It is no secret that we are at a time of deep separation in our culture. Political tribalism, social unrest, cultural differences, tension around racial, gender and other differences threatens to divide us and comes right into the halls of our organizations. How do we maintain a sense of belonging in our organizational cultures while living in this world of separation? Howard Ross, author of Our Search for Belonging, will address why it is that human beings tribalize the way we do, and why, at the same time, belonging is so central to our survival and happiness. We will address the psychological and social research behind this phenomenon, and, most importantly, what we can do to create cultures and individual behaviors in which people’s differences are no longer barriers to their working effectively together.

Over the past 10 years, the study of unconscious bias has exploded into the diversity and inclusion field, built on breakthroughs in the neurocognitive sciences and hundreds of new studies. What insights do they provide into how we think and how that thinking shapes our workplace behavior? Are these insights being misunderstood or misused? And how can we examine the data—and our own biases—to prosper in an increasingly diverse and global workplace, society and competitive landscape? In this game-changing presentation, based on his best-selling book, Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in our Daily Lives, unconscious bias expert Howard Ross shares proven strategies that both individuals and organizations can use to create more culturally competent and inclusive organizations. Revealing new research, case studies and practical applications that have diversity practitioners re-thinking old strategies, Ross shows how we can overcome unconscious bias to truly transform the way we work on both a personal and organizational level. This highly reflective and often inspiring presentation gives participants the opportunity to explore their own relationship with bias and its presence in their own organizations—beginning the journey toward self-discovery that is at the heart of inclusion.

Starbucks has long been seen as an organization that values diversity and inclusion. But even they were vulnerable to an incident that made headlines and threatened their brand. What can companies do to build a bias-resistant workplace culture that supports their true commitment to diversity and inclusion? In this essential talk for corporate leaders, Howard Ross, one of the world’s seminal thought leaders on identifying and addressing unconscious bias, examines Starbucks as a case study in what can go wrong and what to do right. Asserting, as Starbucks has, that a widely-publicized day of training is just the beginning, he walks audiences through a four-part strategy to build a bias-resistant culture. With a depth of expertise gained during decades of driving corporate culture change, Ross shares valuable takeaways that they can be immediately implemented in any organization.

For many, our workplaces have become the most diverse part of our lives—cutting across gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and now, increasingly polarized political divides.  What do we do when this divisiveness undermines work performance and jeopardizes organizational success? Drawing from his book, Our Search for Belonging: How the Need for Connection Is Tearing Our Culture Apart, diversity and unconscious bias expert Howard Ross explores the growing phenomenon of political tribalism in the workplace. Sharing successful examples from companies that have already taken on political tribalism workplaces, Ross explores key strategies and approaches to bridging differences, building a sense of community, and addressing tensions in ways that validate the humanity of people from all the different tribes.

We are living in a world of almost unparalleled division, separation and tribalism. People are no longer disagreeing, but disavowing each other’s rights to an opinion. What is driving this polarization and how can we overcome it in our daily lives? In his new book, Our Search for Belonging: How our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart, Howard Ross examines this fractured landscape and finds a beacon of hope: the modern workplace. After all, we don’t choose who we work with. These relationships cut across race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, education levels and political perspectives—the very impetus needed for community and belonging to exist. Building upon a foundation of cutting edge research, Ross shares best practices from some of America’s most successful and admired companies. He also guides audiences through the eight pathways to creating a culture of belonging, including the specific behaviors that people in organizations can embrace in order to make them happen.  As one CEO said about Our Search for Belonging, “Howard Ross offers actionable steps on how we can begin to dismantle the walls between us for the benefit of our workplaces and our society. An insightful read for all leaders.”

Workplaces have always mirrored our larger society, facing the same issues, challenges and divisions.  In this thought-provoking presentation, Howard Ross and his colleague, Dr. Johnnetta Cole, President Emerita of Spelman and Bennett Colleges, examine the evolution of the racial and diversity conversation in America and its workplaces. What does it take to create real and lasting change? How have diversity and inclusion efforts advanced social justice and equality? With sights set on a future that will be increasingly diverse and global, these two diversity and inclusion veterans from very different personal backgrounds guide us through the challenges to come. At a time when the level of racial tension and polarization is so high, these two long-time colleagues present a hopeful example of how people can bridge across race, gender, and religion to create true ally-ship and organizational environments of inclusion, trust, and collaboration.