In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, Evelyn Maria Espinal, Global Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever, discusses pioneering a comprehensive strategy integrating ED&I across business functions to position inclusion as a key driver of performance.

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Episode highlights

00:00 - Episode highlight and Introduction

00:54 - Early involvement in diversity initiatives

01:19 - Attending all-girls high school

01:44 - Experiencing being different

02:08 - Honduran identity

03:57 - Global mobility roles

04:24 - Taking an expatriate assignment

05:15 - Transitioning to current ED&I role

06:26 - Equity report project

07:01 - Transition from chasing money to fulfilment

07:40 - Moving from equality to equity

09:46 - Can true equity be achieved?

10:37 - Transitioning from D&I team to ED&I

11:13 - Common misconceptions about equity

12:10 - Equity means rethinking how organizations are designed

13:39 - Avoiding checkbox approach to ED&I

14:35 - Employee resource groups

15:25 - Cultural fit and leaving toxic environments

16:22 - Small company equitable culture example

17:28 - Advice for future ED&I leaders

20:05 - Understanding local culture imperative for expats

22:39 - Viewing feedback as a gift

23:26 - Try the 'Bucket strategy' when receiving feedback

24:11 - Advice for future ED&I leaders

25:15 - Affinity groups evolution

26:27 - Deciding whether to try changing culture

28:11 - Choosing culture wisely

30:00 - Navigating Mexican business culture

31:48 - Feedback is a gift but doesn't have to define you

32:26 - Key advice for future ED&I leaders

34:17 - ED&I is at the heart of everything

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Unilever's Secret to Building an Equitable & Inclusive Workplace

HR Leaders