In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become keystone values for companies globally. While investment in DEI has undeniably made strides in tackling barriers to inclusion and progress for many, the reality is that this work has been coming under attack for some time. Fractures have started to appear in our societies, workplaces are experiencing the collision of rights and beliefs, and the acronym itself has become weaponised and politicised in certain circles, forcing many companies to reassess their approach, and perhaps even their commitment to DEI.
But this is not the death knell for DEI; instead, it is a wake-up call and an opportunity for a reset. Rather than the work of DEI being erased from business and society, we see this as a chance to look at what is working and what is obsolete, to collectively build back better, and reassert the values of inclusion. To help do this, Ibec will host a fantastic panel of international expert speakers, academics and business voices to discuss the current climate and how we can reset and re-envision the way forward for business and society.
We are at an inflection point, failure to act now poses a threat to our workplaces, our society and our way of life. Work is ongoing to reinforce the progress we have achieved but more action is required, and the leadership of business has never been more important in navigating the way forward.
On the agenda / what to expect
Dr Jackson Katz is an anti-violence educator, author, documentarian, and cultural strategist on masculinity in America. He will provide an international perspective on America, the economic factors that led to Trump 2.0, and why he believes the Trump administration is a huge setback for the hard won progress made regarding women's rights, race equality, gender-based work, and DEI overall.
In his recent book, Jackson argues that Trumpism and right-wing populism is not a revolt against the 'elites'; it is a reaction to men being de-centred and a backlash against feminism. He provides detailed insights on how Trump's marketing of himself with the men's movement has fuelled the manosphere from being an abusive men's rights subculture to becoming mainstream. During his keynote, Jackson will emphasise the need for leaders within organisations to learn how to engage in healthy debate around difficult topics, and challenge behaviours safely in order to educate, if we hope to create healthy societies and workplaces people can thrive in.
A stable society provides a foundation for thriving businesses. Communities create a sense of belonging around shared values, beliefs and culture and can challenge stereotypes and provide safe spaces for diverse perspectives. Yet across the western world, community engagement is in decline. Anti-social behaviour and crime is on the rise and people express concerns about safety and security. Economic uncertainty, social upheaval or rapid cultural change can result in individuals feeling disenfranchised or left behind and blaming certain groups or individuals, for the perceived threats to their way of life or wellbeing. This presents an opportunity for growth in resentment, intolerance, exclusion and polarising views which reinforce negative assumptions and beliefs.
Cultivating social connectedness is difficult to achieve in a society that is becoming more dependent on technology and the conveniences of the online modern world. Cities are becoming more densely packed with people but paradoxically the individuals within them are experiencing higher levels of isolation, and loneliness is on the rise across developed countries. So what impact does social disconnectedness have on a society’s ability to function well? How does it impact people’s happiness, health and cohesiveness? How does a lack of belonging impact the wellbeing of our societies?
This panel will discuss key influencing factors that shape an individual or community’s ability to determine social connection and trust. It will also discuss how failure to do this leads to unintended consequences that impact individuals, organisations and society.
Workplaces are microcosms of society and influence social, economic and cultural environments in which people live and work. An “economy of belonging” focuses on inclusivity, where everyone feels valued, respected, and has equitable opportunities to thrive. Business leaders who recognise this can use their position of leadership to set a standard for how individuals should treat one another and normalise positive behaviours in the workplace and beyond.
In this panel, speakers will share insights on why business leadership is core to a thriving economy and society, how failure to act can result in opportunities for growth in intolerance and exclusion. Panellists will share initiatives they have introduced within their businesses to create pathways to work for diverse talent pools and ensure the representation of diverse voices. Through these programmes, these employers have been able to provide opportunities to candidates they may have previously overlooked and now harness the innovation to succeed in a global economy.
Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop with global thought-leader, Jackson Katz and develop skills to navigate the challenges facing business and society today. The current environment is thwarted by the lack of communication and engagement with opposing viewpoints. We lack the ability to have mature discussions on difficult topics such as migration, gender expression, gender-based violence, values, rights and respect.
As a result, genuine misunderstandings, fears or concerns are disregarded and dismissed or consolidated with discriminatory or hateful behaviours, and individuals are branded as racist, misogynist or anti-immigrant. There are also those in this challenging and unsettled geopolitical environment, that have become emboldened to spread hate and division. However, failure to listen, hear and respond to genuine differences of perspective pushes people towards extremes or entrenches their views, rather than offering the opportunity for change or growth.
This masterclass will equip members with the leadership skills, language and tools necessary to have difficult conversations in a meaningful way while also responding to and confronting negative behaviour and language that is damaging our society and workplaces. In this turbulent geopolitical environment these skills enable leaders to impact a breadth of issues from gender based violence to social unrest.
Please note this is a member only, in person event. We aim to ensure all people have equal access to Ibec events. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations for this event, please contact the event organiser by email megan.osullivan-sweeney@ibec.ie.