Diversity is a word that has been gaining more and more space in corporate, social and academic debates. For a long time, the search for diversity was treated as an end goal, a point of arrival that, once reached, would mean success.
However, throughout my career, I have realized that diversity in itself is only part of the equation. Without inclusion, it becomes incomplete.
Diversity: a starting point
Personally, I have always believed in the strength that lies in diversity. Living with people from different backgrounds, stories and perspectives expands our view of the world and challenges deeply rooted prejudices.
But what happens when diversity is not accompanied by inclusion? In my professional environment, I have witnessed situations where differences were present, but were not celebrated or valued.
For example, a company that prides itself on having employees of different ethnicities, genders and cultures, but does not promote equal conditions so that everyone can contribute fully, has diversity, but no inclusion.
What is the consequence of this? An environment is created where diversity is present, but their voices are not heard or, worse, are silenced.
Inclusion: The Key to Impact
Over time, I have learned that inclusion is what gives diversity meaning. After all, inclusion is the intentional action of creating safe and accessible spaces where all people feel they belong and that their contributions matter.
At work, this means more than just hiring diverse people; it means ensuring that they have opportunities to grow, that they are respected and that they can express themselves without fear of reprisal.
I recently participated in a project where I saw the magic of inclusion in action. A diverse team was assembled, and each member had space to share ideas and experiences.
The creativity and problem-solving of this team was impressive. It was there that it became clear to me that inclusion transforms diversity into a true competitive differentiator.
The Challenges of Inclusion
Although inclusion is essential, it is not easy. It requires changing structures, questioning norms and, often, facing resistance.
I have seen situations where people felt threatened by these changes, as if making room for others meant losing something.
But I believe that inclusion is a game of addition, not subtraction. Everyone wins when the environment becomes more welcoming and productive.
The future we want to build
Today, I advocate that diversity should always be accompanied by a commitment to inclusion. There is no point in celebrating statistics or photos that show diversity if the experiences of these people do not reflect a truly inclusive environment.
True transformation happens when each individual is recognized for their uniqueness and has space to shine. This is the future I want to help build — and I believe we can do it together. Do you agree?
