EGAL is driving a leadership movement to reimagine business for an equitable and inclusive society.
We are propelled by the recognition that the status quo in business is creating limiting and harmful barriers for certain folks – related to one’s gender, race, sexual orientation, and more. It’s past due time for a shift. For too long, business has been part of the issue perpetuating inequities. Business and business leaders must be part of the solution to address systemic inequities, particularly those created and perpetuated by business.
In this vein, education for business leaders needs an upgrade. There is a generational revolution in how business leaders should be educated. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) skills must be embedded in value creation and all roles (not just left to HR and people leaders). Business leaders to date have not been trained as Equity Fluent Leaders – this is a gap that needs addressing.
We also recognize that more diversity is desperately needed among business leadership. Women; Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC); and those from other marginalized communities are historically under-trained and under-represented in business training programs.
It comes back to being good business. There is business value among diverse leadership styles and lived experiences. There is business value in building and embedding DEI skills among all business leaders.
Our approach
Our work centers on providing hands-on education and learning opportunities, developing actionable resources and insights for leaders, and supporting academic research and business school faculty to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
We have three focus areas. These include:
- Future of equitable work. The pandemic has exposed the vast inequities that exist in society and work along racial, gender and socio-economic lines, while also expediting and exacerbating disruption in the structure and nature of work. We must advance systems change and a future of equitable work.
- Inclusive cultures. Cultures within organizations must advance inclusion and belonging, as opposed to sewing divisiveness and exclusion. There is an important role for all employees and business leaders.
- Equitable & inclusive products & services. The products and services companies develop have massive impacts on the lives of people globally. They can advance bias, or be tools to advance inclusion and equity.
Contact egal@berkeley.edu to learn more about EGAL and our work.