Inclusion – What Every Leader Needs to Know to Create “The Magic”

Friends & Colleagues -

Is “the magic” of inclusion an illusion or can an effective leader truly build a culture that attracts, inspires and enlists others in the creation of a workplace where everyone’s unique talents and perspectives are tapped in service of organizational goals? What are the inherent challenges faced when leading change with respect to diversity?

Co-hosts and diversity experts, Richard Friend and Judy Seidenstein have over 40 years combined experience working with organizations in building a climate of inclusiveness and developing leadership capacity. Diversity leaders, no matter where they reside within an organization or a community are key to helping unleash the potential of others to work together across differences. On this episode of Diversity Matters, Judy and Richard discuss the most important things leaders must know to create, implement and leave a legacy of inclusion.

• How does someone acquire the clear sense of purpose and authentic voice that inspires others to want to follow?


• How does leading a vision of inclusion differ from leading other efforts?


• Whose vision matters more, the diversity leader’s or the followers’?


• What risks must one take to be an effective diversity leader?


• Is it more important to be liked or respected when leading inclusion efforts?

Judy and Richard explore these and other questions about “the magic of inclusion” with Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World ® Resort. As the Senior Operating Executive for nine years Lee lead a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping and entertainment village and a sports and recreation complex in addition to the ancillary operations which supported the number one vacation destination in the world. One of Lee’s major and lasting legacies was the creation of Disney Great Leader Strategies, including the “Ten Things Leaders Must Do to Promote Inclusion”, which continues on as the primary resource for developing the 7000 leaders at Walt Disney World.

Join us as we talk with Lee Cockerell about Inclusion – What Every Leader Needs to Know to Create “The Magic”. Join in on the conversation by calling in with your questions and comments at 866-472-5790 this Friday, March 23, 2007 at 10AM (eastern). Listen to Diversity Matters live or on demand at www.diversitymatters.info.

Please tune in!

Richard Friend, Ph.D.

Co-Host