As a passionate advocate for creating equitable, inclusive, and people-centered workplaces, I was thrilled to join Wendy Hanson on her Building Better Managers Podcast.
During our conversation, we dove into a topic close to my heart—how genuine care and emotional intelligence can transform workplace culture.
The Intersection of Care and DEI
In our discussion, I shared my belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are about more than policies or strategies—they’re about people.
When we lead with care, we move beyond surface-level gestures to create real, lasting impact. As I mentioned on the podcast, “DEI is care in action.”
One of the highlights of the conversation was introducing my practical framework, L.O.V.E., which outlines four essential steps for leaders:
Listen – Demonstrate care by truly listening to your people.
Offer Support – Ask, “How can I help you?” and follow through where possible.
Value Contributions – Recognize your team’s work in meaningful ways.
Exercise Emotional Intelligence – Build empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to regulate and inspire.
These actions may seem simple, but their cumulative effect can be transformative.
Why Workplace Care Matters As Wendy and I discussed, fostering a culture of care isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s critical for organizational success. Research shows that caring, inclusive workplaces lead to:
Reduced turnover: Employees are less likely to leave when they feel valued and supported.
Increased innovation: Psychological safety fuels creativity and collaboration.
Higher productivity: Employees thrive in environments that prioritize well-being.
Organizations that invest in care reap measurable benefits, whether they’re mission-driven nonprofits or profit-focused corporations.
Practical Steps to Build a Caring Culture During the episode, I shared stories of how prioritizing employee well-being helped organizations I’ve worked with rebuild trust, reduce tension, and achieve their DEI goals. From hosting “magic wand” sessions to engaging employees in meaningful dialogue, these small yet intentional steps foster environments where people feel genuinely supported.
Listen to the Episode for more! If you’re a leader, manager, or HR professional striving to create a culture of inclusion and belonging, I invite you to listen to the full episode. Wendy and I covered a lot of ground, including actionable strategies for embedding care into DEI efforts, overcoming resistance, and building a foundation for meaningful change.
After you’ve tuned in, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or share your takeaways in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation about how care and inclusion can reshape our workplaces—and our world.
Chrysta Wilson is the CEO of Wilson and Associates and Consulting, a WBE- and MBE-certified leadership development, culture change, and DEI consulting firm based in Los Angeles California. Since 2008 we have equipped leaders with the skills and solutions required to build more equitable and inclusive workplaces and community spaces.
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