We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Skillshare

Successfully lead your team to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future with diversity & inclusion specialist, Aduke Onawfowokan!

Leading DEI change at work can be a challenging endeavor. These days, many organizations have commendable diversity and inclusion ambitions, however, they sometimes lack a clear approach. Join Aduke as she provides the tools and methods to effectively navigate common obstacles to leading DEI change.

Alongside Aduke, you will:

* Gain a greater understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Read more

Successfully lead your team to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future with diversity & inclusion specialist, Aduke Onawfowokan!

Leading DEI change at work can be a challenging endeavor. These days, many organizations have commendable diversity and inclusion ambitions, however, they sometimes lack a clear approach. Join Aduke as she provides the tools and methods to effectively navigate common obstacles to leading DEI change.

Alongside Aduke, you will:

* Gain a greater understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion

* Avoid the common pitfalls of leading DEI change

* Apply the principles for implementing DEI change at your company

Whether you've been tasked with leading change within your organization or you're interested in learning about leading change, this class will provide you with the tools to not only achieve success, but also to measure success for the future.

Aduke’s class is designed for leaders of teams, but all students are welcome to participate and enjoy.

Instructor bio:

Aduke Onafowokan is a leadership and diversity coach who helps organizations recruit, develop, and retain diverse talent while navigating complex challenges around gender, ethnicity, and intersectionality. With over 10 years of experience in project management, training, and talent development, and academic expertise from INSEAD and the University of Oxford, she designs programs that develop leaders across cultures and backgrounds.

Aduke has worked with global organizations such as Deloitte, British American Tobacco, and the UK Ministry of Defence, and founded initiatives including the 4000+ member Sister Sister Network and Inclusivitii Ltd. She also delivers worldwide keynotes, workshops, and business consultations on leadership and diversity.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Foundations of DEI in the Workplace
In this foundational module, learners will explore the essential concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and why they are critical for a thriving, modern workplace. You'll gain clarity on what DEI means, why it matters, and how it connects to organizational values and employee experience.
Read more

