DEI In Action
“Dr. Upton and her colleagues at the Cultural Intelligence Center are by far the market leader in this work, and deserves such recognition given our experience at Harvard University.” –—Dr. Barbara Nobles-Crawford, Executive Coach and Sr. Organisation Consultant, Harvard University.
“If Diversity is the landscape and Inclusion is the road to Equity, then CQ is the best most road-worthy vehicle to get you there.” –Marsha Ramroop, Founder Director, Unheard Voice Consultancy Ltd
“As Spectrum Health System continues to take deliberate steps to foster an environment that is inclusive, equitable and representative of our 30,000 employees and very diverse patient population, we recognize that CQ and our partnership with the CQ Center are foundational to our DEI work.” – Ovell Barbee, Senior Vice President, HR and Chief Diversity Officer Spectrum Health System
Dallas Independent School District
Large independent school district uses cq to address racial equity
SUMMARY: Bespoke program designed to use Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as a strategy to address racial equity and create an anti-racist campus community.
RESULTS: 10-Month Timeline | Certified 100+ Internal Facilitators | Trained Over 22,000 Employees
“Dr. Upton and her colleagues at the Cultural Intelligence Center are by far the market leader in this work, and deserves such recognition given our experience at Harvard University.” –—Dr. Barbara Nobles-Crawford, Executive Coach and Sr. Organisation Consultant, Harvard University.
“If Diversity is the landscape and Inclusion is the road to Equity, then CQ is the best most road-worthy vehicle to get you there.” –Marsha Ramroop, Founder Director, Unheard Voice Consultancy Ltd
“As Spectrum Health System continues to take deliberate steps to foster an environment that is inclusive, equitable and representative of our 30,000 employees and very diverse patient population, we recognize that CQ and our partnership with the CQ Center are foundational to our DEI work.” – Ovell Barbee, Senior Vice President, HR and Chief Diversity Officer Spectrum Health System
Dallas Independent School District
Large independent school district uses cq to address racial equity
SUMMARY: Bespoke program designed to use Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as a strategy to address racial equity and create an anti-racist campus community.
RESULTS: 10-Month Timeline | Certified 100+ Internal Facilitators | Trained Over 22,000 Employees
How CQ Supports DEI
For years, the case has been that more diversity equals improved organisational performance. But you can’t expect diverse groups to work together effectively and improve performance if they lack the skills to do so. Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the foundation and strategic link that ensures your DEI efforts lead to meaningful and sustainable results. The same holds true for any attempt to create an equitable and inclusive organisational culture.
Everyone has their own definition of DEI. We broadly define it as any organisational effort to increase diverse representation and create inclusive, equitable environments. More specifically, we define each of the areas as follows:
- Diversity – Working to increase the representation of difference at every level of the organisation.
- Equity – Actively challenging and responding to individual and systemic biases, behaviors policies and practices to ensure that everyone has fair access to opportunities.
- Inclusion – Fostering an environment where people with different identities experience feeling welcomed, valued and leveraged.
The CQ Difference
CQ is the foundation and strategic link to creating diverse, inclusive and equitable work environments.
Using CQ to Build A DEI Organisation
Developing DEI cultures and organisations is a journey, not a destination. We never fully arrive because we are always learning and growing. And things are constantly changing. Yet it is still reasonable to expect positive and measurable results along the way. But you must first discover where you are on the journey. After your discovery, you need to develop and execute culturally intelligent strategies to move you along the journey. We can help.
Our DEI work focuses on partnering with organisations and educational institutions around the globe to integrate CQ into their DEI initiatives. More specifically, we facilitate evidence-based processes that support an organisation’s DEI Journey in ways that influence positive individual behavior, systems change and overall organisational performance. Where you are on your journey? Wherever you are, we can help.
About the Cultural Intelligence Center
Who We Are
The Cultural Intelligence Center is an innovative, research-based consulting and training organisation that draws upon empirical findings to help executives, companies, universities, and government organisations assess and improve cultural intelligence (CQ)—the ability to work effectively with people from different nationalities, ethnicities, age groups, and more. We provide you with innovative solutions that improve multicultural performance based on rigorous academic research. Watch this short video to learn more.
what we do
We provide Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs), Human Resource Leaders, Talent Acquisition Managers and anyone working in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space with research-based, practical and customized culturally intelligent solutions that guide and support you on your DEI Journey. We help develop innovative solutions that improve multicultural performance based on rigorous academic research. In culturally diverse situations, CQ helps to predict the following:
- Personal Adjustment and Adaptability
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Negotiation Effectiveness
- Trust, Idea Sharing, and Innovation
- Leadership Effectiveness
- Profitability and Cost-Savings
BENEFITS OF CQ include
With our help, organisations that implement CQ solutions typically benefit in many ways including:
- Success in culturally diverse markets
- Speed and efficiency when working across borders
- Effective short-term and long-term global assignments
- Becoming an employer of choice
- Profitability and cost savings
- Multicultural team effectiveness
- Global virtual team effectiveness
Get Started with our Free CQ and DEI Resources
We hope you enjoy this collection of free CQ resources.
Blog Posts
- AACSB Hosts Q&A With Dr. Sandra Upton: Combating Cultural Bias In Times Of Global Crisis – Q&A style blog post between Dr. Sandra Upton of the Cultural Intelligence Center and AACSB.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Is CQ Enough? – Recent blog post written by Dr. Sandra Upton
- What Makes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts Last? – Learn from Dr. Sandra Upton CQ tips that might influence how you determine and execute your DEI strategies.
- Cultural Intelligence Blog – View additional blog posts from CQ experts and thought leaders on various topics including CQ, Unconscious Bias, DEI, and other relevant conversations.
Other Resources
- Cultural Intelligence in the Educational Space – View this short video to learn how CQ works within the Education space
- What is Cultural Intelligence Video – View this very short video that describes Cultural Intelligence
- Frequently Asked Questions – Do you have questions about CQ? Check out our FAQ Page
- CQ Research Articles – Can’t get enough of CQ? Be sure to check out our extensive list of research articles
- CQ Books – Introduce yourself to the cutting edge implications of CQ
- Upcoming Events – We offer virtual workshops and webinars. View our calendar of events to see what is coming next
- White Paper: The Inclusive Culture Pyramid – Written in conjunction with RIBA, read author Marsha Ramroops’ article on how learning to lead and manage people in a multicultural world will set you up for success.
Stay in Touch
- Cultural Center LinkedIn Page – Follow us on LinkedIn for our latest updates and happenings
- Subscribe to our Newsletter – We offer a monthly newsletter focused on the world of CQ
Let's Partner
I would love to get to know you better and help determine whether or not a CQ solution is right for your organisation. A little bit about me.
Dr. Sandra Upton
Vice President, Global Diversity Practice
I serve as VP, Global Diversity Practice and provide strategic direction for applying Cultural Intelligence (CQ) to DEI work across all segments and industries. I previously worked with schools and universities through her role as Vice President of Educational Initiatives. In addition, I am a regular speaker, trainer, and consultant on cultural intelligence with companies and non-profit organisations. As a former business school dean and organisational consultant, I understand how to effectively integrate CQ with organisations’ D&I initiatives and global leadership programs. I also facilitated study abroad experiences in places such as China, Europe, Israel, and South Africa. I find my greatest pleasure in spending time with my husband and two children. I also travel, reading, watching a good film, and long walks.
Is CQ and DEI right for your organisation?
Please fill out the form below and let’s find out. I will respond within 1-2 business days.