In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Lily Zheng, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategist and Consultant. Lily Zheng is also the author of DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right. In the conversation, Lily Zheng talked about their upbringing, education, and how it influenced their perspective on race and inequality. Next, Lily Zheng shared why they advocate for a systemic approach to tackling DEI, including outcome-oriented measurements and accountability. Lily Zheng also talked about meritocracy and why complex problems require complex solutions. Finally, Lily Zheng shared examples of how leaders can think about and act on DEI with an outcome orientation benefiting the organization and its team members. 

Some Highlights:

- The origin of Lily Zheng's sense of responsibility and gratitude

- Why do so many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives fail

- How to increase the likelihood of success of DEI initiatives 

- Lily Zheng on why trying to change hearts and minds is not effective

- The importance of creating inclusive environments and how to do it well

- Why making the business case for diversity can be counterproductive

- How to measure DEI efforts with accountability 

- What most leaders get wrong about meritocracy in the workplace 

Also Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Jack Philips on Show the Value of What You Do: Measuring and Achieving Success in Any Endeavor

Connect with Lily Zheng

Lily Zheng's Website 

Lily Zheng on LinkedIn 

DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right on Amazon 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website