Navigating Bias in Entrepreneurship: A Three-Part Workshop Series for Founders
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. As founders, we strive to create products, cultures, and decisions that not only drive our businesses forward but also reflect the diversity and dynamism of the world we live in. This three-part workshop series is designed to help founders navigate the biases that can arise in three critical areas: culture, product design and technology, and decision-making.
Part 1: Culture - Building Inclusive Foundations
In the first workshop, we delve into the cultural biases that can shape the ethos of a startup. Founders will learn strategies to foster an inclusive culture that embraces diversity as a strength. We’ll explore:
• Recognizing Cultural Biases: Understanding how biases can influence company culture and the importance of creating an environment where every team member feels valued.
• Inclusive Leadership: Developing leadership skills that promote diversity and inclusion at every level of the organization.
• Actionable Steps: Implementing policies and practices that actively combat bias and build a culture of belonging and respect.
Part 2: Product Design and Technology - Creating with Consciousness
The second workshop focuses on the biases that can inadvertently be built into products and technology. Founders will gain insights into:
• Design Thinking: Applying design thinking principles to create products that serve a diverse user base3.
• Technology for All: Ensuring technology is accessible and equitable, considering a wide range of abilities and backgrounds4.
• Bias in AI: Addressing the challenges of bias in artificial intelligence and machine learning to prevent perpetuating stereotypes.
Part 3: Decision-Making - Leading with Clarity
In the final workshop, we address the unconscious biases that affect decision-making. Participants will engage in:
• Identifying Decision-Making Biases: Recognizing the common biases that can cloud judgment and lead to suboptimal outcomes.
• Strategies for Objectivity: Learning techniques to ensure decisions are data-driven and free from personal prejudices.
• Long-Term Impact: Understanding the long-term impact of biased decisions on the startup’s success and reputation.
This workshop series is more than just a learning experience; it’s a transformative process that equips founders with the knowledge and tools to lead their companies with integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.
Founders interested in participating in this workshop series can reach out to secure their spot and begin the journey toward building businesses that not only succeed but also contribute positively to the fabric of society. 🌟
Sejal Thakkar
Sejal Thakkar is on a mission to educate and empower people to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Sejal is a former employment law attorney, a 2X TEDx speaker, and the Founder and Chief Civility Officer at TrainXtra, a woman/minority- owned training consulting firm, where she helps leaders create positive, safe, and respectful workplaces through customized training and coaching. Sejal is also the Chief Culture Officer of Nobody Studios, a venture capital firm that aims to create 100 compelling companies. She is responsible for cultivating a people-first culture at Nobody Studios.
Matthew Cahill
Matthew Cahill is the CEO of the Percipio Company. If you have a brain, you have bias® is the belief that the Percipio Company builds upon. Included in this process is the identification of hidden, and sometimes not-so-hidden, biases that impact company performance. We take an introspective, self-reflective approach to move organizations from bias to belonging® and coach organizational leaders to reduce mental mistakes, strengthen employee relationships, and increase productivity. We meet businesses where they are and partner to identify, analyze and address how bias is impacting their bottom line.