How to Build Truly Inclusive Cultures (Even If You're Not a Big Company)—Delphia Howze | Ep 121

In this episode, I sit down with Delphia Howze—CEO of D. Howze Solutions, author of "Including You," and a seasoned inclusion strategist with over two decades of HR and leadership experience. Together, we dive deep into why inclusion is far more than a corporate buzzword, how it impacts every business (large or small), and real-world steps to practice inclusion with intention.

Delphia shares actionable stories from her career, reveals practical ways to spot and solve hidden exclusion, and makes the case for why inclusion is a growth lever you can't ignore. Listen in to rethink how culture, strategy, and personal leadership intersect to drive sustainable success.

Connect with Delphia House

Website: https://dhowzesolutions.com

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Timestamp Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wisdom Journey and Guest Delphia House

00:46 From Personal Values to Professional Inclusion

02:26 How a Career in Banking Sparked Inclusion Insights

05:04 What Happens When Inclusion Is Missing in Organizations

06:48 Does Culture or Strategy Matter More?

09:02 How Culture Is Shaped and Why It’s Not Just Top-Down

10:02 Why Small Businesses Must Care About Inclusion

12:37 The Real Costs of Ignoring Culture and Unintentional Exclusion

15:10 Is Inclusion Black and White, or Is There a Middle Ground?

17:41 Inclusion Complexity: How Rules Can Unintentionally Exclude

20:01 Rethinking Parental Leave—Lessons in Inclusive Policy

22:59 Inclusion Beyond Business: Lessons from Parenting and Parties

25:24 Inspiration Behind "Including You" and Making the World Better

27:15 Are People Waiting for Permission to Lead Differently?

29:47 Moving from Performative Inclusion to Real Accountability

32:53 What Internal Work Leaders Must Do for External Inclusion

34:54 Embracing Mistakes and Mindset Shifts in Inclusion Leadership

36:38 Where to Connect with Delphia House and Get the Book

38:14 Closing Thoughts and How to Stay Connected