After 10 years of DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) work, I can say that this internal strength is the basis for real equity. It’s the cornerstone of transforming your organization – and also your life and career. Because you can’t fully include others until you know how to take back your own belonging.
This is “Self Inclusion” – a term I’ve named to give voice to the brave actions we must take as women and leaders to foster our own belonging and potential. It means building our own tables, starting new conversations, and inviting ourselves to dance when no one’s asked us to join them. Though the burnout from hitting systemic walls is real, we have to choose to flip the script on inclusion because it works both ways. If we want to be seen, heard, and valued by others – we have to start by seeing, hearing, and valuing ourselves.
This is a truth I’ve learned across my 25+ year career. From getting my MBA, to two decades in Corporate America, to earning an Executive Education Certificate in Diversity Leadership from Harvard University’s JFK School of Government. Along the way, I’ve written two books and created the “You Belong Here with Beth Ruffin” podcast. And I’ve shared my message of Self Inclusion from the TEDx stage to 44,000+ views.
Fueled by all I’ve experienced, I’ve led my practice, The Everyday Inclusionist, since 2019. All we do is driven by my deepest belief that both organizations and the women who guide them deserve the support, resources, and tools to foster belonging and potential in others and themselves.
Since founding my company, I’ve guided more than 100 organizations and leaders to do this important work – impacting thousands of people. And the best part for me is that the journey is just getting started.
Today, I’m here to help you explore those doable, everyday steps to greater inclusion at work. And I’m especially focused on giving you the tools to do this work within yourself.
Because I know that’s how you’re going to make things better – for you, your team, your company – and the larger world we live in. You’ll make true equity a reality when you embrace the courage and everyday steps in the right direction – ones that you take not only for others, but also for yourself.
So, if you’re ready do that work and find your way to claiming, “I belong here” – I’m listening, and I’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.
Beth
When you’re navigating employee conflict, daunting DEIB work, or your own success-chasing burnout – you need a partner ready to meet you where you are and plot a real course forward.
If you’re ready to bring your employees together or take back your own belonging, I’ll help you make a plan to make a difference. Beth Ruffin, “The Everyday Inclusionist.”
