Internal Communications: The Backbone of Inclusive Cultures
Workplaces are at a crossroads. While many organizations are strengthening their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, others face pressure to scale back. Yet, the need for inclusive leadership and cultures where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered through effective internal communications has never been greater.
That’s why A Leader Like Me is back with Season 5 of our podcast, and this time, we’re bringing you something different – an inside look at our global collective of experts dedicated to building inclusive cultures through strategic internal communications and DEI best practices.
Transforming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Through Communication
Five years ago, we (Priya Bates and Advita Patel) launched A Leader Like Me with a bold mission: to amplify underrepresented voices and help organizations build inclusive cultures through effective internal communications and DEI strategies.
What started as a small program for women of color in communications has grown into a global movement that equips organizations with real-world, business-focused diversity, equity and inclusion approaches that transform workplace cultures.
We’ve seen firsthand that building inclusive cultures isn’t just about representation—it’s about creating environments where all people can thrive through intentional internal communications. Through our work, we’ve helped leaders:
- Recognize and address unconscious biases through improved internal communications
- Strengthen employee engagement by developing DEI-focused communication strategies
- Create psychologically safe workplaces where diverse perspectives drive innovation
And now, with the launch of our global collective, we’re expanding our reach to provide organizations with the best insights, training, and hands-on support to build truly inclusive cultures through strategic internal communications and DEI expertise.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2024: The Reality vs. The Narrative
If you’ve been following the news, you may have noticed a growing backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, especially in certain regions like the U.S. This has left many internal communications professionals and DEI practitioners asking: Is the momentum for inclusive cultures at risk?
Here’s what we know from our research and conversations with industry leaders:
- More organizations are sustaining or increasing their DEI investment than cutting back.
- Fear and misinformation are driving resistance, but the data consistently shows that diverse and inclusive workplaces outperform their counterparts.
- The real question isn’t whether DEI is dying—it’s how organizations can make it a lasting, impactful part of their culture.
This is precisely why A Leader Like Me remains committed to helping organizations embed inclusion into their core business strategies rather than treating it as a one-off initiative.
The Critical Role of Internal Communications in Building Inclusive Cultures
For internal communications professionals championing diversity, equity and inclusion, fostering inclusive cultures requires more than just policies—it demands strategic, consistent communication:
- Are internal communications channels delivering authentic inclusive messages from leadership?
- Do your communication strategies create transparency around DEI values and how they translate into everyday workplace culture?
- Are your internal communications equipping teams to have meaningful conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging?
In our book, Building a Culture of Inclusivity, we emphasize that inclusive cultures don’t just happen—they are deliberately built through intentional leadership, strategic internal communications, and continuous learning about diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
Introducing Our Global Collective of Internal Communications and DEI Experts
One of the most exciting developments this season is the introduction of our extended team—an incredible group of global leaders, consultants, and strategists who are committed to driving sustainable inclusive cultures through communication.
Each expert brings specialized insights into cultural intelligence, internal communications strategies, and diversity, equity and inclusion best practices. Together, we help organizations navigate complex workplace challenges while ensuring inclusive cultures remain at the heart of their communication approach and business success.
What’s Next? Join the Internal Communications and DEI Conversation
As we move forward, we want to hear from internal communications professionals, DEI practitioners, and business executives who are navigating the journey toward inclusive cultures:
- What specific challenges are you facing when building inclusive cultures through communication?
- How is your internal communications strategy supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives?
- What measurable steps have you taken to make inclusive cultures a sustainable, long-term business commitment?
Upcoming Webinar: Internal Communications Strategies for Inclusive Cultures
Want to explore these ideas further? Join us for our next free webinar focused on diversity, equity and inclusion communication strategies, where we’ll discuss:
- How internal communications can foster trust within inclusive cultures
- Why psychological safety is essential for diverse teams to drive innovation and engagement
- Practical internal communications strategies for making DEI initiatives deliver long-term business success
Thursday, 27 March
9:00 AM EST | 2:00 PM GMT | 3:00 PM CET
https://a-leader-like-me.kit.com/d5e17051c1
Final Thoughts: The Future of Internal Communications in Building Inclusive Cultures
If there’s one takeaway from our journey, it’s this: Building inclusive cultures through strategic internal communications isn’t about taking something away—it’s about making the table bigger for everyone.
Organizations that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion through effective communication see higher employee engagement, stronger innovation from diverse perspectives, and measurably better business results. It’s not about labels or performative efforts—it’s about creating inclusive cultures that drive sustainable business success.
Whether you’re an internal communications leader, diversity and inclusion practitioner, or executive looking to embed inclusive cultures into your organizational strategy, we invite you to join this vital conversation.
Connect with us at aleaderlikeme.com or follow us on social media to stay updated.
And don’t forget to tune into Season 5 of our podcast for more insights, strategies, and real-world stories on inclusive leadership.
Let’s keep leading with purpose, inclusion, and authenticity—together.
