Proposal Industry Experts (PIE)’s Post

🍰 Missed Out on RFWin 2024? We've Got You Covered! If you couldn't attend the RFWin 2024 Proposal Industry Experts conference, no worries—your slice of the pie is still waiting! We've whipped up a recap rich with insights from some of the most flavorful sessions. Check out these three that are focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 🍒 Session Highlights: "Owning Your Queer Identity in Your Business" with Arlo West Just like the perfect recipe, your business reflects your unique ingredients. Arlo West shared how embracing your queer, trans, and/or neurodiverse identity can be the secret ingredient to a more authentic and successful business. This session was a powerful reminder that being true to yourself not only strengthens your brand but also attracts clients who value authenticity. "Generations Unplugged: Conversations on Age Diversity" with Amanda Haven, Proposal Management Expert 📄 Imagine a kitchen where five different generations are cooking together—sounds challenging, right? Amanda Haven served practical tips on getting these diverse generations working in harmony, ensuring that every team member, from the seasoned pros to the fresh-out-of-the-oven newbies, adds their unique touch to the final product. "Inclusive Communication & Retention with the RETAIN Process" with Dr. Nelva Lee Communication is the yeast that helps your team rise. Dr. Nelva Lee introduced the RETAIN Process, a method to create a culture of personal responsibility, fostering inclusive communication that keeps everyone engaged and retained. It’s the kind of process that ensures your team stays cohesive, even as you add new flavors to the mix. 🥧 Why This Matters to You: In the world of proposals, diversity isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the secret ingredient that can take your business from good to award-winning. Understanding and embracing diversity in all its forms—whether in identity, age, or communication style—will help you craft proposals that resonate on a deeper level, appeal to a broader audience, and, ultimately, win more business. So, whether you’re looking to spice up your approach or sweeten your team dynamics, catch up on these sessions. They’re the key ingredients to elevate your business to the next level. 👉 Ready for a taste? Head over to our session recordings to catch up on everything you missed and start baking a more inclusive and successful future for your business! #RFWin2024 #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveBusiness #ProposalIndustry #BakeSuccessIntoYourStrategy

🍰 Missed Out on RFWin 2024? We've Got You Covered! If you couldn't attend the RFWin 2024 Proposal Industry Experts conference, no worries—your slice of the pie is still waiting! We've whipped up a recap rich with insights from some of the most flavorful sessions. Check out these three that are focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 🍒 Session Highlights: "Owning Your Queer Identity in Your Business" with Arlo West Just like the perfect recipe, your business reflects your unique ingredients. Arlo West shared how embracing your queer, trans, and/or neurodiverse identity can be the secret ingredient to a more authentic and successful business. This session was a powerful reminder that being true to yourself not only strengthens your brand but also attracts clients who value authenticity. "Generations Unplugged: Conversations on Age Diversity" with Amanda Haven, Proposal Management Expert 📄 Imagine a kitchen where five different generations are cooking together—sounds challenging, right? Amanda Haven served practical tips on getting these diverse generations working in harmony, ensuring that every team member, from the seasoned pros to the fresh-out-of-the-oven newbies, adds their unique touch to the final product. "Inclusive Communication & Retention with the RETAIN Process" with Dr. Nelva Lee Communication is the yeast that helps your team rise. Dr. Nelva Lee introduced the RETAIN Process, a method to create a culture of personal responsibility, fostering inclusive communication that keeps everyone engaged and retained. It’s the kind of process that ensures your team stays cohesive, even as you add new flavors to the mix. 🥧 Why This Matters to You: In the world of proposals, diversity isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the secret ingredient that can take your business from good to award-winning. Understanding and embracing diversity in all its forms—whether in identity, age, or communication style—will help you craft proposals that resonate on a deeper level, appeal to a broader audience, and, ultimately, win more business. So, whether you’re looking to spice up your approach or sweeten your team dynamics, catch up on these sessions. They’re the key ingredients to elevate your business to the next level. 👉 Ready for a taste? Head over to our session recordings to catch up on everything you missed and start baking a more inclusive and successful future for your business! #RFWin2024 #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveBusiness #ProposalIndustry #BakeSuccessIntoYourStrategy

