own business, having an entrepreneurial mindset can make a difference. Professionals today take ownership of their work, innovate, and even pursue side projects. Yesterday : Following the established corporate path was expected. You worked your way up within existing structures, and entrepreneurship was considered a more niche career path. The DNA of today’s working professional is all about adaptability, purpose, and continuous growth. In contrast, yesterday’s professional valued stability, loyalty, and expertise in a more rigid structure. The modern professional thrives in a world that’s always changing, where technology and values shape careers as much as hard skills. Whether you’re freelancing, leading a team, or climbing the corporate ladder, the message is clear: if you’re not learning and evolving, you’re getting left behind. I empower the Invisible. I ignite Success. As a Black woman, small business owner, and advocate for inclusion, I’ve built my career around seeing potential where others may overlook. Through my staffing boutique and professional development/coaching service, I focus on creating real opportunities for marginalized communities, including women, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, disabled, and veteran professionals. I root for the underdog because they have the best stories to tell—and the most untapped potential.  #CareerGrowth #AdaptabilityMatters #LifelongLearning #ProfessionalDNA #ThriveAtWork #FutureOfWork #EvolveOrFade #InclusiveWorkplace #LeadershipEvolution #TechSavvySkills
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