Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Our approach to change leadership is simple: we foster open, honest communication and trust, ensuring all voices are heard and valued, and addressing concerns transparently to maintain integrity and fairness.

  • "We talked about how we are going to grow this company and clear definition of roles. It has come to my attention that certain PMs have anxiety and they are afraid to reach out to sales people because we have a new process. If we are going to continue to grow this company, one of our core values is we have to have honesty and trust one another. So, let’s put this on the table? Let’s have a candid conversation. What are the specific examples so we can fix it? Is this true? Where is it happening? Where is this a problem with us getting our work done? This idea that someone is afraid that you’re going to get in trouble, no, if we are going to fix it, where is the issue? What are the specifics?

    If the things you’re asking for are reasonable, if we’re talking a variation of policy, that requires a higher level of thinking and may take some time. Because we have a process and we’ve got to get out of the mode where there is a manipulation going on behind the scenes. You’re not adding value if you’re just going behind the scenes."

  • That is an excerpt is taken from one of the Academy's Authentic Moments, capturing this CEO's real words and insights from a private coaching session in 2011. That year, that CEO grew EBITDA by 303% year over year. It underscores a fundamental principle of the approach to equity, diversity and inclusion at The Academy: the importance of open, honest communication and trust within the organization. It recognizes the need to address anxieties and fears that may arise due to new processes and encourages candid conversations to identify and resolve specific issues. This approach fosters an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up without fear of repercussions, promoting a culture of transparency and mutual respect. By addressing concerns directly and collaboratively, the leader aims to ensure that all voices are heard and valued, ultimately enhancing the collective ability to grow and succeed together. This philosophy also underscores the importance of adhering to established processes and avoiding behind-the-scenes manipulations, thus maintaining integrity and fairness in all interactions.
Order This Skills Kit

Our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Solutions

  • The Legacy Builder Skills Kit

    Delivered to your door. If you are in the sunset or transition stage of your career or preparing to capitalize on a big moment and want to brush up on your skills, this Skills Kit will help you quickly position yourself as a well-rounded, capable professional ready to take on advanced responsibilities which are highly respected skills that also correlate with roles that command higher compensation due to their direct impact on the success and resilience of an organization.

    Key Skills

    1) Serve as a Mentor and Role Model for Younger Professionals
    2) Apply Emotional Intelligence, Communication, and Conflict Resolution Skills
    3) Lead Change Initiatives
    4) Uphold Integrity and Fairness in Staff Interactions
    5) Model Resilience

    Designed by Harvard-trained PhDs, experts, and specialists, this kit offers a comprehensive approach to developing essential professional leadership skills.

    Get This Skills Kit 

  • Targeted Training on Leading Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

    A targeted training program that includes a structured curriculum focusing on the development of key professional skills designed to promote open communication, trust, transparency, and mutual respect within the organization. The program is divided into several modules, each addressing a specific skill set:

    Module 1: Foundations of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

    Module 2: Effective Communication Techniques

    Module 3: Creating A Safe And Inclusive Environment

    Module 4: Problem Identification and Resolution

    Module 5: Adhering to Process With Integrity

    Program Outcome

    By the end of this targeted training program, participants will have developed the skills necessary to foster a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. You will be equipped to communicate openly, address anxieties and fears, identify and resolve issues collaboratively, and maintain integrity and fairness in all interactions, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and successful organization.

    Contact Us 

What Our Customers Say

  • President, Public Architecture & Infrastructure

    "The Academy shows you how to work efficiently and quickly to make significant adjustments that bring your organization back into profitability while at the same time addressing complex staff issues."

  • Chief Information Officer, Healthcare Services

    "You will learn how to dive in fearlessly, take the lead and do a superb job collaborating with your team on changes to policies and your operating model and then successfully drive the communication and execution of the improvements."

  • Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Systems

    "Amazing problem solving skills, the ability to assess complex issues and create solutions that can be implemented with superior results from these courses. You will learn unique skills that can be applied anywhere that will produce significant solutions."

Let's Talk About What Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Looks Like For Your Organization

Get in touch with us about equipping your team at every level,
regardless of scale or size, to lead more effectively.

More About Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Leadership

Get to a true solution

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) is about Listening, Understanding, and Collaborative Problem Solving

Equity, diversity and inclusion at the Academy is about understanding and addressing the unique needs, pain points, and concerns of all individuals within the organization or client base. It involves being a strategic partner and a problem solver who actively listens, asks probing questions, and approaches interactions with humility rather than trying to showcase one's intelligence or solutions immediately. EDI requires creating a comfortable and supportive environment where everyone feels understood and valued, recognizing that individuals may not always be able to articulate their needs clearly. The goal is to collaboratively develop solutions that truly address the underlying issues, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Achieving Success

It's Deep Understanding, Humility, And Collaborative Solutions

Achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion success at the Academy involves being a strategic partner who deeply understands and addresses the unique needs and concerns of customers and team members. It requires listening attentively to their pain points, worries, and what keeps them up at night, rather than assuming you know the solutions they need. This process emphasizes the importance of being comfortable in your own skin, demonstrating humility, and asking probing questions to uncover true needs. Instead of trying to impress with immediate solutions, success in EDI comes from collaboratively developing meaningful solutions based on genuine understanding and open communication. This approach ensures all voices are heard and respected, leading to more effective and inclusive problem-solving.