The State of Work Today

Denis Okema: The DEI Journey and Its Impact on Corporate Culture

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Episode notes

In this episode of The State of Work Today, host Tim Glowa welcomes Denis Okema, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at SEI. Denis shares his inspiring journey, from conflict resolution work in Africa to becoming a DEI leader in the U.S. He discusses the importance of empathy, the challenges of integrating DEI into large organizations, and how leadership support and resources are crucial to success. Denis also highlights the evolving role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), how small changes can make a big impact on inclusion, and the bright future of DEI driven by younger generations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Drives DEI Success: Strong leadership involvement is essential for DEI initiatives to thrive.

2. Inclusive Workspaces Boost Engagement: Simple changes like creating quiet spaces for neurodivergent employees can have a significant positive impact.

3. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Evolve: ERGs are growing into business resource groups, making tangible contributions to companies' bottom lines.

4. DEI's Bright Future: Younger generations are driving a more inclusive workplace culture, making DEI essential for future organizational health.

Notable Quotes:

"My job description is two words: building empathy."

"When you give people a chance, you have no idea how much contribution they can give back."

"DEI is about collaborative solution development—there's room for everyone."

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