EPISODE #930
Serena Huang
AI for Empathy and Inclusion:
Data-Driven Strategies for Building Diverse Teams and Measuring What Matters
930 Serena Huang: AI for Empathy and Inclusion
Balancing DEI and AI in Business: Insights on Leading Change and Overcoming Resistance
Are you a Costco shopper or a Target shopper?
Both companies took a radically different approach to DEI, and guess who got the big jump in revenue, earnings and share price? Costco refused to capitulate to President Trump’s demands to abandon its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, while Target abandoned DEI only to become a target of a boycott.
By any measure, companies that champion DEI outperform all others.
But what does it mean in practice to create a company culture that reflects and supports our diverse society?
Today we meet an inspiring entrepreneur who is revolutionizing how organizations approach talent, well-being, and DEI through data and AI.
Dr. Serena Huang is the CEO and Founder of Data with Serena, and the author of the bestselling book The Inclusion Equation: Leveraging Data & AI For Organizational Diversity and Well-being.
Serena has spent more than a decade leading measurement and analytics strategy for DEI and ESG at iconic brands like GE, Kraft Heinz, PayPal and LinkedIn as an AI expert, people analytics executive and chief data officer. A guest lecturer at top MBA programs, including Wharton, Haas, and Kellogg, Serena’s on a mission to help businesses worldwide actualize a new vision of work where employee well-being and belonging are prioritized alongside profits.
🔑Key Takeaways🔑
🤖 💖 Ask AI to be a Brainstorming Partner: AI must not become a replacement for human interaction or creativity. Learn how best to use it to foster collaboration, teamwork, mental health and wellbeing.
🔄❤️ Data Tells a Story; Empathy Drives Change: Why all-important data itself doesn’t change minds or behavior, but stories do. Learn how to combine data-driven insights with personal stories to foster true empathy and organizational buy-in.
🌈🤎 Inclusion Must Be Measured (and Actioned!): You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Simple pulse surveys, deeper data on collaboration patterns, and transparent follow-up are key to building a culture where every voice is valued—and action is just as important as collection.
✨🤖 AI is a Tool—It Needs Guardrails and Human Values: Learn how AI can uncover and help fix workplace bias, but responsible AI frameworks, clear opt-in autonomy, and the principle of “do no harm” are non-negotiable for building trust.
👥 🤟 Why Companies Can’t Ignore Inclusion: Gen Z, the most diverse generation yet—won’t work at companies lacking diversity in senior leadership. Learn why DEI drives better results, by any measure.
More about Serena Huang at www.datawithserena.com
Create and share clips of your favorite moments of this or any other podcast episode on across social media via Podopolo, and join the conversation with Serena and me in the Wings episode comments section.
More about Serena at Data With Serena
Dr. Serena Huang is revolutionizing how organizations approach talent, well-being, and DEI through data and AI. The CEO and Founder of Data with Serena, she is also the author of the bestselling book The Inclusion Equation: Leveraging Data & AI For Organizational Diversity and Well-being. Serena is a sought-after international speaker and as an AI expert, people analytics executive and chief data officer, she’s spent more than a decade leading measurement and analytics strategy for DEI and ESG at iconic brands like GE, Kraft Heinz, PayPal and LinkedIn. Also a guest lecturer at top MBA programs, including Wharton, Haas, and Kellogg, Serena’s on a mission to help businesses worldwide actualize a new vision of work where employee well-being and belonging are prioritized alongside profits.
Get Serena’s book, The Inclusion Equation: Leveraging Data & AI For Organizational Diversity and Well-being
Book a consult with Serena
Get the Transcript HERE
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