In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh speaks with Dr Varina Michaels, CEO and Founder of Paisley Group about the importance of focusing on systems and structural work across policies, processes, strategies, and leadership rather than performative and tokenistic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work in order to improve the conditions that are essential for performance to occur. Dr Varina says this structural shift is more than just advocacy. DEI shouldn't even be a thing that we have to actively seek and advocate for. It should be something that's embedded in the core way that the business functions, in the core strategy of the organization and in the culture of the organization.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Belonging and Inclusion

02:30 Personal Insights on Belonging

05:15 Current Shifts in Diversity and Inclusion

08:32 Understanding Systems Work vs. Performative Inclusion

13:53 Misconceptions About Belonging and Inclusion

17:04 Barriers to Championing Inclusion

17:57 Successful Approaches in Inclusion Practices

21:25 Final Thoughts on Building an Inclusive Infrastructure

Dr Varina’s advice for leaders and practitioners for making the #BelongingShift

Shift 1: Move from performative diversity and inclusion (D&I) to systems and structural work

Shift 2: Don’t rely on marginalized people to carry the change; leaders and systems must take responsibility.

Shift 3: Simplify overlapping policies and build one coherent approach

Shift 4: Replace assumption with consultation and genuine and regular listening

Shift 5: Treat belonging and inclusion as infrastructure, not atmosphere

Guest Bio

Dr Varina Michaels is a globally recognised expert in intersectional DEI, culture, leadership, and ethical community engagement. Dr Michaels holds a Ph.D. in Intersectional Identities at Work, is Founder and CEO of Paisley Group, Director of the Women of Colour Safety and Work (WoCSAW) Research Institute and Head of Programs and Impact at Women of Colour Australia.

Host Bio

Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens. He founded Belonging Co in 2025 to enhance the capability, confidence, and understanding of leaders and organisations regarding inclusion and community participation. Mantej has over 20 years of experience in community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion, emphasizing that belonging is foundational to thriving communities and effective institutions. For more information on Belonging Co visit www.belongingco.com.au and www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs .

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