Rethinking inclusion

Inclusion extends far beyond recruitment as it requires leaders to examine which behaviours are rewarded, whose voices carry influence, who receives informal sponsorship, and whether success depends on fitting an existing mould rather than contributing new perspectives. Culture is shaped by the behaviours we recognise, reward, and promote. And if we continue to reward only one form of cultural capital, we should not be surprised when many talented people conclude that belonging comes at the cost of authenticity. I think true inclusion begins when organisations stop asking people to fit the culture and start asking how the culture itself can evolve.