I recently spent some time with human resources (HR) executive Kim Blue Terrell, the Global Head of People Experience Partners for Zoom. Our discussion was hosted by Dr. Bernice Ledbetter and my alma mater, Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School. What a great way to celebrate the launch of my new book, UNBIAS:Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work!

Where does the responsibility land for diversity and inclusion in the workplace? The most common misconception is that HR should shoulder this weight alone. However, because DEI is really about individuals, it shouldn’t be compartmentalized as a department or initiative but should intersect every part of an organization. In this interview, Kim and I discuss the importance of initiating open and honest conversations in the workplace via authentic relationships. We also talk about the role of leadership, and how each organization has to go back to basics to decipher its own path forward. Every company is unique—it’s vital for leadership to define goals and values to determine what its DEI journey should look like.

Finally, Kim and I end our discussion by opening up the floor to questions from our viewers. We provide tips on how to overcome the fear of being labeled, approach bridge-building conversations, and deal with employees who are resistant to DEI (spoiler alert: you can either change people or change people).

Want to know more (or understand that last riddle)? Check out the interview.

Want to dive deeper into what we discussed from my book? Dress up your nightstand by ordering a copy of your very own.