According to a Gartner report, 75 percent of companies with frontline decision-making teams reflecting a diverse and inclusive culture exceeded their financial targets. The report also found that gender-diverse and inclusive teams outperformed gender-homogeneous, less inclusive ones by 50 percent on average.

Considering the importance of workers, it is logical that each of them, while interconnected, is distinct, acknowledged, valued, and made more comfortable. Robust diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the workplace improve businesses, and one firm leading the DEI charge is BCT Partners (BCT).

BCT is a consulting firm that aims to empower organizations to transform lives, accelerate equity, and create lasting change in their DEI culture. The company leverages subject-matter expertise, research, information technology, data analytics, cultural competence, and a rigorous project and knowledge management methodology to help businesses harness the power of diversity, insights, and innovation. "We strive hard to give our customers the individualized viewpoints and guidance they require to overcome difficulties and problems in their organizations," says Damita Byrd, BCT’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

"Whether it is data analytics, information technology, virtual reality, or qualitative and quantitative research, we provide a unique suite of tools, services, and solutions centered on delivering powerful insights," adds Dr. Randal D. Pinkett, BCT’s chairman, CEO and managing partner.

At the nexus of BCT’s identity and activities as an organization sits the southern African Bantu philosophy, Ubuntu, which translates to “I am because we are.” In honoring that ethos of community and interconnectedness, BCT promotes and celebrates the importance of inviting diverse people and views to the table by employing a diverse workforce that provides training, coaching, organizational development, strategic planning, and program evaluation. "BCT brings a multidisciplinary approach where it adds the best of human behaviors, DEI principles, analytics, and organizational effectiveness and combines them to drive solutions," says Lawrence Hibbert, BCT’s president and managing partner.

One of BCT's defining characteristics is its focus on innovation, enabling the firm to develop the first virtual reality (VR) program to mitigate workplace discrimination. The VR experience, ‘Through My Eyes,' allows users to confront obvious and hidden biases as observers or participants in discriminatory scenarios in an effort to accelerate understanding and empathy toward various demographics. Data captured from the user's focus and choices in the VR experience, informs the development of a customized, easy-to-follow action plan. In incremental yet significant ways, the action plan helps shift mindsets, behaviors, and practices meaningfully toward equity and inclusiveness.
A new addition to the menu of services BCT has offered for nearly 25 years is a specific framework to foster and improve DEI for anyone including managers, executives, founders, entrepreneurs, business leaders and others, as well as any organization. The framework is presented in Dr. Pinkett’s new book, Data-Driven DEI, which hits shelves this month. It offers a systematic process for people and organizations to assess their current state of DEI, analyze that data to create a DEI action plan, and implement data-driven, science-based, and technology-enabled interventions for enhanced DEI. For readers committed to making a real-world impact, Data-Driven DEI deserves a place on their bookshelf as it provides the necessary tools and strategies to mitigate bias, improve decision-making, foster innovation, and promote inclusive leadership, among other benefits.

A diverse workforce is better equipped to identify opportunities and generate innovative ideas. By valuing and respecting the unique perspectives of all employees, businesses can maximize the benefits of DEI. Whether recruiting or leveling up day-to-day leadership, keeping DEI in mind can positively impact staff and business. With thoughtful and well-executed services and solutions anchored in DEI best practices, BCT Partners works with clients to create enduringly positive and open work cultures.