When I reflect on my nearly decades-long tenure in academia, where I founded Inclusive Creation among other companies, I always felt a disconnection. Academics always seemed uninterested in my business ventures and my academic responsibilities always seemed out of sync with reality. This disconnect made it challenging to bridge my entrepreneurial spirit with my educational duties.

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform our lives, and if the benefits of AI are accessible and usable for everyone, we need to put the principles of inclusion into the practice of AI design and development. With 9 in 10 organizations using AI for a competitive edge, according to MIT Sloan Management, the race isn't just about being the best; it's about being the best for everyone.

Imagine a leader, poised and composed, stoic and unshakeable. This image is far too common in corporate leadership where invincibility is often mistaken for strength. I've learned that real strength lies in the courage to be vulnerable. Learning this lesson was not easy. It took a student's honest and brutal critique that cracked my facade and taught me a lesson in humility and the true essence of leadership.

A study conducted in 2023 by Dr. Anthony Giannoumis and Inclusive Creation AS revealed a significant disparity between men's and women's perceptions of the role of inclusive leadership in promoting innovation. Surveying 475 Norwegian professionals, they posed the question, "How much do you agree with the statement 'Inclusive management contributes directly to a more innovative working environment.'" The responses revealed a stark contrast: while none of the women disagreed, 4% of men expressed their disagreement. Even more compelling was the level of strong agreement, with nearly half (48%) of the women strongly agreeing, compared to only 35% of men.

Have you ever considered the full spectrum of someone's experience, beyond their role or the skills they bring to the table? It's easy to overlook the human being behind the professional facade. Yet, this oversight can lead to a crucial gap in our ability to support one another, particularly in the workplace. Recognizing the whole person – their joys, struggles, and unique identity – is not just about creating a nurturing work environment; it's about fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and supported.

In the heart of every thriving organization lies an incredible array of diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences. Yet, amidst this wealth of experience, some voices remain unheard, potential goes unrecognized, and individuals who, despite having brilliant ideas feel sidelined. Addressing this gap isn't just about fairness; it's about utilizing the full spectrum of creativity and innovation these individuals bring.

A month ago, I was at a flea market, and my eyes fell on a well-kept book nestled between a dusty porcelain cat and a worn-out board game from the ‘80s. The title? "Range" by David Epstein. Having one of my mentors incessantly praise it, I thought, "Why not?" and with the same excitement as a child finding a forgotten toy, I paid for the book and hurriedly made my way home.

7.3 billion Norwegian kroner (approx. 7,300 million Euro) is the value of scaleups - essentially a startup going through rapid growth - in Oslo. The problem for many founders is trying to find the right talent to grow despite a shortage of highly skilled tech professionals in Oslo.

In an excited rush, my mom drove to the store with the sole purpose of buying a new printer. Toe-tapping on the gas pedal, she was intent on waking up the next morning, making her cup of tea, and sitting at her kitchen table while she looked bemusedly at freshly printed pictures of her new grandson stuck to the white enamel door of her refrigerator.

Inclusive leadership is about using your position as a leader to create a more inclusive workplace for everyone. It is about recognizing your power and privilege as a leader, seeking an understanding of the needs of diverse teams, and creating an environment that allows everyone to succeed.

Mentoring is one of the key drivers for women’s success in nearly all industries. However, reverse mentoring can also benefit both the mentor and mentee alike. Reverse mentorship inverts the traditional mentor-mentee relationship.

I believe that designers want to reach everyone. They want people to fall in love with their work. They want to create elegant solutions that solve day-to-day challenges. They want to show off the amazing things that they have created.

Transformative leaders work with diverse teams to identify critical opportunities and then catalyze change. They create a clear and compelling vision that helps guide others and combine inspiration with implementation to co-create change with their team.