I always get a little skeptical when standard behaviors for healthy humans become buzzwords – especially when those buzzwords seem somewhat politically motivated or forced in a way that causes the concepts to lose meaning. I’ve been curious about the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” movement – now including “Belonging”, for quite some time. Mostly because it seems forced, or maybe not fully embraced in a healthy way, and I wanted to learn more. Fortunately, my good friend of almost 30 years, retired Chief Petty Officer Joseph Otto Paul, finished his naval career as a “CCS” – Command Climate Specialist – responsible for DEI&B for the Naval forces stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. He shares his understanding of DEI&B, why it is important in the United States military as well as in the civilian workforce. Through our discussion, he helped me see why DEI&B is an important component in a meaningful work environment, and how some companies are succeeding in making it work, while others might be more focused on just “checking the block”.

You can listen to this discussion on The Meaning Project Podcast TMP-Ep54 – Leadership and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion on Spreaker, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Or you can take a look at the video of our discussion – and see what retirement from the military really looks like – over on the The Meaning Project Youtube channel.

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As always, thank you for the opportunity to bring a little bit of mental health and meaning into your day – if you have ANY suggestions, questions, comments, or ideas, please feel free to share.  My goal, for quite a while, has been to share more on mental health and meaning with more people – if there are ways you think I can do a better job of that, please let me know!  And if you have feedback on the new Patreon page or merch store additions, I’d love to hear it!