Intentional Conversations: Dismantling Inequity with Janet Stovall
Nika White • March 4, 2025
Dr. Nika White recently hosted an insightful conversation on her "Intentional Conversations" platform with Janet Stovall, a global chief diversity officer, consultant, speaker, and author. Janet's work focuses on helping businesses dismantle systemic inequities and unlock the true value of diversity. With three million views on her TED Talks and a wealth of experience, Janet shared her unique perspective on the role of businesses in driving meaningful change.
Why Business?
Janet firmly believes that businesses are uniquely positioned to dismantle systemic inequities because they're the only sector left with the power and incentive to do so. While governments struggle with bureaucracy and a lack of urgency, businesses respond to economic realities. "Money talks," Janet asserts, and when the bottom line demonstrates that DEI matters, companies act.
Uncovering the True Value of Diversity
Janet shared a powerful example of how she helped a major pharmaceutical company's African-American Business Resource Group (BRG) become more relevant and impactful. By guiding them through her "in-demand" model, she helped them identify their unique value proposition.
- The Challenge: The BRG felt underutilized and wanted to contribute more meaningfully.
- The Solution: Janet facilitated a process where the group analyzed the company's products (HIV drugs) and the demographics most affected (heterosexual Black women).
- The Outcome: The BRG presented innovative ideas to the CEO, which were implemented and generated millions of dollars for the company. This demonstrated how leveraging unique identities can drive business success.
The Power of Inclusion
Janet's TED Talks, viewed by millions, emphasize the crucial distinction between diversity and inclusion. "Companies can mandate diversity, but they must cultivate inclusion," she states. For Janet, inclusion is about behavior, not just feelings. She advocates for defining inclusion in terms of what it allows people to contribute, particularly from their unique lived experiences.
- Defining Inclusion: Janet stresses that there is no universal definition. Each organization must define inclusion relative to its own context. She uses a "Brandy Melville to Ben and Jerry's continuum" to illustrate how vastly different inclusion can look in different company cultures.
- Actionable Steps: She emphasizes that inclusion is actionable through behavior. "Diversity is not a problem to solve. Diversity solves problems. Inclusion is not feeling valued. Inclusion is being able to deliver value. And equity is not fair people. Equity is fair systems.”
Navigating Public Communication on DEI
In her book, "The Conscious Communication: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Shit," co-authored with Kim Clark, Janet outlines key strategies for deciding whether to communicate publicly about DEI or social justice issues. She developed a "DEPTH" model:
- Deliberate: Is there a good reason for saying it?
- Educated: Do you know everything you need to know about it?
- Purposeful: Does it align with your values?
- Tailored: Does it align with your unique abilities?
- Habitual: Will you say it again?
This model helps individuals and organizations ensure their communication is thoughtful and impactful.
Evolving Perspectives
Janet's journey has been shaped by pivotal moments and a deep understanding of systemic inequities. She identifies as a "desegregationist," focusing on moving the "big rock first" and prioritizing those most harmed. Her upcoming book, "Now What?" delves into the archetypes of individuals in DEI work and how to navigate different organizational environments.
Key Takeaways:
- Businesses have a critical role in dismantling systemic inequities.
- Inclusion is about behavior and creating environments where everyone can contribute.
- Strategic communication is essential for advancing DEI.
- Understanding one's own role, and the environment they are in, are crucial to creating change.
Janet Stovall's insights provide a valuable framework for individuals and organizations committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive future.
Intentional Conversations is a weekly podcast by Nika White Consulting that intersects diversity, equity, and inclusion dialogue with leadership and business. Click here to register to attend the live sessions each Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon EST. You may also search archives to view replays of past episodes, or you can listen to the Intentional Conversations Podcast on your favorite platform.
Read more from The Human Shift on Substack, where I share long-form essays on leadership, culture, and how we work and live.
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