Tech sector leads in diversity and inclusion says Centre for Inclusive Design CEO

Organisations that are breaking barriers in innovation, tend also to break barriers when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

Digital Nation Australia spoke to Manisha Amin, CEO of the Centre for Inclusive Design about the sectors that are making the most traction when it comes to DE&I, and according to Amin, it’s the big tech companies that are leading the way.

“Diversity and inclusion works particularly well when people understand hyper-personalisation and digital technology,” said Amin.

“We're talking about the Microsofts, the Apples of the world, but also start-ups in Australia that have a technological background to them.”

As a self-described “unicorn”, Amin suggests that organisations already pushing against social norms and structures were more open to highlighting diverse voices.

“In terms of my career, one of the things I realised is it was a lot easier for me to fit in when I was working in areas where we were talking about breaking the barriers. So breaking the barriers from a digital perspective, from an innovation perspective, those organisations were far more understanding of me as a woman and as a person of colour.”

Relaying unhelpful advice from a former mentor, Amin remembers being told to wear pantsuits, red lipstick and straighten her hair in order to succeed in business.

“You'll notice neither of those are on my face today,” she said.

“That's also because I work in technology that I'm able to get away with being a different person and bring my whole self to work.”

The sectors that are interested in making their businesses more inclusive and diverse but struggling to deliver are the banks and the retailers she said, which often need assistance in making their products and services suitable for everyone.

According to Amin, “The best way to embed inclusion is actually to look at what your business needs are and what the business is about, and to make sure that the inclusive practices are actually driving the outcomes and purpose of your organisation rather than being something you do on the side as a nice to have.”