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Career center

Learners who complete Leadership: Implementing DEI at Your Company will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager
A Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager is responsible for leading, developing, and executing strategies to foster an inclusive workplace culture. This course directly equips you to excel as a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager by providing a comprehensive understanding of DEI principles. You will gain tools and methods to effectively navigate common obstacles when leading DEI change and apply specific principles for implementation at your company. The syllabus modules on "Foundations of DEI in the Workplace," "Leading DEI Change Effectively," and "Learning from Success & Sustaining Progress" are highly relevant. This course helps you to not only achieve success in DEI initiatives but also to measure their impact, which is crucial for demonstrating tangible progress in this vital field.
Head of Inclusion and Belonging
A Head of Inclusion and Belonging champions a workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered. This course directly equips you to lead teams towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future, a core responsibility of a Head of Inclusion and Belonging. It offers tools for effectively navigating common obstacles and applying principles for implementing DEI change, which is central to fostering genuine inclusion and belonging. Understanding the connection between DEI and organizational values, as taught in the foundational module, helps significantly in shaping a truly inclusive workplace. This course is particularly relevant for those aiming to champion these values and measure their impact, ensuring long-term success.
Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational Development Consultants focus on improving an organization's effectiveness and health through strategic change initiatives. This course helps develop the expertise to serve as an Organizational Development Consultant by providing a clear approach to leading significant organizational change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learners gain tools and methods to effectively navigate common obstacles when implementing DEI, a critical aspect of modern organizational development. The course's focus on foundational concepts, practical leadership strategies, and sustaining progress directly supports the consulting lifecycle of assessing, designing, and implementing impactful interventions. It equips you to achieve and measure success for the future in this specialized area.
Human Resources Business Partner
A Human Resources Business Partner is a strategic advisor to leadership on talent, culture, and organizational effectiveness. This course helps prepare for the strategic aspects of being a Human Resources Business Partner by equipping learners with the principles and tools for implementing impactful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. As a professional in this role, you will often be tasked with leading change within your organization or advising those who are. The course offers practical leadership strategies for avoiding common pitfalls and successfully driving long-term inclusive change, directly enhancing your ability to influence and support a thriving, modern workplace. It underscores the critical connection between DEI, organizational values, and employee experience.
Change Management Lead
As a Change Management Lead, you guide organizations through significant transitions, making this course highly relevant since implementing DEI is a complex change endeavor. The course provides the tools and methods to effectively navigate common obstacles to leading DEI change, which are directly transferable to broader change management principles. Learners will develop practical leadership strategies that support long-term, inclusive change, a core competency for any Change Management Lead. By understanding how to apply the principles for implementing DEI change at a company and learning from success stories, you will be better equipped to design, execute, and measure the success of transformative initiatives, fostering a more resilient and adaptable organization.
Leadership Development Program Designer
A Leadership Development Program Designer crafts educational experiences for current and emerging leaders. This course directly contributes to the skills needed for a Leadership Development Program Designer, particularly when creating curricula focused on modern leadership competencies. It equips learners with a roadmap for effective DEI leadership, providing practical strategies tailored for current or emerging organizational leaders. The course also emphasizes understanding the essential concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and their connection to organizational values and employee experience, all crucial elements to integrate into leadership programs. By learning from success stories and sustaining progress, designers can create more impactful and relevant development initiatives that foster truly inclusive leadership.
Talent Acquisition Leader
A Talent Acquisition Leader plays a crucial role in building diverse workforces, making this course highly relevant. The instructor's expertise in helping organizations recruit diverse talent aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of a Talent Acquisition Leader. This course helps in understanding the essential concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and why they are critical for a thriving, modern workplace. Learners will apply principles for implementing DEI change, which directly informs strategies for sourcing, attracting, and selecting a broad range of candidates. By focusing on avoiding common pitfalls and measuring success, the course enhances one's ability to build equitable hiring processes and contribute to an inclusive employee experience, ensuring long-term organizational success.
Culture and Engagement Manager
A Culture and Engagement Manager is responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace environment. This course directly supports the work of a Culture and Engagement Manager by providing tools and methods to lead teams toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future. Learners will gain a greater understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and specifically how it connects to organizational values and employee experience. The course's emphasis on applying principles for implementing DEI change and learning from success stories helps to craft strategies that genuinely resonate with employees and build a thriving, modern workplace. It helps in measuring success for the future, ensuring engagement initiatives are impactful and sustainable.
Employee Experience Specialist
An Employee Experience Specialist designs and optimizes the entire employee journey within an organization, aiming to create a positive and inclusive environment. This course helps in understanding how to lead teams to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future, which is fundamental to enhancing the employee experience. Learners will gain a greater understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it connects to organizational values and employee experience. The course provides principles for implementing DEI change, directly informing strategies for creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and supported. By learning to avoid common pitfalls and measure success, an Employee Experience Specialist can effectively champion and sustain initiatives that improve engagement and belonging.
Learning and Development Manager
A Learning and Development Manager designs, implements, and oversees training programs that enhance employee skills and organizational capabilities. This course is directly relevant for a Learning and Development Manager seeking to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles into their offerings and strategy. It clarifies what DEI means, why it matters, and how it connects to organizational values and employee experience, providing a strong foundation for developing related training. The course equips learners with practical leadership strategies that support long-term inclusive change, which can be translated into powerful development programs for leaders and teams. It also helps in anticipating and avoiding common implementation pitfalls, making future L&D initiatives more effective.
