Navigating the Chaos: An Intentional Conversation with Amri B. Johnson on Inclusion and Action
Nika White • April 16, 2025
In a recent Intentional Conversation with Dr. Nika White, Amri B. Johnson, a social capitalist, epidemiologist, entrepreneur, and inclusion strategist, shared his perspectives on the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work and introduced his Emergent Inclusion Framework.
Amri's Unique Perspective
Amri, with over 20 years of experience, brings a unique blend of spiritual development and business acumen to his work. He emphasizes that his approach is rooted in virtues that guide his actions, fostering genuine human connection. He admits he has felt anxiety in the current work environment, something new to his experience, and stresses that in times of chaos, action is paramount.
The Current Landscape of DEI
Amri acknowledges the "pandemonium chaos" that many are experiencing in their careers. He highlights the importance of moving beyond mere talk and focusing on tangible actions that produce results. He uses the analogy of being in a tornado: you can't calm it, but you can seek shelter by leaning into the problem and controlling what you can.
DEI in Switzerland and Beyond
Amri, residing in Switzerland, observes that the focus there has historically been on gender, particularly women, and disability. He emphasizes his work on building inclusive systems that enable everyone to thrive, regardless of their identity. His personal experience with his niece's near-fatal car crash and subsequent disability has deepened his understanding and advocacy in this area.
The Emergent Inclusion Framework
Amri introduced his Emergent Inclusion Framework, an approach designed to build skills and capabilities that allow organizations to "bounce higher from stressors," becoming anti-fragile. Key aspects of the framework include:
- Anti-fragility: Building capacity to get stronger through challenges.
- Principles and Paradigms: Establishing guiding principles and paradigms that promote inclusion for everyone, not just specific groups.
- Pathways: Creating clear pathways to achieve desired outcomes.
- Skills and Capabilities: Developing skills to navigate differences and build connectivity.
- Focus on “We”: We must move from a “us vs. them” mentality to a “we” mentality.
- Honesty and Reflection: Encouraging honest self-assessment and reflection on the effectiveness of current practices.
- Systems over Symptoms: Addressing systemic issues rather than just surface-level problems.
- Context over Content: Prioritizing the context in which DEI work is done.
- Common Humanity: Centering the work on shared human experiences.
- Cultural Intelligence: Understanding and navigating cultural differences.
Key Takeaways
- Action is crucial in times of chaos.
- Inclusion should benefit everyone, not just specific groups.
- Honest self-reflection is essential for progress.
- Building anti-fragile systems is key to navigating challenges.
- Focus on the common humanity in all people.
Amri's framework offers a practical and insightful approach to building inclusive organizations, emphasizing action, honesty, and a focus on collective well-being.
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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