We have come to assume that different demographic factors automatically breed diversity. Aren't we truly seeking candidates (and companies to work for) who are of divergent points of view, personal history, perspective and filters? A plethora of studies show that diversity engenders true innovation. Then why has the diversity and inclusion needle barely moved within tech companies?

Truckloads of data support the premise that diverse teams breed greater possibility, tremendous success, amazing innovation and productive teams. It's the 1+1 = 3 model. We are hyper focused on finding the BEST left-brained individuals out there who can also check the boxes of a few demographic factors along the way. In doing so, we've forgotten something very important... innovation requires individuals to be able to see the WHOLE picture. And the ability to see the WHOLE picture is done from the RIGHT hemisphere of the brain. This is not possible when experiencing exclusion.

When we feel "excluded," the pain centers in our brains are triggered. It doesn't feel good when someone passes us by without acknowledging us. Or when we find out we didn't get invited to the company gathering because we're a contractor. We code these experiences as painful or hurtful and this pain or hurt is felt in our bodies. It is the Right Hemisphere that connects us to our body and to that hurt or pain. Many of us avoid feeling pain because, well... it just doesn't feel good. And unfortunately, this is where exclusion begins – in our own brains, where we start by avoiding feeling the pain or hurt in our bodies. Here is a great example:

Let's say you have a meeting later in the afternoon that you're not looking forward to it because there is a person with whom you don't get along. They did something a few months ago that really rubbed you the wrong way. And that immediately led you to distrust them or not like them. You are now in a state of ‘putting up with them' because you have to work with them. This scenario has just created the experience of exclusion between you and them, regardless of their demographic factors. How can you handle the meeting in the most productive way to gain a positive outcome?

During this webinar, Rajkumari Neogy will invite you to become more masterful in understanding your emotional, cultural and social intelligence. You will walk away with tools that are applicable in both personal and professional spaces that you can implement immediately. She will share examples that will allow you to stand in a state of responsiveness rather than reaction, which is where you become your most productive and best self.

Rajkumari Neogy, MA works with individuals and organizations to make transformative and sustainable shifts. She is fascinated by workplace culture, especially in the tech arena. Over the last 20 years, she has worked with organizations worldwide such as Cisco Systems, Facebook, Sony, Adobe, JVC and Amazon. In 2013 she founded iRestart, providing expertise in leadership development, diversity & inclusion and mentorship. She is the author of The WIT Factor: Shifting the Workplace Paradigm by Becoming Your Optimal Self. As a Certified Master Trainer and Neuro-Linguistic Programmer holding a Master's Degree in Transformative Leadership Development from the California Institute of Integral Studies, Rajkumari sits quite comfortably at the intersection of neuroscience, technology and culture. Possessing a rare blend of techno-babble and touchy-feely, she brings her keen insight and systems-thinking perspective to provide holistic and integrative solutions when addressing complex problems. She believes that the qualities of passionate self-reflection and dedicated curiosity (two sides of the same coin) define true leadership.