Articles

Navigating the Shifting Tides: Federal Anti-DEI Directives and Their Ripple Effect on American Business and Academia

The legal and corporate landscape surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is undergoing a rapid and profound transformation. In early 2025, a series of executive orders from the Trump Administration signaled a decisive federal pivot away from established DEI frameworks, ushering in a new era of intense scrutiny and uncompromising enforcement. This aggressive posture, often characterized by a strategy of "Attack and Never Apologize," leaves little room for negotiation or incremental adjustments, compelling American institutions to react swiftly and decisively. For attorneys, particularly those in states like California, understanding these federal shifts and their real-world impact on Fortune ...

2025-06-02T14:40:41+00:00June 2nd, 2025|Inclusive Leadership, Unconscious Bias|

DEI Evolution: Challenges, Backlash and the Need for Inclusive Leadership

In January 2020, the Percipio Company anticipated its best year on record, marking the end of what I fondly refer to as the “BC Era”—Before Covid. However, the year quickly turned infamous as we adapted to a new way of living and working under "Shelter in Place." Our ability to connect and collaborate was significantly facilitated by widespread access to fast Wi-Fi, built-in camera devices, and video conferencing tools like Zoom, allowing even the most reluctant participants to engage. BLM→CRT→DEIThe tragic murder of George Floyd brought about a racial reckoning in America, pushing conversations about race into ...

Worshiping at the Algorithmic Altar: Charles Dickens and Bias in Generative AI Tools

This time of year, stories abound from various faiths, religious traditions, and secular customs. From the glow of Hanukkah candles to the communal meals of Kwanzaa, from the midnight Mass to the all-consuming fervor of Black Friday sales, tales of reflection and meaning flood the season. Yet one story endures as a favorite across generations: Charles Dickens' *A Christmas Carol*. This timeless classic continues to inspire us, replayed and reimagined in countless forms each holiday season. Its appeal lies in its universal lessons, taught through the spectral visitations of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, ...

Navigating the Aftermath: Building Resilience in the Workplace After Sexual Harassment Claims

In today's workplace, sexual harassment claims can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the individuals directly involved but the entire organization. Understanding the multifaceted impact of these claims is crucial for creating a resilient workplace. Ideally, every business is proactive and maintains a culture that inhibits negative and harmful behavior. However, we must recognize that we do not live in an ideal world—challenges and misconduct can arise. To effectively tackle these sensitive issues, we need strong employee engagement and adept leadership. Normalizing psychological safety is vital for cultivating a resilient workforce that can navigate through adversities. Understanding the ...

2024-12-04T17:11:30+00:00November 28th, 2024|Human Resources, Institutional Biases, Social Biases, Unconscious Bias|

Measuring the Human Delta

Our economies have progressed from the Agricultural Age of farming and manual labor to the Industrial Age of mechanization, then to the Information Age of computers and data. We are now entering the Relational Age, which emphasizes deeper connections, relationships, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence as key success factors, demanding greater alignment between our People, Perceptions, and Processes. The “How” is what matters most. Every organization has a "Human Delta," representing the gap between its people, perceptions and processes. This gap may stem from unclear roles, mismatched responsibilities, or the individual’s capacity to fulfill their job. The size ...

2025-01-15T14:01:17+00:00October 16th, 2024|Human Resources, Inclusive Leadership, Virtual Leadership|

Inclusive Leadership in a Politically Biased World

In today's politically polarized environment, inclusive leadership is more important than ever. Effective leaders need to skillfully manage the challenges that arise from differing viewpoints, particularly when interacting with those who seem to hold opposing political beliefs. It's essential to avoid inadvertently reinforcing negative stereotypes. This means not only acknowledging the variety of beliefs that exist but also engaging with these differing perspectives in a respectful and constructive way. While this sounds simple, it can be quite challenging to put into practice.  A key principle of inclusive leadership is the commitment to see "Beyond the Binary," ...

2024-10-03T23:35:21+00:00October 3rd, 2024|Inclusive Leadership, Institutional Biases, Media Bias|
  • Media Bias

Feeding the Media Beast

We live in a digital world, where the lines between our physical and online identities blur more each day. People increasingly represent themselves and communicate through digital mediums, from social media profiles to virtual meetings and collaborative platforms. However, these digital spaces are not without bias. In fact, bias is pervasive, often ingrained in the algorithms that curate our content and shape our interactions. This bias seeps into the workplace, subtly influencing decisions, perceptions, and opportunities. It shows up in ways that are not always obvious—through the information we are exposed to, the voices that are amplified ...

  • we the people

Cultural and Political Bias Intersect

Getting outside the US, provides a different perspective on the world and an incredible opportunity to reflect on life. I recently traveled internationally and had some time to reflect on this thing called "immigration." For those with a distinct US bias (anyone born and living in the good 'ol USA) going through immigration in another country can be an eye-opener. Here I am, with my wife and both children, being held up after 20 hours of travel because there was a missing photo on a single document. It was simultaneously irritating and humbling. It brought systemic biases and ...

2024-07-15T00:30:19+00:00July 14th, 2024|Belonging, Cognitive Biases, Social Biases|
  • Biases versus beliefs

Understanding the Distinction Between Biases and Beliefs

In the pursuit of fostering inclusive environments, understanding the nuances between cognitive biases and beliefs is crucial. This distinction not only enhances self-awareness but also propels leaders towards more equitable and effective decision-making. Too many conflate the two. At Percipio Company, we delve into these nuances & intricacies to help leaders and organizations navigate the complex landscape of human cognition and workplace behaviors. Biases versus beliefs Cognitive Biases: The Silent Saboteurs of Inclusion Cognitive biases are the silent saboteurs of rational and inclusive thinking. They are by-products of how our brains process information.The unconscious, automatic ...

2024-06-11T00:41:23+00:00June 9th, 2024|Uncategorized|

Human-Centered Strategies for AI Adoption

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business, the integration of generative AI tools presents both opportunities and challenges. Marshall McLuhan's profound quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate relationship between humans and the tools they create. To navigate the complexities of the AI era successfully, businesses must adopt a human-centered strategy that values collaboration, creativity, customer-centricity, and a deep understanding of AI biases. "We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us." - Marshall McLuhan Nurturing Innovation and Resilience A play mindset serves as a catalyst for innovation and resilience within businesses embarking ...