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

Timing is everything. Joe Lugo, Founder & CEO of J^3 Creations 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!

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.

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:

• Multicultural Focus: Understand nuances of diverse cultural/ethnic groups, with the goal of connecting with specific demographics.

DEI Focus: Create inclusive and equitable environments, address systemic biases, promote diversity, and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals.

• Multicultural Target: Reach audiences within cultural/ethnic groups with messages tailored to their values, customs, language, and preferences.

DEI Target: Create a sense of belonging for all individuals, regardless of background, by addressing systemic inequities and promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels.

• Multicultural Strategies: Campaigns, traditional and digital media, public relations, and other forms of communication that deliver diverse groups.

DEI Strategies: Inclusive policies, diversity training, and addressing bias in recruitment and promotion practices.

• Multicultural Agency: Primarily operates in the marketing and advertising industry, serving clients who want to target specific cultural or ethnic markets.

DEI Experts: Work across various sectors including corporate, nonprofit, government, education, and healthcare, aiming to foster inclusive and equitable environments.

• Multicultural Outcomes: Successful marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse target audiences, resulting in increased brand awareness, customer engagement, and revenue.

DEI Outcomes: Workplaces where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities, leading to improved employee satisfaction, productivity, and organizational performance.

• Multicultural Expertise: Cultural research, market analysis, language adaptation, and effective communication strategies tailored to specific cultural/ethnic groups.

DEI Expertise: Knowledge of diversity issues, social justice, equity frameworks, organizational change, and the design and implementation of DEI initiatives/programs.