#DEI #InclusiveLeadership #SouthAsianSuccess

In this episode of South Asian Success, we sit down with Cindu a 22-year inclusion, belonging, and workplace communication expert, tenured professor, and founder of Shakti Consulting to talk about how bias is silently costing companies millions, and why DEI isn't a "dirty word" but a business imperative.

From growing up as the only family of color in her town, to becoming a sought-after inclusive leadership coach for organizations across industries, Cindu shares her powerful journey and the real, actionable strategies leaders need to build inclusive, high-performing workplaces.

🔗 Connect with Cindu and learn more about Shakti Consulting, Power to Rise podcast, CWLA, and the South Asian Solidarity Movement links in the show notes.

Visit Website:Cindu Thomas George

Visit Cindu Linkedin:Cindu Thomas George
Visit Cindu Instagram: Cindu Thomas George

✨ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

✔️ Why it costs companies roughly 15% of an employee's salary every time someone quits

✔️ The real difference between diversity and inclusion (and why metrics alone lie)

✔️ The science of bias affinity bias, attribution bias, and how to actually "de-bias" yourself

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Welcome to South Asian Success with Cindu

01:21 – Cindu's immigrant journey begins

03:02 – Growing up as the only family of color: racism & xenophobia

04:25 – Why DEI became a "dirty word" in workplaces

05:17 – Inside Shakti Consulting: how Cindu works with organizations

07:34 – Bias in recruiting & manager training

08:23 – The science of bias: affinity bias & attribution bias

09:28 – The real cost: 15% of salary to replace an employee

10:38 – Teaching intercultural communication in the classroom

14:47 – Vulnerability, mental health & Gen Z students

17:44 – The #1 barrier inclusive leaders face

20:20 – Diversity vs. inclusion: why metrics can lie

21:55 – The gender pay gap & leadership gap, by the numbers

24:39 – When a diverse leader isn't an inclusive one

26:27 – Everyone's responsibility: building a DEI committee

28:38 – "If you see something, say something"

29:08 – Recognition & psychological safety at work

31:52 – Introverts, indirect communication & quiet voices

32:56 – Chicago Women's Leadership Accelerator (CWLA)

36:18 – Leading with intentionality

36:31 – Where to find Cindu + closing thoughts

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