Intersectional Cultural Consciousness —The Antidote to Corporate Toxicity

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Honoured to Stand Among Innovators: Reflecting on the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2024

On 26 November 2024, I had the privilege of being a finalist for the Innovation in Health and Sciences Award at the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2024, sponsored by Eagle Labs. This recognition celebrates organisations that dare to disrupt and innovate for the betterment of society.

Although I didn’t take home the award, the evening was profoundly empowering. Sharing the stage with inspiring innovators reminded me that progress is a collective endeavour.

Shoutout to My Co-Finalists

• DeepInfinity.AI: AI-powered healthcare diagnostics reshaping precision and speed. Learn more

• Microplate DX: Rapid antibiotic diagnostics saving lives and combating resistance. Learn more

• Neuronostics: Pioneering neurological diagnostics with revolutionary biomarkers. Learn more

• Prozymi Biolabs: Redefining gluten-free innovation with enzyme-based solutions. Learn more

• Virtual Decisions: Transforming mental health and youth violence through VR. Learn more

• WeWALK: Enhancing mobility for visually impaired people with smart cane tech. Learn more

• Xgenera: Revolutionising cancer detection with 99% accuracy in early-stage diagnoses. Learn more

These organisations embody the spirit of progress. We are weaving a digital tapestry of innovation, resilience, and social impact.

As I prepare for the SME National Business Awards 2024 on 6th December at Wembley Stadium, where I’m a finalist for Business Person of the Year, I am reminded of how far we can go when we embrace our intersectional superpowers and dare to innovate.

Building on Last Week’s Momentum: Self-Care as Revolution

In last week’s Self-Care Is Revolutionary, we explored the transformative power of self-care as a radical act of defiance against burnout culture. This culture often demands relentless productivity at the expense of our well-being. Self-care is not just about rest; it’s a revolutionary reclaiming of our humanity, creativity, and resilience in a world that too often devalues them.

This week, let’s zoom out and tackle the systemic factors poisoning workplace well-being. From microaggressions to overwork culture and exclusionary practices, toxic environments undermine not only individuals but entire organisations. Here, Intersectional Cultural Consciousness™ (ICC™) becomes a beacon of hope, offering a roadmap for systemic transformation and workplace empowerment.

If last week’s focus on self-care was the spark, this week we aim to fan the flames of change by addressing the root causes of workplace toxicity. We can create spaces where well-being, equity, and belonging flourish.

Read last week’s article here: Self-Care Is Revolutionary.

Have Your Say: What Fuels Workplace Toxicity?

Your voice matters. Toxic workplace culture affects us all—whether it's through subtle microaggressions, relentless overwork, or an absence of true inclusivity. By sharing your perspective, you become part of a collective effort to reimagine and rebuild healthier, more equitable workplaces.

👉 Cast Your Vote Here 👈

The Toxic Workplace: Where Dreams Go to Die

Imagine a workplace where microaggressions whisper self-doubt into every conversation, diversity initiatives exist only on paper, and exhaustion is mistaken for excellence. Toxic environments like these don’t just drain creativity—they erode the very soul of organisations.

The Hidden Costs

Toxic workplaces cost UK businesses an estimated £15.7 billion annually through lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover, according to the CIPD. Marginalised groups disproportionately suffer, enduring heightened emotional fatigue, exclusion, and burnout.

• Microaggressions: Undermining trust, eroding confidence.

• Overwork Culture: Amplifying inequities, especially for caregivers.

• Exclusionary Practices: Failing to translate representation into belonging.

"Your mind is like a garden, and workplace culture is the soil. Toxicity poisons the roots, stunting growth before it begins."

ICC™: A Framework for Transformational Healing

Core Pillars of ICC™

1. Intersectional Awareness™

   • "Illuminating systemic biases to drive change."
     This pillar unveils the often-unseen power, privilege, and oppression dynamics that shape organisational systems. By exposing these biases, ICC™ paves the way for meaningful, targeted action that dismantles inequities at their roots.

2. Intersectional Identity Empowerment™

   • "Celebrating individuality as a force for progress."
     ICC™ turns the unique intersections of identity into a source of power and authenticity. This pillar encourages individuals to embrace their multifaceted selves, transforming diversity into a collective strength that enriches workplace culture and drives innovation.

