INCLUSION Beth Ridley

How to better attract and retain diverse talent

Use design thinking to drive an inclusive culture

MANY COMPANIES with a goal of building a culture of inclusion to attract and retain diverse talent wonder why their efforts fail to produce their desired results. The key to achieving sustainable outcomes is to consider each decision in your diversity and inclusion strategic planning process from an inclusive lens before taking action. Adopting a problem-solving methodology that integrates diversity and inclusion principles with design thinking can help.

WHAT’S INCLUSION?

An inclusive culture results in belonging, the feeling of acceptance, security and support – what everyone wants in a workplace. When you belong, you feel like an important member of the group and that you can express your opinions without fear. Research shows a virtuous cycle that occurs when there’s belonging in a workplace.

Fostering a culture of inclusion requires leaders to acknowledge their blind spots and biases and replace assumptions with empathy and understanding. Similarly, designing strategies that more effectively drive a culture of inclusion requires intentionally considering diverse perspectives before making decisions about strategy development and program execution. The key is creating a framework to integrate ED&I principles in your organization’s strategy development in a repeatable way.

Enter design thinking.

WHAT’S DESIGN THINKING?

Design thinking is an approach to problem solving embraced by digital product designers. Design thinking requires having deep empathy and understanding of the customer and uses a process of questioning to challenge assumptions in order to identify innovative solutions not instantly apparent with one’s initial level of understanding.

Design thinking and inclusion principles strongly align. Apply design thinking questioning techniques to approach diversity and inclusion strategic planning in a structured and repeatable way to lead to more meaningful and sustainable results.

HOW TO INTEGRATE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AND DESIGN THINKING

Here’s the questioning process I use with clients who wanted to rethink their diversity recruiting strategy to achieve better results of attracting and retaining qualified people of color into the company: 1. Define the desired outcome. The greater the clarity about what you want to achieve, the easier it will be to create a strategy to enable success. Ask: » What do you want to achieve? » Where, when and with whom do you want to achieve this? » How will you know when you’ve achieved the goal? » Why is it important?

2. Uncover the root problem. Articulate the biggest problem or obstacle to achieving your desired outcome, then repeatedly ask “why” five times to determine the root cause of a problem. 3. Ideate solutions with empathy. Brainstorm possible solutions to address the root cause of the problem by asking, “what if…?” to generate ideas, concentrating on possibilities, not constraints. Then select one solution to flush out in detail by delineating process steps needed to execute it. Consider how to execute each step to best achieve the desired outcome by putting yourself in other people’s shoes and connecting with how they might think and feel about the solution. For each process step, think about “what wows?” – the approach stakeholders will love, value and appreciate the most. 4. Check assumptions and biases. Consider how your thinking differs from stakeholders. What assumptions have you made? What questions should you ask to validate your ideas? Who can give you needed feedback and how will you get that feedback? You may need to get creative to identify people outside of your current network to provide the diverse perspective you need. 5. Refine the strategy. Redesign your solution based on what you heard from your interviews. Ask: » What did we learn? » Based on what we learned, what aspects of our strategy should we keep, stop or modify? n

BETH RIDLEY

Beth Ridley is a former corporate executive turned speaker, leadership inspirer and workplace culture consultant. She leverages 25 years of corporate leadership and management consulting experience to partner with leaders to transform workplace cultures.

BIZ PEOPLE Advertising Section: New Hires, Promotions, Accolades & Appointments

LEGAL SERVICES

MWH Law Group LLP is pleased to announce Warren E. Buliox as Equity Partner, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Buliox joined MWH when it was formed in 2016, and will lead alongside Equity Partners Kerrie Murphy, Emery Harlan, and Julie Bittner. Buliox works from the Milwaukee office of MWH Law Group specializing in employment litigation and general civil litigation. He holds degrees from Alabama State University and Syracuse University College of Law. "With his added vision and leadership, MWH will continue to deliver the highest quality legal services in a genuinely diverse and inclusive firm environment," Murphy said.

EDUCATION

Kim Schultz,

MSOE’s new director of corporate and foundation relations, develops and manages the university’s engagement and opportunities with corporate and foundation partners.

EDUCATION

Herzing University promotes Jarvis Racine to Lead Strategic Partnerships. As VP of Strategic Partnerships, Workforce Development and Government Affairs, Racine will focus on strengthening Herzing’s corporate partnerships to help businesses, healthcare providers and community organizations solve workforce challenges.

CONSTRUCTION

Waukesha-based precast manufacturer Spancrete has announced the retirement of president and COO, Alan Antoniewicz. Since the beginning of his tenure 12 years ago, Alan developed business strategies that focused on the core business of precast concrete and driving profitable growth for the company. Day-today he led the team to establish positive customer relationships, develop innovative Spancrete products and equipment, and ensure high safety and quality standards companywide. He looks forward to spending more time with family and continuing to serve the community with his various board positions in retirement.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Vrakas CPAs + Advisors Names Mike Hall new Shareholder. Mike has been with the firm since 2004 having spent 16 years in the tax department. He specializes in providing consulting and tax services to small to medium size privately-held businesses and their owners, including a focus on ESOP-owned companies.

EDUCATION

Herzing University promotes Dr. Jeff Hill to Regional PresidentWisconsin. Dr. Hill will oversee all three of Herzing University’s Wisconsin campuses – Brookfield, Madison and Kenosha. He will focus on initiatives designed to enhance student experience, retention and graduation outcomes.

