RaceConvo: The full DEI picture – global and long-term
Diversity is not just bound to global contexts – also its issues and dynamics change over time. This fascinating podcast episode brought together three global, long-term perspectives.
Diversity is never abstract — it is shaped by history and culture. Leaders need context intelligence to transform inclusion into real business advantage.
Two Journeys in Conversation
When I joined the Simma Lieberman’s “Everyday Conversations on Race” podcast together with Nene Molefi, we reflected on very different life stories: hers, as a Black woman growing up under Apartheid in South Africa; mine, as a European researcher, activist and social impact start-up with a business focus. The dialogue, facilitated by a Jewish-American pioneer from whom I got some of my first D&I inspirations, underscored a crucial insight: diversity is never abstract. It is always rooted in local culture, regional history, and global politics. Leaders who grasp this context intelligence can unlock traction and the real value of DEI — and avoid the traps of superficial, one-size-fits-all approaches.
The Weight of History
Nene described how structural inequities continue to shape South African society: mistrust, economic gaps, and barriers that no quota can fix. In Europe, different histories — colonialism, the Holocaust, migration waves — shape how diversity is perceived and should inform our future approach. Experts or leaders who neglect these legacies risk implementing frameworks that are ill-suited or even counterproductive.
Three Lessons for Informed DE&I – globally
- Think systemically. Inequities are both structural and cultural; change requires multiple transformations (HR, procurement, marketing, leadership and culture).
- Respect local contexts.S.-centric models used to focus on race, for reasons, but in Europe other categories — gender, origin, language, religion — often resonate more.
- Use stories to build trust. Personal narratives can bridge divides, but accusation can fuel polarisation, abstract policies need to be both humanised and connected to business needs.
Developing Context Intelligence
The ability to translate global DE&I learning into regionally relevant approaches is one key element of what I call context intelligence. Leaders who aim for this approach avoid copy-paste solutions and instead tailor inclusion strategies that resonate culturally and historically.
Diversity is always context-bound. By combining systemic thinking with contextual sensitivity, experts can facilitate transformation that changes diversity from a slogan into a genuine source of innovation, resilience, and belonging for all.
Listen to the full episode with Nene Molefi and Michael Stuber, hosted by Simma Lieberman on https://raceconvo.com/global-dei-apartheid-to-equity/
Let’s challenge paradigms and co-create new narratives and solutions. Through key-notes, articles, and dialogues, my input sparks reflection, provides clarity, and inspire constructive change.
If you are looking for contributions to your event, communication, or discourse: Let’s connect.