Internal Communications Specialist
An Internal Communications Specialist crafts and disseminates messages that inform and engage employees, playing a crucial role in organizational change. This course may be helpful for an Internal Communications Specialist in understanding how to effectively communicate and champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within a company. Learners will gain a greater understanding of what DEI means, why it matters, and how it connects to organizational values. This knowledge is crucial for developing clear, compelling, and sensitive internal messaging around DEI strategies and progress. By understanding the principles for implementing DEI change and common pitfalls, an Internal Communications Specialist can better support leadership in fostering an inclusive dialogue and building employee buy-in for transformative workplace initiatives.
Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
A Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist coordinates a company's efforts to operate ethically and contribute to societal well-being, often encompassing environmental, social, and governance initiatives. This course may be useful for a Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist, as DEI is a significant component of social responsibility within an organization. Learners will gain a greater understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and why they are critical for a thriving, modern workplace. The principles for implementing DEI change at a company directly inform how an organization fulfills its social commitments internally. By learning to lead DEI change effectively and measure success, a Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist can help ensure internal practices align with broader CSR goals and public statements, contributing to a holistic approach to ethical business.
Ethics and Compliance Analyst
An Ethics and Compliance Analyst ensures an organization adheres to legal standards, internal policies, and ethical guidelines, often investigating issues and recommending improvements. This course may be useful for an Ethics and Compliance Analyst in understanding the practical implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles, which are often closely tied to ethical conduct and fair treatment. Learners will gain a greater understanding of what DEI means and why it matters in a modern workplace. The course addresses avoiding common pitfalls of leading DEI change, which can help an analyst identify potential areas of non-compliance or ethical risk related to equity. By exploring strategies for applying DEI principles and measuring success, an Ethics and Compliance Analyst can better assess organizational practices and contribute to fostering an ethically sound and inclusive environment.
Project Manager
A Project Manager leads the planning, execution, and closing of projects, ensuring they meet objectives. This course may be useful for a Project Manager looking to lead projects that involve organizational change, particularly those related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Learners will gain a greater understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing context for projects aimed at fostering an inclusive culture. The course also equips individuals with a roadmap for effective DEI leadership, offering practical strategies to anticipate and avoid common implementation pitfalls often encountered in complex projects. By learning to apply principles for implementing change and measuring success, a Project Manager can better navigate the challenges of transformative initiatives and ensure their successful adoption within an organization.
Business Operations Manager
A Business Operations Manager oversees daily operations, ensuring efficiency and supporting strategic goals. This course may be helpful for a Business Operations Manager who leads teams and aims to foster an inclusive and productive work environment. The course helps leaders avoid common pitfalls and apply principles for implementing DEI change, which can significantly impact team dynamics, employee retention, and overall operational effectiveness. Understanding the essential concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and their connection to employee experience can empower an Operations Manager to create more equitable processes and cultivate a workplace where all team members feel supported. It provides tools to achieve success and measure success for the future in team leadership.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Leadership: Implementing DEI at Your Company.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of organization development, covering theory, research, and practical applications.
This comprehensive handbook provides a scholarly overview of the field of diversity and leadership. It includes chapters by leading researchers on topics such as the business case for diversity, the challenges of inclusive leadership, and the role of diversity in leadership development.
A timeless classic on interpersonal skills, this book offers practical advice for building relationships, communicating effectively, and influencing others positively. These skills are fundamental to professional networking, collaboration, and leadership. It remains a highly relevant resource for anyone looking to improve their social skills in a professional context.
Provides a roadmap for leaders to create inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected. It offers practical strategies and frameworks for fostering diversity, promoting equity, and building a culture of belonging.
Provides a foundational understanding of Employee Experience, defining it and outlining the three key environments: cultural, technological, and physical. It's valuable for those new to the topic, offering a clear framework and drawing on extensive research to demonstrate the link between EX and business outcomes. It serves as an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding.
Provides a framework for understanding and identifying racist policies and ideas, and actively working against them. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of systemic racism, a core component of DEI. It is widely used in academic and professional settings to shift the focus from individual prejudice to systemic issues.
Effective communication, especially during difficult or high-stakes situations, is vital for professional success. provides a step-by-step guide to handling crucial conversations constructively and achieving positive outcomes. It's a practical reference for improving interpersonal communication skills.
A foundational text in management thought, Drucker outlines the practices that make an executive effective. classic that provides timeless principles on time management, prioritization, and decision-making, crucial for leaders at all levels.
Explores the concepts of 'othering' and 'belonging' and their implications for creating a more just and inclusive society. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding social exclusion and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals. This foundational text in the field.
Emotional intelligence critical skill for navigating workplace relationships, leadership, and overall career success. Goleman's foundational book provides a comprehensive understanding of emotional intelligence and its importance. This classic text that offers essential background knowledge for effective professional interactions.
Focuses specifically on the design aspect of employee experience, offering practical guidance on how to intentionally create a positive EX. It's a valuable resource for HR professionals and leaders responsible for implementing EX initiatives. It helps to deepen understanding by providing a structured approach to EX design.
Sinek explores the concept of creating a 'Circle of Safety' where team members feel secure and supported. emphasizes the leader's role in fostering trust and cooperation, offering valuable insights into building strong, resilient teams.
Considered a seminal work in the field, this book by Edgar Schein, a pioneer in organizational culture, provides a deep dive into the تعريف (definition), dynamics, and leadership of organizational culture. It is essential reading for graduate students and researchers, offering a foundational understanding and theoretical depth.
