This essay is an acid test assessment for those considering the challenge of leading diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within organizations. Bell asks tough questions and provides anecdotes, insights, and tips that help the listener contemplate the difficulty of the task, the level of preparation required, and the significant commitment needed to succeed.

Rather than a formula for success, the essay is a template for establishing the thought process that senior leadership must embrace in order to develop a formula tailored to their own situation. Mr. Bell’s essay challenges the listener to expand their thinking regarding the Sisyphean task of leading diversity.

This essay leverages Hayward Bell's four decades of accumulated experience as a senior leader in three major US corporations, in the functions of accounting, finance, administration, corporate policies, and as Global Chief Diversity Officer. Working and living in and outside of the United States gave Mr. Bell a richly diverse perspective on getting the best from people. He understands that fully capturing the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion is the responsibility of leadership and that the essential work required is systems and culture change. He strives to share his insights with those who take the work of inclusion seriously and are prepared to commit to achieving sustainable transformational change.