Research has demonstrated that to be successful in the 21st century, businesses need to shift their thinking around diversity, equity and inclusion. Creating an environment that embraces these ideals will be the focus of a free webinar Wednesday, May 26 at 11 a.m.

Leela MadhavaRau, Brock University’s Director of Human Rights and Equity, will lead the session as part of the Business Breathers series facilitated by Goodman Group, the Goodman School of Business’s community-focused learning and development services provider.

“It is not enough to bring in employees who check various boxes, there must be actions that build inclusive environments,” MadhavaRau said. “Doing this will require a commitment to equity, providing the tools each person needs for success, even when these tools are different.”

The talk titled “Diversity, Inclusion, Equity: What does it all mean for me?” will give an overview of what it means to be an inclusive business along with tips on how to begin the process.

“This can be an intimidating topic and I want to ensure that everyone can find an entry point into the conversation,” MadhavaRau said. “My goal for a more equitable world aligns with businesses seeking to differentiate themselves from those who maintain a ‘business as usual’ mindset.”

One of Brock University’s strategic priorities is to foster a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization. This webinar will not only educate participants on the meaning of words such as diversity, equity and inclusion, but also discuss the benefits of implementing them in their work, life and businesses.

MadhavaRau has spent her professional career in the field of equity and inclusion, working at universities in both Canada and the U.S. Her academic background is in Social Anthropology, with a specific focus on the transmission of culture across time and space. She holds degrees from both McGill and the University of Cambridge.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Business Breathers webinars, which feature 30 minutes of expert-led discussions, followed by a 15-minute Q&A period. Topics focus on leadership, management and innovation as well as the financial and social impacts of trending topics. Interested participants are asked to register online. A confirmation email will provide a link to access the webinar at the date and time of the event. 

Upcoming Business Breathers:

Employee Wellness and Corporate Social Responsibility in the COVID-19 Era: How companies stepped up to vaccinate their essential workforce and the community
Ken Chan, Vice-President, Administration, Brock University
Wednesday, June 9 at 11 a.m.