Why Symphony is a Better Term Than Diversity for Creating a Better World
“We can't go wrong with taking care of one another (aka "we") and building new systems, to balance the inequities "we" observe. Why repeat broken patterns and narratives? It is a choice for all of us to show up... in what we call "Symphony". Symphony is the idea that each person, each organization, is so unique and so spectacular and so epic in what they have chosen as their deliberate super power, in service to improving the lived human experience of "we". Let us build products that are purposeful with a consciousness that we are building new systems, and each offer our unique contributions in this conscious intention. Any company that is not marinating in inclusion, you will find is not truly an innovative company.” - Oshoke Abalu
In this episode I speak with Oshoke Abalu, an architect and futurist, who was the Chief Architect for MetLife’s $1 billion inclusive workplace redesign. She pioneers human-centered design solutions that infuse consciousness, energy flow, and inclusivity into global workplace transformations. She is a gifted design thinker and diversity advocate who has moved the needle, shattered glass ceilings, and enabled a broader conversation on diversity for organizations. Faculty member at The Inner MBA and a Crain’s 40 Under 40 honoree, Oshoke and her work have been featured in TIME, Smart Planet, Real Simple Magazine, Domino Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, ABC, NBC, Fast Company, TED and more. In this conversation we discuss:
how our families of origin impact our life paths
how to change the narrative on your abilities when changing careers
3 principles for being more inclusive and purpose driven in your work
why we need new terms for diversity and belonging and how the term symphony showcases inclusion as the greatest innovation.
Listen to the episode below and follow Oshoke’s work at LoveandMagic.Company and on instagram @loveandmagicco @oshokeabalu.