🍰 Missed Out on RFWin 2024? We've Got You Covered! If you couldn't attend the RFWin 2024 Proposal Industry Experts conference, no worries—your slice of the pie is still waiting! We've whipped up a recap rich with insights from some of the most flavorful sessions. Check out these three that are focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 🍒 Session Highlights: "Owning Your Queer Identity in Your Business" with Arlo West Just like the perfect recipe, your business reflects your unique ingredients. Arlo West shared how embracing your queer, trans, and/or neurodiverse identity can be the secret ingredient to a more authentic and successful business. This session was a powerful reminder that being true to yourself not only strengthens your brand but also attracts clients who value authenticity. "Generations Unplugged: Conversations on Age Diversity" with Amanda Haven Imagine a kitchen where five different generations are cooking together—sounds challenging, right? Amanda Haven served practical tips on getting these diverse generations working in harmony, ensuring that every team member, from the seasoned pros to the fresh-out-of-the-oven newbies, adds their unique touch to the final product. "Inclusive Communication & Retention with the RETAIN Process" with Dr. Nelva Lee Communication is the yeast that helps your team rise. Dr. Nelva Lee introduced the RETAIN Process, a method to create a culture of personal responsibility, fostering inclusive communication that keeps everyone engaged and retained. It’s the kind of process that ensures your team stays cohesive, even as you add new flavors to the mix. 🥧 Why This Matters to You: In the world of proposals, diversity isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the secret ingredient that can take your business from good to award-winning. Understanding and embracing diversity in all its forms—whether in identity, age, or communication style—will help you craft proposals that resonate on a deeper level, appeal to a broader audience, and, ultimately, win more business. So, whether you’re looking to spice up your approach or sweeten your team dynamics, catch up on these sessions. They’re the key ingredients to elevate your business to the next level. 👉 Ready for a taste? Head over to our session recordings to catch up on everything you missed and start baking a more inclusive and successful future for your business! #RFWin2024 #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveBusiness #ProposalIndustry #BakeSuccessIntoYourStrategy

April officially became THE month to celebrate diversity 20 years ago! Yep, we get a whole month to CELEBRATE the beauty of creation and EMBRACE the uniqueness of each other! But honestly, that's not enough to recognize and honor ALL the diversity around us. Still, it's a start. Which brings us to the question, where do YOU start with so much to explore and understand? Well, here are a few simple ways for you to demonstrate more inclusivity in life and business: 1. Discover new ways to introduce diversity into your life (try food from different cultures, watch movies from other countries, travel, etc.) 2. Identify your own unconscious bias and look for ways to address it — ask questions, be curious, tune into your emotions. 3. If you own a business, register for diversity, equity and inclusion training to ensure that diversity within your organization is more than just a policy collecting dust at the back of a filing cabinet. 4. If you're interested in hearing the perspective of an absolutely legendary equity-centered business coach, check out Trudi Lebron & the Coaches Forum podcast... https://lnkd.in/gF8xU4tX 5. You can also order Trudi's book, the AntiRacist Business Book (I'll earn a small commission if you buy through this link:) https://amzn.to/3to8Ht6 It's a really incredible book! 6. And check out how I prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in my business at MegBrunson.com/dei Happy Diversity Month, y'all! ❤️ Image Description: 10 diverse figures are shown around the lower half of the image. A rainbow flows horizontally through the center. "Diversity Month" is written in pink with a dark pink cloud behind it. "Everything's better when we're together." is written in light pink atop the rainbow. The background is dark purple. #Justice #InclusiveMarketing #AccessibleMarketing

