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As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8th, we join the global community to celebrate the theme of โ€œInspire Inclusion.โ€

In a world where diversity and belonging ignite innovation and growth, the leaders who reflect on the transformative power of inclusion within their organizations and take action to foster it will be the ones who come out on top.

Discover the top advice these six award-winning thought leaders are giving todayโ€™s leaders about cultivating an inclusive culture that empowers all employees. Their concrete, practical guidance reveals how organizations can go beyond celebrating diversity to embedding it as a core pillar of their strategic vision.


Ruchika Tulshyan headshot

Ruchika T. Malhotra | Founder and CEO of Candour and Award-Winning Inclusion Strategist Who Guides Leaders on the Path to Creating Diverse Teams and Inclusive Cultures; Bestselling Author, โ€œInclusion on Purposeโ€

โ€œGet comfortable with being uncomfortable. Making meaningful change means challenging the status quo. It means having uncomfortable conversations like educating other peers that the practices we take for granted in the workplace today โ€“ like salary negotiations, the hiring process, how pay and promotions โ€“ are determined and often riddled with biases. It is hard to stand up to sexism and racism in a difficult moment. And yet, thereโ€™s literally no other way if youโ€™re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

โ€œAlso, thereโ€™s no substitute for taking time to cultivate personal awareness and self-education. I recommend reading widely and consuming media (podcasts, newsletters, blogs, etc.) from a wide variety of thought leaders, not just the people in privilege or power.โ€

Michele Lamont Headshot 2023_cropped

Michรจle Lamont | Harvard University Professor and Renowned Authority on Group Dynamics Across Differences in Classes, Generations and Racial Groups Who Helps Leaders Create Workplaces Based on Recognition and Dignity; Author, โ€œSeeing Othersโ€

โ€œTry to connect to employees as human beings with dignity. Signal that you value them not only as productive team members but also that you respect them, as individuals with personal preoccupations (e.g., families), as three-dimensional human beings.โ€

Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio Headshot

Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio | Award-Winning Expert on Behavioral Science and Renowned Data Architect Helping Executives Make More Inclusive Decisions and Chair, Leadership Research Initiative for Women and Minority Attorneys, Harvard Law School; Author, โ€œDiversity Dividendโ€ 

โ€œThere is one common thread among all companies: employees. However, not all workforces are alike. How we build, engage, and encourage our teams can make the difference between a good organization and an exceptional one.

โ€œToday’s leaders must be well-versed in developing a workforce with diverse talents and perspectives. Knowing how to leverage data analytics to empower their decision-making is a cornerstone for fostering decision intelligence around their key asset โ€” their talent.

โ€œBy doing so, leaders can unlock a wealth of creativity, drive deeper employee engagement, and foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. This approach not only enriches the organizational culture but also enhances competitiveness in an increasingly diverse global market.โ€

Amy Gallo headshot

Amy Gallo | Harvard Business Review Contributing Editor and Authority on Calm, Confident Conflict Resolution, Healthy Communication and Positive Relationships at Work; Author, โ€œGetting Alongโ€ and Co-Host, Women at Work Podcast

โ€œIn inclusive organizations, people are far more likely to share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions, even ones that challenge the status quo. That’s what we want โ€“ and need โ€“ if we are going to grow as leaders and build thriving, successful organizations.

โ€œOne of the often-missing pieces when it comes to creating inclusive workplaces is the ability to navigate difficult conversations. Managers need to make it OK for all people โ€” especially those from a diversity of backgrounds โ€” to dissent, debate, and express their true opinions. They need to convey that it’s OK to not see eye-to-eye with your colleagues. It’s OK to push back on an idea.

โ€œTo lay the groundwork for this, leaders can make clear that disagreements are not only normal in the workplace, but expected. And they need to equip themselves and their people with the necessary skills to deal with the discomfort that accompanies these challenging conversations.โ€

โ€œDevelop curiosity, empathy and diversity. For the first point, curiosity means genuinely asking questions and listening to hear, not to respond or make a counterpoint. Empathy refers to the understanding that another personโ€™s experience may not be the same as yours, particularly if theyโ€™re from a marginalized or underestimated group. And most significantly, diversityโ€ฆseeking a wide variety of perspectives is so necessary. If youโ€™re only listening to people who look like you, your leadership will be shortsighted, at best.โ€ โ€“ Ruchika T. Malhotra, Bestselling Author, โ€œInclusion on Purposeโ€

โ€œTry to put oneself in the employeeโ€™s shoes to understand what being invisible, or less central or valued, feels like. This will help inspire small gestures and decisions that will help everyone feel included (not only women and POC but also older workers, immigrants, etc.).โ€ โ€“ Michele Lamont, Author โ€œSeeing Othersโ€

โ€œLess loyalty to employers, more โ€˜satisficingโ€™ and pragmatic attitudes toward performing only what is expected, nothing more.โ€ โ€“ Michele Lamont, Author โ€œSeeing Othersโ€


Organizations that prioritize diversity and equity need guidance on fostering a culture of inclusion in order to unlock the full potential of their workforce. Stern Strategy Group connects you with renowned thought leaders whose insights, strategies and management frameworks help organizations fuel growth and disruptive innovation to better compete in a constantly changing world. Let us arrange for these esteemed experts to advise your organization via virtual and in-person consulting sessions, workshops and keynotes.

International Womenโ€™s Day 2024: How Inspiring Inclusion Leads to Innovation and Growth was last modified: March 25th, 2025 by Meg Virag