3. Intersectional Empathy Activation™

   • "Fostering understanding that bridges divide."
     Empathy isn’t just an emotional tool; it’s a transformative force. This pillar nurtures active listening, shared human experiences, and authentic connections, laying the foundation for inclusive collaboration and a workplace culture where every voice matters.

4. Intersectional Accountability™

   • "From awareness to sustained action."
     Awareness and empathy are only the beginning. This pillar focuses on turning insights into tangible results, embedding accountability into systems and ensuring inclusivity becomes a sustained practice rather than a fleeting initiative.

5. Intersectional Cultural Sustainability™

   • "Building ecosystems of equity for the long term."
     ICC™ goes beyond quick fixes to cultivate lasting cultural shifts. This pillar ensures that equity and inclusion remain embedded in organisational DNA, enabling workplaces to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving world.

ICC™ in Action: Real Stories, Real Impact

“Your intersectional identity isn’t a hurdle—it’s your superpower waiting to be unleashed.”

Intersectionality is like a perfectly layered trifle—a harmonious blend of sponge, fruit, custard, and cream. Each layer brings its own texture and flavour, distinct yet complementary, creating a dessert that is far greater than the sum of its parts. This is the superpower of intersectionality: the ability to balance and amplify diverse identities and experiences, crafting a richness and complexity that wouldn’t exist if any layer were missing. Just as the trifle’s brilliance lies in its layers working together, so too does the power of intersectionality lie in embracing and integrating every facet of who we are.

Imagine organisations where intersectionality isn’t a buzzword but a cornerstone of culture. Where diverse voices aren’t just included—they are amplified. ICC™ empowers individuals, teams, and systems to rise beyond performative measures, cultivating environments where innovation, well-being, and collaboration flourish.

With ICC™, thriving is not the exception—it’s the standard. Together, we’ll weave golden threads of transformation into the fabric of workplace culture, creating spaces where everyone feels valued, contributes their best, and flourishes.

Case Study: Alstom UK

The Challenge:
Creating an inclusive workplace environment that fosters a genuine understanding of intersectionality and cultural consciousness.

The ICC™ Solution:

• Insightful Presentations: Delivered a powerful session on intersectionality, mental health, and cultural consciousness to over 90 attendees, sparking impactful conversations across teams.

• Inspiring Leadership: The speaker shared a personal and professional journey that resonated deeply, demonstrating the transformative power of lived experience in shaping workplace culture.

• Ongoing Conversations: Facilitated dialogue on intersectionality and cultural awareness, encouraging attendees to reflect and implement inclusive practices in their roles.

The Results:

• Employees felt inspired and empowered to drive meaningful change within their teams.

• Enhanced cultural consciousness within the organisation, promoting deeper understanding and inclusion.

• Greater confidence among attendees in fostering psychological safety and inclusive practices.

AI + ICC™: A Visionary Partnership

AI empowers ICC™ by amplifying its impact through data-driven insights. Imagine your organisation as a kaleidoscope—AI is the lens that reveals hidden patterns, helping you align your culture with your vision.

How AI Enhances ICC™

1. Predictive Analytics: Spot disengagement before it takes root.

2. Bias Audits: Uncover hidden inequities in hiring and promotion.

3. Customised Training: Tailor workshops to diverse learning styles.

Research Spotlight:
A 2024 study by the UK AI Council found that organisations leveraging AI to address workplace inequities saw a 35% boost in employee engagement and a 28% drop in turnover within one year.

"AI doesn’t just augment decision-making; it augments empathy, creating workplaces where humanity and innovation coexist harmoniously."

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Leaders as Culture Architects: Inspiring Transformation Through ICC™

Leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo; it’s about transforming it. Leaders are the architects of workplace culture, shaping environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to excel. Intersectional Cultural Consciousness™ (ICC™) equips leaders to lead with impact, cultivating cultures that not only thrive but inspire.

Actionable Leadership Strategies for Thriving Workplaces

1. Model Vulnerability: Redefining Strength in Leadership

   • Vulnerability is a leadership superpower. By being open about personal challenges and areas of growth, leaders foster authenticity and mutual trust.

   • Take Action: Start your next team meeting by sharing a moment of personal growth or a challenge you’ve overcome. Invite your team to do the same, creating a foundation of psychological safety.

2. Champion Equity: From Awareness to Meaningful Action

   • Equity starts with awareness but becomes transformative through action. Leaders must actively challenge biases and create systems that ensure every voice is heard and valued.