Explores how to create memorable moments that can shape perceptions and experiences. This is highly relevant to employee experience, as key moments in an employee's journey can have a lasting impact. It provides a framework for identifying and designing signature moments that can enhance EX.
Offers a practical guide to giving and receiving feedback effectively, a crucial skill for managers and individuals alike. It emphasizes the importance of caring personally while challenging directly to foster growth and improve performance. This valuable resource for enhancing communication and feedback processes in the workplace.
Edmondson's research on psychological safety is crucial for understanding how to create an environment where employees feel safe to speak up, take risks, and learn from failure. is essential for fostering innovation and a culture of open communication, particularly relevant for contemporary workplace challenges.
Explores the reactions of white people when confronted with discussions of race and racism. Understanding white fragility is crucial for effective cross-racial communication and advancing DEI efforts. It is frequently used in workshops and training programs.
Written by Google's former head of HR, this book offers an inside look at how Google built its renowned culture and employee experience. It provides practical examples and data-driven insights into various HR practices that contribute to a positive EX. is excellent for both gaining a broad understanding and seeing how EX is implemented in a highly successful company.
Considered a classic in leadership literature, Bennis explores the qualities that define leaders and the process of becoming one. offers deep insights into self-discovery and personal development as integral to leadership.
Is written by three experts in diversity and inclusion, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. It covers the benefits of diversity, the challenges of creating inclusive workplaces, and the role of leaders in fostering inclusion.
Delves into the nature and impact of microaggressions, providing practical guidance on how to recognize and address them. Understanding subtle acts of exclusion is crucial for creating truly inclusive environments. This book useful reference tool for improving interpersonal interactions.
Building on the concepts of emotional intelligence, this book focuses on how leaders can create resonance and drive performance through their emotional leadership. Provides practical insights and is suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding of the behavioral aspects of leadership.
Based on a true story from a US Navy submarine, this book presents a compelling case for a leader-leader model rather than a leader-follower model. It's highly practical and offers actionable strategies for empowering teams and fostering ownership.
Written by former Navy SEALs, this book translates military leadership principles to business and life. It emphasizes taking ownership of everything in your world, offering a tough yet practical approach to leadership and problem-solving.
Argues that the U.S. criminal justice system acts as a contemporary system of racial control. It is crucial for understanding the ongoing impact of systemic racism on marginalized communities, a key aspect of DEI. This widely cited and influential text in discussions of race and justice.
Highlights the critical distinction between diversity and inclusion, arguing that diversity alone is insufficient for creating equitable outcomes. It provides research-backed insights into the factors that hinder inclusion and offers strategies for building truly inclusive cultures. It valuable resource for leaders and DEI practitioners.
This anthology compiles key essays on the concept of white privilege, offering diverse perspectives on its existence and impact. Understanding white privilege is fundamental to comprehending systemic inequality and core topic in DEI. This is often used as a textbook or supplementary reading in relevant courses.
Presents a clear and accessible framework of leadership principles. It's a popular guide for developing leadership skills and is often recommended for those seeking a structured approach to understanding the fundamentals of influence.
Introduces the concept of a Deliberately Developmental Organization (DDO), where employee growth and development are deeply integrated into the organizational culture. It offers a transformative perspective on how workplaces can become engines for personal and collective growth, suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding of organizational development.
Tulshyan advocates for an intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion, focusing on creating a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. is crucial for understanding contemporary issues in workplace culture related to DEI and provides actionable strategies for building inclusive environments.
Introduces the powerful concept of the growth mindset, which is fundamental for continuous professional development and adaptability in a changing world. It provides a strong foundation for understanding how beliefs about ability impact learning and success. This is particularly useful for individuals at any stage of their career looking to enhance their learning capacity.
While not solely focused on EX, this book challenges conventional wisdom about work and organizations, which is crucial for a contemporary understanding of employee experience. It provides insights into what truly drives performance and engagement, making it valuable for deepening understanding and exploring modern perspectives. It's a thought-provoking read that can shift perspectives on traditional HR practices.
Offers career advice and strategies specifically for women of color navigating the workplace. It addresses the unique challenges and systemic barriers faced by this group, providing valuable insights for both individuals and organizations committed to DEI.
From the former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix, this book challenges traditional HR thinking and advocates for a culture of freedom and responsibility. It provides a different perspective on managing talent and creating an environment where employees can thrive. It's particularly relevant for those looking to deepen their understanding and explore contemporary approaches to EX.
Presents a framework linking employee satisfaction and loyalty to customer loyalty and profitability. It provides a strong business case for investing in employee experience by demonstrating its impact on the bottom line. It's a valuable resource for understanding the strategic importance of EX.
Based on extensive research, this book focuses on what the best managers do to create engaged and high-performing teams. Effective management key driver of employee experience, making thvaluable resource for understanding how to positively impact the daily work life of employees.
Examines the pervasive nature of unconscious bias and its impact on daily life and decision-making. It offers insights and strategies for mitigating the negative effects of bias, relevant for individuals at all levels. It helpful resource for self-reflection and awareness.
Understanding the principles of persuasion is beneficial for sales, marketing, leadership, and general professional interactions. Cialdini's classic book outlines key psychological triggers that influence decision-making. provides valuable insights for effective communication and negotiation.
Focuses on the practical aspects of diversity management. It provides a framework for creating inclusive workplaces, including strategies for addressing unconscious bias, promoting diversity recruitment, and creating a culture of respect.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Leadership: Implementing DEI at Your Company.
Change Management for Generative AI
Most relevant
Organisational design: Know your organisation
Most relevant
Conversations That Inspire: Coaching Learning, Leadership...
Most relevant
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Applications for...
Most relevant
Capstone: Connected Planning for Business Transformation
Most relevant
Leadership & Organization Design
Most relevant
PM4R Agile: Agile Mindset in Development Projects
Most relevant
Kotter's Change Framework: Accelerators 5-8
Most relevant
Program Management Mastery: Lead Multi-Projects...
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser