07 Jun Diversity and Inclusion in Corporations
Dell Birch, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Technology Operations at APCO Holdings, LLC, discusses race, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in corporations. With a robust background in strategy, operations, and mentoring, Dell shares invaluable perspectives on systemic barriers, effective DEI programs, and leadership strategies that foster inclusivity.
Why DEI Efforts Are Gaining Momentum in Corporate America
Dell highlights several factors driving the renewed focus on DEI:
- Catalysts for Change: The George Floyd protests and increased visibility of systemic inequities during the pandemic compelled organizations to address DEI more urgently.
- Generational Expectations: Younger, more diverse workforces are pressing for meaningful change across all organizational levels.
- Consumer Accountability: Cancel culture and consumer demand for ethical practices have put financial and reputation pressure on businesses to prioritize DEI.
Barriers to Advancement for Professionals of Color
Dell reflects on the structural and cultural challenges that hinder career growth for African American employees:
- Unconscious Bias: Decision-makers often default to hiring and promoting individuals who mirror their own experiences and traits.
- Lack of Representation: Limited recruitment from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and community colleges restricts access to diverse talent pools.
- Opaque Advancement Criteria: Hidden “high potential” lists and moving goalposts create inequities in promotion opportunities.
Creating Effective DEI Programs
Dell stresses the importance of representative leadership in crafting impactful DEI initiatives:
- Diverse Decision-Makers: Non-diverse leaders designing DEI programs often fail to grasp the lived experiences of marginalized groups.
- Sustainable Approaches: DEI efforts should include talent development pipelines, equitable pay structures, and transparent promotion practices.
- Inclusive Mentorship: Programs like Menttium provide critical support by connecting underrepresented employees with mentors who can guide them through organizational challenges.
The Role of Mentorship in Advancing DEI
As a long-time mentor with Menttium, Dell emphasizes the bidirectional value of mentoring:
- For Mentees: Mentoring helps professionals articulate career goals, overcome barriers, and build confidence in navigating corporate environments.
- For Mentors: Mentoring offers insights into diverse industries and the opportunity to refine leadership approaches.
Dell credits his own success in part to mentorship programs like Menttium, which helped him develop a sense of belonging and the skills to thrive in predominantly White corporate spaces.
Leadership Traits for Managing Change
Dell’s Ph.D. dissertation explored the traits that enable leaders to manage uncertainty effectively. His findings revealed that:
- Situational Leadership: This approach, which involves meeting team members where they are and tailoring guidance to their needs, proved most effective.
- Effective Listening: Beyond active listening, effective listening requires understanding implied concerns and mobilizing action to address them.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Dell offers actionable advice for emerging leaders, particularly those from diverse backgrounds:
- Build Relationships: Focus on cultivating authentic connections both within and outside your organization.
- Stay Informed: Regularly monitor CEO priorities and market trends to align your efforts with organizational goals.
- Be Resilient: Embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth and remain true to your cultural identity while adapting to corporate norms.
Embracing Contrast for Perspective
Dell’s favorite saying, “Without contrast, there’s no perspective,” underscores his empathetic approach to leadership. He advocates for using diverse experiences as a lens for understanding others, fostering compassion, and addressing biases head-on.
Recommended Resources
- Being Black in Corporate America report for insights on systemic challenges.
- McKinsey’s research on DEI initiatives.
About Dell Birch, Ph.D.
Dell is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Technology Operations at APCO Holdings, LLC, overseeing operations, digital strategy, and technology infrastructure. With a Ph.D. in Organization and Management, Dell brings leadership experience from JM Family Enterprises, Hewlett Packard, and more. A dedicated mentor with Menttium since 2010, he also teaches graduate business courses and volunteers actively.