July Newsletter 2023

Dear friends and colleagues:

I hope you had an incredible 4th. The fireworks within the DEI field were ignited long before the SCOTUS rulings -- from the limiting of LGBTQ protections to affirmative action in college admissions. I had several opportunities to share my thoughts regarding the affirmative action ruling with media outlets (see below). My ask of you, my diligent, committed community, is that you speak up and act to protect and affirm the hard-fought gains within your organizations.

In this issue:

Perspective on Supreme Court Ruling Against Affirmative Action

Professional Development -- Danielle's Recommended Summer Reading List

"In Conversation with Juliette Mayers" - "Acknowledgements and Photos by photographer Cyrus Ndolo

To forward, please use the "share this newsletter" button at the bottom of this communication. Thanks for your continued support and engagement.

Yours Inclusively,

Juliette Mayers

Pronouns: (She/her/hers)

CEO Inspiration Zone LLC | DEI Consultant | Author | Speaker

Host of "Entering The Inspiration Zone" Podcast

Reflections On the Recent Supreme Court Ruling Against Affirmative Action in College Admissions

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court dealt a blow to affirmative action in college admissions. The implications for DEI in the workplace are far-reaching.

Juliette recently shared her perspective with SHRM and The Boston Globe. SHRM is the world's largest association for human resource professionals, with over 315,000 members.

SHRM Excerpt:

"...employers must also communicate and reinforce their values; express their commitment to DE&I; and brainstorm ways to sustain diversity pipelines, such as recruiting from historically Black colleges and universities."

"This decision will be a stress test for those who have made many pronouncements..."

Please read the full SHRM article that delves into the recent Supreme Court ruling and its implications for employers by Matt Gonzales.

SHRM Article

Boston Globe Excerpt:

“Companies that see diversity as part of their value system and the competitive advantage that they have will not retreat,” she said."

“Others, the check-the-boxers, will find it easier to back out. This will definitely be a test for companies.”

Please read the full Boston Globe Article that takes a look at what the Supreme Court Affirmative Action ruling could mean for Corporate America by Larry Edelman

Boston Globe Article

Danielle's Summer Reading List

4 Books You Need to Read This Summer

4 Business books that are must-reads to keep your mind sharp this summer.

Strategic Networking 2.0: Harness the Power of Connection and Inclusion for Business Success

Author: Juliette Mayers

It’s time to reframe your thinking and build meaningful connections to transform your business and your life. The old mental model of networking only for job searches and business development is too limiting and often invokes anxiety rather than joy. It excludes the richness of diversity that exists when you form authentic relationships that are aligned with your vision and strategy.

In Strategic Networking 2.0, Juliette Mayers shows how you can reframe networking to be a catalyst for achieving your goals.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Author: Cal Newport

Knowledge work is tough. It lacks hard edges and can feel endless. What's more, many of the tools and services clamour for our attention through instant messaging, notifications and endless feeds.

This book explains what to do about distractions and how to focus on long-term projects. Unlike a lot of other business books, it contains practical advice for creative people too.Read it for advice like, “If you don’t produce, you won’t thrive—no matter how skilled or talented you are.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Author: Sheryl Sandberg

COO of Meta (previously called Facebook) from 2008-2022, provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career. She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment, and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women both in the workplace and at home.

The Consistency Formula

Author: Suzi Sung

The Consistency Formula has everything you need to help you to achieve your goals. Provides the formula to help you to achieve your goals and change your self-limiting beliefs, using a one-week place to get you started and extra tips that will help you along the way.

Source: Forbes & Insider