We can build an inclusive workplace, and it starts with empathy.

Byline: Simon Freakley

"Genius draws no color lines."

In 1939 US Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes said those words as he welcomed renowned contralto Marian Anderson to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Her performance was profound: Anderson stepped onto the stage after having been prevented from singing at Constitution Hall, a venue which allowed white performers only. Still, her genius moved thousands that day; to watch the performance now sends a chill down my spine.

The story of Anderson's performance and Ickes's words embody something I think about often, not only as an opera enthusiast, but also as a human and a father - and as a CEO in an industry that continues to struggle with diversity.

As businesspeople, we know that when we can bring to the table a wide spectrum of backgrounds, perspectives, and thoughts, our work benefits. But as we move to fill the talent pipeline with colleagues who represent a variety of cultures, genders, religions, and sexual orientations, there is still more each of us can do.

I am reminded of another quote: "Diversity is a reality; inclusion is a choice," attributed to Stephen Frost, author of The Inclusion Imperative: How Real Inclusion Creates Better Business and Builds Better Societies.

What I believe Frost is saying is that every minute of every day, each of us can make the decision to be inclusive. It is an action each of us can take to ensure the people around us feel seen, accepted, and valued.

Of course, it is not always simple. I remember a time early in my career when I was visiting South Africa and invited an extremely smart and successful friend out to dinner. She had grown up during apartheid, and she was of Indian descent. I chose a restaurant popular among the business crowd and was shocked when she explained that the environment would not be welcoming to her, and therefore she would not be comfortable meeting there for a meal.

I felt terrible for my oversight, and I was grateful for her compassion in recognizing the good intentions...