There is no secret sauce to building a diverse team.  In fact, the primary step towards building a diverse team is one of the oldest and most primal instincts for people. However, we need to make one minor, yet intentional tweak to score the coveted diverse team. Come find out what that one magical step is, and how to shift it.  Of course, we’ll dig into what leadership is and compel you to but some structure around that diluted term “diverse.”
 
Topics
• Financial and cultural benefits of diverse teams
• Diversity as a business practice
• Keeping biases in check
• Inclusive practices

Aiko Bethea
Aiko currently reports to the COO of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute where she leads Diversity & Inclusion. In this inaugural role, she developed and implemented the first enterprise-wide diversity and inclusion strategy. Her expertise in change management, building alliances and collaboration is reflected in her ability to scale impact. Aiko is also principal and founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, a bicoastal consulting practice focused on coaching leaders and organizations to remove barriers to inclusion. A sample of clients include Starbucks, Adobe, City of Seattle, Boys & Girls Club, and Satterberg Foundation. Aiko has served on several boards and provided pro bono training for nonprofit boards on governance, strategic development, and operational efficiency. She is deeply engaged in community building locally and nationally. She speaks nationally and locally on matters relating to leadership, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development. Aiko earned her BA from Smith College in Northampton, MA and her Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read more about Aiko Bethea on LinkedIn.

Format
Fundamentals for Startups is a weekly one-hour lecture series featuring notable experts who share startup-related information, experience, and insights with our entrepreneurial community. From raising capital to scaling to exit strategies, these seasoned guest speakers deliver valuable content designed to help startups and entrepreneurs thrive. Lectures are typically 30-40 mins, followed by open Q&A.

Light refreshments will be served. These lectures are open to the public and you do not have to be currently affiliated with the UW or a startup to join. We hope to see you there!

Each lecture is filmed, live streamed and archived on CoMotion’s YouTube Channel. Check out our Fundamentals for Startups playlist.