DEI in the Project Management Profession: An Opportunity to Lead

Whatever you thought you knew about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), be prepared to think again! The benefits of DEI are not well understood by project management professionals. Business executives and other stakeholders rely on project managers for operational guidance. But when it comes to DEI, many project managers resort to operational guardedness. It is time for project managers to exert a leadership role in the DEI movement. But, as Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. once said, “You can’t teach what you don’t know. You can’t lead where you won’t go.”

Participants will be invited to consider:
1. DEI as a relationship discipline.
2. The practice of project management as being grounded in relationships.
3. Relationships matter in relationship matters.
4. How to sustain a DEI effort beyond social unrest.
5. Who should lead DEI efforts and what skills do they need?
6. The Six Building Blocks for integrating DEI as an integral part of business strategy.
7. Using DEI relationship skills as a project management tool.

Speaker Biographies:

Dr. James O. Rodgers has practiced diversity management as an enterprise performance tool for over 35 years. He is recognized by his colleagues as one of the leading strategists and the #1 thought leader in the field of diversity management. Dr. Rodgers is known as "The Diversity Coach," and serves as the President of The Diversity Coach™ organization. He has authored a number of articles and books including the new best-selling book, Diversity Training That Generates Real Change: Inclusive Approaches That Benefit Individuals, Business, and Society (with Laura Kangas).

Laura Kangas is often called a “troubadour of positive change”. Laura has been collaboratively developing strategy and leading programs in diversity, equity, and inclusion management and employee development globally for more than 25 years. She is the Founder, CEO, and Senior Consultant of RiverBend Associates, Inc. Her work in academia has included a Visiting Professorship in the Accelerated MBA at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in China. Laura has authored a number of articles and books including the new best-selling book, Diversity Training That Generates Real Change: Inclusive Approaches That Benefit Individuals, Business, and Society (with Dr. James O. Rodgers).

Chuki Obiyo, J.D. has practiced the art and science of business development for over 15 years, helping to lead successful sales
programs at LinkedIn Corporation, Wolters Kluwer, and CEB. He is currently the Senior Manager of Business Development for Vedder Price, a global business-focused law firm. He is also the founder of Chuki Law, a professional networking initiative for leaders and lawyers, as well as a member of the advisory board for The Diversity Coach.