Diversity, inclusion, belonging, equity, and culture (DIBEC) expert and DIAL Global Founder and CEO, Leila McKenzie-Delis, is set to unveil her highly anticipated second book, The CEO Activist: Putting the ‘S’ in ESG, at an exclusive book launch this week.
In the book, published by Wiley, McKenzie-Delis offers compelling evidence that diverse and inclusive teams not only enhance creativity and innovation, but also significantly boost profitability. She demonstrates how organisations that embrace a wide range of perspectives are better equipped to innovate and develop relevant/improved products/services, attract and retain top talent, and secure committed investors and customers.
The book underscores the importance of the ‘S’ in ESG (Social Impact within Environmental, Social, and Governance), urging leaders to become proactive and self-aware advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It also explores the ten crucial facets of diversity, including race, gender, mental health, and socio-economic status, highlighting how each influences individual experiences in the workplace.
In recent years, DEI programmes have faced increasing scrutiny, with many executives justifying them through data that highlights their business advantages. However, this book emphasises the moral imperative of DEI, integrating Leila’s personal experiences and those of other executives to advocate for truly inclusive workplaces. Her organisation, DIAL Global, is dedicated to helping companies measure and manage diversity across various dimensions, reinforcing the idea that DIBEC is not only beneficial for business, but also ethically essential.
CREATING INCLUSIVE WORK ENVIRONMENTS
Through her work and personal journey, McKenzie-Delis emphasises the collective responsibility to create inclusive environments. Her book challenges the traditional notion of “privilege”, suggesting that it often signifies the absence of barriers rather than inherent advantage, and extends this concept to include gender, sexuality, and other identities. She advocates that DIBEC is not just a moral imperative, but a driver of economic growth, urging individuals to embrace their roles as “Activist CEOs”.
“Whether we are CEOs or starting out on our journey in business, no matter how we identify or what our circumstances, we all have a responsibility to do our bit. While this book will focus on leadership – my story, and the stories of other leading CEOs – what it can teach you goes way beyond the corner office and the boardroom. I hope more than anything that the thinking outlined in this book will help all of us rise up, find our inner Activist CEO, and move the DIAL for change,” stated McKenzie-Delis.
DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE
This book, already endorsed by many leading C-suite executives and CEOs is an invaluable resource for business leaders, DEI/HR professionals, and anyone passionate about driving positive change. It provides practical tools to foster inclusive and equitable practices that will enable organisations to succeed. Commenting on the book, Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer of JLR (formerly known as Jaguar Land Rover), said: “Helping to drive DE&I as an advocate and ally is a special part of my role. This book is a testament to why we should all be CEO Activists and play our part to drive greater Social outcomes across the board. Our communities are amazing illustrations of our purpose – to live the exceptional with soul. Leila McKenzie-Delis puts heart and soul into this book whilst generously sharing many purpose-driven leadership stories alongside the compelling business case for why diversity, inclusion and belonging = engagement.”
Aki Hussain, Group CEO, HISCOX and Non-Executive Director, Visa Europe, added: “CEO Activism uses Leila’s personal story and experience to create a powerful template for future leaders. Growing up in an industrial northern town as a second- generation British Pakistani, and the youngest of six children, I am passionate about social mobility and levelling the playing field for the talent of tomorrow. Business has a critical role to play in delivering a better and more inclusive future, and Leila shares her experience and advice generously to support leaders in creating positive change.”
Jane Storm, CPO of easyJet agreed: “This book serves as a call to action for leaders to harness their influence for social good, driving positive change both within their organisations and beyond.”
DEI, BELONGING & WORKPLACE CULTURE
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said McKenzie-Delis’ expertise and personal experience combined with her fantastic storytelling makes this book a very interesting read. “As well as reflecting on the positive social change it drives, she makes clear the correlation between equity and commercial success. In short, how can an organisation possibly reach its potential if it doesn’t reflect the world we live in?” he asked. “Imagine the perspectives and insights that are lost when the majority of an organisation have the same narrow lived experience. The issues addressed in Leila’s book are very relevant.”
Tami Erwin, Former EVP & CEO Verizon, Board Director, John Deere, F5, Xerox, York Space Systems and Skylo and an Operating Partner for Digital Gravity, also believes this is a “must read” book, not only for every CEO but for every leader who is committed to truly creating and nurturing a diverse work environment. “A diverse culture is much more than having representation, it’s about creating an environment where people feel embraced regardless of age, gender, ethnicity. And, in belonging, top performance is achieved.”
CREATING FAIRER WORK ENVIRONMENTS
Helen Webb, CPO of WHSmith plc, describes the book as “essential reading” for CEOs and sustainability professionals “committed to building a more equitable and inclusive world”. At a time when trust in politicians is at an all-time low, and social tensions are rising, “this book is a timely reminder of the role good business can play in making the world a better place – and make a profit”, concluded Ipsos’ CEO Ben Page.
Attendees of the exclusive book launch hosted by Salesforce on Thursday 11th July 2024, at the Salesforce Tower (from 6-9pm BST), will have the opportunity to hear insights from McKenzie-Delis and other CEOs mentioned in the book on how to create fairer environments in schools, workplaces, and communities that enable everyone to thrive.
This event promises to be an insightful gathering for leaders and change makers committed to fostering more inclusive and equitable workplaces. To attend the book launch contact: hello@dialglobal.com.
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