Diversity: the condition of having or being composed of differing elements — especially: the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization. — Merriam-Webster

Jason Lambert, Ph.D., has spent the past 10 years in managerial roles promoting diversity in the workplace. Initially, diversity is easy enough a concept to understand. Harassment, discrimination and racial tensions, however, continue to plague the workplace. Lambert’s research examines the core attitudes and beliefs of numerous identity groups and how those unconscious values within individual differences impact individual, group and organizational dynamics. Currently he teaches undergraduate- and MBA-level coursework at Texas Women’s University. Lambert shared insights in his own words.

Your past publications span a wide range of diversity topics, all of which are relevant today. Does your attendance at SXSW tie into your next publication?

“My presentation at SXSW will cover one or two of my research projects along with research from other sources. Some of that research is currently under review for publication.”

Can you share a time when you made a profound impact in opening someone’s eyes to unconscious bias and how that brought change in the other person’s practices?   

“That is a tough question. All I can say is that many of my students have expressed to me how their perspectives about many things related to race, gender and other identities have changed after taking my course on diversity in the workplace. Some of my MBA student and clients who manage others have expressed that they try to no longer make assumptions about people based on their cultural differences and now make decisions about others more thoughtfully, rather than just react. I encourage my students and clients to examine their implicit biases that many never knew they had. There are various surveys and experiential learning activities available to help expose us to the implicit biases we all have. Once we identify them and know they exist (which is challenging because they exist on a subconscious level), then we can use our gift of human intelligence to suppress them as best we can.”

What drew you to this year’s conference?    

I have always wanted to present at SXSW since moving to Texas about 3 years ago.  Recently, I conducted a study that produced some surprising results regarding job seekers in the tech sector which I thought might be interesting or useful for industry professionals. That got me thinking about SXSW because of its focus in the tech industry. I also noticed that, increasingly, there are more topics on diversity, and I am always seeking new information on that topic. And of course, it will be fun to attend the music and film events and parties too.

It seems you could give many panel discussions at the conference, are you interested in attending other panels? If so, which ones speak to you and why?

There are actually a number of panel discussions that interest me. One that seems aligned with some of what we will discuss is “Hack Diversity by Capitalizing on Human Potential,” because I believe it will question what people think they know about the process for hiring diverse employees.

Find out more:

Avoid Diversity Myths to Avoid Diversity Failures at the JW Marriot Rm. 201-202 on MAR 10, 2019   12:30PM – 1:30PM