Episode #164: "I Have SOMETHING To Say" with special guest, Joe Lugo

<p><span data-ogsc="black">Timing is everything. Joe Lugo, Founder & CEO of <span data-ogsb="white">J^3 Creations</span> and I have been trying to have this conversation since FOREVER. As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) experts we are faced with the constant challenge of clarifying what DEI is and is not. And with this week’s new law banning DEI from being taught in State colleges in Florida (we both live in the Sunshine State – yeesh!), the Universe had already afforded us some time LAST WEEK to record this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY focused on…yeah, you got that right…DEI!</span></p> <p><span data-ogsc="black">Joe and I discuss the differences between a multicultural marketing agency and DEI practitioners, and how they can complement each other, despite their very distinctive roles. We agree that “Sunday morning is the most segregated hour across the nation,” as Joe observes, and that although multicultural marketing agencies have been around for decades creating culturally relevant campaigns to attract diverse consumers (oftentimes perpetuating stereotypes, too), practicing DEI is about advocacy for social justice in the workplace and society anchored in respect for human life and dignity. “Disrespect is disconnect,” adds Joe, and he’s right. Diverse employees, consumers, vendors, and communities who do not feel valued and respected will simply disengage.</span></p> <p><span data-ogsc="black">We are now counting on Corporate America to double down on their investment in building trust through DEI before bans are passed to control what you can or cannot do as a private business in the free market (i.e., the State of FL vs. Disney). Why? DEI is good for business. Following are some basic distinctions between multicultural marketing and DEI:</span></p> <ul type="square"> <li data-ogsc="black">Multicultural Focus: Understand nuances of diverse cultural/ethnic groups, with the goal of connecting with specific demographics.</li> </ul> <p><span data-ogsc="black">DEI Focus: Create inclusive and equitabl