Diversity & Inclusion: from slogans to real impact
In this episode of The Relevance Podcast, senior facilitator and consultant Jim Morris joins host Koen Birther to explore what diversity and inclusion (D&I) really mean in the workplace. Together, they challenge organizations to move beyond slogans like “bring your whole self to work” and create cultures where every person truly matters.
Jim Morris, Senior facilitator and consultant at Relevance, shares his view on Diversity & Inclusion. He explains the difference and importance of the two. Because while every company is diverse in one way or another, not every company is inclusive: “Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice.”
Organizations need to do more to increase inclusion. What kind of challenges surface in doing this? And why is this of importance? Jim: “We live in space age times with stone age minds.” In this episode we shed light on these questions.
Guests: Koen Birther (host) and Jim Morris (senior facilitator and consultant at Relevance)
“Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is a choice.” – Jim Morris
Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is a choice.
Jim explains: “Most organizations are already diverse. But inclusion is a choice—who you bring into your inner circle, whose voices you amplify, and whose differences you embrace.”
He warns of a common pitfall: hiring for diversity but managing for similarity. “You can’t just hire diverse talent and expect inclusion to happen automatically. It takes conscious effort and training.”
Why Does Inclusion Matter?
- Inclusive cultures drive innovation by encouraging different perspectives.
- Employees are more likely to give discretionary effort—the extra mile—when they feel seen and valued.
- Retention improves when people feel they belong.
Jim uses a powerful analogy: “In a room full of people who look and sound like me, we may come up with 10 ideas an hour. But if they’re all the same ideas, there’s no collective uplift.”
Moving from words to action
Relevance works with organizations to co-design practical steps towards a truly inclusive culture. This includes:
🌱 Training leaders to recognize unconscious biases.
🌱 Creating psychological safety for all employees.
🌱 Addressing real-world challenges—like sending employees to countries where their identity might be criminalized.
Jim’s takeaway
“Advance inclusion, community, and learning. Point your organization in a direction where every person matters—regardless of who they are, who they love, or how they identify.”
About The Relevance Podcast
The Relevance Podcast explores what it means for organizations and employees to stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. Our diverse speakers share their expertise alongside personal stories and real-world case studies. Their insights offer practical tips for both your work and personal life – now and in the future.
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