Akshey Rajesh is a Product Lead at Google in the AdTech space. An accomplished Product Strategist and Technology Management Professional, he is passionate about creating great products and delivering outstanding customer experiences.
He identifies as neurodiverse, which provides him with a unique perspective that fosters a deep appreciation for workplace diversity and inclusion. He is passionate about demystifying neurodiversity in the workplace and mentoring neurodiverse individuals.
As a member of the Avtar Advisory Board, he talks about his resolve to contribute to the neurodiverse community, Avtar’s commitment to DEI, and its relevance for organizations traversing a VUCA world.
How do you think a social enterprise like Avtar influences society—directly and indirectly?
A social enterprise like Avtar can wield a profound influence on society, both directly and indirectly. Avtar’s commitment to a strong advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace creates a tangible impact by opening doors for underrepresented groups. By providing them with meaningful employment opportunities, mentorship, and skill development, Avtar directly contributes to economic empowerment and social mobility.
Indirectly, Avtar acts as a medium for broader societal change. By demonstrating the positive outcomes of DEI initiatives, Avtar drives broader adoption of such practices across industries. BoB and BCWI have set a clear precedent and established a benchmark for inclusivity, encouraging the larger industry to adopt inclusive approaches in their workplaces; this ripple effect is leading to a more diverse and equitable job market, Pan-India.
Can you recount some memorable milestones in DEI from your career?
A memorable milestone in my career about DEI was a URG coaching and mentoring program I was a part of and benefited from. As a dyslexic individual who had not come out of the proverbial neurodiverse closet, talking about this element of my life was quite unnerving. I happened to chance upon a career development program aimed at the PwD URG – I applied for it and got selected. This program provided invaluable personal brand-building skills, pro tips on building resilience, and narrative-building skills, and paired me with a personal coach who was a senior leader. It not only equipped me with the tools to progress in my career but also fostered in me a deeper appreciation for the need to create such career-enabling opportunities for underrepresented groups. This experience reinforced my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and further emphasized their transformative power in the workplace. This experience also made me realize the inherent responsibility I had to share my lived experiences and give back to the Neurodiverse community.
DEI operates in a VUCA world; what do you think are the challenges that come with it?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives operate in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world, presenting several challenges:
Changing Landscape & Resistance to Change: VUCA environments are characterized by constant change. DEI efforts must adapt to evolving societal norms, workforce dynamics, and global events, requiring organizations to stay agile and responsive. People often resist change, making it challenging to shift ingrained biases and behaviors. DEI initiatives face resistance from individuals who may perceive them as threats to the status quo.
Complexity & Uncertainty: VUCA environments are inherently complex. DEI efforts involve addressing intersecting dimensions of diversity, making it intricate to implement inclusive policies that consider gender, age, disability, orientation, and more. Adding to that is the fact that predicting outcomes becomes uncertain in a VUCA world. DEI initiatives may struggle to measure immediate ROI, leading some to question their effectiveness.
Resource Constraints: VUCA environments often strain resources. Organizations may face budgetary constraints that limit their ability to invest in DEI programs and initiatives.
Technology & Bias: Advancements in technology can inadvertently perpetuate bias. With the great AI shift, DEI efforts must address algorithmic bias, ensuring fairness in machine learning and automation.
To effectively navigate such a VUCA world without losing focus on DEI, Organizations need to partner with a specialized DEI consulting firm like Avtar. Avtar, by offering customized solutions enables organizations to anticipate and address resistance to change, manage conflicts, and develop inclusive policies that consider the intersecting dimensions of diversity. Furthermore, partnering with an organization like Avtar also assists in fostering leadership commitment and ensures that DEI remains a long-term focus despite external pressures.
