We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Durell Cooper a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Durell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

As someone deeply committed to breaking down silos in workplace environments and fostering a culture of psychological safety and belonging, especially for individuals from the Global Majority, I believe there are several key strategies and insights that can help in creating a more inclusive workplace.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of active listening and empathy. Taking the time to truly understand and acknowledge the experiences and perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds is essential for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This means creating spaces for open dialogue and feedback, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal.

Additionally, it’s important to actively promote diversity and representation at all levels of the organization. This includes not only hiring practices, but also ensuring that diverse voices are included in decision-making processes and leadership positions. By championing diversity and inclusion from the top down, organizations can send a powerful message that all voices are valued and respected.

In my own journey, I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of both inclusive and exclusive workplace environments. I’ve seen how a lack of diversity and inclusion can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization, and how this can ultimately hinder productivity and innovation. Conversely, I’ve also experienced the power of inclusive workplaces where individuals are empowered to bring their whole selves to work and where diverse perspectives are celebrated and embraced.

One particularly impactful moment in my journey was when I witnessed a team come together to address a series of microaggressions directed towards a colleague from the Global Majority. Instead of sweeping the issue under the rug or dismissing it as unimportant, the team rallied around their colleague, offering support and solidarity. This experience not only highlighted the importance of allyship and solidarity in creating inclusive workplaces, but also served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength that comes from embracing diversity and inclusion.

Ultimately, creating a more inclusive workplace requires a concerted effort from all members of the organization. By actively listening to diverse perspectives, promoting representation and diversity at all levels, and fostering a culture of empathy and inclusion, we can build workplaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can thrive to their fullest potential.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m passionate about driving systemic change and fostering collaborative thought leadership. I was born and raised in Montgomery, AL the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. My journey into this industry began with a deep-rooted desire to effect meaningful change in the world around me. This led me to pursue studies in both the arts and education, culminating in a Doctorate of Education from New York University.

As the founder of Cultural Innovation Group, LLC a boutique consulting agency specializing in systems change, I provide a range of services aimed at helping organizations navigate complex challenges and drive positive transformation. From facilitating workshops and trainings to developing innovative strategies for organizational change, my team and I work closely with clients to identify opportunities for growth and develop tailored solutions that drive results.

In addition to my consulting work, I’m also deeply involved in thought leadership through various media platforms. Hosting the PBS/WNET 13 series “Flow” and the podcast “Fluency w/ Dr. Durell Cooper,” as well as co-hosting WNYE 91.5 FM’s “ArtMovez,” allows me to engage with diverse audiences and amplify important conversations around social change and innovation.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my interdisciplinary background and commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Drawing on my experiences in the arts, education, and consulting, I bring a unique perspective to my work that emphasizes creativity, empathy, and collaboration. Additionally, as a member of the Diversity Scholars Network at the National Center for Institutional Diversity, I’m deeply committed to advancing equity and inclusion in all aspects of my work.

I’m most proud of the impact that my work has had on organizations and communities across the country. Whether it’s helping a nonprofit improve their internal processes or empowering educators to create more inclusive learning environments, knowing that I’m making a difference in the lives of others is incredibly rewarding.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is driven by a genuine passion for positive change and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re looking to drive organizational change, foster thought leadership, or engage in meaningful conversations around social justice, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

In 2018, I found myself at a crossroads while working for the city of New York in a local government agency. Despite my dedication to public service, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being lost about my future. It was during this time that I began to explore the idea of starting my own business—a dream that seemed both daunting and exhilarating.

At that time, my business was merely a seed of an idea, a side-hustle that I could only imagine making my full-time pursuit. I started by dedicating my evenings and weekends to nurturing this fledgling venture, leveraging my expertise and passion for driving systemic change and collaborative thought leadership.

As I delved deeper into my side-hustle, I realized that there was a real need for the services I could offer. I began to take on small projects and clients, slowly building up my portfolio and reputation within my industry. Each success, no matter how small, fueled my determination to turn my side-hustle into my main career.

Key milestones along the way included securing my first major client, which gave me the confidence and financial stability to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. Another pivotal moment was when I landed a contract with a prominent organization, which helped to solidify my credibility and expand my network.

As my business continued to grow, I focused on building strong relationships with clients and delivering exceptional results. Word-of-mouth referrals became a powerful driver of new business, and before I knew it, my side-hustle had evolved into a thriving consultancy firm.

Looking back, the journey from side-hustle to full-time business was filled with challenges and uncertainties, but also with moments of incredible growth and fulfillment. It required dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. But ultimately, taking that leap of faith was one of the best decisions I ever made. Today, I’m proud to say that my business is not only my main source of income but also my passion and purpose.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I began my journey into content creation with a passion for storytelling and a desire to amplify the voices and experiences of Black professionals across various industries. Recognizing the lack of representation and diversity in mainstream media, I set out to create a platform where these voices could be heard and celebrated. Thus, the idea for “Flow” was born.

Starting out on YouTube, I launched the web series “Flow,” dedicated to interviewing Black professionals about their career journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Each episode featured insightful conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds, shedding light on their unique experiences and perspectives.

To build an audience on social media, I employed several strategies:

1. **Consistent Content**: I ensured a regular upload schedule for “Flow” episodes, maintaining consistency to keep viewers engaged and coming back for more.

2. **Engagement**: I actively engaged with my audience by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and encouraging discussions around the topics covered in the series. This helped foster a sense of community and connection among viewers.

3. **Collaborations**: Collaborating with other content creators, industry professionals, and organizations allowed me to tap into their audiences and expand my reach.

4. **Promotion**: Leveraging various social media platforms, I promoted “Flow” episodes through targeted ads, sharing teaser clips, and utilizing relevant hashtags to increase visibility.

5. **Authenticity**: I stayed true to myself and my mission, ensuring that the content I produced remained authentic and resonated with my audience. Authenticity fosters trust and loyalty among followers.

6. **Diversification**: Beyond YouTube, I diversified my presence across other social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, tailoring content to each platform’s audience and format.

As for advice for those just starting to build a social media presence:

1. **Find Your Niche**: Identify a unique angle or niche that sets you apart from others in your field. Authenticity and originality will attract and retain followers.

2. **Consistency is Key**: Establish a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

3. **Engage with Your Audience**: Foster meaningful interactions with your audience by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and actively participating in conversations related to your content.

4. **Quality Over Quantity**: Prioritize quality content that provides value to your audience rather than focusing solely on quantity.

5. **Stay Patient and Persistent**: Building a social media presence takes time and effort. Stay patient, remain persistent, and don’t be discouraged by slow growth or setbacks.

6. **Adapt and Evolve**: Stay abreast of trends, algorithm changes, and evolving audience preferences. Adapt your content strategy accordingly to remain relevant and engaging.

By following these principles and staying true to my vision, “Flow” evolved from a YouTube web series to a PBS series, reaching a broader audience and making a significant impact in amplifying the voices of Black professionals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.culturalinnovationsgroup.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturalinnovationgroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturalInnovation
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19074456
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgbYCKa2nsHBAMRyoZMZorA
• Other: https://linktr.ee/CulturalInnovationGroup

Image Credits
Headshot Photo credit: Alejandro Garcia