Howard J. Ross is the author of Reinventing Diversity: Transforming Organizational Community to Strengthen People, Purpose, and Performance and Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart. His work has been published by the Harvard Business Review, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and Forbes. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. A lifelong social justice advocate and founding partner of the nationally recognized diversity consulting firm Cook Ross, Inc., Howard still speaks broadly with his new company, Udarta Consulting LLC.
AI Bias and Mission-Driven Communities
Deborah welcomed Howard and Jake to discuss their backgrounds in creating mission-driven communities within the AI industry and addressing unconscious bias. Howard shared his journey from 60s activism to organizational development, highlighting his evolution from fixing individuals to understanding the role of unconscious bias in human behavior. Jake described his focus on compassion, communication, and connection, particularly in AI and healthcare settings. The discussion emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing bias as a natural human trait rather than demonizing it, aiming to help people align their decisions with their values.
Information Overload and Cognitive Bias
Jake discussed how people are increasingly bombarded with information from various sources, leading to “weaponized confirmation bias” where individuals can convince themselves that any belief is true without ambient challenges to their viewpoints. Howard expanded on this by describing how modern environments, like baseball stadiums, create constant noise and light that disrupt human decision-making, referencing Daniel Kahneman’s research on how such environments affect cognitive processes. The discussion highlighted how today’s information-saturated world makes people more reactive and instinctive in their thinking.
Seeking Belonging in Polarized Communities
The group discussed how people seek belonging and community, particularly in polarized environments. Jake emphasized that social media allows people to find community without compromising their extreme views, while Howard shared a personal story about a man who felt forced to align with extremist groups after being rejected by both liberal friends and facing discrimination in the workplace. The discussion highlighted how people often seek a sense of belonging when they feel isolated or attacked by both mainstream and extreme positions.
Belonging and Identity Challenges
The group discussed challenges around belonging and identity in diverse communities. Deborah shared her experience of not fitting in anywhere and how she eventually stopped trying to belong, which led to her creative work. Jake challenged this perspective by referencing Brené Brown’s concept that belonging starts with belonging to oneself. Howard concluded by warning that technology, including AI, can actually magnify social divisions rather than help avoid them, citing examples of how algorithms can replicate historical biases.
Weaponized Confirmation Bias Discussion
Deborah, Jake, and Howard discussed the impact of weaponized confirmation bias driven by algorithms and social media, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and being mindful of one’s decision-making process. Howard stressed the value of self-reflection and using System 2 thinking to make better decisions, while Jake highlighted the significance of human connection and compassion in navigating overwhelming technology. The conversation concluded with Deborah expressing gratitude and mentioning an upcoming video series titled “We Restore Our Humanity.”
Tulika Mehrotra is a Chicago-based branding and communications expert. She has over 15 years of experience in various sectors and organizations including start-ups with brand building, digital marketing, and communication. Tulika began with Peterson Technology Partners in 2018 as a consultant, leading brand marketing, communication, and digital strategy efforts across the organization. In 2021 she was promoted as PTP’s first Chief Digital Officer in ’ 25-year history.
Jim Fielding is President of Archer Gray’s Co-Lab Division. He is a respected leader in brand strategy, consumer products and experiences, and storytelling.
Calvin Hosey is Head of Operations and Payment Partnership at Regpack, a software leader in automation of billing and other business processes. As a Black tech executive who climbed the corporate ladder for the last 20 years, Calvin has a breadth of knowledge to share with other people of color looking for insight into career development and execs wanting to navigate DEI in tech.
Daphne Jones serves on the Boards of three public companies—AMN Healthcare, the Barnes Group, and Masonite International—where she offers critical business savvy, cyber security expertise, and digital insights. Previously, she enjoyed a 30+-year corporate career at some of the world’s most recognizable companies, such as GE, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, and Hospira (now Pfizer).
Ash Beckham is an i
Hear Ash discuss…
Everett Harper is an entrepreneur, strategist, and the CEO and Co-Founder of Truss, a technology infrastructure company. In his new book, “Move to the Edge, Declare it Center,” Harper shares effective methods for decision making in situations where there may be a lack of complete information, ways to sustain teams during uncertain and stressful periods, and effective techniques for managing personal anxiety—a crucial leadership skill.
Joe Santana is Chairman of the CDO PowerCircle and the creator and host of the ERG PowerTalk podcast. The CDO PowerCircle is an association of top diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders within highly respected companies that collectively generate nearly three-quarters of a trillion dollars in annual revenue and employ almost one million people. Joe, a former line executive and diversity officer, is a published author and futurist whose mission is to develop DEI leaders at all levels for success in our new, highly disruptive world.
His latest book is 
The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America
Christopher Johnson is the President of Global Financial Services at Pitney Bowes, where he manages the financing and lending businesses, as well as the consumer and merchant payments and risk management functions across the company. Christopher also holds leadership responsibility for Pitney Bowes Bank, a state chartered industrial loan company.