Welcome to week 2

Welcome to week 2! This week you will learn about how identity and context play a role in diverse innovation. In the first activity, we will explore perceptions of race, and how these may influence the way we think about innovation and innovators. You’ll also reflect on how people’s identities can shape their experiences of the workplace, and explore how code-switching, impostor syndrome and stereotype threat can impact people’s wellbeing.

In the second activity, we will focus on diverse work cultures. You’ll hear Adiba and Nathan talking about some of the benefits of working with people from different backgrounds for employees, organisations and customers. You’ll generate ideas about how to create a diverse work culture wherever you are, then create an example action plan of your own.

Next, you’ll explore what good practice can look like through a series of case studies, including an immersive Afrobeats online event, and a building whose design was inspired by the construction skills of a termite. Towards the end of the week, we will look at the role trust plays in supporting diverse innovation, and you will hear from Nathan and Alex about how important it is for community building, good leadership and tackling social issues.

By the end of this week you will be better able to:

• Debate the role of different identities & cultural contexts
• Explore ways to build a diverse work culture
• Evaluate good practices
• Discuss the role of trust in supporting diverse innovation

Before we get started, has anything above sparked your interest for week 2? What are you most interested in exploring further? Use the comments section to share your ideas with other learners.