   • Take Action: Conduct an equity audit of hiring, promotions, and decision-making processes. Identify gaps in representation and implement measurable changes to create lasting equity.

3. Invest in Growth: Commit to Lifelong Inclusive Leadership

   • The best leaders are learners. Growth means seeking diverse perspectives, embracing discomfort, and evolving to meet the needs of diverse teams.

   • Take Action: Dedicate time each quarter to intersectionality and DEEI (Diversity, Equity, Equality, Inclusion) training. Combine this with reflective practices or coaching to apply learning in real-world scenarios.

The Impact of Transformational Leadership

When leaders embrace ICC™, they empower their teams to reach their full potential, fostering innovation, belonging, and collaboration.

With ICC™, leadership becomes more than a role—it’s a catalyst for systemic change. Together, we can reshape workplace cultures, moving from performative gestures to authentic, inclusive transformation.

FREE RESOURCE: The Chronicles of Cultural Cluelessness

Your healing journey begins with awareness. Dive into The Chronicles of Cultural Cluelessness to explore:

• Common missteps in DEEI efforts.

• Practical strategies to embed ICC™ in your organisation.

• Anecdotes that inspire reflection and change.

Practical Strategies for Applying ICC™

Practical Strategies for Applying ICC™: Rooted in Equity

Imagine your organisation as a thriving forest, where each tree represents a diverse employee contributing to a flourishing ecosystem. These trees grow strong and resilient through workplace equity, collaboration, and systemic transformation. The Intersectional Cultural Consciousness™ (ICC™) framework offers actionable strategies to cultivate this environment and ensure sustainable growth.

1. Conduct a Toxicity Audit: Identify Pain Points

Examine your workplace culture through an intersectional lens to uncover hidden inequities and systemic barriers. ICC™ tools can help identify:

• Microaggressions and biases.

• Unequal access to resources.

• Gaps in inclusion within policies and practices.

Addressing these issues creates the foundation for meaningful change.

2. Redefine Metrics: Prioritise Well-Being

Shift success metrics to include well-being, belonging, and psychological safety as key performance indicators. Assess:

• Retention and satisfaction, especially among marginalised groups.

• Adaptability to diverse cultural needs.

• Equity-driven outcomes aligned with organisational excellence.

This approach aligns goals with a sustainable, people-centric vision.

3. Foster Storytelling: Humanise Diversity

Empower employees to share their stories and connect unique identities to organisational values. ICC™ Storytelling Circles:

• Create safe spaces for authentic sharing.

• Highlight the impact of systemic inequities.

• Build empathy and inclusion among leadership and peers.

Storytelling transforms abstract diversity concepts into tangible, human narratives that inspire action.

4. Commit to Growth: Regular Workshops

Diversity is dynamic, not static. Regular ICC™ workshops help organisations evolve inclusivity by:

• Training leaders and employees in intersectional practices.

• Using AI-augmented tools to track progress and uncover challenges.

• Reassessing policies for continuous alignment with equity goals.

This commitment nurtures a culture where inclusion and innovation thrive together.

"Your journey is like a kaleidoscope—each turn reveals new patterns of strength and resilience."

Final Thoughts: Rewriting the Narrative of Work

Transformation isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. By embracing ICC™, we can dismantle systemic barriers, elevate belonging, and empower employees to thrive.

Ashana Crichton, Executive Coach, captures this beautifully:
"Jarell’s Cultural Consciousness workshops provide a framework for understanding lived experiences and driving meaningful change. They’re game-changers."

Are you ready to enter a future where your workplace culture becomes your competitive advantage?

Schedule a Clarity Call Today

Author Bio

I’m Jarell Bempong, a best-selling author, award-winning innovator, and founder of Bempong Talking Therapy Ltd (BTT). I’ve pioneered AI-augmented therapy and Intersectional Cultural Consciousness™ (ICC™) to transform mental health care and workplace inclusivity. Being a finalist for the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2024 and SME National Business Awards 2024, alongside winning the LCCI SME London Business Person of the Year Award, highlights the impact of my work in DEEI and leadership.

As a Black, gay, neurodivergent English-Ghanaian with dyslexia, my lived experiences inspire the authenticity and empathy I bring to empowering individuals and organisations. Through workshops, resources, and storytelling, my mission is to unlock potential and create inclusive, thriving futures.

Learn more at bempongtalkingtherapy.com.