Dr Michelle Penelope King Chartered FCIPD 🇳🇿’s Post

Yesterday, I went to Hamleys and saw something that really caught my eye— a section filled with Barbie dolls representing different ethnicities, skin tones, and body types. It made me stop and think about how far we've come. It’s such a simple yet powerful idea: kids can now see themselves reflected in the toys they play with. It’s not just about representation—it’s about making every child feel seen, valued, and included. From a business perspective, this is a genius move. Companies that embrace diversity aren’t just doing the “right thing”; they’re creating deeper connections with their audience. They’re showing that they understand the world we live in and the kind of future we want to build. But it’s not just about profits. Moves like this can spark real societal change. They shape mindsets, challenge stereotypes, and promote acceptance in ways we might not even realize. It’s amazing how something as simple as a doll can have such a big impact. #DiversityMatters #InclusionInBusiness #RepresentationMatters #SocialChange #EmpathyInAction #InclusiveBrands #BusinessForGood #ChangingTheWorld

This morning my daughter asked me: "what colors are the other kids?" after I told her that we're going to a friends' birthday party later. I was taken back by the question and first thought that she was wrong asking such a question (she’s mixed herself). But I asked: why? She answered: Just to know if there’s others like me. That’s why representation matters. We mirror ourselves in society and businesses, B2B and B2C, consciously or unconsciously. We want to be seen and feel there’s room for us. So, when companies like Mattel, Inc. dropped a new line of inclusive barbies (all colors, sizes and disabilities) in 2016 and continued this path up till now, many kids and adults could finally identify. Not only is it good for society but also business: between 2015-2022, Mattel increased revenue growth with 63% with their inclusion strategy (before the box office movie, Barbie). Maybe you’re thinking, great but we’re B2B and our buyers don’t care about diversity, only the product! My question is: who makes those products and who’s the face of your company? Companies who have diverse talents outperform 33% those who don’t and innovate 87% faster (HBR, McKinsey). Being intentional and inclusive in how we build our business, teams and marketing strategies is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s a competitive advantage that impacts the bottomline directly 🙌🏽 Agree? Images: Mattel #inclusion #business #marketing

the LEGO Group recently introduced a new series of characters that are disabled, featuring characters with wheelchairs, hearing aids, and guide dogs. This move has sparked conversations about the importance of representation and inclusivity in toys and media. How to act as an Ally: ⚫ The Advocate: Promote Representation: Encourage the inclusion of diverse characters in all forms of media within your industry to reflect and celebrate all abilities. Educate on Impact: Share information about how seeing themselves represented positively impacts individuals with disabilities, especially children. 🔴The Amplifier: Share the News: Use your platform to highlight LEGO’s initiative, showcasing how representation matters and celebrating this step towards inclusivity. Raise Awareness: Discuss the importance of representation in team meetings and on social media, emphasizing how it helps break down stereotypes and fosters a more inclusive society. ⚪The Sponsor: Mentor and Support: Offer mentorship and support to employees with disabilities, helping them navigate their careers and find opportunities for growth. Create Inclusive Spaces: Ensure that your workplace culture supports and values diversity and inclusion, providing resources and accommodations as needed. LEGO’s new characters remind us of the power of representation and the importance of making sure everyone feels seen and valued. Let’s continue to champion inclusivity in our workplaces and beyond. #aftermarketALLY #DisabilityPrideMonth #Inclusion #Allyship #EmotionalIntelligence

BLIND BARBIE: A MILESTONE IN INCLUSIVE PLAY In an exciting collaboration, Link Vision’s Ambassador Program joined forces with Vickie Anderson & Associates to bring a groundbreaking toy to their younger clients: Blind Barbie. This innovative doll, part of Mattel’s Fashionistas line, was co-designed with the American Foundation for the Blind and is now accessible to children who are blind or have low vision. So, what makes this Barbie special? The Blind Barbie is designed with features that enhance its inclusivity. Her articulated elbow allows her to move a cane in a realistic sweeping motion, mirroring the experience of visually impaired individuals. Her clothing incorporates high-contrast colours and tactile elements, making it easier to dress the doll. Even the packaging includes Braille, ensuring the toy is fully accessible. But beyond these impressive features, the question arises: How necessary or impactful is a blind Barbie? Dr. Sian Jones, senior lecturer at Queen Margaret University, provides an insightful answer. She highlights growing evidence that toys representing disabilities encourage non-disabled children to consider friendships with disabled peers. In essence, Blind Barbie is not just a toy; it’s a tool for fostering inclusivity and empathy from an early age. With this collaboration, Link Vision and Vickie Anderson & Associates are not only offering a doll but also helping to shape a more inclusive future where all children, regardless of ability, are represented and celebrated.

