In the latest episode of the Disruption Interruption Podcast, host Karla Jo Helms talks with Torin Ellis, Human Capital and Diversity Strategist and Principal at the HR boutique firm, The Torin Ellis Brand, about urging leaders to enhance their communication strategies by leveraging innovative tools and fostering human connection. Ellis shares his vision for an HR tech solution to demonstrate the tangible benefits of Diversity and Inclusion and candidly discusses his struggles with imposter syndrome, encouraging leaders to face their fears and embrace authenticity
TAMPA BAY, Fla., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- While diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives are crucial for fostering a positive work culture, improving employee morale, promoting business ethics, and driving innovation, D&I is at a crucial juncture with mixed support. Job postings for D&I roles are down, but investments are steady and expected to double by 2026. While most employees view D&I positively, a significant political divide exists, and younger employees consider it non-negotiable. Organizations' commitment to D&I is becoming clearer, with deeply committed entities standing out as labor shortages and a diversifying workforce emphasize the need for inclusive practices. (1) In this vulnerable conversation, Karla Jo Helms, (KJ), host of the Disruption Interruption podcast, and Torin Ellis, distinguished entrepreneur and thought leader in the D&I space, discuss leveraging innovative tools and fostering human connections to improve organizational communication and trust. "We should not be looking to embrace the disingenuous discourse around inclusivity or inclusion or diversity," Ellis states. "We should be running towards it, like firemen and women, because we are trying to solve the challenge of greater humanity."
Challenges and Innovations in Corporate Culture
Diversity and inclusion efforts in corporations are experiencing a decline amid legal challenges and reduced investment, following an initial surge after George Floyd's death. Job openings for diversity roles have decreased, and venture capital funding for businesses owned by Black and Latina women has dropped below 1% after a brief increase. While many major companies, like Starbucks and Disney, continue supporting diversity initiatives and successfully defending them in court, some have adjusted their programs to avoid legal issues. (2)
The diversity and inclusion landscape is being redefined by Ellis, a disruptor who is breaking barriers and building new pathways for a more inclusive culture. He brings a dynamic yet benevolent force to the corporate world, challenging leaders to think differently and act disruptively. He discusses his dedication to implementing diversity strategies that transcend token gestures, aiming for genuine inclusivity. His passion for D&I is deeply personal, born from a significant professional loss in 2011. After losing a multimillion-dollar engagement due to a client's fear of a reverse discrimination lawsuit, Ellis vowed to approach D&I with unwavering and unapologetic focus. "It's a result of that loss which is why I do D&I the way I do it now, with intensity and unwavering focus," Ellis recalls.
In this interview, Ellis explains that his approach is not about box-checking or reverse discrimination but rather about ensuring access and opportunity for a diverse range of individuals deserving to be in these opportunities. He believes in meeting people where they are, engaging in accountable conversations rather than punitive ones.
Ellis's Vision for Enhanced Communication and D&I Technology
Ellis and KJ discuss his commitment to advocate for enhanced communication strategies among leaders to promote organizational trust and improve D&I efforts. He emphasizes the necessity of adapting varied communication methods, underscoring the importance of video messaging as a dynamic alternative to traditional emails and newsletters. Ellis highlights the essential role of communication in leadership, stressing the need for multiple touchpoints and constant evaluation of communication methods.
In line with his vision, Ellis discusses the development of an HR tech solution aimed at demonstrating the tangible benefits of D&I to organizations. He explains the result will be a piece of tech that will be a business intelligence or enablement solution built on the core principles of D&I.
Despite the challenges, Ellis remains committed to running towards the fire of D&I, driven by a desire to create a more inclusive and humane world. "For me, D&I is about humanity," Ellis emphasizes. "It's about making sure we have access and opportunity for a wider swath of individuals that deserve to be in these opportunities."
Links:
Disrupting D&I Propaganda: Torin Ellis Unmasks the Truth: https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-d-i-propaganda-torin-ellis-unmasks-the
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/torinellis
Company Website: http://www.torinellis.com
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-torinellis-brand/
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Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at http://www.disruption-interruption.com.
About Torin Ellis:
Torin Ellis is the Principal at The Torin Ellis Brand, a pioneering HR boutique specializing in diversity and inclusion. With a focus on building high-performing teams, Torin leads a progressive firm that emphasizes engagement, experiential services, and identifying proven candidates. As an activist entrepreneur, Torin centers culture, clarity, actionable strategy, and rigorous performance monitoring in his approach. Renowned as a trusted resource to executives and individual contributors alike, Torin has cultivated partnerships with firms large and small across the US and internationally. With 17 years of experience in human capital efforts, military service, and multiple Board of Director appointments, Torin combines his expertise with an unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and empowering emerging youth.
About Karla Jo Helms:
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.
References:
- Kratz, Julie. "The 2024 D&I Outlook." Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024, http://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2023/12/31/the-2024-D&I-outlook/?sh=5bd85fa670b6.
- Olson, Alexandra, et al. "As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Comes under Legal Attack, Companies Quietly Alter Their Programs." AP News, AP News, 17 Jan. 2024, apnews.com/article/D&I-diversity-corporations-affirmative-action-309864f08e6ec63a45d18ca5f25d7540.
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