Times are challenging for equity, diversity and inclusion work. Globally, there is a shift to the right and pressure from a range of directions to slow down, pause or stop our work to ensure everyone is able to thrive and progress in our workplaces. In addition, there are very real financial challenges for individuals and businesses of all kinds.  

So how do we keep the work we know is essential going?  

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work is often framed as something we do “out there”, in organisations, in systems, in communities. But the truth is that it starts much closer to home. Self‑reflection invites us to slow down, notice our patterns, and understand how our stories shape the way we lead, collaborate and make decisions. It’s a practice of honesty, humility and care. And without it, EDI work becomes performative rather than transformative. In this piece, I share why self‑reflection is essential, and what it makes possible.