You’ve heard me championing advertising accessibility – many times – and I will continue to do so. Just like for our communication, at P&G, we’re committed to innovating on our brands so they become accessible to everyone. Inclusive design isn’t just good—it’s essential. In this video, @DominikLanghammer explains how a simple innovation like a toothbrush sleeve can make a world of difference for people with dexterity challenges. Designing for people with disabilities inspires us to create superior solutions that benefit all consumers. Together, we’re making inclusion the standard across every interaction with our brands. I invite you all to be deliberate on your choices to progress here - it will make a big difference. #InternationalDayOfPeopleWithDisabilities #InclusiveBrands #InclusiveInnovation #IDPwD2024 #UniqueAndUnited

🎒✨ Breaking Barriers with Inclusive Design   Nike is making strides in accessibility with the launch of a backpack designed with inclusion in mind! This innovative backpack prioritizes ease of use for individuals with disabilities, featuring one-handed zippers, magnetic closures, and adjustable straps for maximum functionality and comfort.   👏 Why it matters: Accessibility isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. Products like this show how thoughtful design can empower individuals to navigate their day-to-day lives with greater independence.   💡 Let’s celebrate this step forward and encourage more brands to embrace inclusivity in their designs!   Read more about this game-changing product: https://lnkd.in/gu9hBpPx   #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #InnovationForAll #DisabilityAwareness #Nike #BreakingBarriers

🌟 A Positive Step Forward: Mattel Launches First Blind Barbie 🌟 Exciting news from Mattel! The iconic toy company has just launched its first-ever blind Barbie, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in the toy industry. This new Barbie comes with a white cane and guide dog, promoting awareness and understanding of visual impairments. Key Highlights: - Inclusivity in Toys: The blind Barbie is designed to reflect and celebrate the diversity of all children. - Awareness & Education: This launch helps educate children about visual impairments and fosters empathy. - Empowering Representation: Providing kids with dolls that represent their own experiences and challenges. 💬 Why It Matters: Representation in toys can have a profound impact on children, helping them feel seen and valued. Mattel’s new Barbie is a wonderful step towards a more inclusive world for all. Read the full article for more details: https://zurl.co/eXs8 #Inclusivity #RepresentationMatters #BlindBarbie #Mattel #Empowerment #DiversityInToys #TheGuardian

Let’s Dive Deeper Than Surface-Level Diversity In many corporate lobbies today, you might spot a LEGO diversity set—a colorful array of figures intended to celebrate inclusivity. It’s a visually striking symbol, but does it truly represent the diversity we need to foster in our workplaces? This set, while well-intentioned, largely focuses on racial diversity through skin color variations. Yet, it misses crucial aspects like disability and neurodiversity—areas where many organizations still fall short. True diversity isn’t just about visible differences; it’s about embracing the unseen, understanding the unique challenges and contributions of all individuals, including those with different abilities and neurological experiences. We must ask ourselves: does a standardized set of figures adequately address the complex, layered realities of diversity? Can we claim to champion inclusivity if we overlook those with different physical and cognitive abilities? It’s time for companies, especially those using symbols like the LEGO set to signify their commitment to diversity, to delve deeper. Real change isn’t achieved through token gestures or aesthetic displays. It requires a fundamental shift in policies, culture, and genuine engagement with the broad spectrum of diversity. Let’s encourage not only LEGO but also all organizations to rethink these representations. Let’s push for initiatives that truly make a difference—comprehensive diversity training, inclusive hiring practices, and support systems that address the needs of all employees. Symbols can be powerful, but let’s ensure they are backed by actions that speak even louder. #DiversityAndInclusion #CorporateCulture #Neurodiversity

Picture a brand as popular and beloved as Nike, but built on the idea of overcoming obstacles, and run primarily by differently-abled people. That’s what we are trying to achieve with Victor Wear. Through our content, community outreach and inspirational apparel, we want to change the narrative around disabilities by showing the world the extraordinary things that people with disabilities can accomplish. Our brand revolves around the idea of being a victor who we define as those who overcome obstacles through grit and determination. That describes our journey together. And through our brand, we want to empower anyone – regardless of ability or circumstance – to find their victory, to love and accept themselves just as they are. Most importantly, we want to empower and employ the autism community by creating jobs, dismantling stigma and working with employers to create more inclusive workplaces for neurodiverse employees. Shop now at victorwear.com #VictorWear #InspireVictory #EmpowerResilience #FashionWithPurpose #SupportAutismCommunity #empowerment

Loved reading about the design process for these two new dolls, and how Mattel worked with both advocacy organizations and people with the specific conditions being featured as part of the development! The disability community is a massive market, but so often companies fail to actually consult people in this market before making products they say are "for" us. Many "smart" device manufacturers tout the accessibility benefits of their devices, but never actually tested them with people with disabilities, which often leaves a big gap between what people with different disabilities need and what the devices can actually do. Dolls might seem simple and unimportant, but representation matters - it shapes what we consider "normal". And with these dolls, Mattel has gone past surface representation to genuinely support and enable the communities they are aiming to represent. I love it. "Testing with blind and low-vision children helped designers to land on a sensory-rich outfit for Blind Barbie: a satiny pink blouse and ruffled skirt for a strong tactile experience, a brightly colored, high-contrast hook and loop closure on the back of her top and an elastic waistband on her skirt for ease of use." "The packaging itself was also made more accessible, with new features that will now be implemented on all Barbie Fashionistas dolls moving forward. The new box design includes braille spelling out "Barbie," strategically placed with the guidance of AFB, and an easier-to-open design featuring a pull tab that opens the back of the box." "The Barbie's hair and clothes were also designed based on community feedback. Her hair is textured and braided, a request made to Mattel from the Black Down syndrome community, while her blue and yellow dress features a pattern that is associated with the Down syndrome awareness movement. The three arrows in some of the hearts on the dress also "represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have."" https://lnkd.in/ga7qXfGy #inclusivedesign #representationmatters