🔊Our founder, Lisa Balser • Creative Director • Brand Coach • Certified Diversity Executive® • Author, has submitted a proposal to present an interactive workshop at SXSW 2025, in partnership with Dianne Sharp Daniels. We’re counting on you - our community - to cast your vote to get us there! 🤝 This successful skill builder is designed for everyone at every level at every organization who wants to learn to manage missteps and microaggressions and build a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. ☑️ PLEASE VOTE!  Diffusing the Discomfort: tools for inclusive conversations™ Caught off-guard by a co-workers comment? Unsure how to respond? Wish you could unsay something you said? Learn how to move from a state of shock to an informed plan of action and build relationships without burning bridges. This hands-on, interactive experience is designed to help everyone become more comfortable having uncomfortable conversations across differences while working together to diffuse discomfort and support inclusive behaviors. Participants will: · Gain awareness of workplace microaggressions, their impact across cultures and identities, and the risks associated with navigating them · Workshop a proven, repeatable framework that promotes productive dialogue across differences · Practice conversation components designed to empower everyone at every level and learn to work together with understanding and empathy 👉  Cast your vote for New & Improved via the SXSW PanelPicker! https://lnkd.in/egvYbtaZ. #LetsImprove #SXSWPanelPicker #CommunityVoting #SXSW2025 [Image description: Image depicts a “southwestern” type scene with a blue & orange sky above various objects in the sand, including a star, the SXSW arrow logo, a horseshoe, and an armadillo. The text reads, “Vote For My PanelPicker Proposal. SXSW Community Voting August 6-18, 2024. End of image description.] #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Accessibility #Belonging #Representation #Retention #Equality #Marketing #Advertising #HumanResources #HR #LearningAndDevelopment #ChiefDiversityOfficer

In meetings and discussions, it’s easy to focus on the loudest voices, yet some of the best ideas come from those who observe, reflect, and share perspectives others might miss. This week, make a conscious effort to celebrate and acknowledge the quiet voices in the room—the ones who may not always be the first to speak but often bring a depth of insight that is invaluable. Be active about inviting them in, asking for their thoughts, and truly listening. Creating space for all voices fosters true collaboration, builds a culture of inclusivity, and opens the door to new solutions. This week, let’s be intentional about making everyone feel valued and empowered to share their unique perspective. #DiversityOfThought

At the inaugural UnderOne Festival which I attended last week I was most inspired by the panel on 'Crafting Global Supplier Diversity Strategies'. The panel on 'Crafting Global Supplier Diversity Strategies' at the UnderOne Festival provided a unique perspective that enlightened me. It's not often that we delve into the advanced conversation of supporting minority-owned businesses outside of North America. This talk solidified some of my questions about systemic and institutional barriers and provided insightful answers. This is the first time I've seen this topic discussed at a D&I conference in the UK - as they are almost always focused on employee diversity and inclusion issues or strategies. In this panel, Mayank Shah and Chris Williams (CBRE) were expertly hosted by Pauline Brandt. Congratulations to the team at UnderOne Festival for their dedication to talking about something unique. Here are some of my conclusions: 💡 Diverse suppliers need to know and learn about what a business wants to procure. 🛒 In the UK we are 'stuck' in the procurement process, but it is not the only place where deals can be done. 🎮 There are suppliers that play the system - i.e. are not truly minority owned AND operated. 👯 As with all aspects in EDI, starting with the 'I' (inclusion) vs just the D is critical when thinking about 'supplier diversity strategies'. 🔇 MSDUK plays a critical role as an advocacy group in helping minority suppliers make that entry point which is so very difficult to navigate. 💰 Businesses that wish to procure business from a more diverse range of suppliers need to start looking at the barriers within their own systems, including payment terms that are simply unfeasable for most small businesses.

