Elaine Newman, CEO and FounderThis is precisely where Global Learning, a leading womanowned DEIB consulting firm in Canada, stands out.
By advising their clients on how to create diverse, inclusive, vibrant working cultures, Global Learning is instrumental in developing equitable systems to enable every employee to realize their full potential.
Global Learning works with organizations to help them build and maintain an inclusive work environment through an innovative, proven and personalized approach. Working with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 corporations and small and midsized companies, Global Learning has a track record of advising, training, and surveying over one million participants across different corporations, post-secondary institutions, and not-forprofit organizations, on a regional and global scale.
Foreseeing the Canadian Market and Crafting an All-Inclusive Culture
Global Learning’s history traces back to 1996, when diversity was just beginning to be discussed in organizations and inclusion had not yet emerged as a focus area. But CEO and founder Elaine Newman realized that in the coming years, the idea of DEIB would revolutionize workplaces across the globe— leading to the foundation of Global Learning.
Considering the current climate in Canada, where advocacy and action are at the forefront of expectations, there is a need to advise and train leaders and employees on diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Global Learning focuses on providing companies with well-rounded DEIB solutions in four major pillars: strategic consulting, surveys, assessments and training to equip them with the necessary information and tools for relevant initiatives that make the entire journey purposeful and sustainable.
“Other consulting firms that train on DEI concepts, often miss the clear steps for DEI action, which is why we provide tailor-made, fit-for-purpose strategies and tools that steer our clients toward measurable success,” says Newman.
The company practices what it preaches, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and incorporating people from equity-deserving communities integral to the team.
“The shifts being made to represent diverse identities on the mainstream makes a direct impact on the new generation in fostering belonging, and helps them to feel empowered by their authenticity,” states Michael Mastroddi, VP, Global Learning.
A Didactic Strategy for Eliminating Systematic and Inclusive Barriers
Global Learning believes that to bring meaningful cultural change, businesses must align DEIB goals with their organizational values and maintain consistency and commitment at every level. One way to effectively operationalize DEIB is to implement a well-rounded, immersive strategy that impacts every individual in the organization. The company, to this end, adopts a comprehensive approach when collaborating with clients. They do an in-depth analysis of the existing work environment to bring about meaningful change.
Training alone on DEI concepts often misses the clear steps for DEI action, which is why we provide tailor-made, fit-for-purpose strategies and tools that steer our clients toward measurable success
A typical client engagement begins with a discovery session. It is about understanding where clients are in their DEIB journey and the outcomes they want to achieve. In addition, through a Diversity Demographic and Inclusion Survey, Global Learning gathers information on a participant’s experience of inclusion within the organization. If clients have previously conducted similar detailed assessments or internal studies, they take those documents into account during their analysis.
Based on the insights, Global Learning creates custom strategies that can achieve diversity with belonging. The company strongly emphasizes action, as organizations often state strong commitment but fail to yield measurable outcomes. To counter that, Global Learning’s initiatives evoke collaboration and communication while ensuring room to promote aspects like inclusive language and psychological safety. This integrated approach enables the company to foster a sense of belonging among employees.
“Our plans and recommendations are transformative for every individual, and their efficacy can be effectively measured,” says Newman.
Client Successes that Applaud the Global Learning Approach
Global Learning is one of the most sought organizations for businesses when it comes to achieving their DEIB goals. The company’s capabilities are best illustrated by its recent collaboration with a client, struggling to achieve its DEIB objectives. The client wanted to transform their organizational climate and instill more DEIB values to foster better collaboration among their workers.
To ensure a holistic DEIB-backed culture, Global Learning began laying the groundwork by performing an anonymous DEIB survey. They also analyzed the data to identify areas in need of improvement. Based on the insights, Global Learning implemented a DEIB strategy that was not standalone to the company but a perfect fit for its over-arching organizational values.
The robust framework and well-planned initiatives helped the client understand their roadmap to inclusion. As a result, they witnessed a successful change in company culture within two years into their DEIB journey.
In Pursuit of Transformation
Instances of client successes are a testimony to Global Learning’s indomitable zeal to create an all-inclusive future. At the heart of the company is its expert team of highly experienced professionals in human resources and DEIB.
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Our work to implement DEIB is collaborative, intentional, and values-driven. It’s an inspiring journey to foster partnerships and advance social justice across all sectors of society
The biggest strength of Global Learning is its diverse team. Every individual brings different perspectives, experience and education while devising and implementing DEIB initiatives. To ensure impactful DEIB adaptation, the team offers behavioral transformation guidance to all employees in the organization.
As a customer-first company, Global Learning is always open to new ideas and ways of doing business. It provides services that understand the needs of each client. To manifest a culture of increased business commitment and meet the industry’s growing demands, Global Learning constantly aligns with new trends to create best-in-class solutions.
“Our work to implement DEIB is collaborative, intentional, and values-driven. It’s an inspiring journey to foster partnerships and advance social justice across all sectors of society,” says Karen Lablans, VP Consulting, Global Learning.
Global Learning continues to up its ante in the DEIB space with a focus on supporting individuals and organizations that understand DEIB is truly a strategic imperative. In the coming years, the company is committed to continuing to provide DEIB best practice advisement and strategies to their clients.
