Expertise

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

At BTS, DEI is part of everything we do.

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Inclusion is the work of leadership.

At BTS, we believe belonging is not something you declare, it’s something you create. It’s the outcome of diversity being valued, equity being embedded, and inclusion being practiced consistently in everyday moments.

We help organizations build inclusive leadership at three levels:

Individual: How leaders show up in moments - their mindset, decisions, and responses to different perspectives.

Team: How teams operate - building trust, encouraging debate, and ensuring all voices shape outcomes.

Organization: How leadership scales - reinforcing expectations and embedding inclusion into how work gets done.

How we help

Inclusive leadership workshop.

Inclusion starts with how leaders show up every day. This workshop provides a practical starting point, grounded in three essential ideas, helping leaders explore how inclusion shows up in everyday moments and how to create more inclusive and equitable teams.

How we help

The G.I.V.E. Model

The G.I.V.E. Model was designed to help leaders transition from a zero sum mindset (either/or) to a mindset that is inclusive (both, and). This is a simple approach that addresses complex DEI challenges organizations are currently facing. Leaders will walk away with practical steps that can be taken immediately to improve the quality of their relationships and conversations. Taking these steps results in a more inclusive culture that produces equitable outcomes.

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Why is DEI important?

Inclusion is for everyone

The real work of inclusion begins when you have to include those that you disagree with, don’t trust and align with, and potentially share other differences that are uncomfortable. Being keenly aware of our biases, stereotypes, prejudices, and any “isms” that are present for us is required work if we are going to create workplaces that are welcoming and psychologically safe.

Exclusion has a high cost

We close the gap between the business and the moral case for DEI by making inclusion personal and providing experiences for participants to see the impact that exclusion and inequity has on all employees from the C-Suite to those on the front line.

Inclusion is relational

We close the gap between the business and the moral case for DEI by making inclusion personal and providing experiences for participants to see the impact that exclusion and inequity hasEverything that we do in organizations is impacted by the quality of our relationships and conversations with one another. Making equitable decisions and being an ally will not work if leaders do not try to get to know and understand those that are working with them. Rarely do we feel seen, heard, and valued when someone is not able to be empathetic to our experience.
on all employees from the C-Suite to those on the front line.

Do your diversity initiatives promote assimilation over inclusion?

Professional development initiatives intended to help underrepresented employees don’t always lead to the progress leaders think they will — especially if those initiatives are designed around a harmful expectation of assimilation. The authors suggest examining the company’s expectations of assimilation and professionalism, reframing professional development programs, adjusting feedback processes, and focusing on relationships.

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Ready to start a conversation?

Every successful transformation begins with a meaningful conversation. Connect with us to explore how BTS can partner with you to make the shift.