In this episode of Expert Exchange, @DinoDelic sits down with Renee Connolly, Chief Belonging & Inclusion Officer at Merck KGaA, to talk about what it really takes to drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a 354-year-old company.
From setting aspirations instead of quotas to making space for uncomfortable but necessary conversations—Renee shares how she’s working to embed inclusion into one of the world’s oldest and most global organizations.
This one’s for leaders navigating culture change in established companies, communicators shaping inclusive narratives, and anyone curious about how to make DEI work beyond surface-level numbers.
💥 What you'll take away:
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[06:45] Why aspirations work better than quotas—and how to set them with intention
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[18:20] How to measure what really matters: behavioral change, not just headcount
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[27:10] Practical tips for building diverse hiring panels without tokenism
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[39:30] Why uncomfortable conversations are essential for growth (and how to have them)
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[52:05] How to align DEI with a company’s core values so it sticks for the long haul
Whether you’re working in HR, communications, or leading a team, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective on building workplaces where everyone can succeed.
