In this episode, I’m joined by Celeste Warren, internationally recognized Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leader and author of The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn’t, and Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right.

After decades leading DEI at a global corporation, Celeste now helps organizations of all sizes, especially small businesses, reshape how they think about equity. Our conversation explores what DEI looks like without a big HR team or corporate budget, and how equity can be a relationship-building tool rather than a checklist.

Celeste shares her rock-and-fence analogy to explain equity in the clearest, most practical way I’ve heard, and we talk about the power of self-discovery, trust, and dialogue in creating more inclusive relationships at work and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Equity isn’t equality: it’s about giving people what they need to succeed and removing barriers so everyone can thrive.
• Relationship building begins with discovery: learning about others and yourself at the same time.
• Small actions create big change: inclusive leadership often starts with noticing, listening, and amplifying overlooked voices.
• Representation matters: Celeste’s non-profit, Destination STEM, helps students of color see what’s possible in science and technology careers.
• Everyone wins with equity: when we lead with inclusion, we strengthen our businesses, our communities, and our human connections.

Connect with Celeste:

Website: https://destinationstem.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestewarrenllc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destination_stem/

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