Ever been called 'hostile' for advocating for your ideas in a meeting? You're not alone. 💔 A recent viral video showed a young woman in tears after facing this exact situation. As a CHRO and a woman who's navigated male-dominated industries, I've been there. Here's my advice: ▶ Stick to the facts ▶ Find male allies to back you up ▶ Know your worth - your ideas have value ▶ Document everything Watch for my full perspective on turning these challenging moments into opportunities for growth and change. 👉 Have you experienced or witnessed this? Share your story in the comments. Creating more inclusive workplaces starts now!

Over 130 women have joined Six Women Dinners, embracing the small, intimate gatherings to meet people they would never meet otherwise. Most of them, without exception, have shared how much they dislike the typical "work-the-room" events. But with each dinner, I became more convinced that these incredible women needed to connect across dinners. The question was: How? How do you bring together women from diverse industries, backgrounds, and career stages in a way that allows the power of that diversity to shine? Research tells us that diversity without psychological safety doesn't work, so creating a solid foundation for diversity to thrive was crucial. Luckily (as a business psychologist) I help organisations to build cultures where diversity and innovation can flourish. So, here’s how we nurtured the psychological safety in the group that made last night possible: 🟠 A Code of Conduct: We established a culture of curiosity, kindness, and connection, encouraging everyone to seek different perspectives as learning opportunities. 🟡 Shared Values: Each person enters the network through a dinner, with the host inviting those who align with the network's values. 🔴 Empowered Members: The network has grown organically from the ideas of its members. Using a model of humble leadership and experimentation, the people across dinners are encouraged to contribute ideas to create their ideal networking experience. 🟤 Mindset: I work hard to keep diversity’s power front and centre. Last night, when guests arrived, we gave them colors of the rainbow and encouraged them to find others with different colors—just a small reminder of the beauty of diversity. 🟢 Meaningful Conversations: We used formats designed to foster genuine, insightful exchanges where everyone could learn from one another. Thank you to Sidara for providing the incredible space and LDN Collective for keeping everyone refreshed. Special thanks to Lisa from Sidara, who was so amazing throughout the event. I also want to mention how spaces are crucial in shaping culture. The right environment can make all the difference in fostering openness, transparency, and collaboration. If you get a chance, visit 150 Holborn and check out the staircase—it's like a tree trunk winding upwards, connecting each floor, with a stunning view waiting at the top. I'd like to borrow (or steal) that as a metaphor for Six Women Dinners. At the core, we have a Code of Conduct and values focused on doing good, and from that core, these dinners and events continue to grow, just like last night did. And I hope what emerges at the top is a new way of networking—one that truly connects and empowers. I am sure more reflections will follow next week after I speak to the conversation hosts, but for now, thank you to all the attendees last night for being incredible. And I'll see you all at the next one in February. 🥰 #sixwomendinners #networking #diversityofthought #psychologicalsafety

Too often, organisations rely on sentiment or anecdotal evidence to gauge the success of their inclusion efforts. While these can offer valuable insights, they don’t always capture the full picture. This #NationalInclusionWeek 2024, the theme, ‘Impact Matters’ isn’t just a reminder—it’s a call to action for workplaces to truly understand, identify, and measure the impact they’re having on marginalised groups. This message resonates deeply with the work we do at InChorus. We know that every initiative, no matter how well-intentioned, can affect different groups within an organisation in different ways. What works for one group might not work for another. That’s why we take a nuanced approach to understanding impact. By gathering and analysing data from diverse sources, we can pinpoint which initiatives are driving positive change and which may need re-evaluation. This allows us to make informed, actionable recommendations that lead to genuine, sustainable progress. But to do this, we must move beyond surface-level actions and focus on the deeper, measurable outcomes that matter most. At InChorus, we’re committed to helping organisations not only set inclusion goals but also measure their success in ways that drive real change, especially for the most marginalised. Together, we can create workplaces where every individual not only feels included but knows they matter—and where that sense of belonging is reflected in measurable, meaningful outcomes. 💡 Ready to see how you can make a measurable impact in your workplace? 👉 Check out our latest blog for more insights: https://lnkd.in/e7drZvyV