One size does not fit all.

To truly build an equitable workplace, employers must give each employee what they need to do their best at work. When an employer gives each of its employees exactly the same kind of support, this good intention often results in disengagement and exclusion.

Why? Because many of us have different roles, we likely are at different places in our careers, we have different learning and work styles, and we need different kinds of emotional support. When an employer honors these differences, and works to meet them, their employees achieve success.

Giving our employees the support they need to do their best at work, is a core ingredient to build a belonging culture at work. This kind of work culture translates into a workforce more capable to design for identity, meeting the different needs of their clients and customers.

Today’s guest, Jessica Bantom, author of Design for Identity, will help us recognize why this kind of inclusive design helps improve the culture of work. Jessica’s career as a DEI practitioner and interior designer has led to her ongoing exploration of the intersections of design and diversity.

She completed her master’s degree in interior design at Marymount University and her Bachelors at the University of Virginia, and she is certified as an Associate Diversity Coach through the CoachDiversity Institute in collaboration with the Howard University School of Business. Jessica’s unique blend of business and design practices give her practical and artistic capabilities that inform her approach to solve for very real human challenges.

During our conversation we discussed why human-centered design matters, what the six habits of culturally responsive designers include and how to apply them, how to overlay Jessica’s Design for Identity Blueprint with the standard design process, and why the future of work is one that knows how to design for identity.

Savor this insightful talk, and if you’re looking for ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Jessica, be sure to join the Belonging Membership Community – a community of leaders committed to advancing their DEI goals while practicing community care. Members have the unique opportunity to engage with our guests 1:1 after our podcast recordings where they can participate in a private Q&A session with our guest.

You can learn more here: www.belongingmembershipcommunity.com.