{"id":52236,"date":"2024-11-06T12:48:23","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T17:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/?p=52236"},"modified":"2025-12-08T18:38:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T23:38:10","slug":"think-bigger-act-broader-strategies-for-deis-role-in-a-transforming-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/articles\/think-bigger-act-broader-strategies-for-deis-role-in-a-transforming-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Think Bigger, Act Broader: Strategies for DEI\u2019s Role in a Transforming World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At our recent Executive Roundtable, Think Bigger: The Role, Impact, and Potential of DEI in a Turbulent Global Environment<\/em>, held at Soho House, Chicago, Seramount convened over 60 DEI and HR leaders across industries to discuss strategies to expand DEI\u2019s scope, connect with multicultural consumers and diverse stakeholders, and drive bottom-line impact in a rapidly diversifying marketplace. Given the significant demographic shift, both in the US and globally, staying true to our DEI commitments has never been more important. Still, organizations need to innovate, evolve, reframe, and expand their approach in these polarizing times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Katie Oertli Mooney<\/a><\/strong>, Managing Director at Seramount, emphasized this need for adaptability in her opening remarks, highlighting the need for connectivity among DEI leaders amid a volatile economic and political landscape. Mooney encouraged attendees to broaden DEI\u2019s narrative beyond talent to include customers, consumers, suppliers, vendors, and community stakeholders, and to engage everyone\u2014especially the \u201cmoveable middle\u201d\u2014in creating a more inclusive, impactful world. Only then can DEI not only survive but thrive and continue to grow from a moment to a movement in the face of backlash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore some of the other powerful takeaways from the day\u2019s lively discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think Bigger \u2013 Expanding DEI\u2019s Horizons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


In his session, Dr.<\/strong> Michael Nicholson<\/strong> (<\/a>Principal, Strategic Research at Seramount) prompted the audience with a bold question: \u201cHow do we think bigger about DEI?\u201d Responses from participants underscored the value of embedding DEI as a core principle rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. They agreed that a DEI perspective is essential across all business functions and that organizations must \u201cstay the course\u201d despite challenges. \u201cHumanity is the core of it all,\u201d one participant remarked, highlighting the need for leaders to approach DEI with empathy, courage, and personal connection, especially in the face of resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, staying the course also needs to be combined with innovation and evolution. The discussion emphasized that DEI is a shared responsibility and should be positioned as a driver of business. Nicholson presented data from Seramount’s research revealing that DEI is foundational for shaping a future-ready business model, especially in light of changing demographics. Research showed that 42% of consumers actively choose companies with DEI commitments, while 65% feel businesses still lack alignment with diverse preferences. With Black, Latin, and Asian consumers projected to grow by over 2 million annually, companies must act on these shifts to avoid being left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: U.S Census Bureau, Google, HBR<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nicholson\u2019s data, supported by case studies from leading brands such as Microsoft, MedStar, and Wells Fargo, illustrated how DEI-driven strategies foster consumer loyalty, innovation, and positive financial results. Whether through developing bias-free AI, building inclusive customer experiences, or embracing supplier diversity practices, Nicholson\u2019s research underscored a critical message: to stay relevant, organizations must not only embrace diversity in their internal operations but actively commit to DEI as a strategic priority in their external business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think Bigger: Reimagining DEI\u2019s Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Michael Mu\u00f1oz<\/a><\/strong>, Global Marketing DEI Lead at Google, shared insights on reframing DEI for greater impact. He spoke of his vision of a future where DEI is so integral to business operations that his role would eventually become obsolete, signaling a world where DEI is seamlessly integrated. Mu\u00f1oz encouraged DEI professionals to shift from being \u201crockstars\u201d to \u201cscaffold builders,\u201d creating structures that support diversity across the organization. This framework enables DEI to flourish independently within each team, even when dedicated DEI representatives aren\u2019t in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mu\u00f1oz\u2019s message was clear: fostering genuine inclusivity requires building supportive structures that empower all individuals, enhancing both internal culture and positioning companies for success in an increasingly diverse market. He underscored the importance of valuing \u201cculture adds\u201d over \u201cculture fits,\u201d and crafting products that authentically serve diverse consumers. Embracing this commitment will ultimately lead to a more equitable future where everyone can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBuild scaffolding around your organization, and as teams develop their own support systems, they will begin to stand independently.\u201d<\/p>Michael Mu\u00f1oz<\/a><\/strong>, Global Marketing DEI Lead at Google<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Think Bigger: DEI and the Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Esu Ma\u2019at<\/strong>,<\/a> Chief DEI Officer for the Orlando Magic, discussed the impact of shifting demographics on talent and the broader market. Ma\u2019at emphasized the tantalizing opportunity for sports organizations to grow market share by tapping into more diverse customer bases. “The fan base of yesterday is not the fan base of tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Orlando\u2019s population now over 60% BIPOC, a millennial boomtown, and its status as the fourth-largest LGBT market, the Orlando Magic has embraced this diversity, leveraging initiatives like Divine Nine Night and Pride Night to not only drive inclusion but also enhance revenue. Ma\u2019at emphasized that diversity, when woven into market strategy, yields tangible benefits, making the DEI team a revenue driver rather than a cost center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDiversity does not equal poverty\u201d<\/p>Esu Ma\u2019at<\/strong>,<\/a> Chief DEI Officer, the Orlando Magic,<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For Ma\u2019at, DEI must be embraced and executed by everyone\u2014from leadership to frontline staff\u2014to effectively reach diverse audiences and meet evolving market demands. He stressed that pushing DEI forward requires dedication and resilience, urging attendees to stay the course to the mission of expanding DEI’s narrative and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think Bigger, Think Global<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

James Cowling-Vega<\/a><\/strong>, Managing Director at Seramount, offered insights into the different dimensions of Global DEI, applicable to even those without a global footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n