Diversity is the start, inclusion makes the difference

Diversity may open the door, but inclusion decides who truly belongs. And in a world where identities are increasingly politicized and our geopolitical environment feels polarised, our differences continue to be placed under the microscope. 

Research increasingly shows that diversity isn’t only a societal imperative; it’s a driver of performance. McKinsey’s 2020 report Diversity Wins demonstrates that diverse teams make more balanced decisions, innovate more effectively, and are more resilient in times of uncertainty. Diversity is not only “the right thing to do”, it’s also the strategically smart thing to do.

McKinsey (2020) confirms this pattern: organisations with the most diverse management teams are 25–36% more likely to outperform their industry peers on profitability.

But here’s the crucial nuance: representation on the workfloor alone won’t deliver these benefits. McKinsey emphasises that diversity only becomes a competitive advantage when organisations invest in a culture where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute. It’s not about who is invited into the room; it’s about who feels free to speak once they’re there. You can’t give someone the stage, but then still claim the mic. 

And this insight has become more relevant than ever. In a time of increasing polarization and declining social cohesion, many people report feeling less welcome and less connected in the places where they live and work (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2023). When society becomes fragmented, the workplace also becomes a place where people can still build bridges, challenge stereotypes, and experience shared belonging. 

Pixar’s Braintrust

Pixar is a powerful case, where they show that inclusion is also a creative advantage.
Its iconic “Braintrust” meetings bring together directors, writers, animators, and editors — anyone, regardless of rank, to critique story concepts openly.

What makes this inclusive:

• There is no hierarchy in the room, no one is “the boss” during Braintrust.
• Input is valued equally, constructed, so feedback is encouraged without fear.

Pixar thanks much of its consistent creative endeavours to this process,  a culture where different perspectives are not only welcomed but structurally woven into the work.

Will you lead by designing cultures where people genuinely belong, or stay behind with diversity that looks good on paper but changes nothing in practice? 

Besides that, are you really listening to your people, or simply proving you’ve invited them into the room for the outside world.