The reality is that bringing up Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can feel uneasy at best, especially when you're not the one holding all the power. Often, the people facing exclusion are the ones expected to speak up, and that can feel incredibly intimidating. But here’s the truth: you don’t need all the power to make an impact. I created the Confidently Inclusive workshop, inspired by the outstanding work of Nadia Mastantuono, Fiona Onochie, and Tamara Dancheva at GSMA, to give folks the tools to confidently guide DEI conversations. My 11-step methodology helps you hit your audience where it matters—in the head, the heart, and the hands—so you can turn challenging talks into opportunities for real change.

Power Dynamics in DEI Conversations

Here’s what I’ve seen happen too often: those who face exclusion are the ones bringing DEI issues to those in power. It’s like trying to fight an uphill battle. But when you’re confidently inclusive, you approach those conversations with a strategy that helps you change the way people think and act. I created my 11-step framework—to help people handle DEI conversations, even when the power dynamic feels lopsided.

• Head: Appeal to logic. Show the data that proves why DEI matters—from productivity to employee retention. Your audience needs to understand that DEI isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s smart business.

• Heart: Connect emotionally. Tell your personal story. People respond to emotion, so don’t shy away from making it personal. When you can tie your own experience to a larger issue, it creates empathy and understanding.

• Hands: Inspire action. Give your audience a concrete reason why they should take action. Whether it’s about better team collaboration, innovation, or even profit margins, show them why DEI benefits everyone.

You don’t just want your audience to think about DEI—you want them to feel it and then do something about it.

The 11 Steps to Confidently Inclusive Conversations

Here are 3 of the 11 key steps from my framework that will help you steer these conversations with clarity and confidence:

• Trust Anchors: Build trust by linking your message to values everyone can agree on—like fairness or innovation.

• Yeah But, Yes!: Address the inevitable objections head-on. When people in power push back, acknowledge their concerns but keep reinforcing your message with confidence.

• Killer Fact: This step involves delivering a surprising fact or statistic that sticks with your audience long after the conversation is over.

The Confidently Inclusive method isn’t just a list of ideas—it’s a unique strategy that combines emotional, logical, and practical appeals to make sure your message lands and drives action.

Key Takeaways

• Hit the Head, Heart, and Hands: Use facts, emotions, and clear calls to action to persuade your audience to think and act on DEI issues.

• Prepare for Pushback: Know that resistance is coming, and have your data, story, and strategy ready.

• Everyone Deserves a Voice: Even if you don’t have the power, you still have the right—and the tools—to speak up.

The Lesson: Confidence Creates Connection

Being confidently inclusive means knowing how to balance emotion, logic, and action. When you can hit your audience in the head, heart, and hands, you turn a tough conversation into an opportunity for real change.

P.S. Ready to master DEI conversations? Contact me about my 11-Step Confidently Inclusive workshop to learn how to drive your DEI messages home. And shoutout to Nadia Mastantuono, Fiona Onochie, and Tamara Dancheva for inspiring this work with their incredible leadership at GSMA!