One of the most powerful things about being a business owner is the ability to create a work environment according to your own principles. So many of us have worked within a company or organization and been disappointed by the way things were run, the way team members were treated. So, we wanted to ask some fantastic business owners and operators how they’ve gone about creating a more inclusive workplace.

Shelby Wladkowski

My advice for creating a more inclusive workplace is to treat everyone the same and to help my employees work on things as a team. Now, being a salon owner, I strive to make sure that clients and employees have a warm, welcoming second home to come to. Whether my partners and I are throwing a summer bash for our employees or a fancy Christmas dinner, we make sure there is a good balance of fun and work. Read more>>

Matthew Orlando Miller

Yes, I believe we’re in a period where leading companies in major industries are interested in scaling diversity. However, the question that often gets overlooked is: do we have the social framework/infrastructure to make the shiny new, diverse talent feel included? Read more>>

Marcela Aldaz-Matos

Creating a truly inclusive workplace is more than a policy – it’s a fundamental shift in how we see and value people. For me, it starts with centering equity and lived experience. At Arka HR, we don’t just consult on inclusion; we build it from the inside out, recognizing that our team’s diverse backgrounds are our strength. We partner with organizations to build people-first systems, understanding that sustainable growth naturally follows when we prioritize every employee’s well-being and potential. Read more>>