MANUFACTURING

Perlick is pleased to announce Chris Baichoo joined Perlick, as our new Chief Sales Officer. Chris brings expertise from prior management, sales and engineering roles, including his recent role at Federal Industries, a leader in refrigerated merchandise. As CSO, Chris oversees both commercial and residential sales groups, as we work to bring both of our sales avenues together to function as a more cohesive central sales force. Based in Milwaukee, WI, for over 100 years, Perlick designs, engineers and manufactures luxury refrigeration equipment and systems for both homes and the bar, restaurant and beverage industries.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Vrakas CPAs + Advisors Names

Mary Ellen

Michaelson new Shareholder. Mary Ellen has been with the firm since 1999 having spent 21 years in the tax department. As Shareholder, she will continue to provide consulting and tax services, but also be a leader of the small business accounting department.

EDUCATION

Herzing University appoints Dan Peterson as President of Online Division. Peterson will lead initiatives that advance and expand the school’s online offerings while making higher education more accessible and affordable. He’ll also focus on enhancing student experience, retention and graduation outcomes.

NONPROFIT

As part of its expanding equity and justice work, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin welcomes Paula Phillips as the new Senior Director of Race and Gender Equity. Starting her career in ministry, Paula shifted her focus to the nonprofit sector when she moved to Milwaukee to serve as an AmeriCorps participant with Public Allies and then continued her nonprofit sector work at City Year Milwaukee. Prior to YWCA SEW, she worked to empower women and promote diverse leadership at the Medical College of WI and recently completed a four-year term on the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. Paula is an alumna of MATC and UW-Madison.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Vrakas CPAs + Advisors Names

Scott M. Syrjala

new Shareholder. Scott has been with the firm since 2009 having spent 11 years in the tax department. Scott specializes in providing tax planning, compliance and research support to privately-held businesses and their owners in a variety of industries.

INSURANCE

Robertson Ryan presented their Jack Ryan Community Service Award to Gail Bishop in Burlington, WI. She is involved in VetsRoll, were volunteers raise $400,000+ each year to take over 220 veterans to Washington DC. She’s made this trip 7 times.

BIZ PEOPLE Advertising Section: New Hires, Promotions, Accolades & Appointments BIZ UPDATE

NONPROFIT

Kathryn J. Dunn

has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, where she has led transformational efforts in community investment, engagement and impact for over a decade.

ARCHITECTURE

Kahler Slater promotes Jeff Piette, AIA to Vice President. After 27 years with Kahler Slater and 13 years as Higher Education and Sports + Recreation Team Leader, Piette has been promoted to Vice President. He will continue to lead the firm’s sports and recreation market and guide the firm’s strategic plan.

MANUFACTURING

Janel M. Hines has been promoted to Vice President of Community Impact at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, expanding her leadership roles in grantmaking, strategy and advancing racial equity and inclusion. She joined the Foundation in 2011.

LEGAL SERVICES

Susan E. Lovern,

President and CEO and chair of the Commercial and Business Litigation Section at von Briesen & Roper, s.c. is named as a 2020 Client Service All-Star by The BTI Consulting Group.

ACUITY EARNS BEST WORKPLACE RECOGNITION FROM GLASSDOOR

Acuity has been honored with a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award for a second consecutive year. The award, which recognizes the 100 Best Places to Work among U.S. large companies, is based solely on the input of employees. “Over one million employers are reviewed on Glassdoor, and out of those, Acuity is ranked in the top 100 in the U.S. We are honored and humbled to be valued so highly as a place to work,” said Ben Salzmann, Acuity President and CEO.

According to Glassdoor’s review page for Acuity, the insurer earns a 4.9 out of 5.0 rating, with 99% of respondents recommending Acuity to a friend.

This latest honor adds to Acuity’s workplace awards, including Glassdoor’s Highest Rated Companies for Work/Life Balance During COVID-19 (#1 in the nation), Forbes’ list of America’s Best-in-State Employers (#2 in Wisconsin), the ACORD Millennial Women’s Insurance Advancement Award, and a Top Entry Level Employer by CollegeGrad.com.

LEGAL SERVICES

Jeffrey E. Mark,

Shareholder and co-chair of the Health Law Section at von Briesen & Roper, s.c. is named as a 2020 Client Service All-Star MVP, by The BTI Consulting Group.

INSURANCE

Robertson Ryan & Associates recently welcomed Patti Blaschka, an agent owner in the company’s Milwaukee office, as its newest shareholder. Patti specializes in both commercial and personal insurance products and has been with RRA since 2016.

INSURANCE

Robertson Ryan & Associates recently welcomed Pat Skaar, an agent owner in Wisconsin as its newest shareholder. Pat has been in the insurance industry for 30+ years and holds the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor. He joined RRA in 2006.

CONSTRUCTION

Marissa Young has joined JP Cullen as Director of Business Development. “Her prior experience and knowledge will be a valuable resource for clients as they plan for the growth of their business,” George Cullen, Co-President at JP Cullen said.

MANUFACTURING

Standard Process has announced the recent promotion of its Director of Human Resources, Krista Beaudry, to the new role of Vice President, Human Resources. Krista brings more than 25 years of HR experience to the new role.

MANUFACTURING

WorldBridge Partners welcomes Jason Kayzar as newest Executive Search Consultant. WorldBridge Partners (WBP) has engaged the talents of Jason Kayzar. Kayzar comes to WBP with over 3 decades of sales leadership experience. WBP is a Manufacturing Talent Acquisition and Recruiting Firm focused on companies located in the Midwest.

MANUFACTURING

RSM US LLP, Milwaukee, has promoted John Stetzenbach to Assurance Partner. John has over 14 years of public accounting experience providing audit and consulting services to public and large private internationally-active companies. He serves clients within consumer products and industrial manufacturing industries.

BANKING

First Federal Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Maxwell Vos to Project Manager and Security Officer. He will support and supervise major projects, manage virtual banking operations, and oversee the bank security program.