Leading with Purpose: DEI & Innovation in the Attractions Industry

Overview:

In the latest episode of Live with Sondra, Gatemaster Technology’s CEO Sondra Shannon  welcomed Colin Cheadle, an HR expert and consultant from APEX Consulting Group Inc.,  to discuss the critical intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and innovation in the  attractions industry. 

5 Key Insights:

•  Beyond Tokenism: Simply having diverse individuals present in the workplace (“getting in the room”) is not sufficient. It’s crucial to ensure that these individuals are heard and that their contributions are valued and acted upon. This fosters a more inclusive environment where diverse voices can influence decision-making.
• Inclusive Future of Attractions: The attractions industry must prioritize inclusivity to stay relevant and competitive. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering
  an inclusive environment, attractions can enhance guest experiences and drive innovation in their offerings.
• Connecting Employees to Purpose: One of the biggest challenges businesses face is ensuring employees align with the company’s mission. When employees feel connected to a larger purpose, they’re more motivated and engaged.
• DEI is Essential for Organizational Success: Colin explained that DEI initiatives are more than just buzzwords; they’re critical for building resilient, innovative businesses. Leaders must examine their data on hiring trends, retention, and promotions to identify gaps and create actionable plans for improvement.
• Practical Takeaway: Focus on analyzing company data to uncover actionable truths. “You can’t manage what you can’t measure” is highlighted as a key principle for business management and improvement.

5 Notable Quotes:

• “Diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about creating new dimensions for problem-solving and innovation.”
  – Colin Cheadle
• “The way of the future is inclusivity.”
  – Colin Cheadle
• “Burnout happens when employees aren’t connected to the purpose of the company or their role in it.”
  – Sondra Shannon
• “When you bring new, diverse perspectives to the table, this can create the spark that organizations need to actually change.”
  – Colin Cheadle
• “HR is the heart of a company, and it can transform businesses if we look at what’s happening within and examine the data.”
  – Sondra Shannon

Colin Cheadle’s Approach

As a seasoned HR professional, Colin advocates for creating cultures where employees  feel empowered to align their personal aspirations with organizational goals. He shared  how his work focuses on understanding the gaps in organizational structures and  addressing them to unlock both individual and collective potential.

Sondra’s Perspective

Sondra underscored the universal relevance of DEI and HR practices across industries,  emphasizing their power to drive operational excellence and employee engagement. She  reflected on the transformational potential of “leading with love” and embracing inclusivity  to create empathetic workplaces.

Improving Guest Experiences

The conversation provided actionable advice for attractions businesses to enhance guest  experiences by fostering inclusive cultures internally. By aligning leadership with DEI  principles and harnessing diverse teams, organizations can create environments that  resonate with broader audiences and leave lasting impressions.

Creating a Guest-Centric Culture

Building a guest-centric culture begins within the organization. Colin and Sondra  highlighted that employees who feel valued and heard are more motivated to deliver  exceptional service, which is critical in the attractions industry. 

Connect with Sondra & Colin!