Log in or create a free Rosenverse account to watch this video.
Log in Create free account100s of community videos are available to free members. Conference talks are generally available to Gold members.
Talent Acquisition and Our Responsibility
Summary
So much of the work around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is intentionality. Recruiting should be happening at all levels at all times, at times latent and at times active. This is the work of an entire organization but as design leaders we can mandate this in our code of ethics. In the conversation, we talk about the ways to be and remain persistent and committed to building diverse internal communities.
Key Insights
-
•
Code-switching at work is a heavy, often unacknowledged burden for many employees of color.
-
•
Companies must create truly safe psychological spaces where people feel free to bring their whole selves without fear.
-
•
Diverse interview panels help candidates feel represented and reduce bias during hiring.
-
•
Proactive recruiting outside typical elite channels uncovers hidden and underrepresented talent.
-
•
Small recognition programs like Envision's bonus kudos can significantly boost employee morale and belonging.
-
•
Anonymous employee surveys with hard questions help identify unmet needs in workplace inclusion.
-
•
Rethinking hiring criteria to value coachability and growth potential over rigid checklists opens doors for diverse hires.
-
•
Accountability mechanisms and leadership buy-in are essential for meaningful diversity and equity progress.
-
•
Removing educational biases in job descriptions expands access to more diverse candidates.
-
•
Design operations professionals play a key role as internal advocates pushing organizations toward equitable cultures.
Notable Quotes
"As a Black woman, I can't bring my whole self to work, but I hope one day we will."
"People often change their entire selves just to seem educated or fit in at work."
"If we truly want diverse teams, we have to create safe spaces for people to do their best work."
"Making sure your interview panel includes someone a candidate can identify with is a small but critical step."
"Recruiting can be tedious, but every interaction is a chance to show candidates you care."
"Sometimes you have to take a chance and hire someone because they have the ability to grow into the role."
"Removing rigid educational requirements opens more opportunities for diverse talent."
"Half of your final stage candidates should be diverse — that kind of commitment drives real change."
"We can be the squeaky wheel inside organizations pushing for psychological safety and equity."
"This moment in history is a revolution — no more complacency, we have to keep working for change."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"It’s about us, the design ops practitioners, and what we need today to be better at our jobs."
Bria AlexanderTheme Two Intro
October 3, 2023
"When the pandemic hit, those in the resilient 'yellow' zone had enough reserve to readjust and come back."
Ariba JahanTeam Resiliency Through a Pandemic
January 8, 2024
"Being aware of the systemic lens is a big first step that changes how teams operate and design."
Cornelius RachieruHandling Complexity: Framing a Scale of Design
June 9, 2021
"Olivia isn’t disabled, she’s just in a situation that makes accessibility critical."
Megan Clegg Michael Haggerty-Villa Alexis MorinSpace for Everyone: Reframing Accessibility Through a Wider Lens
June 10, 2021
"Who works here anyways? I knew about immediate teams but beyond that, it was a fog."
Saara Kamppari-MillerCartography for Design Communities
September 10, 2025
"The UK Government Digital Service launched 10 years ago, kicking off a new era in digital public service."
Kara KaneTheme One Intro
November 16, 2022
"Nearly a third of the 65 mental health commission recommendations call for co-design, which is pretty exciting."
Natalia RadywylCo-Designing New Power in Australia's Public Sector
November 16, 2022
"If you want to scale, incorporate global UX research from day one and test your assumptions broadly."
Nancy DouyonWe'll Figure That Out in the Next Launch: Enterprise Tech's Nobility Complex
June 15, 2018
"This AI stuff is a new design material, just like the internet or mobile was before."
Peter Van DijckBuilding the Rosenbot
June 4, 2024
